PIL 40-130 Series PXI DPDT Power Relays x 8 x13

The PIL 40-130 Series PXI DPDT Power Relays x 8 x13 designed for test applications requiring current/voltage capacity exceeding that of ordinary reed relays. This series is available in 8-channel (40-130-002) and 13-channel (40-130-102) configurations, both employing electromagnetic relay (EMR) technology, supporting voltages up to 220VDC/125VAC and currents up to 2A, with a maximum power of 60W, an operating speed of <3ms, and a single-slot 3U PXI design.

The PIL 40-130 series belongs to the Medium Power General Purpose Relay Modules product line. These are DPDT-configured electromagnetic relay modules specifically designed for applications requiring higher power switching capabilities on the PXI platform. Compared to traditional instrument-grade reed relay modules (such as the 40-110/115 series, 0.25A/1A), the 40-130 series offers significantly improved current and voltage carrying capacity, filling the market gap between low-power reed relays and high-power relay modules (such as the 40-150/160 series, 5A-40A).

The Pickering 40-130 series belongs to the Medium Power General Purpose Relay Modules product line. These are DPDT-configured electromagnetic relay modules specifically designed for applications requiring higher power switching capabilities on the PXI platform. Compared to traditional instrument-grade reed relay modules (such as the 40-110/115 series, 0.25A/1A), the 40-130 series offers significantly improved current and voltage carrying capacity, filling the market gap between low-power reed relays and high-power relay modules (such as the 40-150/160 series, 5A-40A).

• The core value of the PIL 40-130 Series PXI DPDT Power Relays x 8 x13 lies in its flexible dual-channel synchronous switching capability achieved through a DPDT architecture. Each DPDT relay is equivalent to two independent single-pole switches operating in tandem, enabling engineers to implement differential signal switching, bipolar power control, or simultaneous signal/ground switching within a single PXI slot. Compared to using two SPST relays for similar functionality, the DPDT configuration saves valuable slot resources and ensures the synchronicity of the two-channel switching operations.

• Maintaining reasonable channel density while ensuring moderate power capacity is another important value of the 40-130 series. The availability of 8-channel and 13-channel configurations provides users with flexible selection options, while the single-slot 3U PXI design ensures system compactness.

The PIL 40-130 Series PXI DPDT Power Relays x 8 x13 is widely used in various automated test systems requiring medium-power signal switching, with typical industries including:

• Aerospace and Defense: Avionics functional testing, LRU (Field Replaceable Unit) testing, missile and satellite test systems. Pickering's PXI products are specified by leading global aerospace companies such as Lockheed Martin, Boeing, NASA, and Airbus.

• Automotive electronics: ECU functional testing, sensor signal switching, body electronics testing, fuse and relay testing, etc. Pickering's switching modules help customers save significant testing costs and time in automotive ATE systems.

• Industrial automation testing: production testing, quality inspection, I/O port expansion and control of general industrial electronic equipment.

• Semiconductor Testing: Medium-Power Signal Routing in Chip Verification and Characterization.

• Energy and Power Electronics: Signal switching in power module testing and battery management system (BMS) testing.

Core Technologies of The PIL 40-130 Series

• The DPDT (Double-Pole Double-Throw) electromagnetic relay is the most prominent technical feature of the 40-130 series. The DPDT configuration means that each relay has two independent common terminals and two sets of normally open/normally closed contacts, allowing for simultaneous control of two independent circuit paths. This architecture offers irreplaceable advantages in applications such as differential signal switching, balanced line testing, and dual power supply polarity switching. Compared to using two SPST relays, the DPDT ensures strict synchronization of the two-path switching, eliminating the potential risks caused by timing deviations.

• The 220VDC/125VAC, 2A, 60W medium-power specification allows the PIL 40-130 Series PXI DPDT Power Relays x 8 x13 to handle signal and power loads far exceeding those of ordinary reed relays (typically below 1A/20W), while maintaining the flexibility and cost-effectiveness of general-purpose relay modules. This power level precisely covers the low-to-medium power signal and control loop switching requirements common in most industrial, automotive, and avionics electronics.

• An operating speed of less than 3ms is considered relatively fast among electromagnetic relays. While not as fast as the sub-millisecond speed of reed relays, a 3ms switching time is sufficient to meet the timing requirements of most automated testing systems for medium-power applications. The advantages of electromagnetic relays over reed relays in power capacity and surge protection are often key considerations when selecting a 40-130W relay.

Compared to other products in the same power rating, the 40-130 series is differentiated mainly in the following aspects:

• Proprietary DPDT Configuration: Within Pickering's medium-power product line, the PIL 40-130 Series PXI DPDT Power Relays x 8 x13 is the only one focused on the DPDT configuration. The 40-131 is an SPDT, the 40-132 is an SPST/DPST, and the 40-136 is an SPST/DPST configuration for power reed relays. The dual-channel synchronous switching capability of the DPDT is unmatched by other configurations.

• A complete software ecosystem: a series of supporting software tools such as VISA/IVI drivers, kernel drivers, Switch Path Manager signal routing software, and eBIRST diagnostic tools, which greatly reduces system integration and development costs.

The PIL 40-130 Series PXI DPDT Power Relays x 8 x13, within Pickering's extensive PXI switch module product line, falls under the Medium Power General Purpose Relays category. It is positioned as a low-density, medium-power, DPDT-configured electromagnetic relay solution.

Within the medium-power (2A class) electromagnetic relay family, the relationship between the 40-130 series and other sub-series is as follows:

Key Features of The PIL 40-130 Series PXI DPDT Power Relays x 8 x13

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Product - PIL 40-130 Series PXI DPDT Power Relays x 8 x13

The 40-130 series was launched due to a clear market demand for medium-power DPDT switches. In automated test systems, the following scenarios are frequently encountered:

• The need to simultaneously switch the positive and negative paths of differential signals, where the signal power exceeds the carrying capacity of the reed relay.

• The need to simultaneously control the on/off state of power and ground, achieving complete isolation.

• The need for cost-effective dual-path switching within a single slot, avoiding the use of multiple single-pole relay modules.

• The PIL 40-130 Series PXI DPDT Power Relays x 8 x13 is designed to meet these needs. It employs mature and reliable electromagnetic relay technology, ensuring a 2A/220VDC power capacity while providing maximum application flexibility with its DPDT architecture. The single-slot 3U PXI design ensures seamless compatibility with existing PXI/cPCI test systems, and the 50-pin and 78-pin D-type connectors are the most commonly used interface standards in the industry, offering a rich ecosystem of cables and accessories.

The core of the 40-130 series is a DPDT (Double-Pole Double-Throw) electromagnetic relay array. Each DPDT relay has two independent poles, each with a common terminal and two throw positions (typically normally open (NO) and normally closed (NC)). This means that a single relay can control two independent circuit paths simultaneously, and the switching actions of the two paths are completely synchronized.

When to choose the 40-130 series:

• Requires DPDT double-pole double-throw switching: environments such as differential signals, bipolar power supplies, and synchronous dual-channel switching.

• Power exceeding the capacity of reed relays: requiring switching signals and power up to 220V/2A or 60W.

• Medium-density requirements: 8-13 DPDT channels (equivalent to 16-26 unipolar channels).

• Cost-sensitive applications: electromagnetic relays offer a cost advantage over reed relays.

Basic operating modes of DPDT relays:

• Default state: The common terminal is connected to the normally closed (NC) terminal and disconnected from the normally open (NO) terminal.

• Excitation state: After the relay coil is energized, the common terminal switches to be connected to the normally open (NO) terminal and disconnected from the normally closed (NC) terminal.

• Bipolar synchronization: The switching action of both poles is driven by the same coil, so the switching of the two paths is completely synchronized without time difference.

This architecture has unique advantages in the following scenarios:

• Differential signal switching: For differential signals (such as RS-485, Ethernet, LVDS, etc.), where it is necessary to switch both positive and negative signals simultaneously, the DPDT relay can complete this in one action, ensuring the integrity and timing consistency of both signals.

• Bipolar power supply control: In applications that require simultaneous connection/disconnection of the positive and negative poles (or phase and neutral lines), the DPDT relay provides a safe and reliable bipolar disconnection capability.

• Synchronous switching of signal and loop paths: In some test scenarios, it is necessary to switch the signal path and loop path simultaneously (such as the HI and LO terminals in a four-wire measurement). The DPDT ensures that both operate synchronously.

• Circuit commutation/polarity reversal: Using the two sets of contacts of the DPDT, signal polarity reversal or switching between different signal sources can be achieved.

System Integration Function

• Multi-chassis compatibility: The PIL 40-130 Series PXI DPDT Power Relays x 8 x13 can be installed in standard PXI/cPCI chassis, as well as PXIe Hybrid chassis and Pickering's LXI/USB modular chassis. This means users can flexibly choose the chassis platform according to system size and control method, seamlessly using both local PXI control and remote LXI Ethernet control.

• Software Driver Ecosystem: The 40-130 series provides complete Windows driver support, including kernel drivers, VISA drivers, and IVI drivers. These drivers are deeply integrated with mainstream test development environments such as LabVIEW, LabWindows/CVI, TestStand, and Visual Studio, allowing users to quickly build test applications using familiar development tools.

• Signal routing management: In conjunction with Pickering's Switch Path Manager (SPM) signal routing software, users can automatically manage complex signal routes by defining endpoint names, eliminating the need for manual calculation of each relay's status. SPM also provides safety features such as short-circuit detection and endpoint protection, effectively preventing equipment damage caused by misoperation.

Electrical Specifications of The PIL 40-130 Series PXI DPDT Power Relays x 8 x13

Environmental Specifications

The PIL 40-130 Series PXI DPDT Power Relays x 8 x13 includes two standard models, each corresponding to a different number of channels and connector configurations:

40-130-002 — 8-Channel DPDT Power Relay Module:

This is the base model in the 40-130 series, integrating eight independent DPDT electromagnetic relays. The front panel features a 50-pin D-type male connector, one of the most common interface standards in industrial testing, boasting an extensive ecosystem of cables, adapters, and terminal accessories. The eight DPDT channels can simultaneously switch 16 independent signal paths (one per pole), suitable for small to medium-scale, medium-power switching applications.

40-130-102 — 13-Channel DPDT Power Relay Module:

This is a high-density model in the PIL 40-130 Series PXI DPDT Power Relays x 8 x13, integrating up to 13 DPDT electromagnetic relays within a single PXI slot, allowing simultaneous switching of 26 independent paths. The front panel features a 78-pin D-type male connector (D-subminiature density and a half) to support more channels with higher pin density. This model is suitable for applications requiring more DPDT channels but still wanting to maintain a single-slot design, achieving a good balance between channel density and power capacity.

Software User Manual

The 40-130 series offers complete driver support, covering major driver standards on the Windows platform:

• Kernel Driver: Pickering's kernel driver communicates directly with the PXI hardware and forms the basis for other driver layers. The kernel driver is installed with the driver installation package and supports all major Windows operating systems.

• VISA Driver: VISA (Virtual Instrument Software Architecture) drivers are the industry-standard instrument I/O interface layer. Pickering's VISA driver is compatible with major VISA implementations such as NI-VISA and Keysight VISA, allowing the 40-130 module to be used in any VISA-enabled testing software.

• IVI Driver (pi40iv): IVI (Interchangeable Virtual Instrument) drivers are a higher-level instrument driver standard. Pickering's pi40iv IVI driver supports all Pickering PXI switch cards conforming to the IVI switch class model and is fully compatible with LabVIEW, LabWindows/CVI, and NI Switch Executive.

The 40-130 series drivers support multiple programming languages ​​and development environments:

Switch Path Manager（SPM）

Switch Path Manager (SPM) is an interactive signal routing software developed by Pickering and is one of the most important supporting software tools for the 40-130 series. SPM's core function is to map the wiring and interconnection diagrams of the switch system to a configuration file, and then automatically calculate and execute signal routing through simple endpoint definitions.

Key Features:

• Automatic Signal Routing: Simply define the endpoints to be connected (e.g., "DUTCH1" and "DMMPOS"), and SPM will automatically calculate and execute the optimal path.

• Short Circuit Detection: Automatically detects and prevents route combinations that could lead to short circuits, protecting the test system.

• Endpoint Protection: Assigns critical nodes (e.g., power, ground) to different protection groups to prevent accidental connections.

• Static/Dynamic Routing: Supports both predefined and dynamic routing modes.

• Debugging Monitoring and Manual Control: Provides a graphical interface for manual control of relay status, facilitating system debugging.

• Multi-Module System Management: Supports complex switching systems spanning multiple modules and even multiple chassis.

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Signal Fidelity Optimization: Bespoke frequency scaling architectures, advanced trace routing, and low-latency, dedicated trigger logic.

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Architecture & Interface Tuning: Modification of PCIe and PXIe form factors to guarantee seamless legacy integration and fulfill unique, high-density I/O demands.

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• Strict compliance screening against international industrial standards.
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• Extended stress testing under simulated extreme industrial environments.

Our unwavering focus on manufacturing excellence delivers ultra-rugged instrumentation built to sustain continuous uptime and maximize ROI for global enterprises.

Applications

• General Signal Routing: As a medium-power general-purpose switching module, the 40-130 series' most basic function is to realize signal routing between test instruments and devices under test (DUTs) in automated test systems. Through the control of the PXI backplane, independent switching of any channel can be programmed to build a flexible test matrix.

• Automotive Electronics Testing: In automotive ECU (Electronic Control Unit) testing, the 40-130 series can be used to switch various sensor signals, actuator control signals, power circuits, etc. The DPDT configuration is particularly suitable for switching differential signals (such as CAN, FlexRay, and other vehicle bus signals) and bipolar power circuits. Pickering's automotive electronics testing solutions have helped numerous customers significantly reduce testing costs and improve testing efficiency.

• Avionics Testing: Avionics equipment places extremely high demands on the reliability and long-term availability of testing systems. The medium power capacity of the 40-130 series can meet the signal and power switching requirements of most avionics LRUs (Field Replaceable Units), while Pickering's 15-20 year long-term product support ensures the maintainability of the testing system throughout its entire lifecycle.

• Industrial automation testing: In the production testing and quality inspection of industrial electronic equipment, the 40-130 series can be used for I/O port expansion, sensor signal multiplexing, actuator control signal switching, etc. The 2A current capacity is sufficient to drive most industrial sensors and small actuators.

• Hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulation: In the HIL simulation system, the 40-130 series can be used with sensor simulation modules, programmable resistor modules, etc., to realize flexible connection and fault injection between simulation signals and real controllers.

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FAQs:

Q1: What is the maximum switching capacity of the 40-130 module? Can it switch high-power loads?

A1:

This module is a medium-power relay with a maximum switching voltage of 220VDC / 125VAC and a maximum switching current of 2A. It is not suitable for directly switching high-voltage or ultra-high-current loads. If testing requires higher withstand voltage (such as 300V) or greater current, it is recommended to upgrade to the Pickering 40-131/132 series or a dedicated high-power power relay module.

Q2: How fast does it switch? Can it be used in high-speed, high-frequency switching scenarios?

A2:

The 40-130 uses an electromechanical relay (EMR) instead of a reed relay, so its mechanical action time is relatively slow (typically in the millisecond range, while reed relays can reach the microsecond range). In addition, its connectors and internal wiring are not specifically optimized for high-frequency radio frequency, and it is mainly used for switching DC or low-frequency signals (such as telecommunication audio and low-to-medium power control signals).

Q3: How can I identify and locate specific relays on this board in the software?

A3:

After identifying the slot number in the PXI chassis using NI-MAX or Pickering configuration tools, control is typically achieved via channel number. For example, in an 8-channel version, the channel range is ch1 to ch8. A simple switch control command in the software can simultaneously activate two DPDT contacts under that channel.

Selection comparison with other series

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Contact Us

Ready to integrate reliable Power Relay Module control into your system? Our team is here to help you select the right configuration and provide ongoing support.

Contact our technical specialists at manager03@mxtdinfo.com  / manager02@mxtdinfo.com for detailed specifications, pricing information, or to discuss your custom requirements. We're committed to delivering the perfect PIL 40-130 Series PXI DPDT Power Relays x 8 x13 solution for your application needs.