PIL 40-138 Series PXI Mixed Relay Module 1-13 CELL

The PIL 40-138 Series PXI Mixed Relay Module 1-13 CELL is a high-density, 2A, versatile ("Versatile") hybrid configuration electromagnetic relay switch module for PXI. It features an innovative cell-based modular design, organizing up to 13 relay units within a single 3U PXI slot. Each unit can be configured with any of four contact types: SPST, DPST, SPDT, and DPDT, providing unprecedented configuration flexibility. The module supports 2A current (hot/cold switching), can switch between 300 VDC and 250 VAC voltages, and delivers a maximum power of 60 W.

As a core member of the General Purpose Relays product line, the 40-138 series' greatest differentiating value lies in its "hybrid configuration": allowing users to build custom switch topologies by arbitrarily combining four relay types, thereby maximizing the utilization of each relay in high-density and low-cost applications—especially suitable for scenarios with limited PXI slots, and can be directly used to replace traditional VXI or custom switch cards. Typical applications include automotive, aerospace, military, and power cell testing.

Feature Category	Specific Characteristics	Illustrate
Modular Design	Cellular substrate architecture	13 units, fill or leave empty as desired
Hybrid Configuration	Any combination of SPST/DPST/SPDT/DPDT	Four types of relays are mixed at the board level
Current Capability	2A Hot/Cold Switch	Maximum continuous carrying current 2A
Voltage Capability	300 VDC / 250 VAC	Maximum switching voltage
Power Capability	60W maximum power	Maximum switching power
Cost Optimization	Partially loaded version	Refill on demand reduces entry costs
Driver Support	VISA / IVI / Kernel Driver	Windows (all versions) and Linux/RTOS
Chassis Compatibility	PXI / cPCI / PXIe Mixer / LXI	Multiple chassis deployment methods
Testing Tools	eBIRST Supports	Automatic fault location of relays
Front Panel Connection	160-pin DIN 41612 connector	High-density front panel interface
Maintainability	Single PCB + through-hole relay + spare relay	Easy on-site maintenance

 

The core positioning of the PIL 40-138 Series PXI Mixed Relay Module 1-13 CELL is a medium-power general-purpose switching solution that offers "high density, multiple configurations, and slot saving." Its value proposition focuses on three key aspects.

• Versatile Cell-based Design: Supports hybrid configurations built with any combination of SPST/DPST/SPDT/DPDT relay types, maximizing the utilization of each relay.

• Slot-Saving: Significantly increases channel density by integrating up to 13 units and up to 80 relay contacts within a single slot, especially suitable for PXI systems with limited slots.

• Cost-effective: Offers a partially populated version, allowing users to install only the necessary units based on actual needs, reducing hardware entry costs.

This series supports switching capabilities of 2A current, 300 VDC / 250 VAC voltage, and 60 W maximum power, classifying it as a medium power relay, implemented using low-cost, reliable electromagnetic relay (EMR) technology.

The 40-138 series hybrid configuration relay modules are suitable for various test and measurement applications requiring medium-power switching and high density. Typical application areas provided by the manufacturer include:

• Automotive Electronics Testing: Signal routing and switching for automotive ECUs, wiring harnesses, and body electronics.

• Aerospace Testing: Signal distribution and channel switching for avionics and avionics systems.

• Military/Defense Applications: Functional testing and signal routing for military electronic equipment.

• Power Cell Testing: Current and voltage switching for batteries, power modules, and power electronics units.

• Replacement for Traditional VXI or Custom Switch Cards: Seamlessly replace mixed-type relay switch cards deployed in existing systems using its multi-relay hybrid configuration capabilities.

• High-Density Signal Distribution Matrix: Construct custom switch topologies such as multiplexers, matrix switches, and signal distributors.

If the application requires only a single relay type and prioritizes the highest density and lowest cost, refer to the 40-139 series product datasheet.

 

The 40-138 and 40-139 are complementary solutions in Pickering's 2A medium-power relay product line: the 40-138 focuses on mixed multi-relay type configurations, while the 40-139 focuses on the highest density and lower cost of a single relay type. Both share the same 2A/300VDC/60W switching capability and technical specifications; the differences lie in their architecture and configuration flexibility:

Comparison Dimensions	40-138 Series (Mixed Configuration)	40-139 series (single type)
Architecture Design	Cellular 13-unit, can be mixed-filled	Single relay configuration for the whole card
Configuration Type	SPST/DPST/SPDT/DPDT mixed at will	Single type: 80×SPST / 40×DPST / 52×SPDT / 26×DPDT
Configuration Flexibility	Extremely high (mixed of four categories)	Fixed (single category)
Density (SPST)	At most approximately 78 routes (13×6)	80×SPST
Total number of relays	Fill as needed (partial filling)	Fully loaded (80/40/52/26)
Cost	Medium (flexible mixing, partial filling can reduce costs)	Low (single type, high density)
Application	Replacement/customization of mixed relay types required	Single type of high-density low-cost application

The core differentiator: The unique value of the 40-138 lies in its "hybrid configuration." When a test system requires multiple relay contact types simultaneously (e.g., some channels need SPST switches, others need DPDT converters), the 40-138 can integrate all requirements within a single slot, avoiding the need for separate modules for different contact types. The 40-139, on the other hand, offers the highest density and lowest cost when the application only requires a single relay type. Together, they form a complete 2A medium-power relay product coverage.

 

 

MXTD Supplier / Wholesaler

For over a decade, MXTD has operated at the nexus of premium metrology engineering, advanced hardware wholesaling, and sophisticated industrial automation frameworks. We serve as a trusted, high-volume hardware supplier and technical infrastructure partner to global heavy industries and tier-one smart factories. By merging proprietary hardware design with scale-optimized international wholesale distribution and advanced engineering consultancy, we deliver end-to-end operational certainty and secure asset lifecycles across the globe.

Core Technical Portfolio

Rooted in cutting-edge electronic engineering and applied industrial physics, MXTD manufactures, stockpiles, and deploys high-reliability technology assets at scale:

• Advanced Metrology & Diagnostic Systems: Next-generation automated automated inspection machinery and high-precision analytical instrumentation.
• Bulk Data Acquisition (DAQ) Hardware: Ultra-stable, high-throughput PCIe and PXIe modular cards engineered for continuous, mission-critical deployment.
• Precision Sub-Assemblies & Interconnects: Bespoke, volume-manufactured electronic components tailored for specialized industrial communication networks.

Every hardware asset within our wholesale ecosystem is engineered from the ground up to endure extreme operational environments. We guarantee uncompromising data continuity and elite mechanical resilience where standard, off-the-shelf commercial products fail.

 

Product Details - PIL 40-138 Series PXI Mixed Relay Module 1-13 CELL

The Pickering 40-138 series is a PXI-platform, cell-based, multi-relay hybrid medium-power electromagnetic relay switch module, belonging to the medium-power switching branch of Pickering's General Purpose Relays product line. This series is designed for test applications requiring medium-power switching and high density, integrating up to 80 relay contacts within a single 3U PXI slot.

The module adopts a cell-based substrate architecture: the entire card consists of 13 relay cells, each of which can be left empty or filled with a specific type of relay. The types of relays that can be filled and the number per cell are as follows:

Relay Type	Contact Form	Number per Unit
SPST	Single Pole Single Throw	6
DPST	Double Pole Single Throw	3
SPDT	Single Pole Double Throw	4
DPDT	Double Pole Double Throw	2

This cell architecture, which allows for the mixing of multiple relay types at the board level, is the core differentiating feature of the PIL 40-138 Series PXI Mixed Relay Module 1-13 CELL compared to other products in the same series (such as the single-type 40-139).

 

The core function of the PIL 40-138 Series PXI Mixed Relay Module 1-13 CELL is to provide high-density, multi-relay type hybrid switch arrays. The modules employ a cell-based design, with each cell independently configured with one of four contact types: SPST, DPST, SPDT, or DPDT. Users specify the quantity of each relay type using an ordering code in the format 40-138-aa-bb-cc-dd, thereby customizing a unique hybrid configuration to meet specific application requirements:

Order Code Field	Meaning	Quantity Rules
aa	Number of SPST Relays	Multiples of 6
bb	Number of DPST relays	Multiples of 3
cc	Number of SPDT relays	Multiples of 4
dd	Number of DPDT relays	Multiples of 2

 

Maintenance and Protection Functions

Through-hole relay design (Field Maintenance): The module uses a single PCB construction and employs through-hole relays instead of SMT-soldered relays, greatly simplifying field maintenance. A spare relay is pre-installed on the board, allowing for replacement with minimal downtime in case of failure.

eBIRST switch system testing tools: The PIL 40-138 Series PXI Mixed Relay Module 1-13 CELL fully supports Pickering's eBIRST diagnostic tools, significantly simplifying the fault-finding process for switch systems by quickly testing the system and graphically locating faulty relays.

Spare Relay Kits: Pickering offers complementary spare relay kits, model number 91-100-001, to further reduce maintenance and downtime costs.

Type	Parameter	Illustrate
Product Type	General Purpose Relays	2A medium power switch
Platform	PXI	Compatible with cPCI/PXIe hybrid slots/LXI modular chassis
Switch Type	EMR	Low-cost medium-power switches
Maximum Current	2 A	Maximum continuous current
Maximum DC Voltage	300 VDC / 250 VAC	Maximum switching voltage
Mechanical Structure	Single-slot 3U PXI (CompactPCI board)	Standard 3U package
Front Panel Connector	160-pin male connector DIN 41612	High-density signal interface
High-density Signal Interface	32 bit P1/J1	33MHz bus interface
Operating Temperature	0℃-+55℃	Work environment
Storage Temperature	-20℃-+75℃	Storage and transportation
Operating Humidity	Up to 90% non-condensing	Work environment
Working Altitude	5000 m	Work environment
Store Altitude	15000 m	Storage and transportation

 

The 40-138 series PXI modules are compatible with the following chassis types:

• All chassis compliant with 3U PXI and 3U CompactPCI (cPCI) specifications

• Legacy and Hybrid peripheral slots in 3U PXI Express (PXIe) chassis

• Pickering Interfaces LXI or LXI/USB modular chassis

PXI Standard Compliance: Modules conform to PXI Specification 2.2 with a 33MHz 32-bit backplane interface; Local Bus, Trigger Bus, and Star Trigger are not implemented.

 

Switching Technical Indicators- PIL 40-138 Series PXI Mixed Relay Module 1-13 CELL

Technical indicators	Parameter
Switch Type	Electro-mechanical
Contact Type	Palladium-Ruthenium, Gold Covered Bifurcated
Maximum switching voltage	300 VDC / 250 VAC*
Maximum power	62.5 VA; 60W at 30-220VDC, 30W at 300VDC (resistive load)
Maximum switching current	2 A
Maximum continuous carrying current	2 A
Maximum pulse current carrying capacity (single switch path, ≤10% duty cycle)	6 A within 100ms
Initial on-resistance (1A measurement condition)	< 500 mΩ
Initial on-resistance (measurement condition 10mA)	< 600 mΩ
Disconnect path resistor	> 10⁹ Ω
Minimum voltage	100 µV
Thermal offset	< 10 µV
Operation time	< 3 ms

 

Power Handling Guidelines

The 40-138 series power handling follows Pickering's worst-case guidance: this guideline assumes all contacts carry the same current and each path has the maximum resistance value shown in the datasheet. If the application requires a large number of contacts to be loaded at currents above 0.7A, this guideline should be consulted for thermal management evaluation; if used in an LXI chassis, consult Pickering regarding the maximum number of relay closures supported. A single slot supports approximately 40W of power dissipation.

 

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Software User Manual

The 40-138 series receives full software driver ecosystem support from Pickering, providing three types of drivers: Kernel, IVI, and VISA (NI and Keysight), as detailed below:

Driver Type	Illustrate
Kernel driver	Low-level kernel drivers provide direct hardware control.
IVI driver	Standard driver, supports interchangeable instrument architectures
VISA driver	Supports drivers conforming to NI and Keysight VISA standards, and is compatible with real-time operating systems such as LabVIEW RT

 

Supported Programming Environments and Applications

The 40-138 series supports a wide range of programming environments and applications:

Pickering Interfaces Switch Path Manager (Signal Routing Software)

National Instruments: LabVIEW、LabWindows/CVI、Switch Executive、MAX、TestStand、VeriStand,etc.

Microsoft Visual Studio：Visual Basic、Visual C++

Keysight VEE and OpenTAP

MathWorks MATLAB

Marvin ATEasy

MTQ Testsolutions Tecap Test & Measurement Suite

 

In addition, drivers for popular Linux distributions are provided, and other environments are also supported. Pickering also provides Soft Front Panels (SFPs) for its products, allowing users to manually control and familiarize themselves with the operation, and provides complete documentation and sample programs to assist in test routine development.

 

Bespoke OEM/ODM Engineering & Customization Services

Dissolving the Limitations of Conventional Hardware

Standard, off-the-shelf hardware configurations routinely introduce operational bottlenecks into highly niche engineering frameworks. MXTD eliminates these integration barriers by delivering premium, build-to-order OEM and ODM customization services engineered to harmonize critical hardware infrastructure flawlessly with your exact performance metrics.

Strategic Engineering Vectors & Development Tracks

Operating as a high-utility extension of your in-house engineering team, we deploy a highly collaborative, agile co-development lifecycle to modify, iterate, and construct ultra-reliable hardware across three foundational disciplines:

• Signal Fidelity & Transmission Optimization: Tailored frequency scaling architectures, high-integrity trace routing methodologies, and low-latency, dedicated synchronous triggering logic.
• Structural Ruggedization & Mechanical Integrity: Heavy-duty, industrial-grade protective enclosures and reinforced structural mountings engineered to withstand extreme mechanical stress.
• Architectural Form-Factor & Interface Tuning: Precision modification of PCIe and PXIe boards to guarantee seamless backward compatibility with legacy mainframes and satisfy unique, high-density I/O configurations.

Absolute Quality & Compliance Benchmarks

From initial proof-of-concept validation through to high-volume manufacturing runs, our adaptive production workflows enforce uncompromising compliance with global industrial regulations and your precise operational parameters.

 

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The MXTD Advantage: Driving Operational Certainty

Cross-Border Logistics & Deployment Elite

MXTD orchestrates an active international distribution ecosystem traversing North America, South America, Europe, and Africa to accelerate the delivery of critical hardware assets. By integrating our proprietary engineering innovations with exclusive distribution authority from premier global manufacturers, we establish a resilient, single-source supply chain that guarantees:

• Global Inventory Scaling: Immediate, high-volume availability of standardized equipment across worldwide deployment zones.
• Localized Integration: On-the-ground engineering presence and field-level systems integration to streamline onboarding.
• End-to-End Freight Security: Rapid cross-border transit executed via top-tier global carriers with comprehensive shipment tracking.

Rigorous QA & Extreme-Environment Resilience

At MXTD, hardware reliability is an unyielding mandate. We drastically de-risk your field deployments and eliminate unexpected downtime by subjecting 100% of our hardware assets to a stringent, multi-phase validation matrix:

• Global Compliance Benchmarking: Complete alignment and screening against the most rigorous international industrial standards.
• Micro-Level Calibration: Precision tuning to secure absolute data integrity and unmatched measurement accuracy.
• Aggressive Stress Testing: Extended operational execution under simulated harsh, severe-stress industrial environments.

Our relentless commitment to manufacturing and logistical excellence yields ultra-rugged instrumentation engineered to sustain continuous uptime, maximizing long-term return on investment (ROI) for global enterprises.

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FAQs:

Q1: What is the upper limit of the physical switching capability (voltage/current) of this module?

A1:

This module uses an electromechanical relay (EMR) with medium power switching capability. Its maximum switching current is 2A and the maximum switching voltage is 300VDC / 250VAC. It is suitable for handling ordinary control signals and low-to-medium power supply switching, but not suitable as a direct drive switch for high-power motors.

Q2: Given its hybrid configuration and high density, how are its physical interfaces and cables handled?

A2:

The front panel of the 40-138 uses a high-density 160-pin DIN 41612 male connector. Due to the large number of pins and the different unit configurations of different users, it is strongly recommended to use the 160-pin rail connector accessory and custom wiring harness provided by Pickering, and to strictly follow the official pinout diagram before wiring according to the specific product suffix at the time of purchase (such as the specified AA-BB unit configuration).

Q3: How can this hybrid configuration card be controlled using drivers in LabVIEW, Python, etc.? Will the channel numbers get messed up?

A3:

It won't be messed up. When controlled via standard VISA or IVI drivers, Pickering's driver automatically maps channels according to the board's factory hardware coding. Its software naming typically follows a strict matrix or linear arrangement. Before development, it is recommended to open Pickering's dedicated software interactive panel (Soft Front Panel), which can intuitively show the real-time on/off status of each customized unit and its corresponding switch through a graphical interface.

Q4: If a relay on such a high-density circuit board fails, wouldn't troubleshooting be a pain?

A4:

Mature fault location tools are provided for this purpose. The 40-138 fully supports Pickering's eBIRST diagnostic testing system. If contact sticking or increased contact resistance is suspected in a particular channel, simply disconnect the system, connect the cable clamp, and run the eBIRST software. It will automatically scan all mixed channels within minutes and highlight the location of the damaged relay directly on the circuit diagram on the screen, greatly simplifying maintenance.

 

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Contact Us

Ready to integrate reliable Hybrid 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 40-138 Series PXI Mixed Relay Module 1-13 CELL solution for your application needs.