PIL 40-148 Series Electromechanical Relays SPDT

PIL 40-148 Series Electromechanical Relays SPDT supports up to 64 switching relays in a single-slot 3U package, with a rated switching capacity of 150 VDC/1 A/60 W and a typical operating time of 3 ms. As a sub-series of the 40-145A/146A/148A family of SPDTs, it is 100% pin compatible with the 40-140 reed relay series in the same package (except for shielded types), allowing users to flexibly switch relay technologies within the same system according to application requirements.

This series has evolved to version "A" (40-148A/42-148A), adding PXIe platform support and upgrading the bus interface while maintaining form factor/functional compatibility. The 40-148A offers medium-power switching capabilities at a lower cost, suitable for general-purpose switch network construction, I/O port switching, relay control, and external device driving scenarios. Combined with onboard backup relays, eBIRST fault diagnosis tools, and a 3-year warranty, it achieves a balance between high density, high maintainability, and long-term availability.

The Pickering 40-148 series is a high-density PXI/PXIe electromagnetic relay switch module, belonging to the high-density branch of Pickering's General Purpose Relays product line. This series offers single-pole double-throw (SPDT/Form C) relay configurations, integrating up to 64 independent transfer relays within a single 3U PXI slot, and is an important component of the Pickering 40-145A/146A/148A high-density relay family.

The 40-145A/146A/148A family is divided into three sub-series based on relay contact configuration: 40-145A is SPST (single-pole single-throw, normally open/normally closed) configuration, 40-146A is DPST (double-pole single-throw) configuration, and 40-148A is SPDT (single-pole double-throw) configuration. All three share the same mechanical package, front panel connector, software driver architecture, and maintenance ecosystem, differing only in the number of relays and contact type.

The core positioning of the PIL 40-148 Series Electromechanical Relays SPDT is a "versatile, high-density, cost-optimized" medium-power switching solution. Compared to the 40-140 series reed relays with the same pinout, the 40-148 series uses electromagnetic relay (EMR) technology, employing palladium-ruthenium gold-coated bifurcated contacts. While maintaining a 1 A/60 W switching capability, it significantly reduces the cost per channel, making it an ideal choice for general test applications with less demanding low-level switching performance requirements.

This series offers both PXI (40-148A) and PXIe (42-148A) physical platform versions. The PXI version is compatible with PXI, CompactPCI, PXIe hybrid slots, and LXI modular chassis, while the PXIe version is compatible with PXIe standard slots and hybrid slots, maximizing hardware deployment flexibility.

The PIL 40-148 Series Electromechanical Relays SPDT general-purpose EMR relay modules are suitable for the following typical applications:

• Small switch network construction: Building multi-signal routing networks in automated test systems to achieve flexible connections between test resources and the unit under test.
• I/O port switching: Serving as channel switches for digital I/O or analog signals, expanding the channel capacity of the test system.
• Large relay control: Serving as a pre-drive stage to control higher-power external relays or contactors.
• External device operation: Directly driving low-power peripherals such as indicator lights, solenoids, and small motors.

• General functional testing: Medium-power functional test systems in aerospace, automotive, and industrial electronics industries.

The PIL 40-148 Series Electromechanical Relays SPDT (EMR) and the 40-140 series (Reed) are complementary technologies in Pickering's high-density switching product line. They share the same mechanical package and pin definitions, but differ significantly in their relay technology roadmap and performance focus.

The 40-148 series has a clear generational and family structure within Pickering's product portfolio:

Horizontal Family Relationship (Same Platform, Different Contact Configurations):

• 40-145A — SPST Configuration (50/75/100 channels)

• 40-146A — DPST Configuration (25/50 channels)

• 40-148A — SPDT Configuration (32/48/64 channels)

• All three share the same mechanical package, connectors, drivers, and ecosystem

Vertical Generational Relationship (Same Configuration, Different Generations):

• 40-148 (First Generation) — PXI-only, older PCI interface

• 40-148A/42-148A (Version A) — PXI+PXIe dual platform, updated bus interface, form & fit compatible

Technology Replacement Relationship (Different Technology Routes, Pin Compatible):

• 40-140A/143 — Reed relay SPDT version (40-143 is SPDT configuration)

• 40-148A — Electromagnetic relay SPDT version

• Both are 100% pin compatible (except for shielded types) and interchangeable

MXTD Wholesaler

Corporate Capabilities: Xi'an Mingxi Taida Information Technology Co., Ltd. (MXTD)

About MXTD

With more than a decade of proven expertise, Xi'an Mingxi Taida Information Technology Co., Ltd. (MXTD) is an established innovator in high-precision metrology and smart industrial automation. We supply mission-critical sectors worldwide with resilient, elite-tier technical platforms. Through a unified operational model that bridges in-house hardware engineering, international cross-border logistics, and end-to-end technical consulting, we provide the vital end-to-end industrial infrastructure required by modern smart factories and heavy engineering diagnostic fields.

Innovation & Product Architecture

Rooted in deep electronic engineering research and industrial physics, MXTD architectures and manufactures:

Sophisticated diagnostic instruments and automated inspection machinery

High-throughput PCIe/PXIe modular cards

Specialized electronic components and critical sub-assemblies

Every piece of hardware in our catalog is built from scratch to operate flawlessly within extreme, high-stress industrial environments, maintaining absolute data integrity and mechanical stability where generic equipment fails.

Product- PIL 40-148 Series Electromechanical Relays SPDT

The core function of the 40-148 series is to provide a high-density array of uncommitted SPDT relays. Each relay within the module is an independent single-pole double-throw switch with three terminals: common (C), normally open (A), and normally closed (B), allowing users to freely connect signals and build custom switch topologies.

In the default state (relay not energized), all signal paths are connected between terminal C and the corresponding terminal B (C→B normally closed). When a specific relay is energized, terminal B is disconnected, and the signal path switches to between terminal C and terminal A (C→A closed). This design allows the PIL 40-148 Series Electromechanical Relays SPDT to be flexibly configured into various switching networks such as multiplexers, matrix switches, and signal distributors.

Taking the 64-channel model (40-148A-201) as an example, a single sub-unit controls all 64 relays. Independent channel control is achieved through bit-level control. Users can operate one, multiple, or all relays simultaneously to meet the switching needs of different application scenarios.

The 40-148 series modules employ a typical PXI switching module design in their hardware architecture:

• PCI Bridge Chip: Receives control signals from the host computer via the CompactPCI/PXIe backplane connector, enabling communication with the system bus

• Control Logic and Module Configuration: Receives PCI bridge commands and parses them into relay drive signals; module configuration information is stored in EEPROM

• Relay Driver: Converts logic level signals into current signals sufficient to drive relay coils

• Electromagnetic Relay Array: 32/48/64 independent EMR relays perform the actual signal switching

• Front Panel Connector: Leads all relay contacts to the front panel via a 200-pin LFH connector for connecting external signals

The module uses a single PCB structure, with all relays and control circuitry soldered onto the same circuit board. Combined with the leaded relay (non-SMT surface mount) design, this simplifies field repair and relay replacement.

The PIL 40-148 Series Electromechanical Relays SPDT has three notable features in its maintainability design:

Leaded Relays: These modules use through-hole mounted leaded relays instead of surface mount (SMT) relays. This means that during field repairs, technicians can replace the relays using standard soldering tools, eliminating the need for specialized SMT rework equipment, significantly reducing maintenance barriers and downtime.

Onboard Spare Relay: Each circuit board has an additional spare relay. When a relay fails, maintenance personnel can directly replace it with the onboard spare relay without waiting for a spare part to be shipped, minimizing downtime.

eBIRST test tool support: The entire Pickering eBIRST (Built-In Relay Self-Test) switch system test tool series is supported. eBIRST automatically scans all relay channels using an external test device, graphically identifying the location of faulty relays, greatly simplifying the troubleshooting process. The 40-148 series uses eBIRST tool model 93-002-001, which does not require an additional adapter.

The 42-148A series is a PXIe platform version, and its channel configuration corresponds one-to-one with the PXI version:

The older 40-148 series (non-A version) is only available on the PXI platform:

Switching Performance Metrics

To better understand the positioning of the PIL 40-148 Series Electromechanical Relays SPDT within Pickering's product portfolio, the following comparison highlights the key technical specifications of the 40-140A reed relay series in the same package:

If the application has high requirements for switching speed, lifespan, or low-level signal integrity, the 40-140 series reed relay version should be selected; if the application requires higher power switching capability (>20W) or is more cost-sensitive, the 40-148 series EMR version is a more suitable choice. Since the two are fully pin compatible, it is feasible to perform prototype verification before making the final selection.

Software User Manual

Pickering provides a complete software-driven ecosystem for the PIL 40-148 Series Electromechanical Relays SPDT, supporting multiple programming interfaces and operating systems:

Targeted Engineering: OEM & ODM Customization Services

Overcoming Standard Limitations

Standard, ready-made equipment rarely satisfies highly specialized technical operations. To close this operational gap, our advanced engineering group delivers robust, built-to-order OEM and ODM customization services configured precisely around your complex system architectures.

Collaborative Technical Framework

We partner directly with your internal development teams to translate intricate project parameters into optimized, deployment-ready hardware. Our agile development methodology facilitates personalized configurations across several vital engineering tracks:

• Signal & Electronic Adaptation: Developing custom frequency parameters, highly optimized signal pathways, and intelligent triggering mechanisms.
• Ruggedized Mechanical Housing: Creating heavy-duty protective enclosures, specialized structural form factors, and unique application mounting solutions.
• Modular Interface Modification: Redesigning or adjusting existing PCIe/PXIe board layouts to guarantee seamless integration with legacy systems or specialized I/O requirements.

Uncompromising Delivery Execution

Our flexible engineering practices ensure that your most demanding application targets are achieved flawlessly. We maintain absolute compliance with our strict, zero-compromise quality benchmarks at every phase, from the initial prototype validation to final high-volume delivery.

​

Why Choose MXTD?

Global Supply & Service Deployment

Operating an expansive international footprint across four major continents—North America, South America, Europe, and Africa—MXTD accelerates the deployment of advanced industrial hardware. We optimize international supply chains by bridging our in-house proprietary innovations with exclusive distribution networks of premier global industrial brands. This comprehensive trade ecosystem guarantees:

• Standardized product distribution at scale
• Tailored engineering integrations for localized needs
• Expedited international logistics and reliable delivery pipelines

Total Quality Control & Industrial Longevity

Uncompromising quality serves as the foundational pillar of MXTD’s global commercial footprint. To mitigate field failures and minimize structural risks for our enterprise partners, every single manufactured unit undergoes:

• Stringent standardized compliance audits
• Ultra-precise calibration and metrology alignments
• Dynamic, multi-variable environmental stress testing

By enforcing rigid quality benchmarks across all production phases and service touchpoints, we deliver exceptionally resilient, precise, and ruggedized industrial equipment that unlocks long-term asset value and sustainable operational efficiency for enterprises globally.

Applications of The 40-148 Series Include:

The 40-148 series, as a general-purpose high-density EMR switch module, is widely used in the following fields:

• Aerospace and defense testing: medium-power signal switching in avionics system functional testing and LRU (Line Replaceable Unit) testing

• Automotive electronics testing: relay control and signal routing in ECU functional testing and body electronics testing

• Industrial electronics testing: I/O signal switching in PLC testing and industrial control board verification

• General-purpose functional test systems: switch matrices or multiplexers for test resource allocation

• Education and research laboratories: construction of cost-sensitive general-purpose automated test systems. Its "general-purpose" positioning means that it is not optimized for a specific market segment, but rather provides a standardized switch solution that balances performance, density, and cost.

​

​

FAQs:

Q: What interface does this high-density board (40-148) use on the front end? Are the cables readily available?

A:  

Due to the large number of channels, this series of boards uses a special 200-pin high-density LFH (Low Force Helix) connector at the front end.

• Avoidance Guide: This connector was initially based on Molex's LFH series, but since Molex discontinued this series, Pickering now offers a 100% compatible custom version of the 200-pin LFH connector and cable.

• Waying Recommendation: Users do not need to solder the 200-pin connector themselves (it is extremely prone to cold solder joints and short circuits).

• Pickering provides various cable assemblies, including 200-pin to four standard 50-pin D-Type connector transition cables, which greatly simplifies the design of the back-end rack panel (mass termination).

Q: After a long period of operation across multiple channels, how can you determine which SPDT relay contact is faulty?

A: 

40-148 fully supports Pickering's eBIRST switch system testing tool.

Troubleshooting method: Disconnect the front cable, insert the eBIRST test adapter, and run the software. eBIRST will automatically traverse all normally open (NO) and normally closed (NC) contacts of all relays on the board, accurately measuring their contact resistance. If any channel resistance exceeds the standard (e.g., greater than several hundred milliohms or a direct open circuit), the software will highlight the physical location of the relay on the graphical interface, facilitating chip-level replacement by technicians.

Q: How to control the SPDT state from 40 to 148? How do Subunits and Bits correspond?

A: 

The 40-148 is a multi-channel single-pole double-throw (changeover) switch. When programming using the Pickering standard pipxi driver or IVI driver, each relay is typically mapped to one bit.

State Mapping:

Bit = 0 (Default/Reset State): Common terminal (COM) is connected to normally closed terminal (NC).

Bit = 1 (Active/Set State): Common terminal (COM) is switched to normally open terminal (NO).

Code Note: The typical operating speed of the 40-148 is 3ms. When writing automated test scripts, after each execution of the driver's state change instruction (such as pipxi_WriteSub), a delay/settle time of at least 3ms to 5ms must be included in the code; otherwise, the subsequent multimeter (DMM) measurement may obtain unstable instantaneous resistance values ​​at the moment of disconnection.​​​​​​​

​

Contact Us

Ready to integrate reliable Relay Electromechanical 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 40-148 Series Electromechanical Relays SPDT solution for your application needs.