PIL 40-151 Series 12 DPST Power Relay Module

The PIL 40-151 series is a PXI 5A high-power electromagnetic relay switching module, providing 12 channels of double-pole single-throw (12 x DPST) power relays. It is designed for switching heavy AC or DC loads and can also be used for slave switching of large external relays, contactors, and solenoids. This module is a high-channel-density member of the 40-150 series power relay family, with a maximum switching current of 5A per channel. It can switch voltages of 250 VAC or 400 VDC (cold switching) and 125 VDC / 250 VAC (hot switching), with a maximum power of 175 W / 1250 VA.

The core value of the 40-151-002 series lies in its "high channel density + dual-pole single-throw (DPST) power switching": integrating 12 5A dual-pole single-throw power relays within a single 3U PXI slot (the version with the most channels in the DPST configuration of the 40-150 series), using gold flash over silver alloy contacts, suitable for inductive/capacitive load scenarios requiring switching of mains voltage or DC current. The DPST configuration allows for simultaneous switching of signals with two poles, enabling bipolar on/off control of the mains circuit. The module includes an onboard backup relay for minimal downtime during field maintenance.

This series can switch between inductive and capacitive loads, covering fields such as automotive, home appliances, industrial equipment, and power supply testing.

The 40-150 series family is divided into several models based on relay contact configuration, all of which have a 5A power switching capability:

The 40-151-002 model offers a 12-channel DPST configuration, making it the version with the most channels in the DPST (Double Pole Single Throw) configuration within the 40-150 series family. The 40-150 series are power relay modules designed for switching heavy AC or DC loads, or for driven control of large external relays, contactors, and solenoids. They are suitable for applications requiring switching of mains voltage or DC current.

Applications- PIL 40-151 series

The PIL 40-151 Series 12 DPST Power Relay Module high-power relay modules are suitable for the following typical applications:

• Mains Voltage Switching: Switching two-phase AC loads at different mains voltage levels within the test system.
• Inductive/Capacitive Load Switching: Switching inductive/capacitive loads such as motors, transformers, and capacitors.
• Multi-channel Bipolar On/Off Control: Utilizing the high channel density and double-pole characteristics of 12-channel DPST, providing safe bipolar (two-wire) on/off control for multiple mains power circuits.
• Slave-driven External Relay Switching: Acting as a pre-drive stage to control large external relays, contactors, and solenoids.
• DC Current Switching: Switching DC current in DC applications.
• General-purpose High-Power Switching: High-density power switching in automotive electronics, industrial equipment, home appliances, power supply testing, and other fields.

MXTD Supplier

Xi'an Mingxi Taida Information Technology Co., Ltd. (MXTD) is an industry-leading technology provider and primary infrastructure vendor backed by a distinguished 12-year track record of industrial innovation. Our organizational framework seamlessly bridges pioneering product R&D, cross-border industrial wholesale operations, and localized field engineering into a highly synchronized, client-centric entity. Leveraging more than a decade of deep-tier technical mastery in advanced manufacturing and high-reliability systems development, we serve global heavy industries as a trusted partner for robust, high-performance technology portfolios purpose-built to eliminate complex operational bottlenecks.

With a robust supply network extending across North America, South America, Europe, and Africa, MXTD orchestrates a highly resilient international logistical and fulfillment footprint. In addition to manufacturing our own proprietary technical solutions, we act as an authorized master distributor for premier multinational brands, establishing our company as a comprehensive, single-source procurement hub for high-stakes industrial applications. Our fulfillment philosophy is anchored by exhaustive quality assurance matrices and precise diagnostic verification protocols, guaranteeing that every equipment deployment delivers absolute operational reliability, unmatched continuity, and elite mission-critical efficiency.

Why Choose This Product- PIL 40-151 Series 12 DPST Power Relay Module

The 40-151 and 40-150 are both DPST configurations, and the 40-155 (8×SPDT), 40-156 (16×SPDT), and 40-157 (DPDT) in the same family are all 5A power relays. The differences lie mainly in the contact type and channel density:

The 40-151-002's advantages lie in its high channel density of 12 DPST relays and longer mechanical life (>5×10⁷ cycles). Compared to the 8-channel DPST of the 40-150, the 40-151 provides 4 more (12 in total) dual-pole single-throw power relays in the same slot, resulting in higher channel density. Compared to SPDT/DPDT models, the DPST configuration offers simultaneous dual-pole switching capability, suitable for applications requiring simultaneous disconnection of two wires, such as bipolar on/off control of the main power circuit. Furthermore, the mechanical life (>5×10⁷) of the 40-150/151 (DPST) is significantly longer than that of the SPDT/DPDT models (>5×10⁶), resulting in higher reliability.

Within Pickering's high-power switch product portfolio, the 40-151 series is positioned as a 5A-class general-purpose power switch, complementing products with higher current ratings:

The 40-151, with its 5A rating, 12-channel DPST high channel density, 125VDC hot switching, and >5×10⁷ mechanical life, constitutes a general-purpose power switch selection suitable for multi-channel bipolar switching and high reliability requirements within this family.

Relationship with Related and Related Products

Within the product portfolio, the PIL 40-151 Series 12 DPST Power Relay Module exhibits a clear family structure and replacement relationships:

• Family Relationship: The 40-151 (12×DPST), 40-150 (8×DPST), 40-155 (8×SPDT), 40-156 (16×SPDT), and 40-157 (8×DPDT) together form the PIL 40-151 Series 12 DPST Power Relay Modulefamily. The 40-151 is the version with the most channels in the DPST configuration.
• Technical Connections (40-160/40-166): The 40-160 and 40/42-166 offer higher current ratings (10A/20A/30A) for high-power switching, while the 40-151 is positioned at the 5A level, selected according to load current requirements.
• Compatible Relays: Pickering has its own manufacturing capabilities for reed relays and power relays, ensuring high-quality contacts for its instrument-grade products.

Core Function - PIL 40-151 series

The core function of the PIL 40-151 Series 12 DPST Power Relay Module is to provide a high-density array of double-pole single-throw (DPST) power switches. Each relay within the module is an independent DPST power switch with two sets of terminals (pole 1 and pole 2), each set containing a common terminal and a normally open terminal (A). Upon power-up, both poles close simultaneously, connecting two signal circuits at the same time.

Switching behavior: In the default state (relay not energized), all signal paths are disconnected; after energization, both poles (A1.1-C1.1, A1.2-C1.2) of the corresponding relays conduct simultaneously, establishing two parallel signal paths. This DPST design enables the 40-151 to simultaneously switch multiple main power supply circuits bipolarly (bipolarly), achieving safer power isolation. It can also flexibly construct high-power switching networks such as channel switches and load distribution.

Maintenance Function

The PIL 40-151 Series 12 DPST Power Relay Module features a single-PCB through-hole relay design, enabling field maintainability:

• Gold-plated silver alloy contact power relays: The modules use electromagnetic power relays with gold-plated silver alloy contacts.
• Spare Relays: A spare relay is pre-installed on the board, allowing for replacement with minimal downtime in case of failure, significantly reducing maintenance and downtime costs.
• Product customization supported: Pickering can provide customized services for relay type, quantity, mixed configurations, and performance specifications through its own flexible production line.

The PIL 40-151 Series 12 DPST Power Relay Module uses model number 40-151-002 and is configured with 12 DPST power relays. Pickering provides a unified support system of components and accessories for the entire 40-150 family. The ordering models for the 40-150 family are as follows:

Switching Technical Indicators (DPST Version only)

The PIL 40-151 Series 12 DPST Power Relay Module electromagnetic power relays utilize gold-plated silver alloy contacts, providing hot-switching capability for 125VDC/250VAC and cold-switching capability for 400VDC/250VAC, with a maximum power switching capacity of 175W/1250VA, while maintaining an initial on-resistance of <250mΩ and a bandwidth of >20MHz. Its typical operating time of 10ms and mechanical life of >5×10⁷ cycles (significantly higher than the 5×10⁶ of the SPDT/DPDT models) make it the core of high-reliability signal switching in high-power test systems, offering high channel density and multiple bipolar switching capabilities. It is the DPST version with the most channels in the 40-150 family.

Software User Manual

The PIL 40-151 Series 12 DPST Power Relay Module receives full software driver ecosystem support from Pickering, providing three types of drivers: Kernel, IVI, and VISA (NI and Keysight), as detailed below:

Service of The PIL 40-151 Series 12 DPST Power Relay Module

In high-stakes industrial applications, mass-produced commercial hardware configurations inevitably enforce rigid functional limitations and introduce expensive operational bottlenecks. MXTD bypasses these integration friction points by deploying an agile, end-to-end OEM and ODM co-development ecosystem designed specifically to translate your specialized, theoretical concepts into hyper-ruggedized, deployment-ready physical infrastructure.

Whether your deployment parameters demand application-specific frequency spectrum calibration, the architecture of complex multi-channel synchronous triggering matrices, or the physical fabrication of custom-dimensioned, severe-environment protective enclosures, our development division operates as a seamless, high-utility extension of your proprietary R&D assets. Our collaborative engineering ethos breathes life into your niche, application-specific systems—all while enforcing absolute compliance with our uncompromising, zero-defect quality architecture and rigorous multi-tier validation protocols.

FAQs:

Q: What is the practical application of the 12×DPST structure of 40-151?

A:  

DPST (Double Pole Single Throw) means that a single control signal can simultaneously close or open two completely independent wires. This is ideal for high-reliability power supply control:

• Physical full isolation: Allows a single channel to simultaneously disconnect the "positive and negative" or "live and neutral" wires of the device under test (UUT), achieving true two-wire physical disconnection and preventing equipment burnout or leakage due to residual potential on a single wire.

• Maximized density: Compared to the 8 channels of the 40-150, the 40-151 expands the dual-pole channels to 12 within a single PXI slot, significantly reducing the overall chassis slot footprint and hardware costs associated with purchasing additional boards.

Q: Does the module's nominal current of 5A mean that it can be disconnected from a 5A load at any time under 250VAC?

A: 

Blind operation is prohibited. Users must strictly distinguish the physical boundaries between "cold switches" and "hot switches":

• Cold Switch (No-current switching): Operates when no current flows through the contacts, with a maximum withstand voltage of 400VDC / 250VAC peak voltage.
• Hot Switch (Load-load disconnection): Maximum switching voltage limited to 125VDC / 250VAC, and maximum switching power limited to 175W / 1250VA.
• DC Hot Switch Warning: 125VDC is the limit for resistive loads. Since DC has no natural zero-crossing, high-voltage DC hot switches can cause sustained high-temperature arcing, leading to rapid contact erosion or even sticking. In high-current tests exceeding 30VDC, it is strongly recommended to use "cold switch logic" (close the relay first, then turn on the programmable power supply; when disconnecting, turn off the power output first, then release the relay).

Q: Will the motherboard burn out when used to switch inductive loads (such as large relay coils, solenoid valves, DC motors)?

A: 

• The 40-151 uses a gold-flash over silver alloy EMR relay. While it offers strong shock resistance, it generates an extremely high reverse induced electromotive force when disconnecting an inductive load. This high-voltage arc can instantly break down the air at the contacts, causing them to stick together.

• Protection solution: Surge absorption components must be installed in the external circuit. For the DC circuit, a freewheeling diode must be connected in reverse parallel; for the AC circuit, an RC snubber network or a varistor (MOV) must be connected in parallel to absorb the instantaneous high-voltage surge.

Q: How can its on/off action be controlled in the software code? Does the driver support multiple platforms?

A: ​​​​​​​

The module is fully compatible with standard Windows and Linux systems and comes with standard VISA and IVI drivers (such as the standard pipx40 driver library). In LabVIEW, C/C++, Python, or NI Switch Executive, users only need to send on/off commands for the corresponding logical channel number, and the underlying driver will automatically control the two physical contacts corresponding to that channel to open and close synchronously.

Contact Us

Ready to integrate reliable Power 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 40-151 Series 12 DPST Power Relay Module solution for your application needs.