PIL 40-155 Series PXI SPDT Power Module 5A

PIL 40-155 Series PXI SPDT Power Module 5A 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 belongs to the 40-150 series power relay family (40-150/151/155/156/157) in Pickering's high-power relay product line. It has a maximum single-channel switching current of 5A and can switch voltages of 250 VAC or 400 VDC (cold switching) and 300 VDC / 250 VAC (hot switching), with a maximum power of 175 W / 1250 VA.

The core value of the 40-155-001 series lies in its "high-density, high-current + high-voltage switching": integrating eight 5A single-pole double-throw power relays within a single 3U PXI slot, employing gold flash over silver alloy contacts, suitable for inductive/capacitive load scenarios requiring switching between mains voltage or DC current. The module includes an onboard backup relay, enabling field maintenance with minimal downtime.

This series covers automotive, home appliances, industrial equipment, and power supply testing, and can switch between inductive and capacitive loads. It comes with Pickering's mature VISA/IVI/Kernel driver ecosystem, a soft front panel, and a 3-year standard warranty, making it a highly reliable choice for general-purpose high-power switches.

The Pickering 40-155 series is a PXI 5A high-power electromagnetic relay switch module, belonging to the high-power switching branch of Pickering's General Purpose Relays product line. It is one of the core members of the 40-150 series power relay family (40-150/151/155/156/157).

The 40-150 series family is divided into five models based on the relay contact configuration:

The 40-155-001 model offers an 8-channel SPDT configuration and is one of the models in the series using a single-pole double-throw contact. 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.

The core positioning of the PIL 40-155 Series PXI SPDT Power Module 5A is a "high-density, high-voltage, 5A-class high-power general-purpose switch" solution. Its value proposition focuses on three points:

• High-Density Switching: Integrated with 8 5A power relays in a single 3U PXI slot

• Strong Load Capacity: Hot switching 300VDC/250VAC, cold switching 400VDC/250VAC, maximum power 175W/1250VA

• Inductive/Capacitive Load Adaptability: Optimized for switching inductive and capacitive loads

This series of electromagnetic power relays uses gold flash over silver alloy contacts, balancing high current switching capability with contact reliability, and can be used for switching mains power voltage or DC current.

The PIL 40-155 Series PXI SPDT Power Module 5A high-power relay modules are suitable for the following typical applications:

• Mains Voltage Switching: Switching AC loads to different mains voltage levels within the test system.

• Inductive/Capacitive Load Switching: Switching inductive/capacitive loads such as motors, transformers, and capacitors.

• 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: Universal power switching for automotive electronics, industrial equipment, home appliances, power supply testing, and other fields.

The 40-155, along with its contemporaries 40-150/151 (DPST), 40-156 (16×SPDT), and 40-157 (DPDT), are all 5A power relays. The differences lie mainly in the contact type and channel density:

The advantage of the 40-155-001 lies in its SPDT single-pole double-throw configuration and 300VDC hot-switching voltage. Compared to the DPST models (40-150/151, hot-switching 125VDC), the 40-155 offers a higher hot-switching voltage capability (300VDC), making it suitable for applications requiring switching higher DC voltages and single-pole double-throw (switching between two channels). Compared to the 16-channel SPDT 40-156, the 40-155 offers a more economical entry-level option with fewer channels (8 channels).

MXTD Wholesaler

Xi'an Mingxi Taida Information Technology Co., Ltd. (MXTD) is an industry-leading technology supplier and system vendor backed by a distinguished 12-year track record of engineering innovation. Our enterprise framework unifies cutting-edge product R&D, cross-border industrial supply networks, and localized field engineering into a highly integrated, client-centric operation. Leveraging over a decade of deep-tier technical expertise in advanced manufacturing and ruggedized systems development, we serve heavy industries worldwide as a reliable supplier of high-performance technology portfolios meticulously engineered to resolve complex operational challenges.

With a robust supply network extending across North America, South America, Europe, and Africa, MXTD commands a highly resilient international logistical footprint. In addition to manufacturing our own proprietary technical infrastructure, we operate as an authorized master supplier and distributor for premier multinational brands, positioning our company as a comprehensive, single-source procurement partner for high-stakes industrial applications. Our supply philosophy is anchored by exhaustive quality assurance frameworks and precise inspection protocols, guaranteeing that every equipment deployment delivers unmatched reliability, operational continuity, and peak mission-critical efficiency.

Tails of The Product ( PIL 40-155 Series )

Within Pickering's high-power switch product portfolio, the 40-150 series (including the 40-155) is positioned as a 5A-class general-purpose power switch, complementing products with higher current ratings:

The PIL 40-155 Series PXI SPDT Power Module 5A, featuring 5A rating, SPDT contacts, and 300VDC hot-switching, constitutes a general-purpose power switch selection suitable for medium voltage and single-pole double-throw applications within this family.

Within its product portfolio, the PIL 40-155 Series PXI SPDT Power Module 5A exhibits a clear family structure and replacement relationships:

• Horizontal relationships within the same family: The 40-155, along with the 40-150 (8×DPST), 40-151 (12×DPST), 40-156 (16×SPDT), and 40-157 (8×DPDT), constitute the 40-150 series family. Different contact types complement each other, covering various switching topology requirements.

• 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 PIL 40-155 Series PXI SPDT Power Module 5A is positioned at the 5A level, selected based on load current requirements.

• Compatible relays: Pickering possesses its own reed relay manufacturing capabilities (Pickering Electronics), providing SoftCenter™ technology support for its instrument-grade relays.

The Key Value of The PIL 40-155 Series PXI SPDT Power Module 5A

The core function of the PIL 40-155 Series PXI SPDT Power Module 5A is to provide a high-density single-pole double-throw (SPDT) power switch array. Each relay within the module is an independent SPDT power switch with three terminals: Common, Normally Open (A), and Normally Closed (B). Users can switch signals between normally open and normally closed paths using relays to build flexible custom switching topologies.

Switching behavior: In the default state (relay not energized), the signal path is connected between the Common and Normally Closed terminals; after energization, the signal path switches to between the Common and Normally Open terminals. This SPDT design enables the 40-155 to flexibly construct high-power switching networks such as channel switches and signal distributors.

Specification of The PIL 40-155 Series

The 40-155 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.

Software User Manual

The PIL 40-155 Series PXI SPDT Power Module 5A receives full software driver ecosystem support from Pickering, providing three types of drivers: Kernel, IVI, and VISA (NI and Keysight):

Breaking the Constraints of Rigid Hardware Architectural Frameworks

In high-stakes industrial environments, static, off-the-shelf hardware configurations inevitably introduce costly performance bottlenecks. MXTD eliminates these integration barriers through an agile, end-to-end OEM and ODM co-development lifecycle specifically designed to transform your specialized conceptual designs into robust, deployment-ready operational assets.

Whether your program mandates precision frequency spectrum tuning, the development of intricate, multi-channel triggering topologies, or the construction of custom-dimensioned, heavy-duty protective enclosures, our team operates as an immediate, seamless extension of your in-house R&D assets. Our highly collaborative engineering philosophy breathes life into your niche, application-specific systems—all while maintaining absolute adherence to our uncompromising, zero-defect quality architecture and rigorous validation protocols.

FAQs:

Q: 40-155 claims to support 5A switching; what are the boundary limitations in actual AC/DC testing?

A:  

The module's maximum physical limitations are: maximum switching current 5A, maximum switching voltage 300VDC / 250VAC.

AC switching: Due to the inherent zero-crossing point of AC power, arcs are easily extinguished, allowing the module to easily reach its maximum AC switching power.

DC switching: DC power does not have a zero-crossing point. Disconnecting a 5A current at higher DC voltages (e.g., 100V or higher) can easily generate a sustained high-temperature arc. Users must strictly adhere to the DC switching power curve in the official datasheet to avoid frequent "hot switching" operations under high voltage and high current; otherwise, the contacts will stick together in a very short time due to arc erosion.

Q: If the load being tested is an "inductive load" (such as a high-power inductor, solenoid, or solenoid valve), can it be used directly for switching?

A: 

Although this module is a high-current power relay, the contacts are easily burned out when faced with the extremely high back electromotive force (arc saturation) generated during the instant of disconnection by an inductive load.

Recommendation: Use "cold switching" mode whenever possible (i.e., close the relay first, then the programmable power supply outputs current; when disconnecting, first turn off the power output, then release the relay). If live switching is necessary, be sure to add a freewheeling diode (DC circuit) or an RC snubber circuit (AC circuit) to the external circuit to protect the board.

Q: In LabVIEW or Python, how does the software identify the SPDT switch when controlling the 40-155?

A: 

This module fully supports standard VISA and IVI drivers (such as the pipx40 driver) and is perfectly compatible with NI Switch Executive. As it is an SPDT (single-pole double-throw) relay, it contains a common terminal (COM), a normally closed terminal (NC), and a normally open terminal (NO). In the underlying driver, the common terminal can be switched between NC and NO by specifying the "Close" and "Open" commands for a channel (e.g., ch1).

Q: If a relay in a certain channel burns out completely due to overload after high-intensity, long-term use, what should be done?

A: ​​​​​​​

• Using official spare parts: The 40-155 uses replaceable universal electromechanical relays. Pickering provides a dedicated spare relay kit (typically model 91-100-049) for this model.

• Board-level replacement: Hardware testing engineers with soldering skills can directly desolder the damaged individual relays on the board with a soldering iron after powering off and removing the protective cover, and replace them with official spare parts.

• Troubleshooting: This module also supports Pickering's eBIRST automatic diagnostic system. When it's unclear which channel contact is stuck, a full card scan using the eBIRST kit can quickly locate the fault.

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 40-155 Series PXI SPDT Power Module 5A solution for your application needs.