PIL 40-160 Series PXI Amp Power Board

The PIL 40-160 Series PXI Amp Power Board ​making it suitable for applications in automated test systems that require switching of medium-power signals. This series utilizes high-quality electromechanical relays (EMRs) with gold-plated silver alloy contacts, offering excellent contact reliability and a long service life, making it suitable for a wide range of applications, from ATE systems to industrial process control.

MXTD Wholesaler

Xi'an Mingxi Taida Information Technology Co., Ltd. stands as an industry-leading technology provider, backed by a distinguished 12-year track record of engineering innovation. Our business model unifies bleeding-edge product R&D, cross-border commerce, and localized technical services into a cohesive, client-centric operation. Leveraging over a decade of domain expertise in advanced manufacturing and R&D, we deliver robust, high-performance technology portfolios designed to solve complex client challenges.

With an established distribution network stretching across North America, South America, Europe, and Africa, we boast a truly global commercial reach. Beyond our proprietary technology assets, we act as a master distributor for premier multinational brands, allowing us to serve as a comprehensive, single-source procurement partner. Our operational philosophy is anchored by exhaustive quality assurance frameworks and precision inspection protocols, ensuring that every deployment delivers unmatched reliability and peak mission-critical efficiency.

The 40-160 Series is positioned as a general-purpose power relay module within Pickering Interfaces’ PXI module product line, bridging the gap between small-signal reed relay modules (such as the 40-150 Series) and high-power automotive-grade relay modules (such as the 40-180/40-181 Series). This series is suitable for automated test scenarios requiring the switching of medium-power signals (up to 300 W/2,500 VA) and addresses the most common power switching needs in fields such as ATE, industrial testing, and laboratory automation.

Features of the PIL 40-160 Series

Advantages- PIL 40-160 Series PXI Amp Power Board

• High Versatility: Gold-plated silver alloy contacts balance contact reliability for small-signal switching with current-carrying capacity for medium-power switching, making them suitable for a wide range of test scenarios.
• Easy Maintenance: An onboard spare relay and an optional relay kit support on-site maintenance and replacement, reducing downtime
• Flexible Wiring: Features a 20-pin GMCT male connector, along with cable accessories in various lengths and pin configurations, facilitating system integration

Functions- PIL 40-160 Series

Basics

Control and Drive

• Sends relay control commands via the PXI bus or remote interfaces such as GPIB/Ethernet
• Supports standard Pickering software drivers (pipx40, pi40iv, pilpxi, etc.)
• Compatible with mainstream test development environments such as LabVIEW, LabWindows/CVI, and C/C++
• Supports VISA plug-and-play drivers

Specifications of the PIL 40-160 Series PXI Amp Power Board

Technical Parameters

​​​​​​​Ability to Switch- PIL 40-160 Series

Software User Manual

The PIL 40-160 Series PXI Amp Power Board is compatible with Pickering's standard PXI module software driver architecture.

Supported Development Environments

BIRST Support

The 40-160 Series supports the Pickering BIRST (Built-In Relay Self-Test) feature, which allows the software driver to perform relay self-diagnostic tests to verify the relay’s operating status and health, facilitating system maintenance and troubleshooting.

Customization Services

Direct & Results-Oriented

We know that standard, off-the-shelf solutions rarely fit specialized technical requirements. That is why our expert engineering team provides comprehensive OEM and ODM customization services built around your precise needs. From adjusting frequency ranges and designing unique triggering mechanisms to building tailored structural enclosures, we work openly with you to develop the ideal product. Our flexible design approach ensures your specific application goals are met while maintaining our strict quality standards.

Modern & Impactful

One size does not fit all when it comes to complex engineering demands. To solve this, our highly experienced team delivers end-to-end OEM and ODM customization tailored exactly to your blueprints. Whether your project requires modified frequencies, custom triggering systems, or specialized enclosure components, we partner with you transparently from concept to creation. Through agile design practices, we bring your unique application to life without ever compromising on our rigorous quality controls.

Concise & Executive

Standard products often fall short of unique operational goals. Our skilled engineering team bridges this gap with full-service OEM and ODM capabilities customized to your exact specifications. Whether you need modified frequency bands, custom triggering mechanisms, or bespoke structural enclosures, we collaborate closely with you to engineer the perfect fit. Our agile workflows ensure your specific technical needs are achieved while upholding the highest quality benchmarks.

Using:

• ATE (Automated Test Equipment): Switching power supplies, stimulus signals, and loads during functional and system testing
• Industrial process control: Controlling relay activation, valve operation, motor start/stop, etc
• Data acquisition systems: Switching sensor signal paths and configuring multiplexed channels
• Laboratory automation: Routing signals and power on automated test benches
• Board-level testing: Switching stimulus signals to the unit under test (UUT) during ICT/FCT testing

FAQs:

Q: 40-160 What is the difference between 'Hot Switching'and 'Cold Switching' of the board?

A:  

• Cold switching: close the relay first, then pass in current/voltage. 40-160 supports up to 400VDC / 250VAC under cold switching
• Hot switching: Directly opening or closing the relay while it is powered and carrying current. Hot-swappable upper limit of 40-160 reduced to 125VDC / 250VAC

• Note: If the DC voltage exceeds 30VDC and hot switching is performed, arcing will easily occur inside the relay, resulting in a sharp decrease in contact life. It is recommended to use cold switching as much as possible under high pressure.

Q: What should you pay attention to when switching inductive loads (such as motors, solenoids)？

A: 

Inductive loads will generate extremely high reverse electromotive force (surge voltage) at the moment of disconnection, which will burn the contacts. When using 40-160 to switch such loads, an external parallel protection circuit must be connected (for example: DC plus freewheeling diode, AC plus resistance-capacitance absorption network RC Snubber).

Q: Should I choose pipx40 driver or pi40iv driver?

A: 

pipx40 (VISA driver): standard and recommended. If your test software is based on LabVIEW, C++ and does not require IVI specifications, choose this driver to run faster.

pi40iv (IVI driver): Complies with IVI interchangeability specifications. Suitable for large-scale interchangeability test platforms, but if functions such as ReadCal (read calibration) are accidentally called on the board, PI40IV_ERROR_BAD_ARRAY or no calibration data error will be triggered (because high-power relay cards do not require calibration data).

Q: If the relay of one of the channels is damaged due to hot switching, how to repair it?

A: ​​​​​​​

Built-in spare relay: Pickering is very user-friendly and directly reserved and soldered a spare relay (Spare Relay) on the 40-160 PCB circuit board.

Replacement method: Just use a soldering iron to remove the relay of the damaged channel, and then solder the spare relay on the board to achieve quick repair and greatly shorten the downtime.

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 40-160 Series PXI Amp Power Board solution for your application needs.