PIL 40-170 Series 2 Slot PXI Power Relay 20A 30A

The PIL 40-170 series is a PXI dual-slot 3U high-power electromagnetic relay switch module, providing 2 single-pole single-throw (2 x SPST, 30A) or 2 double-pole single-throw (2 x DPST, 20A) high-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 packaged in a 2-slot 3U PXI (CompactPCI) package and achieves current switching capability of up to 30A (SPST) or 20A (DPST) through high-power contacts. It can switch between 30 VDC / 250 VAC (RMS) voltages, with a maximum power of 900 W / 7500 VA (SPST) or 600 W / 5000 VA (DPST) and a maximum standoff voltage of 600 VDC.

The core value of the PIL 40-170 Series 2 Slot PXI Power Relay 20A 30A lies in its "extremely high current switching + high voltage tolerance": it is a 30A-class high-current switching module in Pickering's high-power relay product line, employing electromagnetic power relays with silver alloy contacts, suitable for switching inductive and capacitive loads on AC or DC mains voltage. As a dual-slot PXI module, it achieves reliable ultra-high current switching by accommodating ultra-high power relays with a wider mechanical space. User connections are made via an 8-pin power D-Type connector, supported by Pickering's complete cable and connector system.

MXTD Wholesaler / Supplier

Xi'an Mingxi Taida Information Technology Co., Ltd. (MXTD) is an industry-leading technology supplier and primary hardware vendor backed by a distinguished 12-year track record of industrial innovation. Our enterprise structure seamlessly bridges pioneering product R&D, cross-border industrial wholesale procurement, and localized field engineering into a highly synchronized, client-centric operation. 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 meticulously engineered to resolve 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 infrastructure, 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 supply 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.

Product of The PIL 40-170 Series 2 Slot PXI Power Relay 20A 30A

The PIL 40-170 series is a PXI dual-slot high-power electromagnetic relay switch module, belonging to the high-power switching branch of Pickering's General Purpose Relays product line. This series is available in two configurations: 2 SPST (30A) and 2 DPST (20A):

Power relay modules are 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 between AC mains and DC voltages.

The core positioning of the PIL 40-170 Series 2 Slot PXI Power Relay 20A 30A is a "high current power switching + high voltage withstand" solution. Its value proposition focuses on three points:

• Extremely High Current Switching: SPST configuration up to 30A, DPST configuration up to 20A high current switching capability
• High Standoff: Maximum withstand voltage 600VDC, maximum power 900W/7500VA (SPST)
• Dual-Slot Ultra-High Power Structure: Large-size power relays are accommodated through a 2-slot wide PXI module, ensuring reliable switching under ultra-high current conditions

This series of electromagnetic power relays uses silver alloy contacts and is packaged in a dual-slot PXI package, making it an ideal choice for testing applications requiring switching of ultra-high current loads above 25A.

Using of PIL 40-170 Series 

The PIL 40-170 Series 2 Slot PXI Power Relay 20A 30A high-power relay modules are suitable for the following typical applications:

• AC/AAC voltage switching: Switching heavy loads at AC mains power levels in the test system
• DC voltage switching: Switching inductive/capacitive loads at DC voltage levels
• High Loads switching: Directly switching high-current heavy loads (up to 30A)
• Driven external relay switching: Acting as a pre-drive stage to control large external relays, contactors, and solenoids
• Power electronics/industrial control: High-current path switching in motor drives, industrial control, and power supply testing

The Key Specification of The PIL 40-170 Series 2 Slot PXI Power Relay 20A 30A

The 40-170 series offers both SPST and DPST configurations:

The 40-170-001's advantage lies in its higher current (30A) and greater power (900W/7500VA), making it suitable for applications requiring switching of ultra-high current (25-30A) loads; the 40-170-002's advantage is its DPST double-pole single-throw configuration (20A), enabling simultaneous switching of the main power circuit on and off in both poles (two wires), providing safer power isolation. The choice between the two depends on the current rating of the target load and the switching topology (single-pole/double-pole).

Within Pickering's high-power switching product portfolio, the 40-170 is positioned as a 30A-class high-current switch, complementing other current ratings. Pickering's PXI/PXIe high-power switching product family covers the full current range from 5A to 40A:

The 40-170, with its 30A rating, dual slots, and 600VDC tolerance, forms the family's dedicated high-current switch option suitable for ultra-high current but with relatively low operating voltage (30VDC/250VAC), complementing the 40-166 (20/30A, higher voltage 480VAC/300VDC).

Can Do - PIL 40-170 Series 2 Slot PXI Power Relay 20A 30A

The core function of the 40-170 series is to provide a high-power relay switch array. Each relay within the module is an independent high-power electromagnetic relay:

• SPST model (40-170-001): Provides two independent single-pole single-throw (normally open) power relays. In the default (disabled) state, all signal paths are disconnected; after energization, the corresponding relay establishes a signal path between terminals C and A.
• DPST model (40-170-002): Provides two independent double-pole single-throw (normally open) power relays. After energization, both poles (A1.1-C1.1 and A1.2-C1.2) of each relay conduct simultaneously, providing bipolar on/off control for both signals.

In the default state (relay not energized), the signal path is disconnected; after a specific relay is energized, a path is established between terminals C and A.

Software and Programming Capabilities

The PIL 40-170 Series 2 Slot PXI Power Relay 20A 30A supports multiple Pickering drive programming methods, with the core being a sub-unit controlling all relays. The subunit of 40-170-001 (2×SPST) is 2 bits wide and can be operated via bit control or pattern control:

• OpBit instruction: PIL_OpBit(card_num, sub_unit, 1, 1) operates relay A1/C1, PIL_OpBit(card_num, sub_unit, 2, 1) operates relay A2/C2 (artisantg)
• WriteSub instruction: Sets the state of all relays at once in pattern write mode (2 bits wide subunit), data[0]=1 closes A1/C1, data[0]=0x2 closes A2/C2
• IVI driver: Operates the corresponding channel via pi40iv_Connect(vi, com1, ch1) / pi40iv_Disconnect(vi, com1, ch1)
• PIPX40 driver: Operates via pipx40_setChannelState(vi, sub_unit, 1, VI_ON) Operation Channel

Power Consumption Requirements

The power consumption requirements for the PIL 40-170 Series 2 Slot PXI Power Relay 20A 30A are as follows (taking the 40-170-001 as an example):

Platform and Chassis Compatibility

The 40-170 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

Oder Number:

Signal Path and Relay Comparison

（40-170-002）DPST Configuration

The PIL 40-170 Series 2 Slot PXI Power Relay 20A 30A electromagnetic power relays utilize silver alloy contacts, providing high power switching capabilities of up to 30A (SPST)/20A (DPST), hot-switching 30VDC/250VAC RMS, and up to 900W/7500VA (SPST)/600W/5000VA (DPST), while maintaining an initial on-resistance of 100mΩ and a maximum withstand voltage of 600VDC. Their typical operating time of 30ms and mechanical life (>1×10⁷ DC) make them ideal for ultra-high current, dual-slot high-power signal switching in high-power testing systems.

Software User Manual

Programming Example- PIL 40-170 Series 2 Slot PXI Power Relay 20A 30A

The 40-170 series is a sub-unit control board- Using PILPXI driver (OpBit)

• // c
  DWORD sub_unit = 1;
  PIL_OpBit(card_num, sub_unit, 1, 1); // Operating A1/C1 Relay
  PIL_OpBit(card_num, sub_unit, 1, 0); // Release A1/C1 Relay
  PIL_OpBit(card_num, sub_unit, 2, 1); // Operating A2/C2 Relay

Using PIPX40 driver (setChannelState)：

• // c
  ViUInt32 sub_unit = 1;
  pipx40_setChannelState(vi, sub_unit, 1, VI_ON);  // Operating A1/C1 Relay
  pipx40_setChannelState(vi, sub_unit, 1, VI_OFF); // Release A1/C1 Relay
  pipx40_setChannelState(vi, sub_unit, 2, VI_ON);  // Operating A2/C2 Relay

Use IVI driver：

• // c
  pi40iv_Connect(vi, com1, ch1);    // Operating A1/C1继电器
  pi40iv_Disconnect(vi, com1, ch1); // Release A1/C1继电器
  pi40iv_Connect(vi, com2, ch2);    // Operating A2/C2继电器

Shattering the Barriers of Commercial Off-the-Shelf Frameworks

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: Can the 30A high current claimed by 40-170 be used for hot-switching (load switching) automotive or industrial inductive loads?

A:  

The 40-170 module exhibits distinct power limits in AC/DC testing:

• Cold Switch (Unpowered Switching): Maximum withstand voltage of 250VAC / 30VDC, with a stable maximum current capacity of 30A (SPST version) or 20A (DPST version).
• Hot Switch (Load Cut-off): AC supports up to 7500VA (approximately 30A at 250VAC); however, due to the lack of a zero-crossing point and the potential for sustained arcing in DC, its DC hot switch power limit is typically 900W (approximately 30A at 30VDC).
• Inductive Load Warning: While this board is well-suited for automotive testing, the large back electromotive force generated upon disconnection of inductive loads such as motors and solenoid valves can trigger sustained arcing. It is strongly recommended to use "cold switching" logic (close the relay first, then turn on the power; turn off the power first, then release the relay) or connect a freewheeling diode (DC circuit) or an RC snubber network (AC circuit) in parallel on the external circuit to prevent the contacts from burning and sticking due to accelerated arcing.

Q: What does it mean when a module with the 40-170 module has a current sensing function?

A: 

In some Pickering 40-170 derivatives or specific hardware sub-models (such as 40-170-101/102), a current sensing loop is integrated within the module. This not only performs routine high-current switching but also monitors the actual current flowing through the channel in real time. This is highly useful for automated test systems that require dynamic monitoring of load power consumption, short-circuit conditions, or leakage current (such as automotive ECU power supply testing).

Q: Why does this card require two PXI slots? What are its front panel interfaces?

A: 

• Dual Slot Occupancy: Due to the need to handle extremely high currents up to 30A, the internal electromechanical power relays are very large, and the high current will generate heat loss on the PCB traces. Therefore, two standard 3U PXI slots are required to ensure sufficient physical space and efficient cooling from the powerful fans within the chassis.
• Interfaces and Wiring: To ensure absolute connection safety under high current, the 40-170 abandons the ordinary dense-pin interface and adopts a specially designed high-current, large-bolt pin or high-power D-Type connector (such as an 8-pin Power D-Type). When customizing external wiring harnesses, ordinary signal cables must never be used. At a full load of 30A, users must select sufficiently thick, low-impedance wires according to high-current engineering standards (generally 10 AWG to 12 AWG thick wire is recommended) and ensure extremely secure crimping to prevent excessive contact resistance at the interface from causing severe overheating and burning of the wiring harness.

Q: How do I identify and control a 40-170 dual-pole linkage (DPST) channel in LabVIEW, C++, or Python?

A: 

• This module fully supports standard VISA and IVI drivers (based on the pipx40 driver library).

• For the 2×SPST version (40-170-001), software control is extremely intuitive, typically directly corresponding to channels ch1 and ch2.

• For the 2×DPST version, although each channel has two physical contacts that open and close synchronously (double-pole synchronous disconnection of positive and negative terminals or live and neutral wires for complete physical isolation), in software logic, they are bound to a single switching instruction. A simple control instruction will simultaneously activate both internal contacts, eliminating the need for separate code implementations.

Q: If you frequently work under 20A~30A conditions and suspect that a certain channel contact is starting to degrade or the contact resistance is increasing, how do you troubleshoot it?

A: 

• eBIRST Automatic Diagnostics: 40-170 supports Pickering's signature eBIRST diagnostic test fixture. Running this tool with the system disconnected will automatically scan the channel closure resistance and accurately measure whether the contact resistance exceeds the factory expected value (typically, the channel internal resistance of high-power modules is only tens of milliohms).

• Manual Troubleshooting: If a diagnostic fixture is unavailable, after powering off, use a micro-ohmmeter (or a four-wire multimeter in resistance mode) to directly measure the resistance of the corresponding pin on the front panel. Read the resistance while the software controls its opening and closing to assess the aging of the contacts. Since power relays are long-term consumables, if a significant increase in internal resistance is found, it is necessary to prepare for immediate return to the factory or replacement of the internal relay unit.

Contact Us

Ready to integrate reliable 20A / 30A 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 40-170 Series 2 Slot PXI Power Relay 20A 30A solution for your application needs.