PIL 40-180 Series Power Board SPST

This PIL 40-180 series Power Board SPST utilizes electromechanical relays (EMRs) to deliver high-current switching capabilities of up to 40 A at 14 VDC or 20 A at 28 VDC in a single-slot 3U PXI module. It is suitable for switching inductive and capacitive loads, as well as for controlling external large relays, contactors, and solenoid valves.

This 40-180 series is an integral part of the Pickering System 40 PXI high-power switching series and is widely used in automotive ECU testing, electrical load simulation, battery simulation, power path switching, and other applications. The 28V version is particularly well-suited for testing commercial vehicle and truck systems.

• Meets the high-power switching requirements of the automotive electronics and industrial control sectors
• Fills a product gap in the PXI platform for high-current switching in the 20A–40A range
• Provides a standardized module solution for test systems requiring highly reliable electromechanical switching

MXTD Wholesaler

For over 12 years, Xi'an Mingxi Taida Information Technology Co., Ltd. has led the technology sector by delivering engineered innovation that powers modern businesses. Our unique business model bridges the gap between sophisticated product R&D, global trade, and on-the-ground technical services. With deep roots in advanced R&D and manufacturing, we build robust technology portfolios engineered for high-stakes environments. Today, our commercial footprint spans four continents, including North America, South America, Europe, and Africa. By combining our proprietary tech assets with master distribution rights for elite multinational brands, we simplify your supply chain as a comprehensive procurement partner. Every product we ship undergoes exhaustive quality assurance and precision testing, guaranteeing mission-critical reliability where it matters most

Characteristic of the PIL 40-180 series Power Board SPST

Competitive Advantages- PIL 40-180 series

• Optimized for automotive applications: Designed specifically for 14V/28V automotive electrical systems, as opposed to general-purpose power relay modules.
• SPDT option (40-181): Provides a changeover contact configuration that switches between two loads, suitable for power switching and redundancy testing.
• 4-channel version (40-180-1x1): Integrates four SPST switches within a single slot, suitable for multi-channel parallel testing
• Long-life electromechanical relays: Feature extremely long mechanical and electrical lifespans within the rated load range

The Pickering 40-180/181 Series belongs to the High Power category within Pickering Interfaces 'System 40' PXI switch product line and complements the following products:

Electromechanical vs. Solid-State

The 40-180/181 uses an electromechanical relay (EMR). Compared to solid-state switches in the same current rating range (such as the 40-183B 30A solid-state and 40-184A 25A solid-state):

• Advantages: Extremely low contact resistance, no leakage current, capable of switching both AC and DC signals
• Limitations: Relatively slow switching speed (approximately 10 ms), limited mechanical life, and not suitable for high-frequency switching

Functions- PIL 40-180 Series Power Board SPST

High-Power DC Load Switching

• ​​​​​​​Directly switches DC loads up to 40A at 14 VDC (560 W) or 20A at 28 VDC (560 W)
• Suitable for inductive loads (motors, solenoid valves, relay coils) and capacitive loads

Automotive ECU Testing

• Simulates load switching in vehicle electrical systems
• The 14V version is suitable for testing 12V electrical systems in passenger cars
• The 28V version is suitable for testing 24V electrical systems in commercial vehicles/trucks

External Relay/Contactor Drive

• Remotely control large external contactors and relays via PXI
• Enable programmable control of the power path to the device under test (DUT) from the test system

Power Path Switching (SPDT Version)

• The 40-181 provides SPDT switching contacts
• Allows switching between two power sources or two loads
• Suitable for power redundancy testing and fault injection environments

Multi-Channel Parallel Testing

• The 4-channel version (40–180) supports independent control of four high-current switches within a single PXI slot
• Suitable for multi-station parallel testing systems

Comparison of Models and Specifications

Power Capacity

Compatible Cases

• All standard PXI/PXIe hybrid chassis
• Pickering LXI modular chassis (e.g., 60-102B, 60-103B)
• We recommend using high-power PXI chassis that meet the thermal dissipation requirements for high current

Switch Specifications- PIL 40-180 Series

Software User Manual

The 40-180/181 Series utilizes Pickering’s unified PXI switch driver architecture

Driver Types

Supported Development Environments

National Instruments LabVIEW ( include LabVIEW RT ). National Instruments LabWindows/CVI. Microsoft Visual Studio（C/C++、C#、VB ). Python. MATLAB. NI VeriStand. NI Switch Executive. ( By IVI Driver ). Borland C++. ATEasy. TestStand.

Customization Services

Standard, off-the-shelf products rarely meet highly specialized technical requirements. To bridge this gap, our expert engineering team delivers comprehensive, built-to-order OEM and ODM customization services around your precise specifications. Whether you require customized frequency ranges, specialized triggering mechanisms, or tailor-made structural enclosures, we collaborate openly with you to build the ideal product. Our flexible engineering approach guarantees that your unique application goals are met without ever compromising our strict quality benchmarks.

Using:

• Automotive ECU Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) Testing
• Battery Management System (BMS) Testing
• High-Voltage Power Distribution Simulation for Electric Vehicles
• Simulation of Industrial Solenoid Valve/Contactor Control
• Power Distribution Unit (PDU) Testing
• Remote Switching Control of Electrical Load Banks

FAQs:

Q: What precautions should be taken when switching inductive loads (such as high-power motors or solenoid valves) on a 40-180 circuit board?

A:  

High-current inductive loads generate extremely high back electromotive force (arc) upon disconnection. Since the 40-180 is a mechanical relay (EMR), a freewheeling diode must be connected in parallel across the external load.

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Q: Why is my 40-180 board frequently failing when testing a truck's 24V system?

A: 

Note the voltage and current loss relationship. Different versions of the 40-180 series are available: the 40A version only supports a maximum of 14VDC (suitable for 12V passenger car systems); to test 24V systems such as trucks, a specific 20A/28VDC version (such as 40-180-111) must be selected. Using the 14VDC version to cut a 24V full-load current will cause arcing, directly burning out the relay.

Q: What are the special requirements for the PXI chassis when a large current flows through this board?

A: 

The 40-180 is a 2-slot PXI module. When the channels are fully loaded (e.g., all four 40A channels are closed simultaneously), significant Joule heating will occur due to internal contact resistance and external wiring. It is recommended to place it in the slot with the best fan cooling efficiency within a PXI chassis, and ensure the front and rear dust filters of the chassis are clean to guarantee unobstructed airflow.

Q: For a high current of 40A, what front-end wiring and connectors are recommended?

A: ​​​​​​​

Ordinary low-voltage, high-density connectors (such as DIN41612) cannot carry 40A of current. The 40-180 uses a dedicated high-current, heavy-duty connector socket. When customizing the wiring harness, sufficient wire diameter must be used (such as 8 AWG to 10 AWG silicone wire), and the cold-pressed terminals must be crimped securely; otherwise, high contact resistance will generate high temperatures in a short time, posing a safety hazard.

Contact Us

Ready to integrate reliable High 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 40-180 Series Power Board SPST solution for your application needs.