The Matrix Topology

A matrix is a flexible topology that can connect multiple inputs to multiple outputs organized as columns and rows. You can connect any column to any number of rows and any row to any number of columns. Refer to the NI Switches Help for more information about matrix topologies.

The Matrix Schematic

On a matrix schematic, row-column cross-points represent potential connections on the switch device. For visibility, the NI-SWITCH SFP displays each connection and its associated connection route on the matrix schematic in a different color. For a channel with multiple connections, the NI-SWITCH SFP displays all of the connections and their associated connection routes in the same color. Refer to row 0 (r0) of the following schematic for an example of a matrix channel with multiple connections.

Note  You can resize the SFP window to see more channels.

Make a Matrix Connection

Click a row-column cross-point to make a connection on the matrix. To break a connection, simply click the connection again. The NI-SWITCH SFP makes the appropriate connect/disconnect calls to the driver.

The Matrix Schematic for NI SwitchBlock Devices

You can also use the NI-SWITCH SFP to connect channels on different cards in an NI SwitchBlock multicard device or between multiple NI SwitchBlock devices. Refer to the following instructions for making connections to NI SwitchBlock devices in the NI-SWITCH SFP.

Connecting Channels Within an NI SwitchBlock Multicard Device

You can connect channels between cards in a multicard device by connecting the same analog bus channel to the corresponding row on each card.

Note  You can select which card to view in the schematic from the Card drop-down list.

The following schematic shows a connection between a row and column on the same card (card1r1 to c33 on card 1), and connections between channels on multiple cards in the same device through an analog bus line (row 0 connected to ab0 on both cards).

The following schematic shows the connections required on card 2 of the previously mentioned multicard device to connect c82 on card 2 to c34 on card 1. The relay between row 0 and ab0 is closed on both cards.

Connecting Channels Between Multiple NI SwitchBlock Devices

You can use the NI-SWITCH SFP to enable sharing of an analog bus line and connect signals between multiple NI SwitchBlock devices in the same carrier or in adjacent carriers connected by the NI 2806 expansion bridge. Complete the following procedure to connect signals between multiple NI SwitchBlock devices in the NI-SWITCH SFP.

1. Determine which devices you would like to share an analog bus line.
2. In the Schematic tab, select one of the devices from the Device list.
3. Launch the Options dialog box (File»Options).
4. Click the Analog Bus tab in the Options dialog box.
5. Select the checkbox for the analog bus line that the device will share, then click OK.
6. In the Schematic tab, close the ab relay for the channel that corresponds to the shared analog bus line.
7. In the Schematic tab, make any additional connections to connect the desired end terminal on the device to the channel that you connected to the analog bus line in step 6.
8. Repeat steps 2-7 for each device you would like to share the analog bus line.

Refer to the NI Switches Help for additional information about the use of the analog bus in NI SwitchBlock carriers.