How to Connect Signals to the PXI/PXIe-2532B

Several terminal blocks are available for the PXI/PXIe-2532B

• TB-2640B: 4x128 1-Wire
• TB-2641B: 8x64 1-Wire
• TB-2642B: 16x32 1-Wire
• TB-2643B: Dual 4x64 1-Wire, 4x64 2-Wire
• TB-2644B: Dual 8x32 1-Wire, 8x32 2-Wire
• TB-2645B: Dual 16x16 1-Wire, 16x16 2-Wire
• TB-2646B: Quad 4x32 1-Wire, Dual 4x32 2-Wire

NOTE: Each terminal block can be ordered with or without column protection. This is used to minimize relay damage caused by inrush current and prolong relay life. To provide column protection, the 0 ohm resistor that is placed in series with each column is replaced by a 100 Ohm resistor on the terminal block.

Figure 1 below shows an example of the TB-2640B Terminal Blocks with the components labeled accordingly. 

Figure 1: NI TB-2640B Terminal Block

To expand your matrix size to include a larger number of columns, the PXI/PXIe-2532B has row expansion cables and connectors to make this easier. The 16-Pin Row Expansion Cable (part # 782426-01), allows you to connect rows of two adjacent PXI/PXIe-2532B terminal blocks to expand the number of columns available. Since each terminal block offers two row connection headers, multiple terminal blocks can be connected to create larger matrices.

 Figure 2 below show matrix expansion with 3 PXI/PXIe-2532B's using the TB-2640B to create a 4x384 matrix.

Figure 2: PXI/PXIe-2532B Matrix Expansion

PXI/PXIe-2532B terminal blocks provide ribbon cable headers for column and row connection. Depending on the terminal block used, the location and number of ribbon cable column connectors will change. For more information see the most current NI Switches Help or the relevant Terminal Block Installation Instructions.  

Figure 3 below shows an example of the TB-2640B Terminal Blocks with the connector locations labeled accordingly. 

Figure 3: NI TB-2640B Terminal Block Signal Connections

Tables 1 and 2 below show the recommended ribbon cables for use in 100 V and 60 V applications.

Table 1: NI TB-2640B 100 V Accessories

Table 2: NI TB-2640B 60 V Accessories

To connect signals to any PXI/PXIe-2532 terminal blocks, simply connect your cable assembly to the column and row headers as shown in Figure 4 below.

Figure 4: Ribbon Cable Placement in NI 2532B Terminal Block

The NI SCB-264X is a shielded connector block to interface individual low voltage (<60 V) signal wires to the rows and columns of the NI PXI/PXIe-2532B matrix. The NI SCB-264X has five ribbon cable connectors for connecting to all NI TB-264XB terminal blocks, and screw terminals for connecting signals. The NI SCB-264X supports all NI PXI/PXIe-2532B topologies that are configured with the NI TB-264XB. The NI SCB-264X can be used alone, or it can be rack-mounted using the included DIN rail-mounting kit.

Note: References to the NI TB-264XB in this document do not include the NI TB-2645B. The NI TB-2645B is not compatible with the NI SCB-264X.

To connect the SCX-264X to any PXI/PXIe-2532B terminal blocks use either the Row and column cable kit for the NI TB-264XB terminal blocks (60 V), part# 779346-01, or the Row and column cable kit for the NI TB-264XB terminal blocks (100 V), part# 782427-01.

For more information on how to connect your low voltage signals to the SCB-264X, reference the NI SCB-264X Installation Instructions.

Virginia Panel has been an important player in mass interconnect solutions for over 40 years with a high degree of reliability. They offer a wide range of options for the PXI/PXIe-2532B.

MAC Panel also provides configurable mass interconnect solutions offering PCB or short wire interconnections for your PXI/PXIe test system.  There are several options available for the PXI/PXIe-2532B that accommodate it's various topologies.

• KnowledgeBase: Changes in Ribbon Cable Connections for the NI 2532B
• KnowledgeBase: Differences and Similarities between the NI 2532 and the NI 2532B
• Main Page: NI Switches Cable and Accessory Compatibility
• Matrix Switch Modules: Switches Cable and Accessory Compatibility
• NI Switch Mating Connectors for Custom Solutions or Cables
• How to Connect Signals to an NI Switch