The National Instruments 780587-42, also known as the PXIe-2542, is a Quad 2x1 RF Relay Module engineered for efficient RF signal routing in production test environments. This module incorporates advanced solid-state relays, delivering an extended mechanical lifetime and rapid switching capabilities, making it ideal for high-performance applications. Featuring front-mounted SMA connectors, the 780587-42 facilitates straightforward connections to RF devices. Each COM line and channel is terminated to minimize RF signal reflections and safeguard connected instruments.

Supporting AC coupling, this module operates with a minimum input frequency of 10 MHz and maintains a characteristic impedance of 50 Ω. It accommodates a maximum safe DC input voltage of ±8V and can handle continuous RF power levels up to +30 dBm with the chassis powered on, and +20 dBm when powered off. The insertion loss is optimized, measuring less than 3.7 dB across 2.4 GHz, under 4.8 dB up to 6 GHz, and below 6.1 dB at 6.6 GHz, ensuring effective signal transmission with a minimal thermal coefficient (α = 1,112 ppm/°C). Frequency flatness remains within 0.15 dB for 200 MHz and 0.50 dB for 1 GHz up to 5 GHz. Moreover, the Voltage Standing Wave Ratio (VSWR) is consistently below 1.6 at 2.4 GHz, below 1.7 at 3.5 GHz, and maintains below 1.6 at 6 GHz, thereby mitigating signal reflection.

The relay operates typically in 1 ms, with a maximum time of 3.3 ms and supports simultaneous driving of up to 90 relays. Its mechanical relay life expectancy is approximately 1 × 10^8 cycles, while electrical relay life varies between 2.5 × 10^6 cycles at low power and 1 × 10^5 cycles at elevated power conditions. The trigger configuration includes PXI trigger lines for input and output triggers, with a minimum pulse width of 150 ns for inputs and selectable output pulse widths ranging from 1 µs to 62 µs. The physical unit includes 12 SMA female jacks and is designed to fit within a PXI or PXI Express chassis that meets specific power requirements. Compactly built with dimensions of 21.6 cm × 2.0 cm × 13.0 cm and weighing 553 g, the NI 780587-42 operates efficiently within an indoor temperature range of 0 °C to 55 °C and a storage range from -40 °C to 71 °C, showcasing its robust versatility for reliable industrial applications.