What is the dynamic range vs. frequency of the NI PXI-2593?

[AutoLab]

We need a dynamic range of 95 dBs for DC to 30 MHz (where the signal is not distorted by the switch) for our switching application. We have checked the specification of the module and it is not shown or unclear on this item.

[Jack_A.]

I believe the spec that you are looking for is referred to as insertion loss rather than dynamic range. Insertion loss tells us how much of the input signal is lost during the transmission through the switch's path.

Here's a link to the full specification sheet for the PXI-2593:
http://digital.ni.com/manuals.nsf/websearch/24728BE229C6ACB586256DB4004F4F5B?OpenDocument&node=12576_US

Figure 1 shows the typical insertion loss for both 8x1 and 16x1 operating modes. From looking at this graph, the insertion loss from DC to 30MHz looks to be just less than -0.25dB for both modes.

Hope this helps.
Jack A.

[Guy Ferraro]

The PXI-2593 uses electromechanical armature relays, providing a passive signal path, and therefore do not affect limit the dynamic range of the signal. Dynamic range is generally not specified in switches.

The major consideration is insertion loss. (See JackA message)
For the noise floor, we have inserted the PXI-2593 between a digitizer and a signal generator and measured dBm. We took 2 screen shots. One with the 2593, one without. The screenshots show the effect of the 2593 on the dynamic range of a 10 MHz signal and should not change much for 30 MHz. The dynamic range remains around -120dBm. We probably couldn't guarantee these measurements because the noise pickup will be dependent on chassis model, controller, card loading, and cabling.