Programmable resistor using PXI-2530B or PXI-2575 or PXI-6363

[Angel22]

Hi All,

I am trying to see if i could use any of my cards to create a programmable resistor. I have the PXI-6363, PXI-2530B and PXI-2575. I want to be able to create a programmable resistor of value 1kOhms and 10kOhms. I would like to use this resistor for a battery simulation in a test process. I was wondering if any of these cards can do the job for me and maybe someone could point to me the right direction if possible.

Thanks,

Angel

[Aaron_W.]

Angel,

You have a multifunction DAQ card in the 6363, it has Analog Input, Analog Output and Digital I/O with counters in there as well. The 2530B (matrix) and 2575 (multiplexer) are switch cards. If you just need to change the resistance that you are using for your battery simulation between 1k and 10k, then you could use one of the switches to switch in some external resistors into the path.

There are some NI Programmable Resistors like the PXI-2722 that could give you what you want if switching in an external resistor won't work.

[Now_With_Underscores]

You could use the 2-wire multiplexer topologies on either the PXI-2575 or the PXI-2530... connect the common differential terminal to your DUT, then place each resistance value across one of the differential mux channels.  Using the multiplexer in this configuration isn't terribly efficient, but it'll work as long as you stay below the switch's maximum current/voltage limits.  Given the hardware you have, I recommend using the 2530 in the 2-wire quad 16x1 topology, which would allow you to create up to four programmable resistors.  Note that you can manually close multiple relays on a multiplexer at the same time using low level relay calls.  Note also that the 2530 can only close up to 64 relays simultaneously.  

For a concise programmable resistor topology, I recommend looking at the PXI-2725, because that's exactly what it's designed to do ;).