Astronics / EADS / Racal 1260-38 High Density Multiplexer Module

The Astronics 1260-38 is a high-density multiplexer module engineered for signal routing and switching in automated test equipment and complex measurement systems. This single-slot C-size VXI module supports configurable 1, 2, and 4-wire switching topologies, operating as sixteen independent 1×8 two-wire scanners or linked to construct multiplexers up to 1×256. It delivers switching performance with less than 5 ms maximum switching time, greater than 30 MHz bandwidth in 1×8 configuration, and isolation exceeding 45 dB at 10 MHz. The module handles 220/250 VDC or VAC at 2 A maximum, with mechanical reliability rated at 100,000,000 operations and 16,570 hours MTBF per MIL-HDBK-217E.

Technical Specifications Electrical Performance

Maximum switching: 220/250 VDC or VAC, 2 ADC or 2 AAC

Maximum switching power: 60 W, 125 VA

Path resistance (1×8, 2-wire): 10⁹ Ω

Thermal EMF (1×8, 2-wire): <15 µV

Channel-to-chassis capacitance (1×8): <5 pF

Insertion loss (1×8): <0.1 dB at 100 kHz

Crosstalk (1×8): 45 dB at 10 MHz

Bandwidth (1×8): >30 MHz Switching and Reliability

Maximum switching time: <5 ms (including settling)

Mechanical operations: 100,000,000 cycles

Rated operations at full load: 100,000 cycles

MTBF: 16,570 hours (MIL-HDBK-217E)

Relay coil current monitoring available Environmental

Operating temperature: 0–55 °C

Relative humidity: 85 ±5% non-condensing (<30 °C)

Operating altitude: up to 10,000 ft

Shock: 30 g, 11 ms, ½ sine wave

Vibration: 0.013 in pk-pk, 5–55 Hz

Key Features

Configurable as 1, 2, or 4-wire multiplexers

Supports one-wire scanning over 256 points with additional relay for high/low selection

Cascadable with other 1260-series modules for larger switching systems

Built-in 100 Ω series resistors to attenuate current and voltage spikes

Four-wire switching via parallel two-wire relay sections

Typical Applications

Continuity testing

Audio and telecommunications switching

General-purpose automated test equipment

Multi-channel signal routing and management

Compatibility & Integration The 1260-38 integrates into VXI instrumentation platforms as a standard C-size single-slot module, with expansion capability through cascading compatible 1260-series multiplexer modules.