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.