NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS PXIe-5673E PXI Vector Signal Generators Instruction Manual

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PXI Vector Signal Generators

PXI Vector Signal Generators

PXI-5670, PXI-5671, PXIe-5672, and PXIe-5673E

• Software: Includes interactive soft front panel, API support for LabVIEW and text-based languages, shipping examples, and detailed help files
• Frequency measurement ranges from 250kHz to 20 GHz
• Up to 100 MHz instantaneous bandwidth
• Maximum output power of +10dBm
• Up to 2 GB onboard memory
• Up to 200 µs sweep tuning speed or frequency resolution of < 1 Hz at ≤ 1.3 GHz

Built for Automated Test and Measurement
PXI Vector Signal Generators (VSGs) deliver the functionality of RF signal generators to the modular, compact PXI form factor. The PXI RF Analog Signal Generators support frequency ranges from 250 kHz to 20 GHz. PXI VSGs support quadrature digital  upconversion, which reduces waveform download and signal generation time, as well as stream-to-disk capabilities. These modules offer custom and standard modulation, as well as the ability to generate communications standards formats such as GPS,  WCDMA, DVB-H, and more. The power and flexibility of these modules make them ideal for use in scientific research, communications, consumer electronics, aerospace/defense, and semiconductor test applications as well as for areas such as software-defined radio, radio-frequency identification (RFID), and wireless sensor networks.
NI’s RF signal generator portfolio is highlighted by the PXIe-5673E, which provides up to 6.6 GHz instantaneous bandwidth. With stream‑from‑disk capabilities, the PXIe-5673E can generate continuous waveforms that are up to several terabytes in length.

Table 1. NI offers RF Signal Generators ranging from low-cost RF Analog Signal Generator options to wide bandwidth RF Vector Signal Generators

| PXI-5670| PXI-5671| PXI-5671| PXIe-5673E
---|---|---|---|---
Description| Vector Signal
Generator| Vector Signal
Generator| Vector Signal
Generator| Vector Signal
Generator
Frequency Range| 250 kHz to 2.7 GHz| 250 kHz to 2.7 GHz| 250 kHz to 2.7 GHz| 50 MHz to 6.6 GHz
Instantaneous Bandwidth| 20 MHz| 20 MHz| 20 MHz| 100 MHz
Output Noise Floor at 0dB unless noted| -120 dBm/Hz| -120 dBm/Hz| -120 dBm/Hz| -141 dBm/Hz
Amplitude Accuracy| ± 0.7 dB| ± 0.7 dB| ± 0.7 dB| ±0.75 dB
Maximum Output| +10 dBm| +10 dBm| +10 dBm| +10 dBm
Phase Noise| -95 dBc/Hz| -95 dBc/Hz| -95 dBc/Hz| -112 dBc/Hz
Tuning Speed| 35 ms CW
4.2 s AWG| 35 ms CW
4.2 s AWG| 3 ms AWG| 6.5 ms
Modulation Capabilities| Vector Modulation| Vector Modulation| Vector Modulation| Vector Modulation
RF List Mode| N/A| N/A| N/A| ●
Number of PXI Slots| 3| 3| 3| 4

Detailed View of PXIe-5673E Vector Signal Generator

Key Features

Excellent RF Performance
Using a PXIe-5673/5673E, you can generate a variety of signals with significant accuracy. A combination of excellent dynamic range and low phase noise yields high-performance signal generation for higherorder modulation schemes such as 4096 QAM. In addition, the wide bandwidth of the PXIe-5673 combined with high-performance image rejection enables generation of modulated signals at high symbol rates. As shown in Figure 1, a loopback configuration with the PXIe-5673 and PXIe-5663 yields a typical EVM (RMS) measurement of 0.5 percent (1250 symbols, software equalization disabled).

Multi-Channel Synchronization
The flexible architecture of a PXIe-5673E VSG enables multiple instruments to share a common start trigger, reference clock, and even an LO. As a result, you can synchronize up to four PXIe-5673/5673E VSGs in a single 18-slot PXI chassis for phase-coherent  signal generation. A typical configuration of two synchronized generators is shown in Figure 2. With up to four channels of synchronized RF signal generation, you can easily address MIMO and beamforming applications.

Figure 2. Simplified block diagram of synchronized PXI Vector Signal Generators

Support for RF List Mode
The NI VSG provides list mode support for fast and deterministic RF configuration changes. You supply a configuration list, and the RF modules proceed through the list without additional interaction with the host system and driver, making the configuration  changes deterministic. Figure 3 illustrates this determinism with a single tone at 1 GHz stepping through six power levels in 7 dB steps, starting with -10 dBm and ending with -45 dBm and having a 500 μs dwell time specified for each step. Analysis was  performed using the PXIe-5663E vector signal analyzer (VSA).

RF Record and Playback
You can combine a PXI VSG with a PXI VSA for record and playback applications. Using a 2 TB redundant array of inexpensive disks (RAID) volume, you can continuously generate up to 100 MHz (400 MB/s) for more than 1.5 hours. In this application, a PXIe- 5663/5663E VSA records up to two hours of continuous RF signal, and the data is stored as a binary file on a RAID volume. The PXIe-5673/5673E then streams recorded waveforms from disk. In addition to recorded waveforms, you can use streaming technology to generate large simulated waveforms.

NI-RFSG Soft Front Panel

The NI-RFSG driver software includes an interactive soft front panel for full out-of-the-box functionality.
This interactive soft front panel allows you to quickly generate RF continuous wave (CW) or modulated signals. You can open multiple instances for multiple instruments in a system. In addition, you can load I/Q waveforms, save and recall setups, preview data  that is loaded onto the VSG, and sweep levels or frequencies using RF list mode. The soft front panel also features built-in modulation schemes such as AM, FM, and PM. In addition, you can reset, calibrate, and self-test the instrument during troubleshooting, and you can enable a Debug Driver Session to monitor and debug the instrument during automated measurements.

NI-RFSG Application Programming Interface (API)

In addition to the soft front panel, the NI-RFSG driver includes a signal generation API that works with a variety of development options such as LabVIEW, C, C#, and others. The driver also provides access to help files, documentation, and dozens of ready-to- run shipping examples you can use as a starting point for your application.

Platform-Based Approach to Test and Measurement

What Is PXI?
Powered by software, PXI is a rugged PC-based platform for measurement and automation systems. PXI combines PCI electrical-bus features with the modular, Eurocard packaging of CompactPCI and then adds specialized synchronization buses and key  software features. PXI is both a high-performance and low-cost deployment platform for applications such as manufacturing test, military and aerospace, machine monitoring, automotive, and industrial test. Developed in 1997 and launched in 1998, PXI is an open industry standard governed by the PXI Systems Alliance (PXISA), a group of more than 70 companies chartered to promote the PXI standard, ensure interoperability, and maintain the PXI specification.

Integrating the Latest Commercial Technology
By leveraging the latest commercial technology for our products, we can continually deliver highperformance and high-quality products to our users at a competitive price. The latest PCI Express Gen 3 switches deliver higher data throughput, the latest Intel multicore processors facilitate faster and more efficient parallel (multisite) testing, the latest FPGAs from Xilinx help to push signal processing algorithms to the edge to accelerate measurements, and the latest data converters from TI and ADI continually increase the measurement range and performance of our instrumentation.

PXI Instrumentation

NI offers more than 600 different PXI modules ranging from DC to mmWave. Because PXI is an open industry standard, nearly 1,500 products are available from more than 70 different instrument vendors.
With standard processing and control functions designated to a controller, PXI instruments need to contain only the actual instrumentation circuitry, which provides effective performance in a small footprint.
Combined with a chassis and controller, PXI systems feature high-throughput data movement using PCI Express bus interfaces and sub-nanosecond synchronization with integrated timing and triggering.

| Oscilloscopes
Sample at speeds up to 12.5 GS/s with 5 GHz of analog  bandwidth, featuring numerous triggering modes and  deep onboard memory| | Digital Multimeters
Perform voltage (up to 1000 V), current (up to 3A),  resistance, inductance, capacitance, and frequency/period  measurements, as well as diode tests
---|---|---|---
| Digital Instruments
Perform characterization and production test of  semiconductordevices with timing sets and perchannel  pin parametric measurement unit (PPMU)| | Waveform Generators
Generate standard functions including sine, square, triangle,  and ramp as well as user-defined, arbitrary  waveforms
| Frequency Counters
Perform counter timer tasks suchas event counting and  encoder position, period, pulse, and frequency  measurements| | Source Measure Units
Combine high-precision source and measure capability with  high channel density, deterministic hardware sequencing,  and SourceAdapt transient optimization
| Power Supplies & Loads
Supply programmable DC power, with some modules  including isolated channels, output disconnect functionality, and remote sense| | FlexRIO Custom Instruments & Processing
Provide high-performance I/O  and powerful FPGAs for applications that require more than  standard instruments can offer
| Switches (Matrix & MUX)
Feature a variety of relay types and row/column  configurations to simplify wiring in automated test systems| | Vector Signal Transceivers
Combine a vector signal generator and vector signal analyzer  with FPGA-based, real-time signal processing and  control
| GPIB, Serial, & Ethernet
Integrate non-PXI instruments into a PXI system  through various instrument control interfaces| | Data Acquisition Modules
Provide a mix of analog I/O, digital I/O, counter/timer, and  trigger functionality for measuring electrical or physical  phenomena

Hardware Services

All NI hardware includes a one-year warranty for basic repair coverage, and calibration in adherence to NI specifications prior to shipment. PXI systems also include basic assembly and a functional test. NI offers additional entitlements to improve uptime and  lower maintenance costs with service programs for hardware. Learn more at ni.com/services/hardware.

| Standard| Premium| Description
---|---|---|---
Program Duration| 3 or 5 years| 3 or 5 years| Length of service program
xtended Repair Coverage| ●| ●| NI restores your device’s functionality and includes firmware updates and factory calibration.
System Configuration, Assembly,  and Test1| ●| ●| NI technicians assemble, install software in, and test your system per your custom configuration prior to shipment.
Advanced Replacement2| | ●| NI stocks replacement hardware that can be shipped immediately if a repair is needed.
System Return Material Authorization (RMA)1| | ●| NI accepts the delivery of fully assembled systems when performing repair services.
Calibration Plan (Optional)| Standard| Expedited| NI performs the requested level of calibration at the specified calibration
interval for the duration of the service program.

1This option is only available for PXI, CompactRIO, and CompactDAQ systems.
2This option is not available for all products in all countries. Contact your local NI sales engineer to confirm availability.
3Expedited calibration only includes traceable levels.

PremiumPlus Service Program
NI can customize the offerings listed above, or offer additional entitlements such as on-site calibration, custom sparing, and life-cycle services through a PremiumPlus Service Program. Contact your NI sales representative to learn more.

Technical Support
Every NI system includes a 30-day trial for phone and e-mail support from NI engineers, which can be extended through a Software Service Program (SSP) membership. NI has more than 400 support engineers available around the globe to provide local  support in more than 30 languages. Additionally, take advantage of NI’s award winning online resources and communities.

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PXI Vector Signal Generators

References

• Test and Measurement Systems, a part of Emerson - NI
• Product Documentation - NI
• Hardware Services - NI
• NI Driver Downloads - NI
• Test and Measurement Systems, a part of Emerson - NI
• NI Community - National Instruments
• What Are PXI Digital Pattern Instruments? - NI
• What Are PXI Digital Multimeters? - NI
• What Are PXI Oscilloscopes? - NI
• What are PXI Source Measure Units (SMUs)? - NI
• What Are PXI Switches? - NI
• FlexRIO Custom Instruments and Processing - NI
• Frequency Counters - NI
• GPIB, Serial, and Ethernet - NI
• Multifunction I/O - NI
• Multifunction I/O - NI
• Power Supplies and Loads - NI
• Waveform Generators - NI
• What Is a PXI Vector Signal Transceiver? - NI
• PXI-5670 - NI
• PXI-5671 - NI
• PXIe-5672 - NI
• PXIe-5673E - NI
• Product Documentation - NI
• Hardware Services - NI
• Software Services - NI
• Support - NI
• PXI-5671 National Instruments Vector Signal Generator | Apex Waves

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