Building Complete Legacy Test Systems with Apex Waves

legacy test system

In need of obsolete test equipment for your system but don’t know where to start? There may be several reasons why you’re searching for a discontinued part, and finding each individual piece of equipment for your system can be an overwhelming process. One of the biggest concerns when dealing with legacy equipment is the fear of having to redesign an entire system just to integrate a new part. However, at Apex Waves, you can find specific modules, accessories, and other items to build a complete, fully integrated test system.

Apex Waves specializes in maintaining legacy test equipment, allowing you to build upon your existing infrastructure without starting from scratch. 

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How to Create an RF Signal Test Setup with NI Vector Signal Generators

Legacy test equipment

In order to produce intricate signal waveforms for RF signal testing, vector signal generators, or VSGs, are extremely useful instruments. Because they produce accurate signals for processing, they are essential to the testing and validation of radiofrequency systems.

In this article, we will teach you how to create a dependable RF signal test setup using National Instruments (NI) Vector Signal Generators (VSGs). Let’s dive into the steps that are necessary to set up and perform reliable RF signal testing!

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What Does PXI Stand for?

PXI, Legacy Test Equipment

PXI stands for PCI Extensions for Instrumentation. This technology builds upon the familiar PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) bus standard that’s a core part of many computers. In essence, PXI takes the proven technology of PCI and expands it specifically for the needs of test and measurement equipment. This creates a versatile platform for building customized measurement systems.

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What Is the Difference Between cDAQ and CRIO?

National Instruments (NI) offers two popular options for data acquisition and control: the CompactDAQ (cDAQ) and the CompactRIO (cRIO). While both excel in specific areas, understanding their core differences can help you to make an informed decision about which device will be most effective. This article will highlight the key distinctions between cDAQ and cRIO, exploring their processing capabilities, ideal applications, and customization options.

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What Is the Difference Between PXI and SCXI?

Person in lab using InstrumentStudio™, PXI Modular Instrument

The PXI (PCI eXtensions for Instrumentation) and SCXI (Switch, Control, and Measurement Systems) systems are modular platforms used in automated test and measurement applications. Both systems were created to optimize the integration of various test instruments. However, each module is designed with its own specialties and unique characteristics. In this guide, we will assess the main differences between PXI and SCXI, such as system compatibilities, software, and signal conditioning. Whether you’re an experienced engineer or new to using test equipment, understanding these differences will help you optimize your testing setups and achieve accurate results.

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Future-Proofing Your Test Systems: Strategies for Integrating National Instruments Technology into Legacy Environments

Test equipment in lab

Test systems’ efficacy and efficiency can have a significant impact in the ever-changing aerospace and defense industries, where accuracy and dependability are critical; however, several organizations struggle to run outdated test equipment that can’t keep up with the rapidly changing needs of technology. Antiquated systems might be incompatible with contemporary interfaces and protocols, reduce productivity, and raise maintenance costs, which means companies are now taking a step toward future-proofing their test systems and maintaining their competitiveness.

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Using ChatGPT-4 to Facilitate Communication Between LabVIEW and Python in Test Environments

Green Computer Circuit Board

The integration of many programming languages and tools is crucial in the dynamic landscape of test environments, especially in the aerospace and defense industries, to optimize efficiency and precision. Python, which is praised for its vast library and adaptability, and LabVIEW, a program  well-known for its graphical programming capabilities, often need to function well together The solution is ChatGPT-4, an AI-powered application that can improve functionality and communication in test environments utilizing legacy National Instruments equipment by bridging the gap between these two potent languages.

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Introduction to Legacy Test Equipment

legacy test equipment - woman working in lab

While technology is constantly evolving and innovation is the name of the game, one everlasting component remains a constant: test equipment. These steadfast tools quietly warrant the reliability and quality of products experimented with for decades. 

So, what exactly is legacy test equipment, and why is it important? In this article, we’ll discuss the ins and outs of test equipment, what industries it fits into, and how it may be relevant to you

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