The PXIe Platform from National Instruments offers an incredibly valuable toolset for test and measurement innovation. Its modular design allows the hardware to be mixed and matched into versatile configurations, achieving functionalities that would be impossible with a single standalone device.
As a result of this flexible modularity, there are certain NI model names that do not just refer to one device, but instead to multiple interconnected modules that are used together. One such device is the PXIe-5673E Vector Signal Generator, which is actually a combination of three devices; the PXIe-5611 IQ Modulator, the PXIe-5450 (or PXIe-5451) Waveform Generator, and the PXIe-5650 (or PXIe-5651/PXIe-5652) LO Source. This combined unit provides a wide bandwidth for frequency measurements that range from 50 MHz to 6.6 GHz and boasts 512 MB of memory. The PXIe-5673E is an excellent choice for a wide range of test and measurement applications, and in this post we will explore how to use a spectrum analyzer in conjunction with an RF signal generator by using both the PXIe-5673E Vector Signal Generator and the PXIe-5646R Vector Signal Transceiver.
Why use a Spectrum Analyzer with an RF Signal Generator?
Using these devices together broadens the horizons of RF engineering and testing applications, allowing for enhanced signal verification and integrity. This powerful combination of parts makes it easier to measure system characteristics (such as channel bandwidth or transmitter power), evaluate the performance of filters during component testing, and analyze the patterns and gains of antennas.
These capabilities are incredibly beneficial for research and development, assisting technicians and engineers with developing new signal processing algorithms or wireless communication technologies.
Let’s walk through how to operate both the hardware and software of the PXIe-5673E and the PXIe-5646R in order to effectively use a Spectrum Analyzer with an RF Signal Generator.
Utilizing the PXIe-5673E and the PXIe-5646R
The first step is to open the NI MAX software on your PC and navigate to “Devices and Interfaces”. From here, expand the NI PXIe-1078 section and select PXIe-5611. Under Associated Devices, locate “AWG” and set it to PXIe-5450. The next step is to configure the LO to PXIe-5652, and then select “Save” (located in the top bar). The NI PXIe-5673E should now be listed under the PXIe-1078 section in the left panel.
Navigating to the top bar of the screen, you will then need to open the RFSG Soft Front Panel from the top bar. Once it opens, select ”Device/System”, and a menu will appear. From this menu, select “Calibration” and then navigate to “Self-Calibration”. When prompted, this action is confirmed by clicking “Yes”.
Once the calibration is complete, navigate to NI PXIe-5646R in the left panel and open the RFSA Soft Front Panel. Both soft panels should now be open side by side. On the PXIe-5673E soft panel, enable the RF output. You should then observe a signal spike on the PXIe-5646R soft panel.
Next, set the frequency to 5.9 GHz on the PXIe-5673E and match the same frequency on the PXIe-5646R in order to adjust the center frequency. With the spectrum analyzer, you will need to specify the frequency range of interest.
After following these steps, you should now be ready to use your spectrum analyzer with an RF signal generator! If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us at support@apexwaves.com. Apex Waves is your leading supplier for legacy test equipment. Whether you’re looking for an obsolete part or you’re hoping to sell your surplus, we’ve got you covered.
