{"id":1891,"date":"2024-07-01T07:48:12","date_gmt":"2024-07-01T07:48:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/35.94.173.37\/blog\/?p=1891"},"modified":"2024-11-12T05:00:46","modified_gmt":"2024-11-12T05:00:46","slug":"the-powerful-performance-of-nis-newest-3-in-1-pxi-instrument","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.apexwaves.com\/blog\/the-powerful-performance-of-nis-newest-3-in-1-pxi-instrument\/","title":{"rendered":"The Powerful Performance of NI\u2019s Newest 3-In-1 PXI Instrument"},"content":{"rendered":"

Collaboration is key with the modular PXI series from National Instruments (NI). While some test and measurement scenarios require multiple testing stations, the PXI platform allows compatible modules to be effortlessly connected. The result? Versatile capabilities from a single interconnected instrument.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n

In\u00a0a recent webinar<\/a>, the team at\u00a0NI<\/strong>\u00a0showcased their newest\u00a03-in-1 PXI instrument<\/strong>, which is made by connecting the\u00a0PXIe-5633 Vector Network Analyzer<\/strong>\u00a0with the\u00a0PXIe-5842 Vector Signal Transceiver.<\/strong>\u00a0When working together, these powerhouse modules create an all-in-one tool that functions as an\u00a0RF Signal Analyzer<\/strong>, an\u00a0RF Signal Generator<\/strong>, and a\u00a0PXI VNA Instrument.<\/strong>\u00a0In this post, we will take a look at the features of the individual modules that make up this unique instrument and take a look at the features that come from combining the two.<\/p>\n

PXIe Modules<\/a>\u00a0That are Better Together<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The\u00a0PXIe-5842 Vector Signal Transceiver<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Described as the \u201cmost versatile PXI VST in the industry<\/em>\u201d, the\u00a0PXIe-5842\u00a0<\/strong>produces and analyzes signals with up to 2 GHz of instantaneous bandwidth. This versatile device is also incredibly scalable, fitting together with several additional modules in order to optimize testing workflows. The PXIe-5842 reaches its full potential when used in combination with other NI modules.<\/p>\n

Possible configurations include the\u00a0PXIe-5824 VST<\/strong>, which refers to the use of both the PXIe-5842 and the PXIe-5655; or the\u00a0PXIe-5824 with S-Parameters,\u00a0<\/strong>which pairs the PXIe-5824 with both the PXIe-5655 and the PXIe-5633.<\/p>\n

Shop National Instruments PXI Products\u00a0here<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

The\u00a0PXIe-5633 Vector Network Analyzer<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Equipped with a single slot, the PXIe-5633 combines the testing capabilities of a vector network analyzer (VNA) and a vector signal transceiver (VST) into a single handy model. Among the device\u2019s features are comprehensive vector analysis, de-embedding, and precise calibration (both automated and manual).<\/p>\n

S-parameter measurement<\/strong>s are crucial for thoroughly characterizing RF equipment, which is why pairing both of these modules is incredibly effective.\u00a0The PXIe-5633 serves as a one slot VNA add-on for the PXIe-5842, allowing both large and small signal testing to be narrowed down into\u00a0one test insertion<\/strong>. In addition, the PXIe-5633 offers two RF ports which are\u00a0bidirectional\u00a0<\/strong>and can cover up to 26.5 GHz when in VNA, VSA, or VSG mode. This device also offers support and compatibility with software including InstrumentStudio and RFmx.<\/p>\n

Testing Functionality with the 3-in-1 PXI Instrument<\/strong><\/h2>\n

When used together, the PXIe-5633 and the PXIe-5842 offer two different testing modes for VSG, VSA, and S-parameters.<\/p>\n

VST through VNA Mode<\/strong>: For 26.5 GHz measurements on common I\/O ports, the VST through VNA Mode uses through path signal conditioning, self-calibration, and driver abstraction- resulting in behavior and performance very similar to a VST. With this mode, both ports are bidirectional, meaning they can be used for both sourcing and measuring.<\/p>\n

VNA Mode<\/strong>: The VNA Mode for testing comes ready for system-level integration, offering a selection of dedicated onboard receivers and synthesizers that can be utilized for S-parameter testing. Some of the standout features of the VNA mode include low source harmonics, high dynamic range, and superb directivity. The two ports for S-parameter measurements are also auto-reversing.<\/p>\n

\"InstrumentStudio<\/figure>\n

Programming With the 3-in-1 PXI Instrument<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The combined modules of the 3-in-1 PXI Instrument provide an all-in-one programming environment that utilizes both\u00a0RFmx\u00a0<\/strong>and\u00a0InstrumentStudio<\/a><\/strong>. NI\u2019s RFmx is a collection of software programs that all work together with RF instrumentation for a wide range of applications, including IoT, aerospace, defense, and cellular connectivity. RFmx features a front panel that natively integrates within InstrumentStudio, boasting an easy-to-use interface with a familiar feel.<\/p>\n

This instrumentation makes configuring multiple composite measurements a breeze. Additionally,\u00a0debugging and monitoring automated tests\u00a0<\/strong>is made easy with real-time execution monitoring and interactive debug capabilities.<\/p>\n

Other useful programming features include the ability to save traces and results from measurements to file, and the fact that configurations between SFP and automation code can be saved and loaded.<\/p>\n

Bottom Line<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Combining the\u00a0PXIe-5842 VST<\/strong>\u00a0and the\u00a0PXIe-5633 VNA<\/strong>\u00a0results in unparalleled convenience for\u00a0VSA<\/strong>,\u00a0VSG<\/strong>, and\u00a0VNA\u00a0<\/strong>testing from one interconnected device. This 3-in-1 device eliminates the necessity of dual insertion test stations, opting instead for simple single insertion setups. The capabilities and features of the fully bidirectional testing for this combined instrument truly make it worthy of being called a leader in the industry.<\/p>\n

Apex Waves has the PXI parts you need to replicate the 3-in-1 functionality of this instrumentation! Request a quote today or email us at\u00a0sales@apexwaves.com<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Collaboration is key with the modular PXI series from National Instruments (NI). While some test and measurement scenarios require multiple testing stations, the PXI platform allows compatible modules to be effortlessly connected. The result? Versatile capabilities from a single interconnected instrument.\u00a0 In\u00a0a recent webinar, the team at\u00a0NI\u00a0showcased their newest\u00a03-in-1 PXI instrument, which is made by […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2783,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[8],"tags":[13,300,301,393,437,574,623,684,954,955],"class_list":["post-1891","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-national-instruments","tag-3-in-1-pxi-instrument","tag-instrumentation","tag-instrumentstudio","tag-national-instruments","tag-ni","tag-pxi","tag-pxie","tag-rfmx","tag-vector-network-analyzer","tag-vector-signal-transceiver"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.apexwaves.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1891","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.apexwaves.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.apexwaves.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.apexwaves.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.apexwaves.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1891"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.apexwaves.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1891\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1893,"href":"https:\/\/www.apexwaves.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1891\/revisions\/1893"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.apexwaves.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2783"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.apexwaves.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1891"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.apexwaves.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1891"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.apexwaves.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1891"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}