NI Vector Signal Transceivers

NI Vector Signal Transceivers combine signal generation, signal analysis, and FPGA processing in a modular test instrument. Commonly called VSTs, these devices let engineers stimulate a device under test and measure its response within one platform. Their integrated architecture supports RF characterization, wireless validation, production testing, and applications requiring tightly coordinated transmit and receive operations. For organizations maintaining established automated test systems, choosing the correct VST means matching both measurement requirements and the existing software environment.

The first-generation PXIe-564xR family includes the PXIe-5644R, PXIe-5645R, and PXIe-5646R. These models cover RF frequencies from 65 MHz to 6 GHz. The PXIe-5644R and PXIe-5645R provide 80 MHz of instantaneous bandwidth, while the PXIe-5646R increases that capability to 200 MHz. Their programmable FPGA architecture supports customized processing, triggering, and control, making these instruments relevant to specialized test sequences and established RF platforms.

Later families expand bandwidth and application coverage. The second-generation PXIe-5840 provides 1 GHz of instantaneous bandwidth and RF coverage up to 6 GHz. The PXIe-5841 offers configurations with up to 1 GHz bandwidth; part number 786982-01 identifies a 6 GHz, 1 GHz bandwidth configuration with both analysis and generation. The third-generation PXIe-5842 includes part number 789600-26211, a 26.5 GHz configuration with 2 GHz bandwidth and both functions. Other PXIe-5842 configurations offer different frequency and bandwidth options, so the complete ordering number matters.

Not every VST serves the same signal domain. The PXIe-5820 is a baseband instrument with 1 GHz complex I/Q bandwidth, while PXIe-5831 configurations extend RF testing into millimeter-wave bands. Frequency coverage identifies where an instrument operates; instantaneous bandwidth describes the signal span it can generate or acquire without retuning. Neither specification should be substituted for the other when comparing models.

Software is equally important. NI-RFSA and NI-RFSG provide acquisition and generation control, while compatible RFmx applications support measurements for general-purpose RF and wireless standards. Standard operation does not require developing custom FPGA code. Advanced customization depends on the VST generation, supported development tools, and the availability of appropriate FPGA extensions or libraries.

Typical measurements include output power, occupied bandwidth, adjacent channel power, and error vector magnitude. These results help engineers evaluate amplifiers, transceivers, and other RF components. Multichannel systems can also coordinate multiple instruments for MIMO testing, provided the selected hardware supports the required timing and local oscillator connections. A higher-performance replacement should still be validated against existing test limits and documented acceptance criteria before deployment.

Before selecting replacement hardware, check the PXI Express chassis, available slot space, cooling capacity, controller throughput, operating system, and driver versions. Review RF input limits, required cables, synchronization connections, and calibration documentation. Contact Apex Waves with the full model and part number, application requirements, and installed software versions to discuss suitable sourcing options.