Third generation vector signal transceiver has new options and extended capabilities
NI has announced new options and extended capabilities for its third generation PXI vector signal transceiver (VST), the PXIe-5842. The transceiver, when combined with the company’s software ecosystem, can be used to test and validate products in aerospace and defence applications while supporting traditional RF capabilities such as spectrum analysis, signal analysis, and signal generation.
The PXIe-5842 can be used to develop digitally integrated active electronically scanned arrays (ESA) for radar, satellite communications (SatCom) and electronic warfare applications as well as commercial wireless applications such as Wi-Fi 7, 6G, ultra-wideband (UWB) and Bluetooth.
It delivers precise control over signal parameters and real time analysis with its extended frequency coverage from 30MHz to 26.5GHz, said NI. Enhancements include up to 2GHz of instantaneous RF bandwidth and upgraded local oscillator offset mode with improved average noise density. This third generation version enables digital and analogue pulse modulation capabilities. Its 16-lane high speed serial interface enables low latency digital I/Q data streaming at rates up to the full 2GHz IBW of the instrument, with futureproofing to 4GHz. When combined with PXI-based FPGA co-processors from NI, the third generation VST can emulate RF environments or other RF devices for system level tests. These new capabilities are useful for generic RF testing, and aerospace and defence applications.
Luke Schreier, vice president and general manager of NI’s Aerospace, Defense and Government business, revealed: “The performance we have unlocked in this third-generation vector signal transceiver is critical to future-proofing . . . test capability, exploiting the insight that comes from rich test data, and architecting a truly software-centric approach to electromagnetic spectrum operations”.
The PXIe-5842 delivers the performance necessary to support lab design and validation applications and incorporates the fast measurement speed and small form factor required to scale into production test applications. Additional features include analysis- and generation-only options, baseband conditioning modes optimised for wide bandwidth or high dynamic range, what is claimed to be best in class EVM measurements and “excellent” phase noise performance, said NI.
The vector signal transceiver has high bandwidth digital RF data movement through high speed digital serial links to enable real time, closed loop signal processing as well as high bandwidth record to disk applications.
PXI modularity and scalability with excellent synchronisation, allowing up to four PXIe-5842 modules in one 18-slot PXIe chassis
The PXIe-5842 will be displayed at European Microwave Week, Berlin (19 to 21 September) booth #479-C.
