Testing software major NI has introduced the second-generation vector signal transceiver (VST) tagged as the NI PXIe-5840 module.
It will be a one-of-its-kind 1 GHz bandwidth VST dedicated to resolve issues related to RF design and test applications.
“NI redefined instrumentation in 2012 by introducing the industry’s first VST with an FPGA programmable by LabVIEW to accelerate the pace of design and lower the cost of test,” said Olga Yashkova, program manager, Communications Test and Measurement Practice, Frost & Sullivan.
The product integrates a 6.5 GHz RF vector signal generator, a 6.5 GHz vector signal analyzer, a high-performance user-programmable FPGA and a high-speed serial and parallel digital interface into a single 2-slot PXI Express module.
The device can be used for a variety of applications including 802.11ac/ax device testing, mobile/Internet of Things device testing, 5G design and testing, RFIC testing, radar prototyping and more and comes with 1 GHz bandwidth.
“Using the intuitive LabVIEW system design software, engineers can transform the VST into exactly what they need it to be at the firmware level and ultimately address the most demanding test and measurement challenges,” said Charles Schroeder, vice president, Product Marketing, RF, NI.
Features of NI PXIe-5840 module
# 1 GHz of instantaneous bandwidth for advanced digital pre-distortion (DPD) test and wideband signals such as radar, LTE-Advanced Pro and 5G
# Measurement accuracy that can work with 802.11ax Error Vector Magnitude (EVM) performance of -50 dB
# Measurement speeds ten times that of conventional FPGA-based measurement acceleration and highly optimized measurement software
# Compact and packed with synchronization allowing 8×8 multiple input, multiple output (MIMO) configuration in a single 18-slot chassis
# User-programmable FPGA which can be designed on LabVIEW
“With the VST and FPGA programmable by LabVIEW, we were able to rapidly emulate a wide range of diverse scenarios, thus influencing safety and reliability aspects in autonomous driving,” said Niels Koch, Component Owner, Radar Systems at Audi AG.
VST will be a major segment of the NI platform claiming to result in smarter test systems.
Having more than 600 PXI products ranging from DC to mmWave, the device showcases high-throughput data movement using PCI Express Gen 3 bus interfaces and sub-nanosecond synchronization with integrated timing and triggering.
Also, user-friendly LabVIEW and NI TestStand software environments, an ecosystem of partners, add-on IP and applications engineers etc will lessen the cost of test enabling fast marketing, claims the group.
Vina Krishnan
editor@telecomlead.com
