National Instruments (NI), a leader in automated wireless test and measurement solutions, has introduced new options and extended capabilities for its third-generation PXI Vector Signal Transceiver (VST), the PXIe-5842.
This development promises to revolutionize testing and validation processes in the aerospace and defense industries while also catering to traditional RF functionalities like spectrum analysis, signal analysis, and signal generation.
In an ever-evolving landscape where cutting-edge radar, electronic warfare, and communication technologies are emerging, the demand for increased RF bandwidth, frequency agility, dynamic range, and digital data handling capabilities has surged.
NI’s VST3, the PXIe-5842, is poised to accelerate the development of the next generation of digitally integrated active Electronically Scanned Arrays (ESA) for applications in radar, SatCom, electronic warfare, as well as commercial wireless technologies such as Wi-Fi 7, 6G, Ultra-wideband (UWB), and Bluetooth.
Key features of the PXIe-5842 include:
Extended Frequency Coverage: The PXIe-5842 offers precise control over signal parameters with an expanded frequency coverage ranging from 30 MHz to 26.5 GHz.
Increased RF Bandwidth: Users can now benefit from up to 2 GHz of instantaneous RF bandwidth, meeting the requirements of even the most demanding applications.
Enhanced Local Oscillator (LO) Offset Mode: The upgraded LO offset mode comes with improved average noise density, ensuring higher precision in signal generation.
Digital and Analog Pulse Modulation: This version introduces digital and analog pulse modulation capabilities, further enhancing its flexibility.
High-speed Serial Interface: The PXIe-5842 boasts a 16-lane high-speed serial interface, enabling low-latency digital I/Q data streaming at rates up to 2 GHz IBW, with futureproofing for 4 GHz.
FPGA Co-processors Compatibility: When combined with PXI-based FPGA co-processors from NI, the VST3 can emulate RF environments or other RF devices for comprehensive system-level tests.
Luke Schreier, VP and GM of NI’s Aerospace, Defense, and Government Business, commented on these advancements: “The performance we have unlocked in this third-generation vector signal transceiver is critical to future-proofing your test capability, exploiting the insight that comes from rich test data, and architecting a truly software-centric approach to electromagnetic spectrum operations.”
These expanded capabilities further solidify the PXIe-5842’s reputation as a versatile tool for wireless product development. Its performance is tailored to support both laboratory design and validation applications, while its compact form factor and fast measurement speeds make it suitable for scaling into production test applications.
NI’s commitment to innovation and the continual evolution of their products positions them at the forefront of the industry, empowering customers to push the boundaries of technology and bring new solutions to the market.
