NI Introduces Second-Generation Vector Signal Transceiver

National Instruments (NI), a provider of platform-based systems, has introduced a second-generation vector signal transceiver (VST). The NI PXIe-5840 module is the world’s first 1GHz bandwidth VST and is designed to solve the most challenging RF design and test applications, the company states.

According to a company press release, the PXIe-5840’s main features include:

• 1GHz of instantaneous bandwidth for advanced digital pre-distortion (DPD) test and wideband signals such as radar, LTE-Advanced Pro and 5G;
• measurement accuracy that enables systems based on the second-generation VST to measure 802.11ac Error Vector Magnitude (EVM) performance of -50 dB;
• measurement speeds up to 10X faster than traditional instrumentation using FPGA-based measurement acceleration and highly optimized measurement software;
• small size and synchronization allowing for up to 8x8 multiple input, multiple output (MIMO) configuration in a single 18-slot chassis; and
• user-programmable FPGA that engineers can easily design with LabVIEW.

“Although engineers can use the second-generation VST to solve many advanced RF test applications right out of the box, its software-designed architecture enables engineers to uniquely customize the user-programmable FPGA,” said Charles Schroeder, vice president of Product Marketing, RF at NI. “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. This instrument is an unparalleled example of a product that delivers the RF performance required for traditional test and measurement and the flexibility of a software defined radio.”

For more information, visit NI.

Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company’s website.