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PXI Waveform Generators
ni.comContents
PXI Waveform Generators
Detailed View of PXIe-5433 Arbitrary Waveform Generator
Key Features
Software Overview
What is PXI?
PXI Instrumentation
Supporting Documentation
Configure a Custom NI System
NI Hardware Services

ni.comPXI Waveform Generators
PXIe-5413, PXIe-5423, PXIe-5433

Software: Includes InstrumentStudioᵀᴹ support forinteractive measurements, API support for LabVIEW andtext-based languages, shipping examples, and detailed help
files

Maximum ±12 V and minimum ±7.75 mV output ranges

One or two 16-bit channels updated at 800 MS/s with 20, 40,
and 80 MHz bandwidth

Waveform sequencing and streaming with a PCI Express x4
Gen 1 link

Up to 34 channels to build parallel, high-channel-countsystems in a single PXI chassis

The Right Waveform Generators for Your Automated Test System
The new PXIe-5413, PXIe-5423, and PXIe-5433 arbitrary waveform generators deliver -92 dB of spurious-free dynamic range and 435 fs
integrated system jitter while providing precise waveform adjustment when used with a dedicated standard waveform generation engine.
With a new fractional resampling architecture for arbitrary waveform generation, similar dynamic range and jitter performance are available
independent of your sample rate. You also benefit from the high-speed waveform streaming capabilities and multiple-instrument
synchronization synonymous with PXI.

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PXI Waveform Generators
PXIe-5413

PXIe-5423

PXIe-5433

20 MHz40 MHz80 MHzDAC Resolution; Update Rate

16-Bit; 800 MS/s

16-Bit; 800 MS/s

16-Bit; 800 MS/s

Maximum User-Programmable
Arbitrary Waveform

200 MS/s

200 MS/s

400 MS/s Filter On
250 MS/s Filter Off

Channels

1 or 2

1 or 2

1 or 2

Memory128 MB or 256 MB

128 MB or 256 MB

512 MB or 1 GB

Maximum Voltage±6 V into 50 Ω
±12 V into High-Z±6 V into 50 Ω
±12 V into High-Z±6 V into 50 Ω
±12 V into High-Z

Scripting

No

Yes

Yes

Streaming

No

Yes

Yes

Bandwidth

Table 1: NI offers waveform generators ranging from standard function generators to powerful arbitrary waveform generators capable of waveform streaming.

Detailed View of PXIe-5433 Arbitrary Waveform Generator

Timing andsynchronization
SMA connectivity forsignals up to 80 MHZ

Ability to stream
data through PCI
Express

Fractional resampling
method for exceptional
performance
Independent 16-Bit
800 MS/s DACs

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Key FeaturesPXI Express Waveform Generator Analog Performance
Modern engineering challenges require increasing signal fidelity and accuracy. PXIe-54x3 instruments use one or two independent, 16-bit
digital-to-analog converters (DACs) to generate signals with excellent sine wave flatness throughout the passband. The built-in digital filteringof these waveform generators provides pure, smooth signals with an option to forgo frequency-domain purity for faster rise times and timedomain signal behavior.

Sine Wave Flatness Performance
PXI Waveform Generators include flatness calibration that results in accurate sine wave performance to the full bandwidth of the device.
Whereas traditional devices often have a characteristic roll-off approaching the stated instrument bandwidth, PXIe-54x3 arbitrary waveformgenerators correct for the roll-off to provide consistent performance over frequency.

FIGURE 1
PXI Express waveform generators are designed to generate sine signals with very flat amplitude throughout the instruments’ passband.

Digital Filtering
The data path of PXI-54x3 arbitrary waveform generators features digital filtering designed to remove unwanted frequency images from thegenerated signal in arbitrary generation mode that is not available in other modes. With many arbitrary waveform generators, frequency
images of the generated signal occur at multiples of the programmed sample rate. When the filter is enabled, the bandwidth of the output
signal is limited and the images are removed, which results in purer, cleaner output signals. The only drawback is that the slew rate of any
substantial changes in signal amplitude is reduced because high-frequency components of the signal are removed. You can disable thefiltering so the high-frequency contents are included in the signal, which results in the output voltage changing as fast as possible between
samples in user-programmed waveforms.

Fractional Resampling
PXIe-54x3 arbitrary waveform generators output all waveforms, including standard and arbitrary waveforms, with a DAC update rate of 800
MS/s. An algorithm implemented on the Xilinx Kintex-7 FPGA is used to up sample user-defined arbitrary waveforms. The maximum rate
allowed for arbitrary waveforms uploaded to the PXIe-5413 and PXIe-5423 is 200 MS/s. The PXIe-5433 can accept user-defined waveforms
up to 400 MS/s when the digital filter is enabled and 250 MS/s when it is disabled. Increasing the sample rate in an arbitrary waveform can
improve the time-domain performance by delivering faster slew rates and smoother waveform behavior. Additional samples can significantly
improve frequency-domain purity by smoothing point-to-point transitions and eliminating frequency images.

Frequency List Output Mode
You can use Frequency List output mode to quickly step through a predefined list of frequency values of the standard function mode andcreate frequency hopping and sweeping. This helps you take the host software out of the process and allows you to advance the list by using
digital triggers or hardware-timed internal counters. The Frequency List output mode engine adjusts the frequency in a phase-continuous
manner. Because of this phase continuity, you can put together a sweep by creating a series of small steps with hardware counter timing.
Using this feature, you can significantly reduce the time of tests involving a series of standard function generations without having to create
arbitrary waveform sequences.

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Independent Generation Engines and Sequencing
When using PXI-54x3 arbitrary waveform generators, note that each channel has a separate generation engine producing the output signal.
This provides a distinct advantage over other 2-channel instruments that may have only one engine.
If an instrument has only one engine, its channels must share much of their configuration and execution. For example, the two channels of a
waveform generator with one engine would potentially need to share triggers, markers, and engine events. By having two separate engines in
the waveform generator, each channel can have its own configuration for triggers and markers and even waveform scripts. With the PXIe54x3 arbitrary waveform generators, only the reference clock source and specific hardware resources must be shared. For example, the two
engines must share the only external PFI trigger input, but PXI offers many internal system triggers, so engines don’t have to share those.
Most importantly, the channels of a waveform generator with two separate generation engines can start and stop generating signals
completely independently of one another. This feature can ultimately result in higher channel density or fewer PXI slots being used in a test
system. Some applications require multiple, independently operating channels. If your waveform generator does not have independent
generation engines, your application may require two devices and, therefore, two PXI slots.

Automated Test Features
The PXI instrumentation platform was created to provide automated test with fast data buses and multi-instrument triggering. The PXIe54x3 waveform generators expand on these built-in PXI features with independent generation engines in each multichannel instrument andthe Frequency List output mode for fast execution of frequency sweeps.

FIGURE 2
You can couple PXIe-54x3 waveform generators with any of NI’s 600 PXI modules or the 1,500 PXI modules available from nearly 60 vendors to make smarter test
systems.

Synchronization and Integration
NI oscilloscopes use the inherent timing and synchronization capabilities of the PXI platform to communicate with switches and other
instruments within the PXI chassis. Using the timing features of the PXI chassis and additional timing software, you can achieve
synchronization of <10 ps between channels of multiple oscilloscopes. NI oscilloscopes can also “handshake” with NI waveform generators bysending and receiving hardware-timed triggers over the PXI backplane, scanning through a list of frequencies in a scan list stored in memory
onboard the waveform generator. This method of scanning removes the software overhead associated with traditional scan lists and helps
you create a deterministic scan list for faster test execution with more repeatable timing.

FIGURE 3
Timing and synchronization between a waveform generator and oscilloscope.

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You also can implement the timing and synchronization of multiple instruments through NI-TClk. It aligns the sample clocks of multiple
instruments in a single chassis or across multiple chassis using a timing and control module to distribute the 10 MHz reference clock andtriggers from a master chassis to all worker chassis. Learn more about NI-TClk timing and synchronization.

Self-Calibration and Two-Year Guarenteed Specifications
NI waveform generators offer self-calibration, which is a unique feature that corrects for all DC gain and offset drifts within the instrument
using a precision analog-to-digital converter internal to the instrument. By using the self-calibration feature, you can make NI waveformgenerators highly accurate and stable at any operating temperature.

FIGURE 4
NI Self-Calibration

Performing self-calibration takes only a few minutes and requires no external calibrator, which minimizes the maintenance burden of
deployed systems. Visit ni.com to learn more about NI’s calibration services.

Software Overview
NI-FGEN Driver and Application Programming Interface (API)In addition to the soft front panel, the NI-FGEN driver includes a best-in-class API that works with a variety of development options such as
LabVIEW, C, C#, and others. To ensure long-term interoperability of waveform generators, the NI-FGEN driver API is the same API used forall past and current NI waveform generators. The driver also provides access to help files, documentation, and dozens of ready-to-run
shipping examples you can use as a starting point for your application.

FIGURE 5
Simple LabVIEW code helps you get started taking measurements using NI-FGEN.

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NI Software-The Right Tool for the Job
NI has a variety of software for engineers working on research, validation, and production test applications. Learn about our software thathelps engineers perform quick ad-hoc tests, build an automated test system, automate data analysis and reporting, develop test sequences,and more.

LabVIEW

DIAdemTestStand

Graphical programming environment thatengineers use to develop automatedresearch, validation, and production test
systems.

Data analytics software for measurement
data search, inspection, analysis, andautomated reporting.

Test executive software that accelerates
system development for engineers invalidation and production.

Acquire data from NI and third-party
hardware and communicate using
industry protocols
Use configurable, interactive display
elements
Take advantage of available analysis
functions

Display data in multiple 2D-axis
systems
Perform calculations with a simple
point-and-click interface
Automate your measurement data
analysis workflow, from import toanalysisCall and execute tests in LabVIEW,
Python, C/C++, or .NET
Conduct complex tasks, such asparallel testing
Create customer operator interfaces
and robust tools for deployment anddebugging

G Web

FlexLogger™

InstrumentStudio™

Development software that helps
engineers create web-based userinterfaces wihtout the need for traditional
web development skills.

No-code data acquisition software
engineers use to build validation andverification test applications.

Application software that simplifies setup
and configuration of NI PXI hardware

Data transfer APIs for connecting tosystems written in LabVIEW, Python,or C#
Pre-built objects for data display anduser input
Included hosting on SystemLink™
Cloud

ni.comInteractive visualization tools formonitoring tests with drag-and-drop
charts, graphs, and controls
Ability to set alarms that monitor
single channels or groups forunexpected behavior

Customizable layouts for monitoring
multiple instruments at once
Interactively debug in tandem with
code
TDMS file export containing
instrument settings, measurements,
and raw data

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What Is PXI?
A Platform Approach to Test and Measurement
Powered by software, PXI is a rugged PC-based platform for measurement and automation systems. PXI combines PCI electrical-bus
features with the modular, Eurocard packaging of CompactPCI and then adds specialized synchronization buses and key software features.
PXI is both a high-performance and low-cost deployment platform for applications such as manufacturing test, military and aerospace,machine monitoring, automotive, and industrial test. Developed in 1997 and launched in 1998, PXI is an open industry standard governed by
the PXI Systems Alliance (PXISA), a group of more than 70 companies chartered to promote the PXI standard, ensure interoperability, andmaintain the PXI specification.

Software

Timing and Synchronization

Test Management and Code Development
Code sequencing, database reporting, user
management, operator interface, parallel
execution, signal processing. LabVIEW,
C/C++, .NET, Python

PXI Chassis
PCI Express Gen 3 throughput up to 24 GB/s
sub-nanosecond latency, P2P streaming,
integrated triggering

Computer

InstrumentationPXI Embedded Controller
Windows and Real-Time OS options, Intel
Xeon processing, peripheral ports, display
output, integrated hard drive

PXI Modules
DC to mmWave, oscilloscope, programmablepower supply, switch/MUX, DMM, VSA, VSG,
VST, AWG, SMU, DAQ

Integrated with the Latest Commercial Technology
By leveraging the latest commercial technology for our products, we can continually deliver high performance and high-quality products toour users at a competitive price. The latest PCI Express Gen 3 switches deliver higher data throughput, the latest Intel multicore processors
facilitate faster and more efficient parallel (multisite) testing, the latest FPGAs from Xilinx help to push signal processing algorithms to theedge to accelerate measurements, and the latest data converters from TI and ADI continually increase the measurement range andperformance of our instrumentation.

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PXI Instrumentation
NI offers more than 600 different PXI modules ranging from DC to mmWave. Because PXI is an open industry standard, nearly 1,500
products are available from more than 70 different instrument vendors. With standard processing and control functions designated to acontroller, PXI instruments need to contain only the actual instrumentation circuitry, which provides effective performance in a small
footprint. Combined with a chassis and controller, PXI systems feature high-throughput data movement using PCI Express bus interfaces andsub-nanosecond synchronization with integrated timing and triggering.

ni.comOscilloscopes
Sample at speeds up to 12.5 GS/s with 5 GHz of
analog bandwidth, featuring numerous triggeringmodes and deep onboard memory

Digital Multimeters
Perform voltage (up to 1000 V), current (up to3A), resistance, inductance, capacitance, andfrequency/period measurements, as well as
diode tests

Digital Instruments
Perform characterization and production test of
semiconductor devices with timing sets and perchannel pin parametric measurement unit
(PPMU)

Waveform Generators
Generate standard functions including sine,
square, triangle, and ramp as well as userdefined, arbitrary waveforms

Frequency Counters
Perform counter timer tasks such as event
counting and encoder position, period, pulse,
and frequency measurements

Source Measure Units
Combine high-precision source and measurecapability with high channel density,
deterministic hardware sequencing, andSourceAdapt transient optimization

Power Supplies & Loads
Supply programmable DC power, with somemodules including isolated channels, output
disconnect functionality, and remote sense

FlexRIO Custom Instruments & Processing
Provide high-performance I/O and powerful
FPGAs for applications that require more thanstandard instruments can offer

Switches (Matrix & MUX)
Feature a variety of relay types and row/column
configurations to simplify wiring in automatedtest systems

Vector Signal Transceivers
Combine a vector signal generator and vector
signal analyzer with FPGA-based, real-time
signal processing and control

GPIB, Serial, & Ethernet
Integrate non-PXI instruments into a PXI systemthrough various instrument control interfaces

Data Acquisition Modules
Provide a mix of analog I/O, digital I/O,
counter/timer, and trigger functionality formeasuring electrical or physical phenomena

PXI Waveform Generators

10Supporting Documentation
Table 2. PXI Waveform Generators Documentation
Document TypeModel

Getting Started Guide

PXIe-5413, PXIe-5423, PXIe-5433

Specifications

PXIe-5413, PXIe-5423, PXIe-5433

Configure a Custom NI System
NI’s online system advisors help you create a custom system based on your specific requirements. Use the advisor to choose compatible
hardware, software, accessories, and services and then save your selections as configurations for easy quoting and purchasing later. Visitni.com/advisor to learn more.

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NI Hardware Services
All NI hardware includes a one-year warranty for basic repair coverage and calibration in adherence
to NI specifications prior to shipment. PXI systems also include basic assembly and a functional test.
NI offers additional entitlements to improve uptime and lower maintenance costs with service
programs for hardware. Learn more at ni.com/services/hardware.
HardwareStandard

Premium

Description

Duration at Point of Sale

1 year;included

3 years;
optional

3 years;
optional

NI enhances warranty coverage with additional service
benefits provided with a hardware service program.

Maximum Duration withRenewal< 3 years
with service
program< 3 years< 3 years

NI maintains the high performance and availability of yourhardware for up to three years with a hardware service
program.

•••

NI restores your device’s functionality and includes
firmware updates and factory calibration; < 10 working
days⁴ + standard shipping.

••NI technicians assemble, install software in, and test yoursystem per your custom configuration prior to shipment.

Advanced Replacement ²•

NI stocks replacement hardware that can be shipped
immediately if a repair is needed.

System Return Material
Authorization (RMA)¹•

NI accepts the delivery of fully assembled systems when
performing repair services.

•

NI provides access to support resources for your hardware.

Expedited³

NI performs the requested level of calibration at the
specified calibration interval for the duration of the service
program.

Extended Repair
Coverage
System Configuration,
Assembly, and Test¹

Technical Support•

Calibration Plan
(Optional)•

Standard

1 This option is only available for PXI, CompactRIO, and CompactDAQ systems.
2 This option is not available for all products in all countries. Contact your local NI sales engineer to confirm availability.
3 Expedited calibration is only available for the Traceable calibration level.
4 This applies to non-RF products only. Standard extended repair coverage for RF products is <15 working days + standard shipping.

PremiumPlus Service Program
NI can customize the offerings listed above or offer additional entitlements such as on-site calibration, custom sparing, and lifecycle services
through a PremiumPlus Service Program. Contact your NI sales representative to learn more.

Technical Support
NI hardware service programs and warranty include access to technical support provided by NI support agents during local business hours.
Service requests can be managed online. Additionally, take advantage of NI’s award-winning online resources and communities.

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