PRODUCT FLYERPXI Vector Signal Generators
CONTENTSPXI RF Signal Generators
Detailed View of the PXIe-5673E Vector Signal Generator
Key Features
NI-RFSG Soft Front Panel
NI-RFSG Application Programming Interface (API)
Platform-Based Approach to Test and Measurement
PXI Instrumentation
Hardware Services

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PXI Vector Signal Generators
PXI-5670, PXI-5671, PXIe-5672, and PXIe-5673E• Software: Includes interactive soft front panel, API support for LabVIEW and text-based
languages, shipping examples, and detailed help files• Frequency measurement ranges from 250kHz to 20 GHz• Up to 100 MHz instantaneous bandwidth• Maximum output power of +10dBm• Up to 2 GB onboard memory• Up to 200 µs sweep tuning speed or frequency resolution of < 1 Hz at ≤ 1.3 GHz

Built for Automated Test and Measurement

PXI Vector Signal Generators (VSGs) deliver the functionality of RF signal generators to the modular,
compact PXI form factor. The PXI RF Analog Signal Generators support frequency ranges from 250 kHzto 20 GHz. PXI VSGs support quadrature digital upconversion, which reduces waveform download andsignal generation time, as well as stream-to-disk capabilities. These modules offer custom and standard
modulation, as well as the ability to generate communications standards formats such as GPS, WCDMA,
DVB-H, and more. The power and flexibility of these modules make them ideal for use in scientificresearch, communications, consumer electronics, aerospace/defense, and semiconductor test
applications as well as for areas such as software-defined radio, radio-frequency identification (RFID),and wireless sensor networks.
NI’s RF signal generator portfolio is highlighted by the PXIe-5673E, which provides up to 6.6 GHz
instantaneous bandwidth. With stream‑from‑disk capabilities, the PXIe-5673E can generate continuous
waveforms that are up to several terabytes in length.

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Table 1. NI offers RF Signal Generators ranging from low-cost RF Analog Signal Generator options to wide
bandwidth RF Vector Signal Generators
PXI-5670

PXI-5671

PXIe-5672

PXIe-5673E

Vector SignalGeneratorVector Signal
Generator

Vector Signal
Generator

Vector Signal
Generator

250 kHz to 2.7 GHz

250 kHz to 2.7 GHz

250 kHz to 2.7 GHz

50 MHz to 6.6 GHz

20 MHz20 MHz20 MHz

100 MHz-120 dBm/Hz-120 dBm/Hz-120 dBm/Hz-141 dBm/Hz

Amplitude Accuracy± 0.7 dB

± 0.7 dB

± 0.7 dB

±0.75 dB

Maximum Output+10 dBm+10 dBm+10 dBm+10 dBm

Phase Noise-95 dBc/Hz-95 dBc/Hz-95 dBc/Hz-112 dBc/Hz

Tuning Speed

35 ms CW
4.2 s AWG

35 ms CW
4.2 s AWG

3 ms AWG

6.5 msVector Modulation

Vector Modulation

Vector Modulation

Vector Modulation

RF List Mode

N/A

N/A

N/A

●Number of PXI Slots

3334Description
Frequency Range
Instantaneous Bandwidth
Output Noise Floor at 0dB unless noted

Modulation Capabilities

Detailed View of PXIe-5673E Vector Signal Generator

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Key Features
Excellent RF Performance

Using a PXIe-5673/5673E, you can generate a variety of signals with significant accuracy. A combinationof excellent dynamic range and low phase noise yields high-performance signal generation for higherorder modulation schemes such as 4096 QAM. In addition, the wide bandwidth of the PXIe-5673
combined with high-performance image rejection enables generation of modulated signals at high symbol
rates. As shown in Figure 1, a loopback configuration with the PXIe-5673 and PXIe-5663 yields a typical
EVM (RMS) measurement of 0.5 percent (1250 symbols, software equalization disabled).

Figure 1. Constellation plot of 256 QAM

Multi-Channel Synchronization

The flexible architecture of a PXIe-5673E VSG enables multiple instruments to share a common start
trigger, reference clock, and even an LO. As a result, you can synchronize up to four PXIe-5673/5673E
VSGs in a single 18-slot PXI chassis for phase-coherent signal generation. A typical configuration of two
synchronized generators is shown in Figure 2. With up to four channels of synchronized RF signal
generation, you can easily address MIMO and beamforming applications.

Figure 2. Simplified block diagram of synchronized PXI Vector Signal Generators

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Support for RF List Mode

The NI VSG provides list mode support for fast and deterministic RF configuration changes. You supply aconfiguration list, and the RF modules proceed through the list without additional interaction with the hostsystem and driver, making the configuration changes deterministic. Figure 3 illustrates this determinism
with a single tone at 1 GHz stepping through six power levels in 7 dB steps, starting with -10 dBm andending with -45 dBm and having a 500 μs dwell time specified for each step. Analysis was performedusing the PXIe-5663E vector signal analyzer (VSA).

Figure 3. Deterministic 500 μs power steps using the PXIe-5673E and RF List Mode

RF Record and Playback

You can combine a PXI VSG with a PXI VSA for record and playback applications. Using a 2 TB
redundant array of inexpensive disks (RAID) volume, you can continuously generate up to 100 MHz (400MB/s) for more than 1.5 hours. In this application, a PXIe-5663/5663E VSA records up to two hours ofcontinuous RF signal, and the data is stored as a binary file on a RAID volume. The PXIe-5673/5673E
then streams recorded waveforms from disk. In addition to recorded waveforms, you can use streaming
technology to generate large simulated waveforms.

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NI-RFSG Soft Front Panel
The NI-RFSG driver software includes an interactive soft front panel for full out-of-the-box functionality.
This interactive soft front panel allows you to quickly generate RF continuous wave (CW) or modulated
signals. You can open multiple instances for multiple instruments in a system. In addition, you can load
I/Q waveforms, save and recall setups, preview data that is loaded onto the VSG, and sweep levels or
frequencies using RF list mode. The soft front panel also features built-in modulation schemes such as
AM, FM, and PM. In addition, you can reset, calibrate, and self-test the instrument during troubleshooting,and you can enable a Debug Driver Session to monitor and debug the instrument during automatedmeasurements.

NI-RFSG Application Programming Interface (API)In addition to the soft front panel, the NI-RFSG driver includes a signal generation API that works with avariety of development options such as LabVIEW, C, C#, and others. The driver also provides access tohelp files, documentation, and dozens of ready-to-run shipping examples you can use as a starting point
for your application.

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Platform-Based Approach to Test andMeasurement
What Is PXI?

Powered by software, PXI is a rugged PC-based platform for measurement and automation systems. PXIcombines PCI electrical-bus features with the modular, Eurocard packaging of CompactPCI and thenadds specialized synchronization buses and key software features. PXI is both a high-performance andlow-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, and maintain the PXI
specification.

Integrating the Latest Commercial Technology

By leveraging the latest commercial technology for our products, we can continually deliver highperformance and high-quality products to our users at a competitive price. The latest PCI Express Gen 3switches 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 the edge to accelerate measurements, and the latest data converters from TI and ADI continually
increase the measurement range and performance 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 a controller, PXI instruments need tocontain 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 and sub-nanosecond synchronization with integrated timing and triggering.

OscilloscopesDigital Multimeters

Digital Instruments

Waveform Generators

Frequency Counters

Source Measure Units

Power Supplies & Loads

FlexRIO Custom
Instruments & Processing

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

Perform characterization andproduction test of semiconductor
devices with timing sets and perchannel pin parametricmeasurement unit (PPMU)

Perform counter timer tasks suchas event counting and encoder
position, period, pulse, andfrequency measurements

Supply programmable DC power,with some modules including
isolated channels, output
disconnect functionality, and remotesense

Generate standard functions
including sine, square, triangle, andramp as well as user-defined,
arbitrary waveforms

Combine high-precision source andmeasure capability with highchannel density, deterministic
hardware sequencing, andSourceAdapt transient optimization

Provide high-performance I/O andpowerful FPGAs for applications
that require more than standard
instruments can offer

Switches (Matrix & MUX)

Vector Signal Transceivers

GPIB, Serial, & Ethernet

Data Acquisition Modules

Feature a variety of relay types androw/column configurations tosimplify wiring in automated test
systems

Integrate non-PXI instruments intoa PXI system through various
instrument control interfaces

Page 8Perform voltage (up to 1000 V),
current (up to 3A), resistance,
inductance, capacitance, andfrequency/period measurements, aswell as diode tests| ni.com | PXI Vector Signal Generators

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

Provide a mix of analog I/O, digital
I/O, counter/timer, and trigger
functionality for measuring electricalor physical phenomena

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 forhardware. Learn more at ni.com/services/hardware.

StandardPremium

Description

Program Duration

3 or 5 years

3 or 5 years

Length of service program

Extended RepairCoverage●●NI restores your device’s functionality and includes firmware updates andfactory calibration.

SystemConfiguration,Assembly, and Test1●●NI technicians assemble, install software in, and test your system per yourcustom configuration prior to shipment.

AdvancedReplacement2●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.

Expedited3

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

Calibration Plan(Optional)

Standard

This option is only available for PXI, CompactRIO, and CompactDAQ systems.
This option is not available for all products in all countries. Contact your local NI sales engineer to confirm availability.
Expedited calibration only includes traceable levels.

1
2
3PremiumPlus Service Program

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

Technical Support

Every NI system includes a 30-day trial for phone and e-mail support from NI engineers, which can beextended through a Software Service Program (SSP) membership. NI has more than 400 support
engineers available around the globe to provide local support in more than 30 languages. Additionally,take advantage of NI’s award winning online resources and communities.

©2017 National Instruments. All rights reserved. LabVIEW, National Instruments, NI, NI TestStand, and ni.com are trademarks of
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contents of this Site could contain technical inaccuracies, typographical errors or out-of-date information. Information may be
updated or changed at any time, without notice. Visit ni.com/manuals for the latest information.
7 September 2017
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