Phase-coherent RF test solution

Test & Measurement

31 March 2010 Test & Measurement

National Instruments has introduced new RF vector signal generators (VSGs) and vector signal analysers (VSAs) in two-channel, three-channel and four-channel versions for multichannel multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) RF design and test applications.

The NI PXIe-5663E 6,6 GHz two-, three- and four-channel RF VSA and NI PXIe-5673E 6,6 GHz two-, three- and four-channel RF VSG versions, based on PXI Express, incorporate a shared local oscillator (LO) architecture to achieve true phase coherency between each RF port, which facilitates highly accurate channel-to-channel phase measurements in a variety of RF test applications. Thanks to this and other advanced features, the instruments are well suited for prototyping and testing multichannel MIMO wireless devices such as those built for WiMAX, Long Term Evolution (LTE), 802.11n and other next-generation wireless communication standards.

Systems based on the new multichannel VSGs and VSAs combine LabVIEW graphical system design software with modular NI PXI instrumentation. These instruments complete an integrated software-defined, phase-coherent measurement system for MIMO, direction finding, radar test and beam-forming applications that require channel-to-channel RF port synchronisation. For engineers with existing NI PXI RF systems, the instruments’ software helps to configure NI PXI hardware to their individual prototyping requirements.

The units are available with a wide selection of modular PXI Express instrumentation that engineers can customise for each application, providing the option to purchase only the instruments that meet their needs. The standard package includes a two-, three- or four-channel PXIe-5673 RF VSG or PXIe-5663 RF VSA. With the compact configuration of the PXI instrumentation, a standard 18-slot PXI chassis can accommodate both a four-channel VSA and a two-channel VSA. In addition, phase-coherent RF test systems are scalable, accommodating up to 16-by-16 MIMO configurations using multiple PXI chassis. The system also includes ready-to-use LabVIEW example code, which supports multichannel signal generation and acquisition in a ready-to-run experience.

For more information contact National Instruments, 0800 203 199, [email protected], www.ni.com/southafrica

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Phase-coherent RF test solution

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