Posted to News on 2nd Aug 2011, 07:24
New 14GHz RF vector signal analyser is 'best in class'
National Instruments is launching a 14GHz version of its NI PXIe-5665 high-performance RF vector signal analyser (VSA), which is claimed to deliver best-in-class dynamic range and accuracy in a cost-effective PXI form factor. The new VSA features far better phase noise and dynamic range, regardless of form factor, including traditional rack-and-stack instruments. Because of its PXI platform, the VSA can deliver measurement speeds up to 20 times faster than box instruments and for less cost. Additionally, it takes advantage of multicore computing architectures and parallel programming capabilities through NI LabVIEW system design software. It also offers peer-to-peer data streaming for signal processing and a flexible multiple input, multiple output (MIMO) architecture for phase-coherent measurements. Such features make it suitable for use in demanding RF test applications such as radio detection and ranging (RADAR), satellite, radio and harmonic testing.
Sylvain Bertrand, RF Broadband Validation Manager at ST-Ericsson, states: "The new NI PXIe-5665 VSA gives ST-Ericsson the performance and accuracy we need for 3GPP RF IC design validation in our characterisation labs. At the bottom line, the VSA reduces our system cost while increasing flexibility and decreasing physical bulk compared to our previous box solutions."
The VSA is said to offer the same industry-leading performance as the 3.6GHz version of the NI PXIe-5665 while extending the capabilities into the 14GHz frequency range. The VSA consists of the new NI PXIe-5605 downconverter, the NI PXIe-5653 local oscillator synthesiser and the NI PXIe-5622, a 150MS/s intermediate frequency (IF) digitiser. This combination can be used for spectrum and wideband vector signal analysis over a frequency range of 20Hz to14 GHz with analysis bandwidths up to 50MHz. It features what is claimed to be the industry's best third-order intercept point at +24dBm, with an absolute amplitude accuracy of +/-0.10dB as well as an impressive error vector magnitude of 0.33 per cent for a 256 QAM modulated signal. It also delivers an exceptionally low phase noise of -129dBc/Hz at a 10kHz offset at 800MHz and an average noise level of -165dBm/Hz.
Because the new 14GHz NI PXIe-5665 joins an industry portfolio of more than 1500 software-defined PXI modular instruments, engineers can mix and match the VSA with a variety of modules so as to control an entire automated test system with LabVIEW system design software. Engineers can take advantage of the VSA's software-defined performance with RF software toolkits for LabVIEW, NI LabWindows/CVI and .NET to test the latest radar, satellite, radio and numerous RF and wireless communication standards including GSM/EDGE, WCDMA, LTE, WLAN and WiMAX.
The 14 GHz NI PXIe-5665 VSA will be available for shipping in October 2011. To find out about the new NI PXIe-5665 VSA, go to www.ni.com/rf.
National Instruments Corporation (UK) Ltd
Measurement House, Newbury Business Park
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RG14 2PZ
UNITED KINGDOM
+44 (0)1635 523545
