PXI-5441 43 MHz Arbitrary Waveform Generator
The PXI-5441 is a single-channel, 16-bit PXI arbitrary waveform generator designed for generating precision baseband, intermediate-frequency and modulated test signals. It provides a maximum sampling rate of 100 MS/s, up to 43 MHz bandwidth and advanced onboard signal processing.
With integrated digital upconversion, waveform sequencing, interpolation and triggering capabilities, the PXI-5441 is suitable for communications testing, semiconductor validation, receiver testing and automated electronic test systems. It can be installed in a PXI peripheral slot or a compatible hybrid slot in a PXI system.
Key Features of the PXI-5441
- Single analog output channel
- 16-bit digital-to-analog converter resolution
- 100 MS/s maximum sampling rate
- Up to 400 MS/s effective DAC rate with interpolation
- 43 MHz analog bandwidth
- Maximum main-path output of 12 Vpp into 50 Ω
- Onboard digital upconversion and I/Q signal processing
- FIR and CIC digital interpolation filters
- Integrated numerically controlled oscillator
- Waveform sequencing, looping and scripting
- Multiple clock and trigger sources
- Available with 32 MB, 256 MB or 512 MB onboard memory
- Software-selectable analog and digital filters
- PXI Hybrid bus compatible
PXI-5441 Technical Specifications
| Product Model | PXI-5441 |
|---|---|
| Product Type | PXI Arbitrary Waveform Generator |
| Analog Output Channels | 1 |
| DAC Resolution | 16 bits |
| Maximum Sampling Rate | 100 MS/s |
| Effective DAC Rate | Up to 400 MS/s with interpolation |
| Analog Bandwidth | 43 MHz |
| Main Output Range | Up to 12 Vpp into 50 Ω |
| Output Voltage Range | −6 V to +6 V |
| Direct Path Output | Up to 1 Vpp into 50 Ω |
| Waveform Types | Arbitrary, sine, square, triangle, ramp and noise |
| Maximum Sine Frequency | 43 MHz |
| Maximum Square-Wave Frequency | 25 MHz |
| Onboard Memory | 32 MB, 256 MB or 512 MB |
| OSP Interpolation | 12 to 2048 |
| Maximum I/Q Symbol Rate | 8.3 MSymbol/s |
| NCO Frequency Range | 1 mHz to 43 MHz |
| Output Impedance | 50 Ω |
| Bus Type | PXI, compatible with supported PXI Hybrid slots |
| Driver | NI-FGEN |
PXI-5441 Part Numbers and Memory Options
| Part Number | Onboard Memory |
|---|---|
| 779058-02 | 32 MB |
| 779058-03 | 256 MB |
| 779058-04 | 512 MB |
Select the memory configuration according to waveform length, sequencing requirements and the number of waveforms that must remain stored on the module. Confirm the complete part number when replacing an existing PXI-5441.
Arbitrary and Standard Waveform Generation
The PXI-5441 can generate user-defined arbitrary waveforms as well as common standard waveforms, including sine, square, triangle, ramp and noise signals. Arbitrary waveform generation allows engineers to reproduce captured signals, communication patterns, component responses and application-specific test conditions.
The module supports waveform scripting, sequencing and looping. These capabilities reduce host-system interaction and allow multiple waveform segments to be generated in a predefined order with deterministic timing.
Onboard Signal Processing
A major feature of the PXI-5441 is its onboard signal processing architecture. The module provides FIR and CIC interpolation, digital prefilter gain, offset adjustment, a numerically controlled oscillator and quadrature digital upconversion.
Supported operating modes include conventional function generation, interpolating real-data generation and complex I/Q digital upconversion. Engineers can create modulated intermediate-frequency signals directly on the module without generating every output sample in the host computer.
Digital Upconversion
The integrated numerically controlled oscillator can translate baseband I/Q data to a programmable carrier frequency. This makes the PXI-5441 useful for generating modulated signals used in receiver, radio-frequency subsystem and communications research applications.
Interpolation Filters
The PXI-5441 includes configurable FIR and CIC interpolation stages. Available FIR responses include flat, Gaussian, raised-cosine and root-raised-cosine filters, along with support for custom coefficients. Interpolation increases the effective DAC update rate and improves reconstruction of generated signals.
Main Output and Direct Output Paths
The PXI-5441 provides two selectable signal paths optimized for different applications. The main output path offers programmable gain and supports output amplitudes up to 12 Vpp into a 50 Ω load. It is suitable for applications requiring a wider programmable output range.
The Direct Path provides a lower-amplitude signal path optimized for intermediate-frequency generation. It reduces the number of analog stages between the DAC and the output, making it useful when signal bandwidth and frequency-domain performance are more important than maximum amplitude.
Clocking, Triggering and Synchronization
The PXI-5441 supports internal and external sample-clock sources, along with PXI trigger lines and the PXI Star trigger. External clock and trigger support allows waveform generation to be synchronized with digitizers, digital waveform instruments, switches and other PXI modules.
Generation modes include single, continuous, stepped and burst operation. Sample clocks and trigger events can also be routed through supported front-panel and PXI backplane connections for building synchronized automated test systems.
Typical PXI-5441 Applications
- Arbitrary waveform generation
- Baseband and intermediate-frequency signal generation
- I/Q modulation testing
- Receiver and communications subsystem testing
- Semiconductor characterization
- Electronic component validation
- Stimulus-response testing
- Research and laboratory automation
- Hardware-in-the-loop simulation
- Automated production testing
- Legacy PXI system maintenance
Software and Driver Support
The PXI-5441 is controlled using the NI-FGEN instrument driver. NI-FGEN provides configuration functions for waveform generation, triggering, clocking, filtering, sequencing and onboard signal processing.
Applications can be developed using supported versions of LabVIEW, LabWindows/CVI, Microsoft Visual C/C++ and other compatible programming environments. Because software compatibility depends on the operating system, driver release and PXI controller, verify the complete software environment before installing the module in an older system.
PXI Chassis Compatibility
The PXI-5441 is a PXI module intended for installation in a standard PXI peripheral slot. It can also operate in a compatible PXI Express chassis when installed in a PXI-1-compatible or PXI Hybrid peripheral slot.
It cannot be installed in a PXI Express-only slot. Before purchasing, check the chassis slot type, controller compatibility, available cooling capacity and the NI-FGEN driver version required by the application.
PXI-5441 Troubleshooting
No Signal at the Output
Verify that waveform generation has been initiated, the correct output path is enabled and the configured trigger condition has occurred. Also confirm the cable impedance, load termination and programmed amplitude.
Output Amplitude Is Incorrect
Check whether the connected device uses a 50 Ω input termination or a high-impedance input. A termination mismatch can cause the measured voltage to differ from the programmed value.
Waveform Generation Does Not Start
Review the selected start-trigger source and trigger polarity. When an external or backplane trigger is configured, the PXI-5441 waits until the expected trigger event is received.
Module Is Not Detected
Confirm that the module is installed in a compatible PXI or PXI Hybrid slot. Check the PXI controller, NI-FGEN installation and device recognition in NI Measurement & Automation Explorer.
PXI-5441 Compared with Newer Waveform Generators
| Model | Channels | Resolution | Maximum Sample Rate | Bandwidth | Bus |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PXI-5441 | 1 | 16-bit | 100 MS/s | 43 MHz | PXI |
| PXIe-5442 | 1 | 16-bit | 100 MS/s | 43 MHz | PXI Express |
| PXIe-5423 | 2 | 16-bit | 400 MS/s | 40 MHz | PXI Express |
| PXIe-5433 | 2 | 16-bit | 800 MS/s | 80 MHz | PXI Express |
The PXI-5441 remains useful for maintaining established PXI systems and test programs that depend on its signal-processing architecture. For new systems, a PXI Express waveform generator may offer additional channels, higher sampling rates and a newer platform.
Recommended Related Products
- PXIe-5442 Arbitrary Waveform Generator – A PXI Express option with similar 16-bit, 100 MS/s waveform-generation capabilities.
- PXIe-5423 Arbitrary Waveform Generator – A dual-channel option offering up to 400 MS/s sampling.
- PXIe-5433 Arbitrary Waveform Generator – A higher-performance dual-channel generator with faster sampling and wider bandwidth.
- PXI-5422 Arbitrary Waveform Generator – An alternative PXI waveform generator for legacy test platforms.
How to Select the Correct PXI-5441
When ordering a PXI-5441, identify the required onboard memory capacity and verify the corresponding part number. Applications using long waveforms, numerous waveform segments or extensive sequencing generally benefit from a larger memory configuration.
Also verify the chassis slot type, NI-FGEN driver support, controller operating system, output-amplitude requirements and external synchronization connections. If the module will replace an existing unit, matching the original part number can reduce software and configuration changes.
Why Choose the PXI-5441?
The PXI-5441 combines precision arbitrary waveform generation with onboard modulation and interpolation capabilities in a compact PXI module. Its integrated digital upconversion architecture makes it particularly useful for legacy communications and intermediate-frequency test systems.
Although the PXI-5441 is no longer available as a new standard-production product from NI, it remains relevant for repairing, expanding and maintaining installed PXI test platforms.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the PXI-5441?
The PXI-5441 is a single-channel, 16-bit PXI arbitrary waveform generator with a maximum sampling rate of 100 MS/s and an analog bandwidth of 43 MHz.
How many output channels does the PXI-5441 have?
It provides one analog output channel with selectable main and direct signal paths.
Does the PXI-5441 support I/Q modulation?
Yes. Its onboard signal processing supports complex I/Q data, interpolation, numerically controlled oscillation and quadrature digital upconversion.
What memory configurations are available?
The PXI-5441 was offered with 32 MB, 256 MB and 512 MB of onboard waveform memory.
Can the PXI-5441 be installed in a PXI Express chassis?
Yes, but the chassis must provide a compatible PXI-1 or PXI Hybrid peripheral slot. The module cannot be installed in a PXI Express-only slot.
Which driver controls the PXI-5441?
The module is controlled using the NI-FGEN instrument driver.
Is the PXI-5441 still available from NI?
The PXI-5441 is no longer available for new purchase from NI. Replacement and refurbished units may still be available for maintaining existing PXI systems.
Request a Quote for the PXI-5441
Contact us for current availability, condition, lead time and pricing for the PXI-5441 Arbitrary Waveform Generator. Please provide the required memory capacity or part number so we can help identify the correct module for your PXI system.
