The NI PXIe-5433 is a high-performance, 16-bit PXI Express arbitrary waveform generator available with one or two independently programmable output channels. It combines 80 MHz bandwidth, an 800 MS/s DAC update rate and output capability up to ±12 V into a compact modular instrument.
The PXIe-5433 generates user-defined arbitrary waveforms as well as standard sine, square, triangle and ramp functions. Fractional resampling, waveform scripting, high-speed streaming and PXI synchronization make it suitable for automated electronic validation, semiconductor testing, aerospace, defense and transportation applications.
Key Features of the NI PXIe-5433
- One- or two-channel PXI arbitrary waveform generator
- 80 MHz maximum analog bandwidth
- 16-bit digital-to-analog conversion
- 800 MS/s DAC update rate
- Up to 400 MS/s user-defined waveform rate with digital filter enabled
- Up to 250 MS/s user-defined waveform rate with digital filter disabled
- Output voltage up to ±12 V into high impedance
- Output voltage up to ±6 V into 50 Ω
- Minimum output range down to approximately ±7.75 mV
- Fractional resampling architecture
- User-defined arbitrary waveform generation
- Sine, square, triangle and ramp functions
- Waveform scripting and sequencing
- High-speed waveform streaming
- 512 MB onboard memory per channel
- Hardware triggering and PXI synchronization
- Independent generation engines on the two-channel version
- Integrated reconstruction filtering
PXIe-5433 Technical Specifications
| Product Model | PXIe-5433 |
|---|---|
| Product Type | PXI Express Arbitrary Waveform Generator |
| Part Numbers | 785117-01 and 785118-01 |
| Output Channels | 1 or 2, depending on configuration |
| Maximum Bandwidth | 80 MHz |
| DAC Resolution | 16 bits |
| DAC Update Rate | 800 MS/s |
| Maximum User Waveform Rate | 400 MS/s with digital filter enabled; 250 MS/s with filter disabled |
| Output Voltage Range | Up to -12 V to +12 V into high impedance |
| 50 Ω Output Range | Up to -6 V to +6 V |
| Standard Waveforms | Sine, square, triangle and ramp |
| Arbitrary Waveforms | Supported |
| Fractional Resampling | Supported |
| Waveform Scripting | Supported |
| Waveform Streaming | Supported |
| Sequence Mode | Supported |
| Frequency List Mode | Supported |
| Onboard Memory | 512 MB per channel |
| Reconstruction Filter | Integrated and configurable |
| Spurious-Free Dynamic Range | Up to approximately -92 dB |
| Integrated System Jitter | Approximately 435 fs |
| Digital Upconversion | Not supported |
| User-Programmable FPGA | No |
| Software Driver | NI-FGEN |
| Bus Interface | PXI Express |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to 55°C |
| Product Status | Active |
PXIe-5433 Part Numbers and Configurations
| Part Number | Channels | Total Onboard Memory | Memory per Channel | Product Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 785117-01 | 1 | 512 MB | 512 MB | Active |
| 785118-01 | 2 | 1 GB | 512 MB | Active |
Both configurations provide the same 80 MHz bandwidth, 16-bit resolution, 800 MS/s DAC update rate and ±12 V high-impedance output capability. Select the two-channel version when independent simultaneous waveform generation is required.
Arbitrary Waveform Generation
The PXIe-5433 can generate user-defined waveforms created from calculated data, recorded signals or imported waveform files. Engineers can reproduce sensor outputs, communication signals, noise, transients and other signals that cannot be represented by a standard function.
Waveform data is downloaded to onboard memory or streamed from the controller. The module converts the digital samples into a continuous analog signal using its 16-bit DAC and fractional resampling architecture.
800 MS/s DAC Update Rate
The internal DAC operates at 800 MS/s for standard and arbitrary waveform generation. The fixed high-speed DAC update rate helps maintain consistent analog performance across different user-defined waveform sample rates.
When the digital reconstruction filter is enabled, uploaded arbitrary waveforms can use rates up to 400 MS/s. With the filter disabled, the maximum user-defined waveform rate is 250 MS/s.
Fractional Resampling Technology
Fractional resampling converts the user-defined waveform rate to the internal 800 MS/s DAC update rate. This allows engineers to select a waveform rate based on the signal requirements instead of being restricted to simple integer divisions of the DAC clock.
The resampling process helps improve time-domain smoothness and frequency-domain purity while simplifying the generation of signals at precise frequencies.
80 MHz Analog Bandwidth
The PXIe-5433 provides up to 80 MHz of analog bandwidth, making it the highest-bandwidth model in the PXIe-54×3 arbitrary waveform generator family.
The wider bandwidth supports faster edges, higher-frequency sine waves, modulated baseband signals and detailed reproduction of complex arbitrary waveforms.
16-Bit Signal Resolution
The 16-bit DAC provides 65,536 possible digital output codes. This high vertical resolution enables small voltage changes to be represented accurately across the selected output range.
For low-amplitude signals, select the smallest output range that accommodates the required waveform and offset. This improves effective voltage resolution and helps reduce unnecessary noise.
±12 V Output Range
The PXIe-5433 can generate signals from -12 V to +12 V into a high-impedance load, providing a maximum voltage swing of 24 Vpk-pk. Into a properly terminated 50 Ω load, the maximum range is ±6 V.
This wide output range supports direct stimulation of sensors, electronic control units, analog circuits and semiconductor devices without requiring an external amplifier in many applications.
Standard Function Generation
In addition to arbitrary waveforms, the PXIe-5433 can generate standard sine, square, triangle and ramp signals. Standard function mode provides direct control of frequency, amplitude, offset and phase without requiring the user to calculate waveform samples.
A dedicated standard waveform generation engine helps provide accurate and stable signal output for common validation and troubleshooting tasks.
Waveform Scripting and Sequencing
Waveform scripting allows stored waveforms to be generated in a programmed order with loops, trigger conditions and repeated segments. Frequently used waveform sections can be stored once and called multiple times, reducing memory requirements.
Sequence and frequency-list modes help automate frequency sweeps, multistage device stimulation and complex production test patterns without continuous software intervention.
High-Speed Waveform Streaming
The PXIe-5433 supports continuous waveform streaming through its PCI Express interface. Waveform data can be transferred from the controller when the required signal is longer than the available onboard memory.
Streaming is useful for extended simulations, continuously changing signals and tests that require large waveform datasets. Actual sustained performance depends on the controller, chassis, PCI Express topology and software implementation.
Independent Dual-Channel Generation
The 785118-01 configuration provides two independently programmable channels. Each channel has its own generation engine and 512 MB of onboard memory.
Independent operation allows the channels to generate different waveforms, frequencies and sequences. They can also be synchronized when a defined phase or timing relationship is required.
PXI Timing and Synchronization
The PXIe-5433 uses PXI Express timing and trigger resources to coordinate waveform generation with digitizers, oscilloscopes, digital instruments, switches and other waveform generators.
Hardware triggering provides more repeatable timing than software-controlled generation. Multiple modules can be synchronized to create higher-channel-count signal-generation systems.
Typical PXIe-5433 Applications
- Automated electronic design validation
- Semiconductor characterization and production test
- Automotive sensor and ECU simulation
- Aerospace and defense subsystem testing
- Power-electronics control-signal generation
- Mixed-signal device stimulation
- Communication waveform generation
- Component frequency-response testing
- Audio and vibration signal generation
- Fault and transient simulation
- Multichannel synchronized waveform generation
- Research and laboratory measurements
NI-FGEN Software Support
The PXIe-5433 is controlled using the NI-FGEN instrument driver. Engineers can configure standard functions, arbitrary waveforms, output ranges, filters, triggers, scripts, sequences and streaming sessions.
Compatible development options include LabVIEW, InstrumentStudio, TestStand, LabWindows/CVI, C/C++, .NET and supported Python environments. Verify operating-system and NI-FGEN version compatibility before integration.
PXI Chassis and System Integration
The PXIe-5433 requires a compatible PXI Express chassis and controller. Chassis selection should consider available slots, cooling capacity, PCI Express bandwidth and synchronization requirements.
For multichannel streaming applications, verify the PXI Express topology and available controller-to-slot bandwidth. Use suitable coaxial cables and correct load termination to maintain waveform integrity.
Output Termination and Amplitude
The connected load impedance affects the measured output amplitude. A waveform configured for ±12 V into high impedance appears as approximately ±6 V when terminated into 50 Ω.
Use the correct NI-FGEN load-impedance setting and oscilloscope termination. An incorrect setting can produce apparent amplitude errors or cause the requested output to exceed the available range.
PXIe-5433 Troubleshooting
Why is the measured amplitude half the configured value?
The waveform generator may be configured for a high-impedance load while the measurement instrument is terminated at 50 Ω. Configure the expected load correctly or account for the source-load voltage division.
Why does an arbitrary waveform contain unwanted frequency images?
Enable the reconstruction filter, increase the user waveform sample rate and provide sufficient samples per cycle. Also verify the analog bandwidth and output cable termination.
Why does waveform streaming stop or report an underflow?
The controller may not be supplying waveform data fast enough. Check PCI Express bandwidth, buffer size, software loop performance and competing data transfers within the chassis.
Why do two channels not start at the same time?
Configure both channels with a shared hardware trigger and verify their generation settings. Software-started channels may have non-deterministic timing differences.
Why is the waveform clipped or distorted?
Check the combined waveform amplitude and DC offset against the selected output range. Also verify the load impedance and confirm that the requested frequency is within the module’s analog bandwidth.
Why can NI-FGEN not detect the PXIe-5433?
Confirm that the module is installed in a compatible PXI Express slot, the chassis and controller are functioning correctly, and a supported NI-FGEN driver is installed.
PXIe-5433 Comparison with the PXIe-54×3 Family
| Model | Bandwidth | DAC Update Rate | Resolution | Channels | Scripting and Streaming |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PXIe-5413 | 20 MHz | 800 MS/s | 16 bits | 1 or 2 | No |
| PXIe-5423 | 40 MHz | 800 MS/s | 16 bits | 1 or 2 | Yes |
| PXIe-5433 | 80 MHz | 800 MS/s | 16 bits | 1 or 2 | Yes |
Recommended Related Products
- NI PXIe-5413 Arbitrary Waveform Generator – provides 20 MHz bandwidth for lower-frequency waveform-generation applications.
- NI PXIe-5423 Arbitrary Waveform Generator – offers 40 MHz bandwidth with waveform scripting and streaming.
- NI PXI-5441 Arbitrary Waveform Generator – provides 16-bit generation with onboard signal-processing capability for legacy PXI systems.
- NI PXIe-5114 Oscilloscope – captures generated signals and DUT responses in synchronized automated test systems.
- NI PXIe-5163 Oscilloscope – provides high-speed waveform acquisition for wider-bandwidth validation applications.
- NI PXI and PXI Express Modules – browse additional waveform generators, digitizers and modular instruments.
How to Select the Correct PXIe-5433
Choose part number 785117-01 for applications requiring one output channel and 512 MB of memory. Select 785118-01 when two independently programmable channels are required.
Compare the PXIe-5433 with the PXIe-5413 and PXIe-5423 according to required bandwidth. The PXIe-5433 is the preferred PXIe-54×3 model when signals require bandwidth above 40 MHz.
Why Choose the NI PXIe-5433?
The PXIe-5433 combines 80 MHz bandwidth, 16-bit resolution, a high-speed DAC, wide voltage output and advanced waveform automation. Its scripting, streaming and synchronization capabilities make it suitable for complex validation and high-throughput production test systems.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the bandwidth of the PXIe-5433?
The PXIe-5433 provides a maximum analog bandwidth of 80 MHz.
What is the DAC update rate?
Its DAC operates at 800 MS/s. User-defined arbitrary waveforms can be uploaded at up to 400 MS/s with the digital filter enabled.
How many output channels are available?
Part number 785117-01 provides one channel, while 785118-01 provides two independently programmable channels.
What is the maximum output voltage?
The module supports up to ±12 V into a high-impedance load or approximately ±6 V into 50 Ω.
Does the PXIe-5433 generate arbitrary waveforms?
Yes. It supports user-defined arbitrary waveforms and standard sine, square, triangle and ramp functions.
Does it support waveform streaming?
Yes. The PXIe-5433 supports high-speed streaming through its PXI Express interface.
How much onboard memory does it have?
Each output channel provides 512 MB. The single-channel version has 512 MB total, and the two-channel version has 1 GB total.
What software controls the PXIe-5433?
The module uses the NI-FGEN driver and is compatible with supported versions of InstrumentStudio, LabVIEW and other programming environments.
Is the PXIe-5433 still an active product?
Yes. NI currently classifies both PXIe-5433 configurations as active products.
Request a Quote for the NI PXIe-5433
Contact us for current availability, lead time and project pricing for the NI PXIe-5433 80 MHz Arbitrary Waveform Generator. Please specify whether you require the one-channel 785117-01 or two-channel 785118-01 configuration.
