Product Introduction
The NI-5733 is a high-speed FlexRIO digitizer adapter module designed for precision analog waveform acquisition and FPGA-based real-time signal processing. It provides 2 simultaneously sampled analog input channels, 16-bit resolution, and sampling rates up to 120 MS/s per channel.
When combined with a compatible NI FlexRIO FPGA module, the NI-5733 creates a programmable high-speed digitizer capable of acquiring, processing, and streaming analog data in real time.
The module also incorporates selectable elliptic, Bessel, and bypass hardware filters, allowing engineers to optimize the analog signal path according to measurement bandwidth, frequency response, and time-domain requirements.
Typical applications include high-speed waveform acquisition, transient measurement, communications testing, electronic validation, scientific instrumentation, semiconductor testing, custom signal processing, and FPGA-based automated test systems.
Product Overview
The National Instruments NI-5733 is part of the NI FlexRIO digitizer adapter module family. It provides the analog acquisition hardware while a compatible FlexRIO FPGA module supplies programmable processing resources.
A typical NI-5733 measurement architecture is:
Analog Signal → NI-5733 → FlexRIO FPGA Module → FPGA Processing → PXI/PXIe System → Host Application
This architecture enables engineers to perform signal processing directly on the FPGA before transferring measurement data to the host computer.
Key Features
2 Analog Input Channels
The NI-5733 provides two high-speed analog input channels.
Both channels can be acquired simultaneously, making the module suitable for applications where timing and phase relationships between two signals must be preserved.
16-Bit Resolution
The NI-5733 uses 16-bit analog-to-digital conversion.
The combination of 16-bit resolution and high-speed sampling provides strong measurement capability for applications requiring both waveform detail and high acquisition speed.
120 MS/s Sampling Rate
The NI-5733 supports simultaneous sampling at up to 120 MS/s per channel.
This high sampling rate allows the module to capture rapidly changing analog signals and transient events.
Typical measurements include:
- High-speed analog waveforms
- Transient events
- Pulse signals
- Electronic switching signals
- Intermediate-frequency signals
- Scientific measurement signals
Simultaneous Sampling
Both NI-5733 analog input channels can operate simultaneously at the full 120 MS/s sampling rate.
Simultaneous sampling is particularly useful for:
- Input/output comparisons
- Phase-sensitive measurements
- Reference and response testing
- Dual-channel transient capture
- Frequency-response measurements
Selectable Hardware Filters
The NI-5733 includes programmable hardware filtering with elliptic, Bessel, and bypass filter options.
These filter configurations allow the analog front end to be optimized for different measurement requirements.
Elliptic Filter
The elliptic filter configuration provides a relatively sharp transition between the passband and stopband.
It can be useful when frequency-domain selectivity and rejection of unwanted higher-frequency content are important.
Bessel Filter
The Bessel filter configuration is useful for applications where preserving waveform shape and time-domain characteristics is important.
This can be valuable for pulse, transient, and other waveform-oriented measurements.
Bypass Filter Mode
The bypass configuration provides another analog signal-path option when the application requires a different bandwidth and filtering tradeoff.
Engineers can select the appropriate hardware filter according to the characteristics of the measured signal.
FlexRIO FPGA Processing
The NI-5733 is designed to operate with compatible NI FlexRIO FPGA hardware.
The FPGA can process acquired samples in real time using application-specific logic.
Possible FPGA functions include:
- Digital filtering
- FFT processing
- Peak detection
- Threshold detection
- Custom triggering
- Signal averaging
- Decimation
- Data reduction
- Event detection
- Custom DSP algorithms
Real-Time Analog Data Processing
One of the major advantages of the NI-5733 FlexRIO architecture is the ability to process analog measurement data directly on programmable FPGA hardware.
This can reduce latency and host-processing requirements while enabling deterministic measurement behavior.
High-Speed Data Streaming
The NI-5733 is designed for applications requiring high data-streaming rates.
Depending on the selected FlexRIO FPGA module and system architecture, acquired data can be processed, reduced, and transferred to the host for additional analysis or storage.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Product Type | FlexRIO Digitizer Adapter Module |
| Model | NI-5733 |
| Manufacturer | National Instruments |
| Analog Input Channels | 2 |
| ADC Resolution | 16-Bit |
| Maximum Sample Rate | 120 MS/s per Channel |
| Sampling Architecture | Simultaneous Sampling |
| Hardware Filters | Elliptic / Bessel / Bypass |
| Filter Selection | Programmable |
| Platform | NI FlexRIO |
| FPGA Processing | Through Compatible FlexRIO FPGA Module |
| Primary Function | High-Speed Analog Waveform Acquisition |
| Product Status | Discontinued / No Longer Available from NI |
| NI Recommended Replacement | PXIe-5172 |
How Does the NI-5733 Work?
The NI-5733 receives analog signals through its input channels and converts them into high-resolution digital samples using its high-speed analog-to-digital converters.
A simplified signal path is:
Analog Input → Analog Front End → Selectable Hardware Filter → 16-Bit ADC → FlexRIO FPGA → Host System
After digitization, the acquired data can be processed directly by the FPGA before being transferred to the host computer.
High-Speed Waveform Acquisition
The 120 MS/s sampling capability makes the NI-5733 suitable for applications where conventional lower-speed data acquisition hardware cannot adequately capture the signal.
Applications can include:
- Electronic waveform capture
- Pulse measurements
- Transient acquisition
- High-speed sensor measurements
- Communications signals
- Scientific experiments
Transient Signal Acquisition
Transient events can occur over extremely short periods and may require high-speed sampling to capture their waveform characteristics.
The NI-5733 can be incorporated into systems for measuring:
- Fast pulses
- Switching transients
- Impulse signals
- Short-duration events
- Electronic device responses
Real-Time FPGA Signal Processing
The NI-5733 can transfer acquired samples directly to the FPGA resources of a compatible FlexRIO module.
This allows measurement algorithms to operate directly in the acquisition path.
A typical architecture is:
120 MS/s Acquisition → FPGA Processing → Data Reduction → Host Transfer
This approach is particularly valuable when the application requires deterministic processing or when transferring all raw samples directly to the host would create unnecessary bandwidth or storage requirements.
Custom Triggering
The programmable FPGA architecture allows engineers to implement application-specific triggering algorithms.
Trigger conditions can be developed around:
- Signal amplitude
- Threshold crossings
- Pulse characteristics
- Signal patterns
- Timing conditions
- External events
Inline Data Processing
The NI-5733 is particularly useful for applications requiring inline data processing.
Rather than simply digitizing a signal and transferring all samples to a CPU, the FPGA can perform processing while the data is being acquired.
This architecture can support:
- Real-time filtering
- Data compression or reduction
- Feature extraction
- Signal classification
- Trigger generation
- Measurement calculations
Digital Filtering
In addition to the selectable analog hardware filters, custom digital filtering algorithms can be implemented on compatible FPGA hardware.
This provides flexibility for applications requiring specialized frequency-domain processing or signal conditioning.
FFT and Frequency Analysis
The NI-5733 can be used in systems that perform FFT and other frequency-domain processing.
Depending on FPGA resources and application requirements, signal processing can be performed directly on the FPGA or after data transfer to the host.
Communications Testing
The combination of high-speed analog acquisition and programmable FPGA processing makes the NI-5733 useful for communications research and electronic validation applications.
Engineers can develop custom processing architectures for acquiring and analyzing compatible analog or intermediate-frequency signals.
Electronic Device Validation
The NI-5733 can be integrated into automated electronic test systems for capturing fast electrical signals from devices under test.
Applications can include:
- Design validation
- Functional testing
- Transient characterization
- Waveform comparison
- Production testing
- Automated pass/fail analysis
Semiconductor Testing
Semiconductor and electronic component validation can require high-speed analog acquisition combined with deterministic signal processing.
The NI-5733 FlexRIO architecture can be used to create customized test instruments for specialized semiconductor and electronic device applications.
Scientific Instrumentation
FlexRIO hardware is particularly useful for scientific applications where conventional fixed-function instrumentation does not provide the required measurement architecture.
The NI-5733 can be incorporated into custom scientific instruments for high-speed data acquisition, event detection, pulse measurement, and real-time signal processing.
Why 16-Bit Resolution Matters
The NI-5733 combines high-speed sampling with 16-bit ADC resolution.
Higher resolution provides more quantization levels for representing the acquired analog waveform, which can be valuable when measurement fidelity is important.
Why Simultaneous Sampling Matters
The NI-5733 simultaneously samples both analog input channels at up to 120 MS/s.
This architecture helps preserve timing relationships between channels and is useful for:
- Phase measurements
- Channel-to-channel comparison
- Reference and response analysis
- Dual-signal transient acquisition
- System characterization
NI-5733 vs NI-5732
| Feature | NI-5733 | NI-5732 |
|---|---|---|
| Analog Input Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ADC Resolution | 16-Bit | 14-Bit |
| Maximum Sample Rate | 120 MS/s | 80 MS/s |
| Platform | FlexRIO | FlexRIO |
| Primary Advantage | Higher Resolution and Higher Sample Rate | Lower-Speed Acquisition Requirements |
NI-5733 vs NI-5734
The NI-5733 and NI-5734 belong to the same family of high-speed FlexRIO digitizer adapter modules. Both provide 16-bit acquisition at up to 120 MS/s, but their channel counts differ.
| Feature | NI-5733 | NI-5734 |
|---|---|---|
| Analog Input Channels | 2 | 4 |
| ADC Resolution | 16-Bit | 16-Bit |
| Maximum Sample Rate | 120 MS/s | 120 MS/s |
| Platform | FlexRIO | FlexRIO |
| Primary Advantage | 2-Channel Acquisition | Higher Channel Count |
NI-5731 vs NI-5732 vs NI-5733 vs NI-5734
| Model | Channels | Resolution | Maximum Sample Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| NI-5731 | 2 | 12-Bit | 40 MS/s |
| NI-5732 | 2 | 14-Bit | 80 MS/s |
| NI-5733 | 2 | 16-Bit | 120 MS/s |
| NI-5734 | 4 | 16-Bit | 120 MS/s |
NI-5733 and FlexRIO FPGA Modules
The NI-5733 is a FlexRIO adapter module. It is not intended to operate as a standalone digitizer.
A complete measurement system requires compatible FlexRIO FPGA hardware.
The architecture is:
NI-5733 + Compatible FlexRIO FPGA Module + PXI/PXIe System + Measurement Software
Before purchasing an NI-5733, verify compatibility between the adapter module, FPGA module, chassis, controller, software, and driver versions.
FlexRIO System Architecture
A complete NI-5733 measurement system can include:
Analog Signal Source
↓
NI-5733 Digitizer Adapter Module
↓
FlexRIO FPGA Module
↓
PXI / PXI Express Chassis
↓
PXI Controller / Host PC
↓
Measurement and Analysis Software
NI-5733 Replacement
The NI-5733 is a legacy FlexRIO adapter module and is no longer available for purchase directly from NI.
NI identifies the PXIe-5172 as the recommended replacement product.
The PXIe-5172 is a reconfigurable PXI oscilloscope that combines analog acquisition with an onboard user-programmable FPGA.
However, the PXIe-5172 is not a specification-for-specification identical replacement for the NI-5733. Before migrating an existing NI-5733 application, engineers should evaluate channel count, sample rate, resolution, bandwidth, FPGA architecture, software, cabling, and system integration requirements.
Software and Programming
The NI-5733 was designed for NI FlexRIO FPGA-based measurement applications.
Typical development functionality includes:
- FPGA-based acquisition
- Custom triggering
- Real-time signal processing
- DMA data transfer
- Digital filtering
- Data streaming
- Host-side waveform analysis
Because the NI-5733 is a legacy FlexRIO adapter module, software and driver compatibility should be carefully verified before purchasing hardware for an existing or replacement system.
How to Choose a FlexRIO Digitizer
Before selecting the NI-5733 or a replacement digitizer, evaluate:
- Required analog input channels
- ADC resolution
- Required sample rate
- Signal bandwidth
- Input signal characteristics
- Hardware filtering requirements
- Simultaneous sampling requirements
- FPGA processing requirements
- Trigger requirements
- Continuous streaming requirements
- FlexRIO FPGA compatibility
- PXI/PXIe chassis compatibility
- Software and driver support
Industries
- Aerospace and Defense
- Semiconductor Test
- Electronic Validation
- Communications
- Scientific Research
- Automated Test
- Research and Development
- High-Speed Data Acquisition
Applications
High-Speed Waveform Acquisition
The NI-5733 provides two simultaneously sampled 16-bit analog input channels at rates up to 120 MS/s for high-speed waveform acquisition.
Transient Capture
High-speed sampling allows short-duration pulses, switching events, and other transient analog signals to be captured for analysis.
FPGA Signal Processing
A compatible FlexRIO FPGA module can process NI-5733 measurement data in real time using application-specific digital signal-processing algorithms.
Electronic Validation
The NI-5733 can be integrated into automated electronic test systems for high-speed waveform characterization and device validation.
Scientific Measurement
The programmable FlexRIO architecture enables customized acquisition and processing systems for research and scientific instrumentation.
Data Streaming
The NI-5733 supports architectures designed for high-throughput analog data acquisition, inline processing, and data streaming.
Recommended Related Products
| NI-5733 | 2-channel, 16-bit, 120 MS/s FlexRIO digitizer adapter module for high-speed analog acquisition. |
| NI-5732 | 2-channel, 14-bit, 80 MS/s FlexRIO digitizer adapter module. |
| NI-5734 | 4-channel, 16-bit, 120 MS/s FlexRIO digitizer adapter module for applications requiring additional acquisition channels. |
| NI-5772 | 2-channel, 12-bit, 800 MS/s FlexRIO digitizer adapter module for substantially higher-speed waveform acquisition. |
| PXIe-5172 | Reconfigurable PXI oscilloscope identified by NI as the recommended replacement for the discontinued NI-5733. |
| FlexRIO FPGA Modules | Programmable FPGA hardware used with compatible FlexRIO adapter modules for real-time acquisition and signal processing. |
Why Choose NI-5733?
- 2 high-speed analog input channels
- 16-bit ADC resolution
- 120 MS/s per channel
- Simultaneous sampling
- Selectable elliptic hardware filter
- Selectable Bessel hardware filter
- Hardware filter bypass mode
- FlexRIO FPGA integration
- Real-time analog data processing
- Custom FPGA signal processing
- Custom triggering capability
- High-throughput data streaming
- Suitable for transient acquisition
- Suitable for electronic validation
- Suitable for scientific instrumentation
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the NI-5733?
The NI-5733 is a two-channel, 16-bit, 120 MS/s digitizer adapter module designed for NI FlexRIO FPGA-based high-speed analog acquisition systems.
How many analog input channels does the NI-5733 have?
The NI-5733 provides two analog input channels.
What is the resolution of the NI-5733?
The NI-5733 provides 16-bit analog-to-digital conversion.
What is the maximum sample rate of the NI-5733?
The NI-5733 can simultaneously sample both analog input channels at rates up to 120 MS/s.
Does the NI-5733 support simultaneous sampling?
Yes. Both analog input channels can be simultaneously sampled at up to 120 MS/s.
What hardware filters does the NI-5733 provide?
The NI-5733 includes programmable elliptic, Bessel, and bypass hardware filter configurations.
Does the NI-5733 include an FPGA?
The NI-5733 is the digitizer adapter module. FPGA processing is provided by the compatible NI FlexRIO FPGA module used with it.
Can the NI-5733 perform real-time signal processing?
Yes. When combined with compatible FlexRIO FPGA hardware, acquired analog data can be processed in real time using programmable FPGA logic.
Can the NI-5733 be used for high-speed data streaming?
Yes. High-throughput analog data streaming and inline processing are key applications of the NI-5733 FlexRIO architecture.
What is the difference between NI-5733 and NI-5732?
The NI-5733 provides two 16-bit channels at up to 120 MS/s, while the NI-5732 provides two 14-bit channels at up to 80 MS/s. The NI-5733 therefore provides both higher resolution and a higher maximum sample rate.
What is the difference between NI-5733 and NI-5734?
Both models provide 16-bit acquisition at up to 120 MS/s. The NI-5733 provides two analog input channels, while the NI-5734 provides four channels.
Is the NI-5733 a standalone digitizer?
No. The NI-5733 is a FlexRIO digitizer adapter module and requires compatible FlexRIO FPGA hardware to create a complete high-speed digitizer system.
Is the NI-5733 discontinued?
Yes. NI currently identifies the NI-5733 as no longer available for purchase directly from NI.
What is the replacement for the NI-5733?
NI identifies the PXIe-5172 as the recommended replacement for the NI-5733. However, the PXIe-5172 has a different architecture and specifications, so application compatibility should be evaluated before migration.
Can I still use an existing NI-5733?
Existing NI-5733 hardware can continue to be useful in supported legacy FlexRIO systems. Before purchasing replacement or spare hardware, verify the condition of the module and compatibility with the FPGA module, driver, LabVIEW version, operating system, and PXI/PXIe platform.
What should I check before purchasing an NI-5733?
Before purchasing an NI-5733, verify the required two-channel architecture, 16-bit resolution, 120 MS/s sample rate, input signal requirements, filter configuration, compatible FlexRIO FPGA module, PXI/PXIe system, cabling, software version, and driver compatibility.
Conclusion
The NI-5733 FlexRIO Digitizer Adapter Module combines two simultaneously sampled analog input channels, 16-bit resolution, sampling rates up to 120 MS/s, selectable elliptic, Bessel, and bypass hardware filters, and programmable FlexRIO FPGA processing. These capabilities make the NI-5733 suitable for high-speed waveform acquisition, transient measurement, electronic validation, communications testing, scientific instrumentation, real-time signal processing, and high-throughput data streaming applications.
