PXI-5650 1.3 GHz PXI RF Analog Signal Generator
The PXI-5650 is a single-channel PXI RF analog signal generator designed for automated RF testing, device characterization, receiver testing and communications-system validation. It generates continuous-wave signals from 500 kHz to 1.3 GHz with maximum output power up to 12 dBm.
Direct digital synthesis technology provides fine frequency resolution, programmable frequency hopping and phase-continuous sweeping. The PXI-5650 also supports onboard FM, two-frequency FSK and on-off keying modulation for testing receivers, wireless controls, keyless-entry devices and other RF products.
The compact single-slot module integrates with other PXI instruments, including vector signal analyzers, digitizers, switches and frequency counters. Automated control is provided through the NI-RFSG instrument driver.
Key Features of the PXI-5650
- 500 kHz to 1.3 GHz calibrated frequency range
- Tunable down to 100 kHz with uncalibrated amplitude
- One RF output channel
- 12 dBm maximum output power
- 50 Ω nominal output impedance
- Continuous-wave RF signal generation
- Direct digital synthesis technology
- Fine frequency resolution
- 1.5 ms typical frequency tuning time
- Phase-continuous frequency sweeping
- Programmable frequency hopping
- FM modulation support
- Two-frequency FSK modulation support
- On-off keying modulation support
- Programmable phase-modulation support
- External 10 MHz reference synchronization
- PXI trigger and timing integration
- NI-RFSG software support
- Single-slot 3U PXI module
PXI-5650 Technical Specifications
| Product Model | PXI-5650 |
|---|---|
| Part Number | 779670-00 |
| Product Type | PXI RF analog signal generator |
| Number of RF Output Channels | 1 |
| Calibrated Frequency Range | 500 kHz to 1.3 GHz |
| Extended Tuning Range | Down to 100 kHz with uncalibrated amplitude |
| Maximum Output Power | 12 dBm |
| Output Impedance | 50 Ω nominal |
| Frequency Resolution | Less than 3 Hz across the calibrated range |
| Typical Frequency Tuning Time | 1.5 ms |
| Generation Mode | Continuous wave |
| Modulation Types | FM, 2-FSK and OOK; programmable PM through NI-RFSG |
| Frequency Sweep | Phase-continuous DDS-based sweeping |
| Frequency Hopping | Software-programmable configuration lists |
| Phase Noise at 100 MHz | Less than -125 dBc/Hz typical at 10 kHz offset |
| Phase Noise at 500 MHz | Less than -111 dBc/Hz typical at 10 kHz offset |
| Phase Noise at 1 GHz | Approximately -105 dBc/Hz typical at 10 kHz offset |
| External Reference Input | 10 MHz ±10 ppm |
| External Reference Amplitude | 0.2 Vpk-pk to 1.5 Vpk-pk into 50 Ω |
| External Reference Lock Time | Less than 1 second |
| RF Output Connector | SMA female |
| Reference Connector | REF IN/OUT |
| Driver | NI-RFSG |
| Module Format | 3U, single-slot PXI module |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to 55°C |
| Life-Cycle Status | Discontinued |
| Recommended Replacement | PXIe-5650, part number 781215-01 |
PXI-5650 Part Number and Related Models
| Item | Part Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| PXI-5650 | 779670-00 | 500 kHz to 1.3 GHz PXI RF analog signal generator |
| PXIe-5650 | 781215-01 | PXI Express replacement with 500 kHz to 1.3 GHz frequency coverage |
| PXI-5651 | 779670-01 | 500 kHz to 3.3 GHz PXI RF analog signal generator |
| PXIe-5651 | 781216-01 | 500 kHz to 3.3 GHz PXI Express RF analog signal generator |
| PXIe-5652 | 781217-01 | 500 kHz to 6.6 GHz PXI Express RF analog signal generator |
Confirm the complete model and part number before ordering. The PXI-5650 and PXIe-5650 provide similar RF functions but use different chassis interfaces and are not interchangeable in every PXI slot.
500 kHz to 1.3 GHz Frequency Coverage
The PXI-5650 provides calibrated signal generation from 500 kHz through 1.3 GHz. This range covers baseband and intermediate-frequency applications as well as broadcast, industrial, navigation, automotive and sub-GHz wireless systems.
The generator can tune down to 100 kHz, but amplitude accuracy is not calibrated below 500 kHz. Applications requiring traceable output-level accuracy should remain within the calibrated operating range.
12 dBm Maximum RF Output
The PXI-5650 supplies maximum output power as high as 12 dBm, depending on frequency and operating conditions. Programmable level control allows the same module to generate lower-power signals for receiver sensitivity and threshold testing.
The power delivered to the device under test differs from the value at the generator connector when the signal passes through cables, attenuators, adapters or RF switches. Apply appropriate path-loss correction or measure the signal at the final reference plane.
Direct Digital Synthesis Architecture
The onboard DDS circuit provides fine control of the generated frequency and supports phase-continuous changes between frequency settings. Frequency resolution is less than 3 Hz across the PXI-5650 calibrated operating range.
DDS control is useful when the test requires precise carrier placement, small frequency steps, programmable sweeps or nonstandard clock frequencies.
Continuous-Wave Generation
The PXI-5650 operates as a programmable continuous-wave RF source. Engineers can set the required carrier frequency and output level through software and then use the signal to stimulate an RF component or receiver.
Typical CW measurements include amplifier gain, filter response, receiver sensitivity, mixer conversion loss, cable insertion loss and RF switch-path verification.
Phase-Continuous Frequency Sweeping
The module can perform DDS-based phase-continuous frequency sweeps for fixture and device characterization. The carrier moves through a list of frequency points without restarting an unrelated waveform at every step.
When combined with an RF analyzer or power detector, a sweep can measure gain flatness, filter response, passband ripple and signal-path insertion loss.
Programmable Frequency Hopping
Configuration lists allow the PXI-5650 to move through predefined frequency and power settings. Hardware or software triggering can advance the generator through the list during an automated test.
The typical frequency tuning time is 1.5 ms. Complete test speed also depends on the receiving instrument, switch settling time, device response and software execution.
Frequency Modulation
The PXI-5650 supports onboard frequency modulation using programmable modulation settings. Internal FM waveform options include sine, triangle and square patterns.
FM generation can be used to test analog receivers, discriminators, demodulators and communications circuits. Confirm that the selected carrier, modulation rate and frequency deviation remain within the device’s supported limits.
Two-Frequency FSK Generation
Two-frequency FSK switches the carrier between two defined frequency states. This basic digital modulation is commonly used in industrial radios, telemetry systems, remote controls and low-data-rate wireless devices.
The PXI-5650 can provide controlled FSK stimulus for receiver functional testing and bit-error-rate measurements. Additional digital hardware may be required to provide or evaluate the test-data pattern.
On-Off Keying Generation
On-off keying represents information by enabling and suppressing the RF carrier. It is widely used in wireless remotes, keyless-entry systems, basic sensor transmitters and identification devices.
Automated software can vary the carrier frequency, output power and OOK timing to determine whether the receiver operates correctly across its specified range.
Phase Modulation Support
The NI-RFSG programming interface provides programmable phase-modulation controls for supported 5650-series RF generators. This allows basic PM signals to be produced without adding a separate modulation source.
The PXI-5650 is not a wideband vector signal generator. Complex arbitrary I/Q formats such as QAM, OFDM, LTE or WLAN require a vector signal generator or vector signal transceiver.
Phase-Noise Performance
The PXI-5650 typical single-sideband phase noise at a 10 kHz offset is less than -125 dBc/Hz at 100 MHz, less than -111 dBc/Hz at 500 MHz and approximately -105 dBc/Hz at a 1 GHz carrier.
Low phase noise helps preserve CW signal purity and improves receiver selectivity, oscillator and adjacent-channel measurements. Actual performance depends on carrier frequency, offset, reference-clock configuration and environmental conditions.
Low-Jitter Clock Generation
The generator can be used as a programmable clock source for circuits requiring nonstandard sample frequencies. NI identifies baseband and intermediate-frequency clocking as an application for this signal-generator family.
At 622 MHz, the typical integrated jitter is below 200 fs under the specified measurement conditions. Confirm that the receiving circuit accepts the sine-wave level, impedance and spectral characteristics of the RF output.
External 10 MHz Reference
The REF IN/OUT connector can accept a 10 MHz external reference or export the module’s onboard 10 MHz reference. The specified external input range is 0.2 Vpk-pk to 1.5 Vpk-pk into 50 Ω, with a lock time of less than one second.
Using a common frequency reference helps coordinate the PXI-5650 with analyzers, counters and additional RF generators. Frequency locking does not automatically establish a fixed RF phase relationship between separate instruments.
PXI Timing and Triggering
The PXI-5650 can use PXI backplane trigger resources to coordinate configuration-list steps and generation events with other modular instruments.
Hardware triggering improves repeatability when the generator must change frequency or power at a defined point in the measurement sequence. The exact trigger source and behavior should be configured through NI-RFSG.
Front-Panel Connections
The RF OUT connector supplies the programmed RF signal at the selected frequency and power. The REF IN/OUT connector routes a frequency-reference signal into or out of the module.
Use correctly rated 50 Ω coaxial cables and SMA accessories. Protect the RF output from excessive reverse power and DC voltage, particularly when connecting the generator to active transmitters or powered circuits.
Typical PXI-5650 Applications
- RF receiver sensitivity testing
- FM receiver validation
- FSK and OOK communications testing
- Keyless-entry system testing
- Wireless remote-control validation
- Filter frequency-response testing
- Amplifier gain characterization
- Antenna and cable-path testing
- Clock and local-oscillator generation
- Frequency hopping tests
- Bit-error-rate testing
- Automated production testing
- RF component characterization
- Laboratory research and automation
Receiver Sensitivity Testing
The PXI-5650 can apply a controlled RF signal to a receiver while software progressively reduces the output level. The test system monitors the receiver response to determine sensitivity, detection threshold or operating margin.
Calibrate the complete RF path before relying on the programmed generator level. Cables, attenuators, switches and fixtures reduce the power reaching the receiver input.
Filter and Amplifier Testing
Frequency sweeps can characterize filters, amplifiers and other RF components. A compatible spectrum analyzer, vector signal analyzer or power sensor measures the device output at each programmed carrier frequency.
These measurements can determine insertion loss, gain, passband ripple and cutoff behavior. Appropriate attenuation must be used when the device under test provides gain that could overload the receiving instrument.
Sub-GHz Wireless Device Testing
The 1.3 GHz upper frequency limit covers many industrial, scientific and medical bands as well as remote-control and keyless-entry applications. FM, FSK and OOK capabilities support functional testing of common low-data-rate receivers.
Use a suitable RF shield enclosure when testing wireless products in production. Shielding reduces external interference and prevents the generated signal from affecting nearby equipment.
Automated Production Test
Software control allows the PXI-5650 to generate multiple frequencies, power levels and modulation conditions without manual adjustment. This improves repeatability and throughput in production test systems.
The module can operate alongside PXI switches, analyzers, data-acquisition devices and digital interfaces. Test results can be automatically compared with limits and saved for product traceability.
NI-RFSG Software Support
The PXI-5650 is controlled through the NI-RFSG instrument driver. NI-RFSG provides functions for configuring carrier frequency, power level, modulation, configuration lists, reference clocks and triggers.
The driver supports LabVIEW and compatible text-based programming environments. It also provides example applications and interactive controls for initial setup and troubleshooting.
Because the PXI-5650 is discontinued, verify operating-system and development-environment compatibility with the specific NI-RFSG release used by the test station.
Pairing the PXI-5650 with an RF Analyzer
The generator can be used with a PXI-5661 Vector Signal Analyzer to create a modular RF stimulus-and-measurement system. Both instruments can share PXI timing resources and a common frequency reference.
The PXI-5650 generates the CW or modulated signal, while the analyzer measures frequency, power, spectrum and modulation characteristics. This configuration supports automated component and receiver testing.
PXI Chassis Integration
The PXI-5650 occupies one 3U PXI slot. It can be installed in a compatible PXI chassis alongside switches, signal analyzers, digitizers and other test instruments.
Before installation, verify chassis slot compatibility, cooling, controller support and NI-RFSG requirements. Always power down the chassis before inserting or removing the module.
PXI-5650 Troubleshooting
The PXI-5650 is not detected in NI MAX
Confirm that the module is fully installed in a compatible PXI slot. Check chassis power, controller communication and NI-RFSG installation, then refresh the hardware list in NI Measurement & Automation Explorer.
No RF signal appears at RF OUT
Verify that generation has started and RF output is enabled. Check the programmed frequency, power level, trigger configuration, cable and receiving instrument settings.
The measured output level is too low
Inspect the RF cable, adapters, attenuators and switches. Confirm that the requested output power is available at the selected frequency and that the measurement instrument uses a 50 Ω input.
The generated frequency is incorrect
Check the frequency units entered by the application and review the reference-clock configuration. If an external reference is selected, confirm that a valid 10 MHz signal is connected.
The module does not lock to the external reference
Verify that the external reference is 10 MHz within the permitted tolerance and provides 0.2 Vpk-pk to 1.5 Vpk-pk into 50 Ω. Inspect the cable and allow enough time for the generator to acquire lock.
Frequency hopping is slower than expected
Use configuration lists and hardware triggers when possible. Overall speed also depends on the device under test, switching hardware, receiving instrument and application software.
FM or FSK modulation is distorted
Review the modulation rate, waveform and deviation settings. Confirm that the analyzer bandwidth captures the full modulated signal and that the selected parameters are supported at the configured carrier frequency.
The OOK timing is incorrect
Check the data source, trigger route and modulation timing. Use a suitable oscilloscope or RF analyzer to verify the carrier’s on and off intervals.
The output contains excessive spurious signals
Allow the module to complete its warm-up period and verify calibration status. Check the external reference, shielding, grounding and nearby RF interference sources.
The module reports a PLL or thermal error
Confirm that chassis airflow is not blocked and that the ambient temperature remains within specification. Check the reference source and restart the generation session after the module returns to a valid operating temperature.
PXI-5650 Comparison with Related RF Signal Generators
| Model | Primary Configuration | Best Suited For |
|---|---|---|
| PXI-5650 | 500 kHz to 1.3 GHz, FM, FSK and OOK | Legacy PXI sub-GHz and IF signal generation |
| PXI-5651 | 500 kHz to 3.3 GHz, 12 dBm maximum output | Legacy PXI RF testing through 3.3 GHz |
| PXI-5652 | 500 kHz to 6.6 GHz RF generation | Higher-frequency legacy PXI systems |
| PXIe-5650 | 500 kHz to 1.3 GHz PXI Express generator | PXI Express replacement for PXI-5650 applications |
| PXIe-5651 | 500 kHz to 3.3 GHz PXI Express generator | Wireless and RF testing above 1.3 GHz |
| PXIe-5654 | Up to 20 GHz with higher output power | Modern RF and microwave component testing |
PXI-5650 vs PXI-5651
The PXI-5650 and PXI-5651 provide similar CW, DDS, FM, FSK and OOK capabilities. The main difference is frequency coverage: the PXI-5650 reaches 1.3 GHz, while the PXI-5651 extends operation to 3.3 GHz.
Select the PXI-5650 for baseband, IF and sub-GHz applications. Choose the PXI-5651 when the test requires carrier frequencies above 1.3 GHz.
PXI-5650 vs PXI-5652
The PXI-5652 extends the upper frequency limit to 6.6 GHz, compared with 1.3 GHz for the PXI-5650. The PXI-5652 is better suited to higher-frequency wireless and microwave measurements.
The PXI-5650 remains appropriate when the lower frequency range is sufficient and compatibility with an existing PXI test system is the primary requirement.
PXI-5650 vs PXIe-5650
The PXIe-5650 is the recommended PXI Express replacement for the PXI-5650. Both provide a 500 kHz to 1.3 GHz range and similar analog RF generation capabilities.
The PXI-5650 uses part number 779670-00, while the PXIe-5650 uses part number 781215-01. Check the chassis slot interface and installed driver before replacing one version with the other.
PXI-5650 vs PXIe-5654
The PXIe-5654 is a newer RF analog signal generator available with frequency coverage up to 10 GHz or 20 GHz. It provides substantially higher frequency capability, improved phase noise and higher output-power options.
Choose the PXI-5650 for maintaining legacy systems operating below 1.3 GHz. Consider the PXIe-5654 for new RF and microwave test systems requiring modern performance and active platform support.
Recommended Related Products
- PXI-5651 3.3 GHz RF Analog Signal Generator
- PXI-5652 6.6 GHz RF Analog Signal Generator
- PXIe-5650 1.3 GHz RF Analog Signal Generator
- PXIe-5651 3.3 GHz RF Analog Signal Generator
- PXIe-5652 6.6 GHz RF Analog Signal Generator
- PXIe-5654 RF Analog Signal Generator
- PXI-5661 Vector Signal Analyzer
- View More NI PXI and PXI Express Modules
Selecting the Right RF Signal Generator
Choose the PXI-5650 when an existing PXI system requires a software-controlled RF source covering 500 kHz to 1.3 GHz with CW, FM, 2-FSK and OOK generation.
Select the PXI-5651 or PXI-5652 when a wider frequency range is required. For PXI Express systems, consider the corresponding PXIe model. The PXIe-5654 is better suited to new high-performance RF and microwave applications.
Why Choose the PXI-5650?
- Generates calibrated RF signals from 500 kHz to 1.3 GHz
- Provides maximum output power up to 12 dBm
- Supports continuous-wave RF generation
- Provides FM, 2-FSK and OOK modulation
- Offers less than 3 Hz frequency resolution
- Supports phase-continuous frequency sweeps
- Provides 1.5 ms typical frequency tuning
- Locks to a compatible external 10 MHz reference
- Integrates with PXI triggers and modular instruments
- Supports automated control through NI-RFSG
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the PXI-5650?
The PXI-5650 is a single-channel PXI RF analog signal generator for continuous-wave generation, frequency sweeping and basic RF modulation.
What is the PXI-5650 frequency range?
Its calibrated frequency range is 500 kHz to 1.3 GHz. It can tune down to 100 kHz with uncalibrated output amplitude.
What is the maximum output power?
The maximum specified output power is 12 dBm, subject to carrier frequency and operating conditions.
Which modulation types does it support?
The PXI-5650 supports FM, two-frequency FSK and on-off keying. Programmable phase-modulation controls are also available through NI-RFSG.
Can it generate arbitrary I/Q waveforms?
No. The PXI-5650 is intended for CW and basic modulation. Complex vector-modulated signals require an appropriate vector signal generator.
What is its frequency resolution?
The frequency resolution is less than 3 Hz across the calibrated 500 kHz to 1.3 GHz range.
What is the typical tuning time?
The typical frequency tuning time is 1.5 ms.
Does the PXI-5650 accept an external reference?
Yes. It can lock to a compatible 10 MHz external reference through the REF IN/OUT connector.
Which driver controls the PXI-5650?
The module is controlled with the NI-RFSG instrument driver.
What is the PXI-5650 part number?
The standard NI part number is 779670-00.
Is the PXI-5650 still available from NI?
No. The PXI-5650 is discontinued. Availability may be limited to used, refurbished or surplus inventory.
What is the recommended replacement?
The recommended replacement is the PXIe-5650, part number 781215-01. It requires a compatible PXI Express or hybrid slot.
What should be checked before buying a used PXI-5650?
Verify the exact model and part number, RF output performance, reference-lock operation, connector condition, calibration status and compatibility with the intended chassis and NI-RFSG version.
Request a Quote for the PXI-5650
Contact us for current availability, test condition and project pricing for the PXI-5650 1.3 GHz PXI RF Analog Signal Generator. We can also help identify compatible RF cables, PXI chassis, signal analyzers and alternative PXI Express RF generators.
