PXIe-5831 44 GHz mmWave Vector Signal Transceiver
Земля NI PXIe-5831 is a modular millimeter-wave vector signal transceiver system that combines wideband RF generation, RF analysis and FPGA-based real-time processing. It supports intermediate-frequency operation from 5 GHz to 21 GHz and mmWave operation as high as 44 GHz with 1 GHz of instantaneous bandwidth.
The PXIe-5831 is designed for 5G New Radio FR2, Wi-Fi, radar, phased-array, front-end-module and semiconductor production testing. Its modular architecture combines PXI Express instruments with one or more mmRH-5582 radio heads.
PXIe-5831 is the name of a configured instrument system rather than a single physical module. The complete configuration may contain a PXIe-5820, PXIe-3622, PXIe-5653, mmWave radio heads and the required interconnect cables.
Key Features of the PXIe-5831
- Up to 44 GHz RF and mmWave operation
- 5 GHz to 21 GHz IF input and output range
- 22.5 GHz to 44 GHz mmWave receive coverage
- Up to 1 GHz instantaneous bandwidth
- Integrated vector signal generator and analyzer
- FPGA-based real-time processing and control
- Direct and switched mmWave TRX port configurations
- One-head and two-head system options
- Peer-to-peer streaming support
- Phase-coherent MIMO expansion capability
- NI-RFSA, NI-RFSG and RFmx compatibility
PXIe-5831 Technical Specifications
| Product Model | PXIe-5831 configured instrument system |
|---|---|
| Product Type | mmWave Vector Signal Transceiver |
| IF Frequency Range | 5 GHz to 21 GHz |
| mmWave Receive Range | 22.5 GHz to 44 GHz |
| Original mmWave Transmit Range | 22.5 GHz to 31.3 GHz and 37 GHz to 44 GHz |
| Maximum Instantaneous Bandwidth | 1 GHz |
| Tuning Resolution | 4.45 µHz |
| Typical Generator Tuning Time | 43 µs, configuration dependent |
| Typical Analyzer Tuning Time | 18 ms, configuration dependent |
| Maximum Output Power | Up to 17 dBm, configuration and frequency dependent |
| Average Noise Level | -131 dBm/Hz, listed system characteristic |
| Radio Head | mmRH-5582 |
| Peer-to-Peer Streaming | Supported |
| Typical System Width | Four slots for IF-only or approximately six slots for common mmWave configurations |
| Cooling Requirement | Compatible chassis with 82 W slot cooling capacity for applicable modules |
PXIe-5831 Part Numbers and Configurations
| Part Number | Конфигурация |
|---|---|
| 786853-01 | PXIe-5831 IF configuration |
| 786854-01 | One radio head without an integrated switch |
| 786855-01 | One radio head with two switched port banks |
| 786856-01 | Two radio heads without integrated switches |
| 786857-01 | Two-head configuration with direct and switched port arrangements |
| 786858-01 | One radio head with one switched port bank |
| 787241-01 | Two-head configuration with two switched banks per head |
| 787243-01 | Two-head configuration with one switched bank per head |
PXIe-5831 part numbers represent complete system configurations. Verify radio-head quantity, direct or switched port arrangement, cable set and required frequency coverage before ordering.
PXIe-5831 System Architecture
PXIe-5820 Baseband Vector Signal Transceiver
The PXIe-5820 provides high-speed baseband waveform generation, acquisition and FPGA processing. It forms the digital foundation of the configured PXIe-5831 instrument.
PXIe-3622 Upconverter and Downconverter
The PXIe-3622 converts between the baseband and 5 GHz to 21 GHz intermediate-frequency range. IF ports can be used directly or connected to the mmWave conversion hardware.
PXIe-5653 Local-Oscillator Source
The PXIe-5653 provides the local-oscillator signal used in applicable mmWave configurations. Proper cable installation and frequency-reference synchronization are essential for specified performance.
mmRH-5582 Radio Head
The mmRH-5582 performs frequency conversion close to the DUT. Positioning the radio head near the test fixture reduces high-frequency cable loss and helps maintain mmWave measurement performance.
1 ГГц мгновенной полосы пропускания
The PXIe-5831 can generate and acquire as much as 1 GHz of instantaneous bandwidth. This supports wide 5G NR carriers, broadband radar chirps, multi-carrier signals and wideband component measurements.
Actual usable bandwidth depends on center frequency, selected port, offset mode, software configuration and calibration state.
Direct and Switched TRX Ports
Direct TRX ports provide a short RF path for applications prioritizing signal performance. Switched port banks allow one instrument to route signals between several DUT connections, improving test density and reducing external mmWave switching hardware.
The number of direct and switched ports depends on the ordered mmRH-5582 and PXIe-5831 system configuration.
5G NR FR2 Testing
The PXIe-5831 can generate and analyze wideband signals used in 5G NR mmWave testing. RFmx NR software can provide measurements such as channel power, occupied bandwidth, adjacent-channel leakage ratio and modulation accuracy.
Multiple systems can be synchronized for MIMO, phased-array or multi-site testing. Complete system accuracy depends on cable phase matching, calibration and radio-head placement.
Radar and Phased-Array Testing
The wide bandwidth supports radar pulses, chirps and complex modulated waveforms. Engineers can use FPGA processing for custom triggering, pulse detection, data reduction and low-latency control.
Radio heads can be positioned close to beamformer or antenna-array interfaces to reduce cable loss at millimeter-wave frequencies.
Typical PXIe-5831 Applications
- 5G NR FR2 transmitter and receiver testing
- mmWave RFIC characterization
- Front-end-module production test
- Phased-array and beamformer validation
- Over-the-air antenna testing
- Radar waveform generation and analysis
- Wi-Fi 6 and wideband wireless testing
- Semiconductor wafer and final test
- Multi-site mmWave production testing
- Phase-coherent MIMO systems
PXIe-5831 Software Support
NI-RFSA and NI-RFSG provide analyzer and generator control. RFmx offers spectrum and standards-based measurement personalities. InstrumentStudio can be used for interactive setup and initial verification.
Compatible FPGA development tools allow engineers to implement customized real-time processing and test functions on the PXIe-5820 FPGA.
PXIe-5831 Calibration and Cooling
The system should be allowed to warm up before self-calibration. All component temperatures should remain within the required range of the last calibration temperature.
Applicable modules require a chassis with 82 W slot cooling capacity. Install slot blockers and EMC filler panels in unused positions and configure the recommended chassis cooling profile.
PXIe-5831 Troubleshooting
The PXIe-5831 does not appear as one instrument
Confirm that every component module is detected and that the required RF drivers are installed. Inspect all IF, I/Q, LO and control cables.
The radio head is not detected
Check the radio-head interface cable, power, connector seating and system configuration. Confirm that the connected radio-head type matches the configured instrument.
RF output power is lower than expected
Inspect the mmWave connectors and cables, confirm the selected direct or switched port and perform self-calibration. Cable loss becomes significant at high frequencies.
Measurements change after warm-up
Wait for thermal stabilization and repeat self-calibration. Verify chassis airflow, slot cooling and the temperature of every system module.
The required transmit frequency is unavailable
Check the exact PXIe-5831 hardware revision and system configuration. Some PXIe-5831 configurations have a transmit gap between 31.3 GHz and 37 GHz.
PXIe-5831 vs PXIe-5832
| Функция | PXIe-5831 | PXIe-5832 |
|---|---|---|
| Максимальная частота | 44 GHz | 44 GHz |
| Maximum Bandwidth | 1 GHz | 1 GHz |
| IF Range | 5 GHz to 21 GHz | 5 GHz to 21 GHz |
| mmWave Receive Coverage | 22.5 GHz to 44 GHz | 22.5 GHz to 44 GHz |
| mmWave Transmit Coverage | Configuration dependent; original specifications include a 31.3 GHz to 37 GHz gap | Continuous 22.5 GHz to 44 GHz |
| Best Suited For | Existing PXIe-5831 systems and configured multiport test | Continuous mmWave transmit and receive coverage |
Recommended Related Products
- PXIe-5832 44 GHz mmWave Vector Signal Transceiver
- PXIe-5840 Wideband Vector Signal Transceiver
- PXIe-5841 Vector Signal Transceiver
- PXIe-5653 RF Analog Signal Generator
- View More NI PXI Express Modules
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the PXIe-5831 a single module?
No. PXIe-5831 identifies a configured instrument system consisting of multiple PXI Express modules and optional mmWave radio heads.
What is the maximum frequency?
The system supports operation as high as 44 GHz.
What is the instantaneous bandwidth?
The PXIe-5831 provides up to 1 GHz of instantaneous bandwidth.
Can it test 5G NR FR2 devices?
Yes. Its mmWave coverage and 1 GHz bandwidth make it suitable for 5G NR FR2 generation and analysis.
Why are there multiple part numbers?
Each part number identifies a different combination of IF hardware, radio-head quantity and direct or switched TRX port configuration.
Does the PXIe-5831 require special cooling?
Yes. Applicable modules require a compatible PXI Express chassis with 82 W slot cooling capacity.
Can multiple PXIe-5831 systems be synchronized?
Yes. Multiple systems can be synchronized for phase-coherent, MIMO and multi-site applications when configured with suitable timing hardware.
Request a Quote for the PXIe-5831
Contact us with the required frequency range, radio-head quantity, port count and switching topology for a complete PXIe-5831 mmWave VST quotation. We can help verify every module, cable and chassis requirement.


