{"id":743,"count":5,"description":"
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NI PXI Signal Generators and Arbitrary Waveform Generators<\/h2>\r\n\r\n
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NI PXI Signal Generators provide programmable analog stimulus for automated electronic test systems. Depending on the model, these instruments can generate clocks, sine waves, square waves, ramps, pulses and user-defined arbitrary waveforms representing complex signals, transients, recorded events or sensor outputs.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

PXI waveform generators integrate with digitizers, oscilloscopes, data acquisition modules, switches and synchronization hardware inside one software-controlled system. Common applications include electronic validation, semiconductor test, sensor simulation, audio and baseband testing, component characterization, research and automated production testing.<\/p>\r\n <\/div>\r\n\r\n

What Is a PXI Signal Generator?<\/h3>\r\n\r\n

A PXI signal generator converts digitally defined waveform data into a controlled analog output. The generated signal stimulates a device under test, while another instrument measures the DUT response.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

A typical automated stimulus-response path is:<\/p>\r\n\r\n

PXI Signal Generator \u2192 Device Under Test \u2192 PXI Measurement Instrument<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

Test software can change waveform shape, frequency, amplitude, offset, phase and sequence without manual instrument adjustment. Hardware triggers and PXI timing resources allow the generated stimulus to be coordinated with acquisition, switching and other test operations.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

Main Types of PXI Signal Generators<\/h3>\r\n\r\n
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Generator Type<\/th>\r\n Primary Capability<\/th>\r\n Typical Signals<\/th>\r\n Best Fit<\/th>\r\n <\/tr>\r\n <\/thead>\r\n
Clock and Function Generator<\/td>\r\n Direct digital synthesis of repetitive standard waveforms<\/td>\r\n Clock, sine, square, triangle and ramp<\/td>\r\n Frequency stimulus, clock testing and repetitive functional test<\/td>\r\n <\/tr>\r\n
Arbitrary Waveform Generator<\/td>\r\n Reconstructs user-defined waveform records<\/td>\r\n Custom analog signals, transients, sensor outputs and recorded events<\/td>\r\n Device validation, sensor simulation and complex stimulus generation<\/td>\r\n <\/tr>\r\n
Streaming AWG<\/td>\r\n Transfers long or changing waveform data during generation<\/td>\r\n Extended records, evolving patterns and test sequences<\/td>\r\n Long-duration playback and waveform sets exceeding onboard memory<\/td>\r\n <\/tr>\r\n
Digitally Upconverted AWG<\/td>\r\n Applies onboard interpolation, I\/Q processing and frequency translation<\/td>\r\n Baseband, IF and modulated waveforms<\/td>\r\n Communications, receiver and converter testing<\/td>\r\n <\/tr>\r\n <\/tbody>\r\n <\/table>\r\n <\/div>\r\n\r\n
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PXI waveform generators are primarily baseband, intermediate-frequency and general electronic stimulus instruments. Applications requiring calibrated RF output power, microwave frequency coverage or standards-based wireless modulation should also review PXI RF signal generators and vector signal transceivers.<\/p>\r\n <\/div>\r\n\r\n

Representative NI PXI Signal Generator Models<\/h3>\r\n\r\n
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\u041c\u043e\u0434\u0435\u043b\u044c<\/th>\r\n Unique Category<\/th>\r\n Core Architecture<\/th>\r\n Best Fit<\/th>\r\n <\/tr>\r\n <\/thead>\r\n
\u041f\u0425\u0418-5404<\/a><\/td>\r\n High-Frequency DDS and Clock Generator<\/td>\r\n Single-channel, 12-bit PXI hybrid waveform generator with up to 105 MHz bandwidth, 300 MS\/s operation and a \u00b11 V output range<\/td>\r\n Clock, sine-wave and high-frequency repetitive waveform generation<\/td>\r\n <\/tr>\r\n
\u041f\u0425\u0418-5441<\/a><\/td>\r\n Digital-Upconversion PXI AWG<\/td>\r\n Single-channel, 16-bit, 43 MHz AWG with 100 MS\/s update rate, digital upconversion, onboard processing and multiple memory configurations<\/td>\r\n Legacy baseband, IF, communications and modulated-signal systems<\/td>\r\n <\/tr>\r\n
PXIe-5413<\/a><\/td>\r\n General-Purpose 20 MHz PXIe AWG<\/td>\r\n One- or two-channel, 16-bit AWG with 20 MHz bandwidth, fractional resampling, 128 MB memory per channel and output up to \u00b112 V into high impedance<\/td>\r\n Sensor simulation, electronic validation and general automated stimulus<\/td>\r\n <\/tr>\r\n
PXIe-5423<\/a><\/td>\r\n Streaming 40 MHz PXIe AWG<\/td>\r\n One- or two-channel, 16-bit AWG with 40 MHz bandwidth, waveform scripting, streaming and 128 MB memory per channel<\/td>\r\n Complex sequences, longer waveform records and mid-bandwidth testing<\/td>\r\n <\/tr>\r\n
PXIe-5433<\/a><\/td>\r\n High-Bandwidth 80 MHz PXIe AWG<\/td>\r\n One- or two-channel, 16-bit AWG with 80 MHz bandwidth, scripting, streaming and 512 MB memory per channel<\/td>\r\n Higher-frequency electronic stimulus, semiconductor test and demanding waveform playback<\/td>\r\n <\/tr>\r\n <\/tbody>\r\n <\/table>\r\n <\/div>\r\n\r\n

The model number alone does not indicate whether a generator is the best choice. Compare bandwidth, arbitrary-waveform rate, output range, memory, streaming, channel count, synchronization and software compatibility for the actual test requirement.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

How to Select a PXI Signal Generator<\/h3>\r\n\r\n

1. Define the Required Waveform Type<\/h4>\r\n\r\n

Determine whether the DUT needs standard repetitive functions or a user-defined waveform. A clock or function generator may be sufficient for sine, square and clock stimulus. An AWG is required when the application must reproduce a custom transient, recorded signal, sensor profile, distortion pattern or fault condition.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

Also identify whether several waveforms must be played in a controlled sequence. Waveform scripting can select, repeat and branch between stored records without transferring every sample again from the controller.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

2. Select the Required Analog Bandwidth<\/h4>\r\n\r\n

Analog bandwidth describes the frequency range over which the output path maintains its specified response. Select enough bandwidth for the highest waveform component that must reach the DUT accurately.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

A square wave or fast pulse contains harmonics above its repetition frequency. A generator that produces the correct fundamental frequency may still round the edges if its analog bandwidth is insufficient.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

3. Distinguish Bandwidth from Update Rate<\/h4>\r\n\r\n

Update rate describes how quickly the DAC produces waveform samples. Analog bandwidth describes the usable frequency response of the output path. These specifications are related but cannot be treated as equivalent.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

Oversampling and fractional resampling can improve waveform placement and reconstruction, but a high internal DAC rate does not guarantee that every generated frequency passes through the analog output without attenuation or distortion.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

4. Choose DAC Resolution for the Signal Requirement<\/h4>\r\n\r\n

DAC resolution defines the number of digital amplitude levels available to represent the waveform. Higher resolution can improve small-signal representation and amplitude granularity, but it does not independently determine output accuracy or signal purity.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

Evaluate resolution together with noise, distortion, gain accuracy, offset accuracy, output range and the sensitivity of the DUT.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

5. Calculate the Required Output Voltage<\/h4>\r\n\r\n

Record the minimum and maximum required amplitude, DC offset and transient peaks. Confirm whether the published range applies to a high-impedance load or a terminated 50 \u03a9 load.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

The PXIe-5413, PXIe-5423 and PXIe-5433 can provide up to \u00b112 V into high impedance. The achievable voltage into 50 \u03a9 is lower because the source and load form a terminated signal path.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

6. Verify Output Impedance and Load<\/h4>\r\n\r\n

Many waveform generators are designed for a 50 \u03a9 signal environment. Connecting a high-impedance DUT without using the correct software or amplitude setting can produce a different voltage from the expected terminated value.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

Confirm:<\/p>\r\n\r\n