NI PXIe-5644R 6 GHz Reconfigurable Vector Signal Transceiver with 80 MHz Bandwidth

NI PXIe-5644R 6 GHz Reconfigurable Vector Signal Transceiver

The NI PXIe-5644R is a reconfigurable vector signal transceiver that integrates an RF vector signal generator, RF vector signal analyzer, high-speed baseband processing, programmable FPGA, and digital I/O in a compact PXI Express module. It covers frequencies from 65 MHz to 6 GHz and provides up to 80 MHz of digitally equalized instantaneous bandwidth.

Designed for automated RF and wireless testing, the PXIe-5644R can generate and analyze continuous-wave and modulated signals using one modular instrument. Its reconfigurable architecture allows supported signal processing, triggering, control, and measurement functions to be implemented directly on the onboard FPGA for low-latency operation.

The module is suitable for research and development, design verification, production testing, spectrum monitoring, protocol development, RF component characterization, and wireless device testing. Documented application-specific performance includes WLAN, LTE, and WCDMA measurements, while the programmable FPGA allows the platform to be adapted for additional supported RF test requirements.

The PXIe-5644R requires a compatible PXI Express chassis and controller. Software, drivers, FPGA bitfiles, licenses, cables, and synchronization accessories should be selected according to the intended application and considered included only when specifically identified in the product listing.

Features and Benefits of the NI PXIe-5644R

• Integrated vector signal transceiver: Combines vector signal generation and vector signal analysis in one PXI Express module.
• 65 MHz to 6 GHz frequency range: Supports a broad selection of RF, cellular, wireless, and communications test applications.
• Up to 80 MHz instantaneous bandwidth: Enables generation and analysis of wideband modulated RF signals.
• Reconfigurable FPGA: Incorporates a Xilinx Virtex-6 LX195T FPGA for supported custom processing, control, and protocol functions.
• High-speed baseband converters: Uses 16-bit ADCs and DACs operating at 120 MS/s.
• Fast tuning and settling: Supports rapid frequency and amplitude changes for automated production and characterization workflows.
• RF signal generation: Provides calibrated CW output up to +10 dBm below 4 GHz and +7 dBm from 4 GHz to 6 GHz.
• RF signal analysis: Accepts reference levels across a range of at least 60 dB in nominal 1 dB steps.
• Low-noise receive path: Provides a high-sensitivity configuration using the built-in inline preamplifier.
• Modulation-quality testing: Supports measurements for WLAN, LTE, WCDMA, and compatible custom waveforms.
• Synchronization interfaces: Includes reference clock, local oscillator, programmable function, clock, and digital I/O connections.
• PXI Express integration: Supports compact, scalable, and automated multi-instrument RF test systems.

Vector Signal Generator and Analyzer Integration

The PXIe-5644R combines a vector signal generator and vector signal analyzer with a shared programmable processing architecture. This allows one module to create RF test signals, acquire responses from a device under test, and perform compatible real-time or host-based analysis.

The vector signal generator can produce continuous-wave and modulated RF signals. The vector signal analyzer can acquire RF signals over the supported frequency and bandwidth ranges for amplitude, spectral, modulation, distortion, and protocol-related measurements.

Combining generation and analysis in one module reduces the number of separate instruments required in an automated system. It also supports loopback testing, transceiver characterization, stimulus-response measurements, and synchronized wireless device evaluation.

65 MHz to 6 GHz Frequency Coverage

The RF input and RF output both cover frequencies from 65 MHz to 6 GHz. This range supports applications involving cellular communications, WLAN, broadcast, aerospace and defense systems, RF components, wireless connectivity, and general-purpose modulation testing.

Frequency-setting resolution is less than 1 Hz through the combined local oscillator and FPGA-based frequency-shifting architecture. The local oscillator supports fractional and integer tuning modes.

In fractional mode, the programmable LO step size defaults to 200 kHz. Integer mode provides selectable LO step sizes of 4 MHz, 5 MHz, 6 MHz, 12 MHz, and 24 MHz.

Up to 80 MHz Instantaneous Bandwidth

The PXIe-5644R provides up to 80 MHz of digitally equalized RF input and RF output bandwidth. This bandwidth supports wideband waveform generation and analysis for compatible communications standards and custom modulation formats.

Available bandwidth depends on the selected local oscillator frequency. Bandwidth is limited to 20 MHz for LO frequencies at or below 109 MHz and to 40 MHz for LO frequencies above 109 MHz through 375 MHz. Frequencies above 375 MHz support the complete 80 MHz bandwidth.

The vector signal analyzer and vector signal generator provide equalized amplitude response across their supported bandwidths. For frequencies above 375 MHz, VSA and VSG frequency response is specified at ±0.5 dB across 80 MHz when the module remains within the defined self-calibration temperature range.

Reconfigurable Xilinx FPGA

The PXIe-5644R includes a Xilinx Virtex-6 LX195T FPGA. The onboard FPGA provides 124,800 lookup tables, 249,600 flip-flops, 640 DSP48 slices, and 12,384 kbits of embedded block RAM.

The reconfigurable architecture supports compatible custom FPGA bitfiles for specialized signal processing, low-latency decision making, triggering, digital protocol interaction, spectrum processing, and test-sequence control.

Calibration intellectual property must be used correctly when custom FPGA bitfiles are created. Improper use of the calibration functions can prevent the module from meeting its documented RF specifications.

High-Speed Baseband Conversion

The RF input path uses dual-channel 16-bit analog-to-digital converters, with separate channels assigned to the in-phase and quadrature components. The ADC sample rate is 120 MS/s.

The RF output path uses dual-channel 16-bit digital-to-analog converters operating at 120 MS/s. DAC output is internally interpolated to 960 MS/s.

Supported I/Q data rates extend from 1.84 kS/s to 120 MS/s. Lower data rates are achieved through fractional decimation on the receive path and fractional interpolation on the generation path.

Onboard Memory and Data Transfer

The module contains two banks of onboard DRAM with 256 MB per bank. Each bank provides a theoretical maximum data rate of 2.1 GB/s.

An additional 2 MB of onboard SRAM supports maximum documented read rates of 40 MB/s and write rates of 36 MB/s.

Supported data-transfer methods include DMA, interrupts, and programmed I/O. The FPGA architecture provides 16 DMA channels for moving data between the module and compatible host or system resources.

RF Input Performance

The RF input provides a reference-level range of at least 60 dB in nominal 1 dB steps. Maximum continuous-wave input power is +33 dBm, with peak instantaneous power for modulated signals limited to +36 dBm.

RF input amplitude settling is typically 125 µs to within 0.1 dB when the LO frequency remains constant and the input reference level changes. Settling to within 0.5 dB is specified at 300 µs when the LO is retuned across harmonic-filter bands.

The high-sensitivity receive configuration uses the inline preamplifier. Average noise density is specified at -159 dBm/Hz from 65 MHz to 4 GHz and -156 dBm/Hz above 4 GHz through 6 GHz with a -50 dBm reference level. Typical values are -161 dBm/Hz and -158 dBm/Hz, respectively.

RF Output Performance

For continuous-wave signals below 4 GHz, the calibrated RF output range extends from the noise floor to +10 dBm average power, with nominal output available to +15 dBm. At frequencies from 4 GHz to 6 GHz, the calibrated range extends to +7 dBm, with nominal output available to +12 dBm.

For modulated signals with supported crest factors, calibrated average output power extends to +6 dBm below 4 GHz and +3 dBm from 4 GHz to 6 GHz.

The output attenuator provides nominal 2 dB resolution, while digital attenuation provides resolution of 0.1 dB or better for average output levels of at least -100 dBm.

Amplitude settling to within 0.1 dB is specified at 50 µs for power settings at or below 0 dBm with constant LO frequency. Settling to within 0.5 dB is specified at 300 µs when the LO is retuned across harmonic-filter bands.

Frequency Settling and Spectral Purity

With the default medium PLL loop-bandwidth setting, maximum frequency settling time is 0.95 ms to within 1 part per million of the final frequency and 1.05 ms to within 0.1 part per million.

Single-sideband phase noise at a 20 kHz offset depends on frequency and selected PLL loop bandwidth. With the default medium loop bandwidth, phase noise is specified at -99 dBc/Hz below 3 GHz and -93 dBc/Hz from 3 GHz through 6 GHz.

The medium loop-bandwidth setting balances tuning speed and phase-noise performance. Low and high loop-bandwidth settings are available for applications requiring different settling and spectral-purity characteristics.

Wireless Modulation Testing

The PXIe-5644R supports generation and analysis of compatible modulated RF signals. Documented application-specific modulation performance includes WLAN 802.11ac, 802.11n, 802.11a/g/j/p, 802.11b/g, LTE, and WCDMA.

Typical vector signal analyzer and vector signal generator error vector magnitude for a 20 MHz, 64-QAM signal is -40 dB from 375 MHz to 6 GHz under the documented test conditions.

Typical loopback EVM for an 80 MHz WLAN 802.11ac signal at 5.8 GHz is -45 dB. Actual modulation performance depends on center frequency, signal bandwidth, output power, reference level, waveform, calibration, software, and test configuration.

Front-Panel RF and Synchronization Interfaces

The PXIe-5644R front panel provides RF input and RF output through female SMA connectors. Both signal paths have a nominal impedance of 50 ohms and are AC coupled.

Separate LO IN and LO OUT connectors support sharing local oscillator signals among compatible instruments. The LO interfaces cover 65 MHz to 6 GHz and use female SMA connectors.

A 10 MHz external reference can be connected through REF IN. REF OUT can provide either a nominal 10 MHz reference clock or a nominal 120 MHz sample clock.

PFI 0 provides a bidirectional programmable-function interface through a female SMA connector. A VHDCI digital I/O connector provides 24 general-purpose DIO lines, PFI 1, PFI 2, clock input, and clock output.

Calibration Interconnect

CAL IN and CAL OUT use female SMA connectors and are connected by the factory calibration interconnect cable. The cable is part of the calibrated signal path.

The CAL IN-to-CAL OUT cable must remain connected and must not be altered. Disconnecting or tampering with this cable voids the product calibration and causes the published specifications to no longer be warranted.

Typical Applications

• Vector signal generation and analysis
• RF transceiver testing
• Wireless device validation
• WLAN 802.11ac and 802.11n testing
• LTE uplink signal testing
• WCDMA modulation analysis
• RF component characterization
• Spectrum monitoring and signal intelligence research
• Custom protocol development
• Automated production testing
• Real-time FPGA-based signal processing
• Research, design verification, and system integration

Product Overview

Brand	National Instruments
Model	PXIe-5644R
Product Category	Reconfigurable Vector Signal Transceiver
Frequency Range	65 MHz to 6 GHz
Maximum Instantaneous Bandwidth	80 MHz
Frequency-Setting Resolution	Less than 1 Hz
Baseband Resolution	16-bit ADCs and DACs
Baseband Sample Rate	120 MS/s
Onboard FPGA	Xilinx Virtex-6 LX195T
Module Format	3U, three-slot PXI Express
Primary Application	RF signal generation, analysis, and custom real-time wireless testing

 

Frequency and Bandwidth Specifications

Specification	Details
RF Input Frequency Range	65 MHz to 6 GHz
RF Output Frequency Range	65 MHz to 6 GHz
Maximum Equalized Bandwidth	80 MHz
Bandwidth at or Below 109 MHz	20 MHz
Bandwidth Above 109 MHz Through 375 MHz	Up to 40 MHz
Bandwidth Above 375 MHz Through 6 GHz	80 MHz
Tuning Resolution	Less than 1 Hz
Default Fractional-Mode LO Step	200 kHz

 

RF Input Specifications

Specification	Details
RF Input Connector	Female SMA
Input Impedance	50 ohms nominal, AC coupled
Reference-Level Range	At least 60 dB in nominal 1 dB steps
Maximum Continuous-Wave Input Power	+33 dBm
Maximum Modulated Peak Input Power	+36 dBm instantaneous
Maximum DC Input Without Damage	8 V
Typical Amplitude Settling	125 µs to within 0.1 dB with constant LO frequency
Settling with LO Retuned	300 µs to within 0.5 dB

 

RF Output Specifications

Specification	Details
RF Output Connector	Female SMA
Output Impedance	50 ohms nominal, AC coupled
Calibrated CW Output Below 4 GHz	Noise floor to +10 dBm average power
Nominal CW Output Below 4 GHz	Up to +15 dBm average power
Calibrated CW Output from 4 GHz to 6 GHz	Noise floor to +7 dBm average power
Nominal CW Output from 4 GHz to 6 GHz	Up to +12 dBm average power
Maximum Calibrated Modulated Output Below 4 GHz	+6 dBm average power
Maximum Calibrated Modulated Output from 4 GHz to 6 GHz	+3 dBm average power
Output Attenuator Resolution	2 dB nominal
Digital Attenuation Resolution	0.1 dB or better

 

Baseband and FPGA Specifications

Specification	Details
ADC Resolution	16 bits
ADC Sample Rate	120 MS/s
DAC Resolution	16 bits
DAC Sample Rate	120 MS/s with internal interpolation to 960 MS/s
I/Q Data Rate	1.84 kS/s to 120 MS/s
FPGA	Xilinx Virtex-6 LX195T
FPGA Lookup Tables	124,800
FPGA Flip-Flops	249,600
DSP48 Slices	640
FPGA Embedded Block RAM	12,384 kbits
DMA Channels	16

 

Onboard Memory

Memory Type	Details
DRAM	Two banks with 256 MB per bank
Maximum Theoretical DRAM Rate	2.1 GB/s per bank
SRAM	2 MB
Maximum SRAM Read Rate	40 MB/s
Maximum SRAM Write Rate	36 MB/s

 

Front-Panel Interfaces

Interface	Connection and Function
RF IN	Female SMA RF input
RF OUT	Female SMA RF output
CAL IN and CAL OUT	Female SMA calibration interconnect ports
LO IN and LO OUT	Female SMA local oscillator synchronization ports
REF IN	Female SMA 10 MHz reference input
REF OUT	Female SMA 10 MHz reference or 120 MHz sample-clock output
PFI 0	Female SMA bidirectional programmable-function interface
Digital I/O	VHDCI connector with 24 DIO lines, two PFI lines, clock input, and clock output

 

Power, Physical and Environmental Specifications

Specification	Details
Module Format	3U, three-slot PXI Express module
Dimensions	6.1 x 12.9 x 21.1 cm
Weight	1,360 g
Typical Power Consumption	56 W
+3.3 V Current	4.9 A typical and 5.3 A maximum
+12 V Current	3.3 A typical and 4.2 A maximum
Operating Temperature	0 °C to 55 °C
Operating Humidity	10% to 90% relative humidity, noncondensing
Storage Temperature	-40 °C to 71 °C
Maximum Operating Altitude	2,000 m at 25 °C ambient temperature
Intended Environment	Indoor use, Pollution Degree 2

 

Calibration and Operating Conditions

The documented RF specifications require a 30-minute warm-up period, a maintained calibration cycle, and the PXI Express chassis fan set to High. Slot blockers and EMC filler panels are recommended in empty chassis positions to minimize temperature drift.

The standard calibration interval is one year. A two-year interval can be used by adding 0.2 dB to the documented one-year absolute amplitude accuracy and frequency-response specifications for the RF input and RF output.

For optimal performance, self-calibration should be performed when the module temperature changes by approximately ±5 °C from the temperature recorded during the previous successful self-calibration.

The calibration cable connecting CAL IN and CAL OUT must remain installed and unaltered. Removing or tampering with this interconnect voids the module calibration and invalidates warranted specifications.

Comprehensive Functional and Performance Testing

The NI PXIe-5644R receives comprehensive functional and performance testing before shipment. Evaluation may include module recognition in a compatible PXI Express chassis, driver communication, FPGA loading, self-test operation, self-calibration, RF input acquisition, RF output generation, reference-clock operation, and programmable digital I/O.

RF testing may include representative frequency generation and acquisition from 65 MHz to 6 GHz, output-power verification, input-level response, amplitude accuracy, noise-floor evaluation, frequency response, modulation loopback, and operation across the supported bandwidths.

The RF IN, RF OUT, LO, reference-clock, PFI, digital I/O, and calibration interfaces may be inspected for physical damage, contamination, loose hardware, or excessive wear. The factory CAL IN-to-CAL OUT interconnect should also be checked for correct installation and condition.

The exact testing scope depends on the available PXI Express chassis, controller, RF cables, power meter, spectrum analyzer, signal generator, modulation software, synchronization hardware, digital breakout accessories, and licensed software options.

Calibration Before Shipment

When technically applicable and selected, the NI PXIe-5644R can be calibrated or performance-verified before shipment. Evaluation may include RF input amplitude accuracy, RF output power accuracy, frequency accuracy, frequency response, phase noise, noise density, modulation quality, and reference-clock operation.

Calibration documentation should identify the module model and serial number, PXI Express chassis, controller, driver and firmware versions, FPGA bitfile, self-calibration temperature, test frequencies, RF levels, bandwidth settings, cabling, reference equipment, recorded results, and applicable measurement uncertainty.

Buyers requiring formal calibration should specify the required input and output frequencies, RF levels, bandwidths, modulation formats, reference-clock configuration, certificate format, recorded results, and required measurement uncertainty before purchase.

Buyer Considerations

The PXIe-5644R requires a compatible PXI Express chassis with three adjacent available slots and sufficient cooling and power capacity. A compatible embedded or external controller is also required.

Buyers should verify the required NI software, drivers, runtime components, FPGA development tools, application licenses, operating-system compatibility, and custom bitfiles for the intended test system.

The product listing should identify whether the calibration interconnect cable, RF cables, LO cables, reference-clock cables, digital I/O cable, breakout hardware, chassis, controller, software media, licenses, manuals, and calibration records are included.

Only the PXIe-5644R module and accessories specifically identified in the product listing should be considered included.

Why Buy from AssetRelay?

AssetRelay supplies professional equipment and product solutions for RF/microwave, wireless communications, electronic testing, laboratory, production, fiber optic, telecom, photonics, inspection, and technical research applications. The NI PXIe-5644R provides a flexible platform for RF engineers, wireless device manufacturers, production facilities, system integrators, universities, laboratories, and research organizations.

Buyers should review the complete model label, RF connector condition, factory calibration interconnect, chassis requirements, FPGA operation, supported software, calibration status, functional test results, and included accessories before purchase.