National Instruments PXIe-5601 RF Signal Downconverter

The NI PXIe-5601 (Part Number: 780411-01) downconverts an RF signal to an intermediate frequency. This model can be used in combination with the PXIe-5622 IF Digitizer Module and the PXI-5652 LO Source Module. These three modules combined create the PXIe-5663 RF Vector Signal Analyzer with Digital Downconversion. The PXIe-5601 can be placed in either a PXI Express peripheral slot or a PXI Express Hybrid peripheral slot.

This RF Signal Downconverter is sensitive to ESD and transients. The user should only apply external signals when the NI PXIe-5601 is powered on because applying external signals when the instrument is off may harm the module. The user should note that the instrument may exceed safe handling temperatures and may result in burns if they have been operating the module. Therefore, the user should let the RF Signal Downconverter cool prior to touching the shield or taking the instrument from the chassis. In addition, it is always recommended to be properly grounded when handling cables or antennas attached to the PXIe-5601 module.

This RF Signal Downconverter has four connectors and two LEDs. The first front panel connector is the RF IN connector, which links to the analog RF input signal to be measured by the NI-5663. The next front panel connector is the IF OUT connector, which links to the IF IN connector on the PXIe-5622 module’s front panel. The third connector, LO IN, links to the RF OUT connector on the PXI-5652 LO Source Module’s front panel. Lastly, the LO OUT connector exports the signal received at LO IN to other PXIe-5601 modules for multichannel systems.