National Instruments PXI-5441 PXI Waveform Generator

The PXI-5441 (Part numbers: 779058-02, 779058-03, 779058-04, and 191789A-04) from National Instruments is a PXI Waveform Generator that is capable of downloading waveforms at speeds up to 100 MB/s. Equipped with onboard signal processing capabilities, the PXI-5441 is able to directly modify and process waveforms. By utilizing the Synchronization and Memory Core (SMC) architecture of the device, users can make mixed signal test frameworks by synchronizing the generator with digitizers and digital waveform generator/analyzers. In addition, users are also able to synchronize different generators to shape a phase coherent multi-channel generator for producing I/Q signals for applications. The three variations of the PXI-5441 have different onboard memory sizes: specifically 32 MB (779058-02), 256 MB (779058-03), and 512 MB (779058-04).

The NI PXI-5441 Waveform Generator utilizes an onboard signal processing (OSP) function, allowing the device to essentially expand waveform playback time and decrease the time required to figure and download waveform information. This is accomplished by registering the waveform information via the PXI-5441's field programmable gate array (FPGA). The OSP offers a few signal preparing capacities used to alter the information stored in waveform memory during generation. By using the Numerically Controlled Oscillator (NCO) of the OSP, the PXI-5441 is able to produce sine, square, triangle, ramp, and other waveforms in the same way as a function generator.

The front panel of the NI PXI-5441 features four SMB jack connectors- labeled CH 0, CLK IN, PFI 0, and PFI 1. The panel also has a 68 pin VHDCI female connector designated for Digital Data & Control. Additionally, the front panel displays both an ACCESS LED and an ACTIVE LED- quickly showing the status of the PCI bus and the onboard generation hardware respectively.

The operating temperature range of the NI PXI-5441 is 0 to 55 ºC, unless it is installed into a PXI-101x or PXI-1000B chassis from NI. In that case, the operating temperature range is slightly shortened to 0 to +45 ºC. The waveform generator weighs 345 g (12.1 oz) and measures 21.6 × 2.0 × 13.0 cm (8.5 × 0.8 × 5.1 in.).

The Mature Status has been announced by National Instruments for the PXI-5441, but the waveform generator will remain available for purchase and repairs by Apex Waves.