National Instruments PXIe-5442 PXI Waveform Generator

The PXIe-5442 (Part Numbers: 780109-01, 780109-02, 780109-03 and 196749A-03) is a Waveform Generator with one output channel, <43 MHz bandwidth measured at -3 dB, an output impedance of 50 Ω; 75 Ω (nominal), 16-Bit analog output resolution, and a software-selectable analog filter. The front connectors of the NI PXIe-5442 are two SMB jacks (bidirectional).

The National Instrument PXIe-5442 PXI Waveform Generator supports waveform generation that requires onboard signal processing (OSP). OSP is implemented by the FPGA and helps reduce waveform download times and prolong waveform playback time. This instrument is used in testing applications for radar and electronic defense systems. The NI PXIe-5442 comes with Synchronization and Memory Core (SMC) technology, which allows the storage of waveforms and instructions on the onboard memory, in a flexible and user-defined manner.

The PXIe-5442 features a soft front panel that supports interactive control. This PXI Waveform Generator features driver software, application software, and interactive control and configuration software. The driver software allows configuration, calibration, and control of the NI PXIe-5442. This model is configured to provide programming interfaces for application development environments, including LabVIEW, LabWindows™, and Microsoft Visual C++ .NET. There is also a Modulation Toolkit for LabVIEW, which offers functions for signal creation, visualization, and analysis of customized and regular analog and digital modulation.

The NI PXIe-5442 comes equipped with many helpful features, such as Pulse-Shaping Filters, Carrier Frequencies up to 43 MHz with 355 nHz Resolution, Continuous Data Streaming up to 200 MB/s, a FIR Interpolation Filter, and 400 MS/s Effective Sampling Rate with DAC Interpolation. DAC Interpolation helps increase the output signal quality of smooth waveforms. Each DAC creates reconstruction pictures in the frequency domain because of the conversion procedure. The PXIe-5442 supports frequency ranges up to 43 MHz with an output impedance of 50 Ω nominal or 75 Ω nominal.

The NI device weighs 14.3 oz, and measures 8.5 x 0.8 x 5.1 in. in physical dimensions. It has a recommended operating temperature range of 0 ºC to 55 ºC, a storage temperature range of -25 ºC to 85 ºC, and an operating and storage vibration of 0.31 grms and 2.46 grms respectively–all at a frequency range of 5 to 500 Hz.