National Instruments 778283-01 RF Signal Downconverter

The National Instruments 778283-01 RF Signal Downconverter is a small 3U PXI module that is intended for a variety of RF analysis applications. It is also referred to as the PXI-5600 Module. This downconverter covers a frequency range of 9 kHz to 2.7 GHz and has a wide real-time bandwidth of 20 MHz. It also delivers remarkable stability. Its exceptional noise density, spurious-free dynamic range, and phase noise properties make it perfect for a wide range of RF inspection applications.

The 778283-01 guarantees precise and consistent measurements over time and temperature fluctuations thanks to its extremely high stability timebase. It can be used for precision automation applications where extraordinary frequency accuracy is required. Its frequency stability is ±20 ppb, and its frequency accuracy is ±50 ppb.

With a 50 dB input attenuation that can be adjusted in 10 dB steps, the 778283-01 can receive signals with a full-scale input range of +30 dBm and less than -130 dBm. For thorough RF analysis, it provides great integration with PXI digitizers.

This downconverter performs exceptionally well across its operational range in terms of frequency characteristics. It provides over 80 dB of intermodulation spurious-free dynamic range and a typical noise level of less than -140 dBm/Hz. Furthermore, with a 10 kHz offset, the average phase noise is less than -94 dBc/Hz.

The 778283-01 offers further toolkits for modulation and spectrum measurements and is compatible with NI-RFSA 2.1 and NIPXI-5600 driver software. It makes it easier to synchronize with other PXI modules like DMMs, audio analyzers, and machine vision modules by allowing triggers to be imported and exported via the PXI trigger bus, PXI star trigger line, or the front panel SMA connector.

Using one IF output channel and one RF input channel, this modular broadband downconverter greatly increases its usefulness in RF analysis applications by allowing vector RF measurements and outstanding integration with PXI digitizers.