National Instruments PXIe-5651 PXI RF Analog Signal Generator

The National Instruments PXIe-5651 (Part Number: 781216-01) is an Analog Signal Generator with continuous-wave generation capabilities and FM, 2‑FSK, or OOK modulation. This model can generate AM, FM, PM, and pulse wave signals continuously. The NI PXIe-5651 supports a frequency range from 500 kHz to 3.3 GHz, a frequency resolution range from <3 Hz to 6 Hz, a maximum output power of 12 dBm, and a typical tuning time of 1.5 ms.

This module features a reference clock internal accuracy of ±3 ppm, a maximum initial and ±1 ppm, maximum at temperatures ranging from 15 ºC to 35 ºC. The PXIe-5651 Analog Signal Generator has an Internal Reference Output frequency of 10 MHZ, an output impedance of 50 Ω, and an amplitude of 1 Vpk-pk into 50 Ω. This model also has an external Reference Input frequency of 10 MHz ±10 ppm, an input impedance of 50 Ω, and an amplitude of 0.2 Vpk-pk to 1.5 Vpk-pk into 50 Ω. The device has a power requirement of 1 A maximum at both +3.3 V and +12 V.

The NI PXIe-5651 is flexible as it allows users to perform analog and digital modulation through the onboard DDS circuit, which provides frequency modulation and frequency-shift keying for applications, such as bit error rate test, antenna testing, or even keyless entry. The device has a recommended warm-up time of 30 minutes and should be calibrated at least once a year.

The PXIe-5651 is run using the NI-RFSG Instrument driver which can be programmed with software packages/application development environments (ADEs) such as LabVIEW, LabWindows/CVI, or Measurement Studio. The device hardware can be configured using the Measurement & Automation Explorer (MAX) tool.

The random vibration in a non-operating environment is between 5 Hz to 500 Hz, 2.4 grms. The PXIe-5651 is a 3U, one slot, PXI Express module. It weighs 14.6 oz., and measures 8.5 x 0.8 x 5.1 in. in physical dimensions. The NI device has a recommended operating temperature range of 0 °C to 55 °C, and a storage temperature range of -40 °C to 70 °C. It has a non-operating random vibration of 5 Hz to 500 Hz (2.4 grms).