National Instruments 785842-01 Vector Signal Transceiver

The National Instruments 785842-01 (PXIe‑5820) is a second generation vector signal transceiver (VST) that delivers a wide 1 GHz complex I/Q bandwidth. It integrates a high performance, user programmable FPGA with a wideband I/Q digitizer and arbitrary waveform generator, all within a compact, 2 slot PXI Express module. This VST is ideal for advanced applications such as the baseband I/Q testing of wireless and cellular chipsets, envelope tracking for digitally predistorted waveforms in power amplifiers and supporting the latest wireless standards, including 5G, 802.11ax and LTE-Advanced Pro.

The 785842-01's frequency range spans from DC to 500 MHz along with an I/Q equalized bandwidth of 1 GHz that makes it suitable for both complex baseband and high frequency applications. This flexibility allows it to be used in scenarios that demand high precision such as testing RF components or validating wireless communication protocols. The device offers a differential input and output with a vertical range of up to 4 Vpp.

This VST also boasts impressive I/Q input and output specifications including typical common mode accuracy of ±2 mV at 23 °C and DC offset errors as low as -60 dBr. Its frequency response is well calibrated with typical variations of just ±0.31 dB for frequencies up to 500 MHz. The VST's settling times are as low as 9 μs for a 0.5 dB proximity to the final value which is crucial for applications requiring fast signal acquisition and processing. The NI 785842-01 includes high speed serial digital I/O with data rates from 500 Mbps to 12 Gbps and supports complex data transfers and system synchronization. The device's onboard FPGA, a Xilinx Virtex-7 X690T, is equipped with 433,200 logic cells and 52.9 Mbits of block RAM that provides ample resources for implementing custom signal processing algorithms.

This vector signal transceiver includes a 10 MHz REF IN and REF OUT that allows for stable and accurate timing reference across multiple devices in a test system. The module is equipped with high speed serial MGT channels supporting data rates from 500 Mbps to 12 Gbps. The operating environment is well suited for lab settings, with an ambient temperature range of 0 °C to 45 °C and a relative humidity range of 10% to 90%, non condensing. The device is robust and capable of withstanding up to 30 g of operating shock.