Model Nomenclature

• PXIe: PXI Express high-speed modular instrumentation bus.

• 54: NI PXI waveform generator series identifier.

• 42: Denotes a mid-range 16-bit AWG with 100 MS/s sampling, 43 MHz bandwidth, and onboard signal processing, optimized for baseband and IF applications.

Technical Specifications

• Form Factor: 3U single-slot PXIe module.

• Channels: 1 fully independent analog output channel.

• Bandwidth: 43 MHz (-3 dB, 50 Ω load).

• Sampling Rate: 100 MS/s (maximum).

• Resolution: 16-bit vertical resolution.

• Output Impedance: Software-selectable 50 Ω or 75 Ω (nominal).

• Voltage Range (Full-Scale): 1 Vpp (direct path), 2 Vpp (main path) into 50 Ω.

• Onboard Memory: 32 MB, 256 MB, or 512 MB (user-selectable, shared for waveforms and instructions)NI.

• SFDR: >-91 dBc (close-in, typical).

• Jitter: 20 ps RMS (typical, internal clock)NI.

• Waveform Types: Standard (sine, square, triangle, ramp); arbitrary (user-defined sequences).

• Onboard Processing: FIR/CIC interpolation filters, digital gain/offset, NCO, IQ mixing for digital upconversion.

• Environmental: Operating 0 °C to 55 °C; Storage -40 °C to 70 °C.

• Connectors: Front-panel SMB (bidirectional) for analog output, trigger I/O, and reference clock.

Interface and Communication Configuration

• Bus: PXIe Gen1 x1, enabling high-speed data streaming to/from host.

• Drivers: NI-FGEN, NI-DAQmx, IVI-COM drivers for Windows.

• Software Support: NI-MAX for configuration/diagnostics; LabVIEW, C/C++, Python, .NET for custom automation.

• Synchronization: PXI trigger bus, star trigger, NI-TClk for picosecond-level alignment with PXIe digitizers and instruments.

• Clock: Internal VCXO (±25 ppm accuracy); external 10 MHz reference input/output for system-wide synchronizationNI.

• Data Transfer: DMA for continuous waveform streaming; peer-to-peer data sharing with other PXIe modules.

Core Features

• 16-Bit High Precision: Delivers clean, low-distortion signals for accurate baseband/IQ and IF test requirements.

• Onboard Signal Processing (OSP): FPGA-based filters, gain control, NCO, and IQ mixing reduce host load, shorten download times, and extend playback duration.

• Deep Shared Memory: Up to 512 MB enables long-record waveform storage and multi-sequence playback without host interventionNI.

• Flexible Output Configuration: Switchable 50 Ω/75 Ω impedance and dual voltage paths adapt to diverse load and signal level needs.

• Advanced Synchronization: NI-TClk and PXI star trigger support phase-coherent multi-channel operation for MIMO and beamforming test systems.

• Low Spurious Performance: >-91 dBc SFDR ensures high signal purity for communication and radar applications.

Application Scenarios

• Aerospace & Defense: Radar baseband/IF signal generation, electronic warfare (EW) waveform simulation, satellite communication transceiver testing.

• Wireless Communication: 5G/6G baseband I/Q signal generation, wideband IF testing, transceiver prototype validation.

• Semiconductor Test: High-speed I/O characterization, mixed-signal validation, clock and power supply transient simulation.

• Automotive: ECU sensor signal simulation, infotainment system audio/RF testing.

• Research & Development: Physics experiment signal generation, ultrasonic testing, and general-purpose arbitrary waveform applications.

Usage and Maintenance Instructions

Installation & Configuration

Operation

Daily Maintenance