PXIE-5644R
May 27, 2026

PXIE-5644R

The PXIe-5644R is a reconfigurable 6 GHz RF Vector Signal Transceiver (VST) from National Instruments, integrating a user-programmable FPGA. It combines a vector signal analyzer (VSA), vector signal generator (VSG), and high-speed digital I/O in a single 3U PXIe module. Covering 65 MHz to 6 GHz with 80 MHz instantaneous bandwidth, it delivers R&D-grade RF performance for wireless communication, aerospace, and semiconductor test applications.

Description

Model Nomenclature

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

  • 56: NI PXI RF/IF test and measurement series.

  • 44: 6 GHz frequency range, 80 MHz bandwidth, integrated VSA/VSG.

  • R: Reconfigurable (user-programmable FPGA via LabVIEW FPGA).

Technical Specifications

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

  • Frequency Range: 65 MHz to 6 GHz; <1 Hz tuning resolution.

  • Instantaneous Bandwidth: 80 MHz (up to 200 MHz optional).

  • RF Input (VSA): SMA female, 50 Ω; noise floor -148 dBm/Hz (typical); IIP3 ≥19 dBmNI.

  • RF Output (VSG): SMA female, 50 Ω; output power up to +6 dBm (average); ACPR ≤-45 dBc.

  • FPGA: Xilinx Virtex-7 (user-programmable via LabVIEW FPGA).

  • Onboard Memory: 2×256 MB DRAM (2.1 GB/s per bank), 2 MB SRAMNI.

  • Digital I/O: 24 channels, up to 250 Mbit/s.

  • Reference Clock: External 10 MHz (SMA), internal oscillator.

  • Trigger: PXI trigger bus, external TRIG (SMA, 3.3 V TTL).

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

Interface and Communication Configuration

  • Bus: PXIe Gen2 x4, supports peer-to-peer streaming and high-speed DMANI.

  • Drivers: NI-5644R, IVI-COM; compatible with LabVIEW, C/C++, Python, .NET.

  • Software: NI-MAX (configuration), LabVIEW FPGA (custom signal processing), NI-RFmx (standard-specific measurements).

  • Synchronization: PXI trigger bus, NI-TClk for multi-module phase alignment.

  • I/O Connectors: 1×RF IN (SMA), 1×RF OUT (SMA), 1×10 MHz Ref In/Out (SMA), 1×TRIG (SMA), 24×Digital I/ONI.

Core Features

  • Integrated VSA/VSG: Simultaneous generation and analysis of complex RF signals in one module.

  • User-Programmable FPGA: Enables real-time custom processing (filtering, modulation, demodulation, protocol decoding).

  • Wideband RF Performance: 80 MHz bandwidth and 6 GHz frequency coverage support 5G, LTE, Wi-Fi 6/7, and radar testing.

  • High Dynamic Range: Low noise floor and high linearity ensure accurate measurement of weak and strong signals.

  • Real-Time Streaming: Peer-to-peer data transfer enables low-latency SDR and spectrum monitoring.

Application Scenarios

  • Wireless Communication Test: R&D and production test of 5G/6G, LTE-Advanced, Wi-Fi 6/7, and Bluetooth devices.

  • Aerospace & Defense: Radar signal generation/analysis, electronic warfare (EW) simulation, and SIGINT systems.

  • Semiconductor Test: RF characterization of transceivers, power amplifiers, and filters.

  • Software-Defined Radio (SDR): Prototyping of custom communication waveforms and MIMO systems.

  • High-Speed Digital Test: Signal integrity analysis and protocol validation for high-speed I/O interfaces.

Usage and Maintenance Instructions

Installation and Configuration

Insert the module into an empty 3U PXIe chassis slot and secure the front-panel latch. Connect RF IN/OUT to the DUT using SMA cables, and Ref In to a 10 MHz external clock (optional). Power on the chassis; NI-MAX will auto-detect the module. Configure frequency, power, bandwidth, and trigger settings via NI-5644R driver before operation.

Operation Guidelines

Allow a 30-minute warm-up before precision measurements. Do not apply input signals exceeding +33 dBm to avoid damageNI. Use LabVIEW FPGA to develop custom processing IP, ensuring bitstreams are validated for timing closure. For multi-module synchronization, enable NI-TClk and align trigger edges.

Daily Maintenance

Keep SMA connectors clean and dry; tighten cables gently to avoid pin damage. Inspect cables and connectors monthly for wear or corrosion. Perform annual external calibration to maintain accuracy. When not in use, power off the module, disconnect all cables, and store in an ESD-safe environment. Avoid exposing the module to extreme temperatures or humidity


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