Said to be the first PXI vector network analyzer (VNA), the 6-GHz dual-port PXIe-5630 supports full vector analysis of transmission and reflection parameters with precision automatic calibration and a flexible, software-defined architecture to automate both design validation and production test in a very small footprint. The unit’s basic price is under $26,000, unlike competitive stand-alone instruments that can cost over $100,000.
The PXIe VNA’s performance specifications include a frequency range of 10 MHz to 6 GHz, a dynamic range greater than 110 dB, and sweep speeds of less than 400 µs/point over 3,201 points. For automated test, the unit not only provides automatic precision calibration, but also full vector analysis on both ports, as well as reference plane extensions. The instrument’s flexible LabVIEW API supports parallel testing and, because the VNA is PXI-based, users can put up to eight of them in one PXI chassis for performing truly parallel multisite RF tests.
Engineers can control the instrument interactively via a soft front panel on an external PC or laptop, or programmatically using APIs for LabVIEW software and LabWindows/CVI ANSI C development. Both APIs are optimized for multicore processing to facilitate parallel test. The VNA also integrates easily with more than 1,500 other PXI instruments. (From $25,999 — available Oct.)
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Ernest Martinez 800-258-7022
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