The National Instruments PCI-5401 is a single-channel arbitrary waveform generator delivering precise signal synthesis across DC, standard waveforms, and custom arbitrary signals. Built on 32-bit direct digital synthesis (DDS) architecture, it operates at 40 MS/s with software-selectable output impedance (50 Ω or 75 Ω) and delivers ±5 V into 50 Ω loads or ±10 V into high-impedance loads. The 12-bit DAC supports 0–73 dB attenuation, short-circuit protection, and software-controlled output enable.
Technical Specifications
Analog Output
• Single channel with 12-bit DAC resolution
• Output voltage: ±5 V (50 Ω load) or ±10 V (Hi-Z load)
• Output impedance: Software-selectable 50 Ω or 75 Ω
• Attenuation range: 0–73 dB
• Short-circuit protected; output enable via software control
Waveform Generation
• Sampling rate: 40 MS/s
• Standard waveforms: sine and TTL to 16 MHz; square, triangle, ramp up, ramp down, DC, and noise to 1 MHz
• Arbitrary waveform storage: up to 16,384 samples with 512 frequency steps (instruction FIFO)
• Minimum frequency resolution: 9.31 mHz
• Operational modes: stepped, continuous, and single
• Phase-continuous frequency transitions during hopping and sweeps
Synchronization & Triggering
• External trigger input with software or external trigger sources
• Triggering modes: single, continuous, stepped, and burst
• Phase-locked loop (PLL) with ±100 ppm tuning range
• Supported reference clock frequencies: 1 MHz and 5–20 MHz (1 MHz steps)
• Reference clock amplitude: 1.0–5.0 Vp-p
• PLL sources: external connector, RTSI bus (PCI), or PXI trigger bus (PXI)
Filters
• Digital and analog filters supported
Physical & Electrical
• Bus interface: PCI (PXI compatible)
• Form factor: 1 PCI slot
• Power: 5 V @ 3.5 A maximum; 12 V @ 125 mA maximum
• Operating temperature: 0–50 °C
Connectors (PCI Version)
• ARB output: SMB
• SYNC pulse: SMB
• PLL reference input: SMB
• External trigger and digital I/O: 50-pin VHDCI SCSI
– Key Features
• 32-bit DDS for accurate, stable standard waveform synthesis
• Flexible arbitrary waveform capability with 16,384-sample depth
• Phase continuity across frequency transitions
• Sub-millihertz frequency resolution for precision control
• Programmable output impedance and attenuation
– Typical Applications
• Signal conditioning and stimulus-response testing
• Frequency sweep and frequency hopping experiments
• Custom waveform generation and modulation
• Synchronization with external timing references
– Compatibility & Integration
The PCI-5401 integrates with LabVIEW and NI software environments for waveform design, instrument control, and data acquisition. PXI-compatible variant available for modular systems.
