The NI PXI-5401 is a 16 MHz arbitrary function generator designed for direct integration into PXI systems. It delivers precision waveform generation via Direct Digital Synthesis (DDS) with a 12-bit DAC and 40 MS/s update rate. The device generates standard waveforms—sine, square, triangle, DC, and TTL—with sine wave capability to 16 MHz and lower-frequency waveforms to 1 MHz. Arbitrary waveform generation supports 16,384 samples with 512 frequency steps in instruction FIFO memory.
Technical Specifications
Waveform Generation
• Maximum sine wave frequency: 16 MHz
• Maximum square, triangle, ramp frequency: 1 MHz
• Amplitude resolution: 12 bits
• Frequency resolution: 9.31 mHz
• Update rate: 40 MS/s
• Arbitrary waveform memory: 16,384 samples
• Instruction FIFO: 512 frequency steps
• Output impedance: Software-selectable 50 Ω or 75 Ω
• Output attenuation: 0 to 73 dB
Synchronization & Triggering
• Phase-locked loop (PLL) synchronization to external clocks
• PLL reference frequencies: 1 MHz and 5 to 20 MHz in 1 MHz steps
• PLL input signal level: 1.0 Vp-p to 5.0 Vp-p
• SYNC output: TTL version of sine wave, up to 16 MHz
• Trigger modes: Single, Continuous, Stepped, Burst
• Trigger sources: External, Software, PXI Trigger Bus
Connectors & Interfaces
• Analog output: 2 × BNC
• SYNC output: 1 × BNC
• External trigger input: 2 × SMB
• PLL reference input: 2 × SMB
• RTSI support: Yes
Physical & Power
• Dimensions: 6.3 × 3.9 inches
• Slot occupancy: 1 PXI slot
• Power: 3.5 A at 5 V, 125 mA at 12 V
– Key Features
• Direct Digital Synthesis for frequency and amplitude stability
• Software-selectable output impedance matches 50 Ω and 75 Ω systems
• Wide attenuation range enables precise signal level control
• Fine frequency resolution (9.31 mHz) for precise tuning
• PXI Trigger Bus integration for multi-module synchronization
• Flexible triggering supports production test and measurement workflows
– Typical Applications
• Automated test equipment (ATE) signal generation
• Frequency response measurements
• Communication system characterization
• Arbitrary waveform playback and modulation
• Clock and synchronization signal distribution
– Compatibility & Integration
Programmable via NI-FGEN driver and compatible with LabVIEW, LabWindows/CVI, C/C++, ComponentWorks, and Visual Basic. Includes Sources Soft Front Panel (SFP) for interactive control and operates on Windows 2000/NT/XP/Me/9x.
