Description
NI PCI-5421 Product Description
Detailed parameter table
| Parameter name | Parameter value |
| Product model | PCI-5421 |
| Manufacturer | NI |
| Product category | Arbitrary Waveform Generator |
| Output Channel Resolution | 16-bit |
| Number of Output Channels | 1 |
| Maximum Sampling Rate | 100 Ms/s |
| Maximum Bandwidth | 43 MHz |
| Output Amplitude (into 50 Ω load) | Up to 12 V pk – pk |
| Output Offset | Up to ± 25 % of V pk – pk |
| Standard Waveform Types | Sine, Square, Triangle, Ramp |
| Onboard Memory Size Options | 8 MB (Part No. 778692 – 01), 32 MB (Part No. 778692 – 02), 256 MB (Part No. 778692 – 03) |
| Output Impedance Options | 50 Ω or 75 Ω (Software – selectable) |
| Output Attenuation Levels | 0 dB to 51 dB |
| Clocking Options | High – resolution, divide by n, external clocking |
| Synchronization | PLL synchronization to external clocks or to PCI_clk10; NI – t clk support for multi – module synchronization |
| Trigger Inputs | Four external trigger inputs |
| Trigger Outputs | 4 marker events as trigger output |
| Optional Feature | 16 – bit digital pattern generation with clock and LVDS output |
| Connector Type | SMB (jack) for output channel |
NI PCI-5421
Product introduction
The NI PCI-5421 is a high – performance arbitrary waveform generator brought to you by NI, a renowned name in the field of test, measurement, and control. As part of NI’s extensive product portfolio, this PCI – based device is engineered to meet the diverse needs of various industries for generating precise and complex waveforms.
Equipped with a single 16 – bit resolution output channel, the PCI-5421 can generate a wide range of signals. It is capable of producing user – defined arbitrary waveforms, which is invaluable for simulating real – world scenarios. Additionally, it can generate standard functions such as sine, square, triangle, and ramp waves. The device’s ability to output signals with amplitudes up to 12 V pk – pk into a 50 Ω load and its software – selectable output impedances and attenuation levels add to its versatility. It serves as a crucial component in systems where accurate waveform generation is essential, whether it’s for research, testing, or industrial control applications.
Core advantages and technical highlights
High – Resolution Waveform Generation: With a 16 – bit resolution on its output channel, the NI PCI-5421 can generate waveforms with exceptional precision. This high resolution allows for the creation of highly detailed signals, which is especially beneficial in applications where even the slightest signal nuances matter, such as in advanced communication systems testing or in precise scientific research experiments.
Fast Sampling Rate: Boasting a maximum sampling rate of 100 Ms/s, the PCI-5421 can quickly generate and update waveforms. This speed makes it suitable for applications dealing with rapidly changing signals, like in high – speed data transmission testing or in real – time signal processing scenarios where quick waveform generation is required.
Versatile Waveform Options: The ability to generate both arbitrary and standard waveforms gives users a great deal of flexibility. In research laboratories, it can be used to simulate complex electrical signals that mimic real – world phenomena. In industrial settings, it can generate standard waveforms for equipment calibration or for testing the response of sensors and actuators.
Advanced Synchronization Capabilities: The PCI-5421 offers advanced synchronization features. It can be synchronized to external clocks or to the PCI_clk10 using PLL synchronization. Additionally, it has NI – t clk support for multi – module synchronization. This is extremely useful in multi – device setups, such as in large – scale test and measurement systems where multiple waveform generators need to work in harmony.
Abundant Memory Options: Available with onboard memory sizes of 8 MB, 32 MB, or 256 MB, users can choose the configuration that best suits their application requirements. Larger memory sizes are beneficial for storing longer and more complex waveforms, enabling seamless generation of extended signal sequences without the need for frequent data reloads.
Typical application scenarios
In the field of communication, the NI PCI-5421 plays a crucial role. It can be used to generate test signals for evaluating the performance of communication devices. For example, in the development of wireless communication systems, it can generate complex modulation waveforms to test the receivers’ ability to demodulate accurately. This helps in ensuring the quality and reliability of communication networks.
In automotive testing, the PCI-5421 is invaluable. It can generate signals to simulate various electrical and mechanical conditions in a vehicle. For instance, it can generate waveforms that mimic the electrical signals from sensors in an engine or the vibrations in a vehicle’s suspension system. This allows automotive engineers to test and optimize the performance of vehicle components before they are deployed in real – world conditions.
In research laboratories, especially in physics and electronics research, the PCI-5421 is often used. In physics experiments related to electromagnetic fields, it can generate precise waveforms to study the behavior of particles. In electronics research, it can be used to test the functionality of new circuit designs by providing the necessary input signals. The high – resolution and versatile waveform generation capabilities of the PCI-5421 make it an ideal choice for such research applications.
NI PCI-5421
Related model recommendations
NI PCI-5402: It belongs to the same PCI – based waveform generator product family as the PCI-5421. However, it has a lower maximum sampling rate of 40 Ms/s compared to the PCI-5421‘s 100 Ms/s. It is suitable for applications where the speed requirements are not as high, such as some basic signal generation tasks in less demanding research or industrial scenarios.
NI PXI-5421: This is a PXI – based version of the waveform generator. It shares many features with the PCI-5421, like 16 – bit resolution and similar waveform generation capabilities. The PXI platform offers advantages such as high – speed backplane communication and better modularity. It can be considered as an upgrade for applications that require the benefits of the PXI platform, such as in large – scale, multi – instrument test and measurement systems.
NI USB – 5422: A USB – connected waveform generator. It provides the convenience of plug – and – play connectivity. It has a maximum sampling rate of 200 Ms/s, which is higher than the PCI-5421 in some cases. It is ideal for applications where portability is a key factor, such as in field – based testing or in test setups where quick reconfiguration is needed.
NI PCIe – 5441: Part of the PCI Express – based waveform generator series. It offers even higher performance with features like a maximum sampling rate of 1 GS/s. It also has additional capabilities such as multiple output channels in some configurations. It can be used as an upgrade for applications that demand extremely high – speed and high – performance waveform generation, such as in high – end communication system testing or in advanced research projects.
NI cDAQ – 9174 with NI 9263: The cDAQ – 9174 is a chassis – based data acquisition system, and the NI 9263 is an analog output module. Together, they can provide a modular and scalable solution for waveform generation. The NI 9263 has features like 16 – bit resolution. This combination can be used as an alternative or complementary solution to the PCI-5421 in applications where a more distributed and expandable system is required, like in large – scale industrial control systems.
Installation, commissioning and maintenance instructions
Installation preparation: Before installing the NI PCI-5421, ensure that the host system has a compatible PCI slot. The installation environment should be clean and free from excessive dust and electromagnetic interference. Use anti – static precautions, such as wearing an anti – static wrist strap, to prevent electrostatic discharge from damaging the board. Power off the host system before inserting the PCI-5421 into the PCI slot. Also, make sure to have the latest version of the NI – fgen driver software ready for installation after the hardware installation.
Maintenance suggestions: For daily maintenance, regularly check the connections of the cables attached to the PCI-5421 to ensure they are secure. Monitor the waveform generation performance and look for any signs of abnormal distortion or inaccurate signal levels. In case of issues, first check the software configuration settings, such as the waveform parameters and the synchronization settings. If a hardware replacement is needed, follow the installation steps in reverse. Update the NI – fgen driver software regularly as per NI’s recommendations to ensure compatibility with the latest software and hardware, and to access any new features or performance improvements.
Service and guarantee commitment
NI stands firmly behind the quality of the PCI-5421. The product comes with a comprehensive quality assurance program. In case of any manufacturing defects, NI offers replacement or repair services within the warranty period. Their dedicated technical support team is available to assist customers with any installation, configuration, or performance – related queries. Whether it’s providing guidance on integrating the device into a complex system or troubleshooting waveform generation issues, NI’s experts are just a call or an email away. This commitment to quality and after – sales service reflects NI’s confidence in the PCI-5421 and their responsibility to ensure customers get the most out of this high – performance waveform generator.
