Hello,
I am considering the Wideband MIMO PXI Vector Signal Analyzer. I have looked at the typical configurations for use with Microwave frequencies, a Downconverter, a LO, a Digitizer(s) and either an embedded controller or connecting to a PC. Other modules may be added...
But, I need to have a PXI FPGA unit so that I can implement computationally-intensive algorithms that a normal PC would take hours to do.
I searched in the website and it looks like Agilent do not provide such units. National Instruments, for example, do provide such PXI FPGA units but they are programmable mainly through Lab View which I think will only increase the development time since I will need to deal with NI software and Agilent software at the same time.
Is there any practical solution for this? What do people normally do?
Regards,
ali
Edited by: ali8 on May 5, 2013 9:55 PM
Edited by: ali8 on May 5, 2013 9:56 PM
I am considering the Wideband MIMO PXI Vector Signal Analyzer. I have looked at the typical configurations for use with Microwave frequencies, a Downconverter, a LO, a Digitizer(s) and either an embedded controller or connecting to a PC. Other modules may be added...
But, I need to have a PXI FPGA unit so that I can implement computationally-intensive algorithms that a normal PC would take hours to do.
I searched in the website and it looks like Agilent do not provide such units. National Instruments, for example, do provide such PXI FPGA units but they are programmable mainly through Lab View which I think will only increase the development time since I will need to deal with NI software and Agilent software at the same time.
Is there any practical solution for this? What do people normally do?
Regards,
ali
Edited by: ali8 on May 5, 2013 9:55 PM
Edited by: ali8 on May 5, 2013 9:56 PM
Let me fully disclose who I am. My name is Jeff Bohrer. I am a National Instruments Certified LabVIEW Developer and a LabVIEW Champion. I do not work for NI but I have used many of their products as well as many test and measurement products from Agilient and well---- I've been doing this a while, I've used a lot of test equipment. I am a test engineer with focus on automated functional test systems.
Your choice of VSA comes down to what you really need and what testing you will be doing.
If you need the power of a software defined instrument- Well there is only one today where you can get to an FPGA in direct control of a VSA and a VSG. It is new technology and few addons have been developed to offer specific personalities for the FPGA. You may in fact need to either develop your own or partner with a field expert to develop the personality your application needs.
However, the solution I'm delivering as we speak contains about a Dozen of those VST's doing everything from CW to pi/4DQPSK Timesloted at up to 16Ksymbols/sec Modulation AND Demodulation with parametric readings to support manufacturing test for a first generation Software Defined Radio solution. And toss in a GPS simulator as well. All without touching anything but baseband! (The FPGA code is out-of-the-box)
Have there been hiccups and tradeoffs? Yes, Hands down the Agilent gear out performs the NI 5644R on spec. As well it should for the extra hundred pounds, rack space and power it consumes. Agilent has a long history of making good RF Equipment. And, if the market can support a RF protocol, they will sell you the profile. If its custom... not so lucky. If you need to crack into the FPGA you will need a set of skills you might not have on staff today. On the other hand, NIs customer support, and training is not just world class but in a class by itself.
I hope that gives you some points to consider when speaking to your tech reps.
Regards,
Jeff