The National Instruments 779087-01, also known as the PXI-5422, is a high-performance arbitrary waveform generator designed for precision signal generation in advanced testing applications. Featuring a 16-bit resolution and a sampling rate of 200 MS/s, this device can produce user-defined waveforms as well as standard shapes, including sine, square, triangle, and ramp, operating effectively at frequencies up to 80 MHz. The output signals, which range from -6 V to +6 V, ensure a wide dynamic range suitable for diverse applications. The generator provides a single analog output channel through an SMB jack connector, with full-scale output voltage ranging from 12.00 V peak-to-peak down to 5.64 mV peak-to-peak into a 50 Ω load, and between 1.000 V and 0.707 V peak-to-peak for the direct output path.

To facilitate synchronization and triggering, the 779087-01 includes two PFI ports with bidirectional SMB jack connectors, handling a frequency range from DC to 200 MHz and capable of input overload from -2 V to +7 V. The incorporation of a Phase-Locked Loop (PLL) reference clock enhances frequency accuracy, with an adjustable frequency range from 5 MHz to 20 MHz, available via the front panel or the PXI_CLK10 backplane connector. Standard lock time for the PLL is 200 ms, ensuring that the frequency accuracy aligns precisely with the clock source.

Calibration of the 779087-01 is achieved through both external and self-calibration techniques, the latter completing within approximately 90 seconds using an integrated 24-bit ADC and a stable voltage reference to adjust DC gain and offset. It is recommended to perform external calibration every two years for optimal performance, leveraging constants stored in non-volatile memory. The device requires a warm-up time of fifteen minutes to reach operational stability, making it suitable for high-fidelity applications that demand precise and reliable waveform generation.