The National Instruments 785842-01, also known as the PXIe-5820, is a second-generation vector signal transceiver designed for sophisticated testing applications requiring high bandwidth and precision. This compact PXI Express module features a robust architecture that integrates a user-programmable FPGA, a wideband I/Q digitizer, and an arbitrary waveform generator, all within a 2-slot form factor. With an instantaneous bandwidth of 1 GHz and a frequency range from DC to 500 MHz, the 785842-01 is ideally suited for baseband I/Q testing of wireless and cellular chipsets, envelope tracking in power amplifiers for digitally predistorted waveforms, and compliance with advanced wireless standards such as 5G, LTE-Advanced Pro, and 802.11ax.

The transceiver is engineered for versatility in both complex baseband and high-frequency applications, making it a valuable tool for testing RF components and validating communication protocols. It offers a differential input/output with a vertical range of up to 4 Vpp, along with impressive I/Q specifications, including a typical common mode accuracy of ±2 mV at 23 °C and DC offset errors as low as -60 dBr. The frequency response is well-calibrated, with a variation of just ±0.31 dB for frequencies up to 500 MHz, and settling times as low as 9 μs for rapid signal acquisition.

Equipped with high-speed serial digital I/O capable of data rates from 500 Mbps to 12 Gbps, the device supports complex data transfers and system synchronization. The onboard Xilinx Virtex-7 X690T FPGA provides 433,200 logic cells and 52.9 Mbits of block RAM, allowing for the implementation of custom signal processing algorithms. Additional features include a 10 MHz REF IN and REF OUT for stable timing references across multiple devices, ensuring high precision in testing environments. The operating conditions make the 785842-01 suitable for lab settings, with an ambient temperature range of 0 °C to 45 °C and a relative humidity range of 10% to 90% (non-condensing). With the robustness to handle up to 30 g of operating shock, the NI 785842-01 is a reliable component in demanding industrial applications.