• National Instruments PXI Data Acquisition system that performs system control and all data acquisition functions
• Larson Automation custom fixture. This performs mechanical and electrical interface from the DUT to the instrumentation
• Equipment rack. This houses all the GPIB test equipment, fixture, and computer monitor
• Custom Software. This ties the system together and provides the user a single "Virtual Instrument" to perform testing of the G100 RF board

PXI Data Acquisition System

The PXI data acquisition system contains the system controller as well as modules for controlling instrumentation and performing data acquisition and control.

• NI-PXI-8174 controller
  • USB communications with the DUT
  • Serial port communications / monitor of DUT
  • Program storage
  • Data storage
  • User interface
• NI PXI-5660 RF Signal Analyzer
  • Capture the RF signals from the DUT to perform measurements of the transmitter
• NI PXI-6508 Digital I/O module
  • Provides 96 bits of digital Input or Output (I/O) configurable in eight bit ports.
  • Drives the custom interface circuitry to control and monitor digital signals on the DUT
  • Drives the RF switches
  • Selects frequency counter inputs
• NI PXI-6070E Multi I/O module
  • Provides 16 12-bit analog input channels and two 12-bit analog output channels operating up to 1.25 MS/s
  • Monitor current consumption
  • Monitor FM demodulation signal and perform SINAD measurements
  • Provide a pattern to FM modulate the signal generator to support BER testing (see details) and Packet Detection testing (see details)
• NI PXI-8212 GPIB Card and Ethernet
  • Provides remote control of the traditional instrumentation including power supply, signal generator, and frequency counter
  • Network communication

Larson Automation Custom Fixture

The custom fixture provides the mechanical, electrical, and RF interface to the DUT.

• Mechanical
  • Designed to provide a quick and accurate interface to the DUT utilizing an RF probe to access the antenna and pins to interface to test points
  • Tooling pins ensure proper and consistent alignmenn
  • Mechanically assisted mechanism to provide a smooth operation over many cycles minimizing operator strain

• Electrical
  • Custom Interface Boards (CIBs) route signals to and from the instrumentation
  • Analog Interface Board (CIB1)
    • Route onboard voltages to the MIO card for current measurements and other analog measurements
    • Route and condition analog output signals from the analog output DAQ interface to the FM demodulation input of the signal generator to support BER testing and pattern detection testing

• Digital Interface Board (CIB 2)
  • Two CPLDs provide custom logic
  • Multiplexing signals for serial port control and monitoring
  • Multiplexing DUT oscillator signals for frequency counter measurements
  • Routing trigger signals from the DUT for spectrum analyzer measurement

• RF

  • High frequency probe ensures proper RF connection

  • RF switches route signals to the proper instrumentation

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Larson Automation Inc.
Address: 960 Rincon Circle, San Jose, CA 95131
Tel: (408) 432-4800  Fax: (408) 432-4848  Email: info@larsonautomation.com

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