Digital Signal Transceiver Driver Host API

The DST instrument is a high-speed serial device designed to function as a digital vector signal transceiver using custom FPGA firmware.

The FPGA firmware allows you to complete the following:

  • Receive data from the serial interface, buffer to the onboard memory, and then transfer the I/Q data to host.
  • Transfer I/Q data from the host to the onboard memory. Use scripts to send the data to the serial interface. The scripts can repeat, start, and/or stop transmitting data at specific events.
  • Convert a serial data stream into I/Q data. You can apply digital signal processing (DSP) functions to enhance performance and control the data stream. This is useful for generating test vectors and correcting measurement signals.
Figure 3. DST Host API


The API has four main sections that helps you control different parts of the FPGA code:

  • Digital Signal Transceiver (DST)—The DST functions configure, control, generate, and acquire I/Q data by communicating with the DUT through a high-speed serial interface.
  • Generation (DSTG)—The DSTG functions configure the firmware to generate data to the high-speed serial interface in many different forms. In general, you can download I/Q waveforms to the device DRAM and then repeat them according to a script. This functionality is similar to NI-RFSG. Refer to Generating an I/Q Waveform for more information.
  • Acquisition (DSTA)—The DSTA functions configure the firmware to receive data from the high-speed serial interface. The functions process this data stream to transfer the I/Q data to the host. This process enables you to change certain firmware features, helping you obtain the specific data you need. Refer to Acquiring an I/Q Waveform for more information.
  • Serial Interface—The Serial Interface functions access a plug-in interface that lets you control or change the configuration of the serial interface hardware. You can change the protocol or customize your own serial interface. Refer to High-Speed Serial Communication and Interface for more information.
    • Figure 4. High-Speed Serial Interface