mmWave Subsystem

This section includes information about using the millimeter wave (mmWave) subsystem within the Semiconductor Test System (STS).

The mmWave subsystem is a combination of components that deliver an integrated RF production test solution. The STS mmWave subsystem consists of a PXIe-5831 mmWave VST composed of the following components:

  • PXIe-5820 Vector Signal Transceiver
  • PXIe-3622 Vector Signal Up/Down Converter
  • PXIe-5653 RF Analog Signal Generator (LO source)
  • Two mmRH-5582 mmWave Radio Heads with 18 TRX ports

Each mmWave subsystem is configured with 16 switched RF ports (22.5 GHz to 44 GHz), two direct mmWave TRX ports (22.5 GHz to 44 GHz), and two direct IF TRX ports (5 GHz to 21 GHz). Each port is physically connected through SMP (IF) or SMPM (mmWave) blind-mate connectors on the PXIe-5831 STS mmWave subsystem bracket, or DX interface.

You can control the PXIe-5831 Vector Signal Transceiver using RFmx, NI-RFPM, NI-RFSA, or NI-RFSG. NI-RFPM only supports mmWave ports and no NI-RFPM features can be used with IF ports.

Note NI RFPM only supports vector (S-parameter) measurements on the mmWave subsystem. NI-RFPM-based scalar measurements are not supported. To use the mmWave subsystem in Scalar Operation mode, use RFmx, NI-RFSA, or NI-RFSG.