Configuring a 1 Coupler Per Port, 1 VST System

Complete the following steps to configure your hardware for S-parameter measurements using one vector signal transceiver (VST) and one coupler per DUT port.

Refer to the hardware requirements listed in 1 Coupler Per Port, 1 VST System Hardware Requirements. Ensure all components are installed in the chassis before completing the following steps.
The following figure shows two PXI-2597 multiplexer switch modules; you can alternately implement this configuration with one PXIe-2543 multiplexer switch module when using the PXIe-5841 VST.
Note The PXIe-5831 does not have dedicated RF IN/OUT ports. Use the IF IN/OUT 1 port as RF IN and the IF IN/OUT 0 port as RF OUT when using a PXIe-5831.
Figure 8. 1 Coupler Per Port, 1 VST System Connections


  1. Connect the RF OUT or IF IN/OUT 0 port of the VST to the COM port of the RF OUT switch or switch bank using an SMA cable.
  2. Install each attenuator on an output port of the RF OUT switch or switch bank.
  3. Connect each attenuator to the output port of a coupler using SMA cables.
  4. Connect the coupled port of each coupler to the channels of the RF IN switch or switch bank using SMA cables.
  5. Connect the COM port of the RF IN switch or switch bank to the RF IN or IF IN/OUT 1 port of the VST using an SMA cable.
  6. Connect the input ports of the couplers to the DUT for measurement or the calibration kit for calibration using SMA cables.
  7. If using the PXIe-5841, share the local oscillator (LO) signal by connecting the TX LO OUT port to the RX LO IN port of the VST using a MMPX-to-MMPX cable. If using the PXIe-5831, no additional connection needs to be made because the LO is shared internally.