• Refer to the hardware requirements listed in S11 1 Coupler System Hardware Requirements.
  • Ensure all components are installed in the chassis before completing the following steps.
  • If using the PXIe-5842, ensure the modules are properly interconnected, as described in Interconnecting the PXIe-5842.
Complete the following steps to configure your hardware for S-parameter measurements using S11 one coupler per DUT port.
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 1. S11 1 Coupler System Connections


  1. Connect the RF OUT or IF IN/OUT 0 port of the out port of the coupler using SMA cable.
  2. Connect the coupled port to the RF IN or IF IN/OUT 1 port.
  3. Connect the input port of the coupler to the DUT for measurement or the calibration kit for calibration using SMA cables.
  4. 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 or PXIe-5842, no additional connection needs to be made as the LO is shared internally.

S11 1 Coupler System Hardware Requirements

In this hardware configuration, use one coupler on the port of the DUT to measure the reflection wave of the DUT.

The following tables list the NI and third-party accessories required to perform an S-parameter measurement with an S11 one coupler system.
Table 7. Required NI Hardware
HardwareModelMinimum RequirementsQuantity
PXI Vector Signal TransceiverPXIe-5831, PXIe-5841, or PXIe-58421
PXI ChassisPXIe-10951
PXI Controller16 GB/s bandwidth and 16 GB RAM1
MMPX-to-MMPX Cables122 mm Flexible Cables

0, if using a PXIe-5831 or PXIe-5842

1, if using a PXIe-5841

Table 8. Required Third-Party Accessories
HardwareModelQuantity
Directional CouplerRD Microwave C1-C31-C201
SMA CablesVelocity Microwave Conexus 3.5 mm Cables3
3.5 mm VNA Calibration KitMaury Microwave 8050CK51 Characterized Device (CD) Fixed Load SOLT Kit with Adapters 1