• Return to Home Page
    • Solutions
      Industries
      • Academic and Research
      • Aerospace, Defense, and Government
      • Electronics
      • Energy
      • Industrial Machinery
      • Life Sciences
      • Semiconductor
      • Transportation
      Product Life Cycles
      • Design and Prototype
      • Validation
      • Production
      Focus Areas
      • 5G and 6G Technology
      • ADAS and Autonomous Driving Testing
      • Artificial Intelligence
      • Electric Vehicle Test
      • Lifecycle Analytics
      • Radar and Electronic Warfare
      • Space Launch and Exploration
      • Validation Lab Innovations
      See our approach to solutions
      Get a Helping Hand
      From troubleshooting technical issues and product recommendations, to quotes and orders, we’re here to help.
      Contact Us
    • Products
      Software
      View All Software
      Test Automation
      • LabVIEW
      • LabVIEW+ Suite
      • TestStand (Test Execution)
      • VeriStand (HIL Test Development)
      Free Interactive Test Software
      • FlexLogger (for DAQ hardware)
      • InstrumentStudio (for PXI hardware)
      Test Analytics and Operations
      • DIAdem (for Analysis and Visualization)
      • SystemLink (Test Operations)
      • OptimalPlus (Manufacturing Analytics)
      SERVICES
      View All Services
      • Repair Services
      • Calibration
      • Training Courses
      HARDWARE
      View All Hardware
      Data Acquisition and Sensor I/O
      • Learn About DAQ
      • Multifunction I/O
      • Voltage
      • Digital I/O
      • Sound and Vibration
      • Temperature
      • Current
      • Strain, Pressure, and Force
      Communication Interfaces and Instrument Control
      • GPIB, Serial, and Ethernet
      • Vehicle Communication Buses
      • Industrial Communication Buses
      • Avionics Communication Buses
      Instruments
      • Oscilloscopes
      • Switches
      • SMUs
      • LCR Meters
      • Digital Multimeters
      • Electronic Loads
      • Power Supplies
      • Waveform Generators
      • FlexRIO Instruments
      • Switch Load Signal Conditioning
      RF & Wireless
      • Software Defined Radios
      • RF Analog Signal Generators
      • Vector Network Analyzers
      • Vector Signal Generators, Analyzers, and Transceivers
      Accessories
      • Browse Accessories
      RESOURCES
      • Ordering Resources
      • Distributors
      • System Advisors
      See all products
      CompactDAQ

      Modular Data Acquisition

      CompactRIO

      Distributed Measurement and Control

      PXI

      High-Performance Test

      LabVIEW+ Suite

      Automated Test System Development Software

    • Perspectives
      Perspectives

      Perspectives showcases how NI sees what’s next in the world of test and technology.

      View all articles
      Charting the Course for Test Development with LabVIEW
      LabVIEW remains key in test, promising speed, efficiency, and new features with NI’s investment in core tech, community, and integration.
      Read our featured article
    • Support
      Resources
      View All Support Resources
      • Software Downloads
      • Register and Activate
      • Product Documentation
      • Release Notes
      • Training Courses
      • On-Demand Learning
      • KnowledgeBase
      • Code Examples
      Request Support

      You can request repair, RMA, schedule calibration, or get technical support. A valid service agreement may be required.

      Open a service request
      Popular Software Downloads
      See all Software Product Downloads
      icon of LabVIEW logo
      LabVIEW
      icon of Multisim logo
      Multisim
      icon of Academic Volume License logo
      Academic Volume License
      Popular Driver Downloads
      See all Driver Software Downloads
      • NI-DAQmx

        Provides support for NI data acquisition and signal conditioning devices. 

      • NI-VISA

        Provides support for Ethernet, GPIB, serial, USB, and other types of instruments. 

      • NI-488.2

        Provides support for NI GPIB controllers and NI embedded controllers with GPIB ports. 

    • Community
    • Partners
    • Contact UsFlag
    • My Account
    • Search
  • Cart
    • Solutions
      • Back
      • Industries
      • Academic and Research
      • Aerospace, Defense, and Government
      • Electronics
      • Energy
      • Industrial Machinery
      • Life Sciences
      • Semiconductor
      • Transportation
      • Product Life Cycles
      • Design and Prototype
      • Validation
      • Production
      • Focus Areas
      • 5G and 6G Technology
      • ADAS and Autonomous Driving Testing
      • Artificial Intelligence
      • Electric Vehicle Test
      • Lifecycle Analytics
      • Radar and Electronic Warfare
      • Space Launch and Exploration
      • Validation Lab Innovations
      • See our approach to solutions
    • Products
      • Back
      • Software
      • View All Software
      • Test Automation
      • LabVIEW
      • LabVIEW+ Suite
      • TestStand (Test Execution)
      • VeriStand (HIL Test Development)
      • Free Interactive Test Software
      • FlexLogger (for DAQ hardware)
      • InstrumentStudio (for PXI hardware)
      • Test Analytics and Operations
      • DIAdem (for Analysis and Visualization)
      • SystemLink (Test Operations)
      • OptimalPlus (Manufacturing Analytics)
      • SERVICES
      • View All Services
      • Repair Services
      • Calibration
      • Training Courses
      • HARDWARE
      • View All Hardware
      • Data Acquisition and Sensor I/O
      • Learn About DAQ
      • Multifunction I/O
      • Voltage
      • Digital I/O
      • Sound and Vibration
      • Temperature
      • Current
      • Strain, Pressure, and Force
      • Communication Interfaces and Instrument Control
      • GPIB, Serial, and Ethernet
      • Vehicle Communication Buses
      • Industrial Communication Buses
      • Avionics Communication Buses
      • Instruments
      • Oscilloscopes
      • Switches
      • SMUs
      • LCR Meters
      • Digital Multimeters
      • Electronic Loads
      • Power Supplies
      • Waveform Generators
      • FlexRIO Instruments
      • Switch Load Signal Conditioning
      • Accessories
      • Browse Accessories
      • RESOURCES
      • Ordering Resources
      • Distributors
      • System Advisors
      • See all products
    • Perspectives
    • Support
      • Back
      • Resources
      • View All Support Resources
      • Software Downloads
      • Register and Activate
      • Product Documentation
      • Release Notes
      • Training Courses
      • On-Demand Learning
      • KnowledgeBase
      • Code Examples
      • Popular Software Downloads
      • See all Software Product Downloads
      • icon of LabVIEW logo
      • icon of Multisim logo
      • icon of Academic Volume License logo
      • Popular Driver Downloads
      • See all Driver Software Downloads
      • NI-DAQmx
      • NI-VISA
      • NI-488.2
      • Request Support
      • You can request repair, RMA, schedule calibration, or get technical support. A valid service agreement may be required.Open a service request
    • Community
    • Partners
    • Contact Us
    • Account
Solutions
  • Academic & Research
  • Aerospace, Defense, & Government
  • Electronics
  • Energy
  • Industrial Machinery
  • Life Sciences
  • Semiconductor
  • Transportation
Orders
  • NI Distribution Partners
  • Order Status and History
  • Retrieve a Quote
  • Terms of Service
  • Order by Part Number or Request a Quote
Company
  • NI is now part of Emerson
  • About
  • Emerson Careers
  • Newsroom
  • Supply Chain & Quality
  • Events
Support
  • Downloads
  • Product Documentation
  • Discussion Forums
  • Activate a Product
  • Submit a Service Request
  • Site Feedback
FacebookTwitterLinkedInYouTubeInstagram
LEGAL | IMPRINT | PRIVACY | Cookie Settings
© NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS CORP. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
  1. Home
  2. Shop
  3. NI Hardware Portfolio
  4. Electronic Test Instruments
  5. Waveform Generators

Waveform Generators

NI waveform generators produce standard or arbitrary signals with defined shapes, frequencies, and amplitudes. Engineers stream or sequence waveforms to stimulate and test circuits in design, validation, and production across electronics, automotive, aerospace, and defense systems.

View waveform generators
Combination of NI PXI waveform generators test instruments

What Waveform Generator Is Right for You?

Combination of NI PXI arbitrary waveform generators test instruments

Arbitrary Waveform Generation

An NI PXI Arbitrary Waveform Generator delivers high‑fidelity standard and arbitrary waveforms, advanced sequencing, streaming, and precise PXI synchronization for flexible, automated signal creation.


Features

  • Up to 80 MHz
  • Up to 800 MS/s
  • Up to 16-bit resolution
  • Up to 2 channels
  • Compact PXI form factor
Shop PXI arbitrary waveform generators

PXI System Components

An NI Partner is a business entity independent from NI and has no agency or joint-venture relationship and does not form part of any business associations with NI. 

NI PXIe‑5404 clock generator and arbitrary waveform generator test instrument

Clock and Frequency Generation

The PXI Clock Generator delivers precise, stable sine and clock outputs using DDS technology, with programmable amplitude, frequency, phase, and duty cycle, ideal for timing, synchronization, and device stimulation in PXI automated test systems.


Features

  • Up to 100 MHz
  • Up to 300 MS/s
  • Up to 12-bit resolution
  • One channel
  • Compact PXI form factor
Shop PXI clock and frequency generators
Astronics PXIe‑1209 dual‑channel pulse generator test instrument

Pulse Generation

PXI pulse generators deliver precise, programmable pulses for timing and control applications, offering fine adjustment of delay, width, spacing, and period with low jitter and flexible triggering to support accurate sequencing and synchronization in PXI automated test systems.


Features

  • Up to 100 MHz
  • Up to 10 ps timing resolution
  • Up to 12-bit resolution
  • Up to 2 channels
  • Compact PXI form factor
Shop PXI pulse generators
NI PXI FlexRIO Signal Generator and FlexRIO adapter displayed together

High-Speed Signal Generation

The NI PXI FlexRIO Signal Generator delivers customizable, high-speed signal generation with onboard FPGA for real-time processing, protocol emulation, and advanced test flexibility in PXI systems.


Features

  • Up to 3 GHz
  • Up to 6.4 GS/s
  • Up to 14-bit resolution
  • Up to 2 channels
  • Compact PXI form factor
Shop PXI FlexRIO Signal Generators

Shop by Form Factor

PXI
PXI Express
FlexRIO

Explore Related Categories

FlexRIO Modules
RF Signal Generators
Oscilloscopes and Digitizers
Switches
PXI Chassis
PXI Controller

Featured Product

Combination of NI PXI waveform generators test instruments

PXI Waveform Generator

NI PXI waveform generators deliver precise standard and user-defined arbitrary waveforms using sequences of data or continuous streaming, providing high signal fidelity and versatile functionality for a range of electronics testing purposes.


  • Up to 100 MHz bandwidth
  • Up to 800 MS/s update rate
  • Up to 16-bit resolution
  • 1- or 2-channel module options
Learn more about PXI Waveform Generators
Image of PXIe-1088 in a lab

Break Through Your Next Engineering Challenge with PXI

As electronics grow more complex and testing deadlines tighten, traditional instruments only slow you down. Flexible, scalable, and software-driven NI PXI systems can help you break free from rigid, stand-alone boxes that limit your ability to scale, synchronize, and adapt.
Download ebook

Waveform Generator Fundamentals

Key Concepts

Signal Generator Terminology and Specifications
Types of Function Generators, DAC Considerations, and Other Common Terminology
Understanding Direct Digital Synthesis (DDS)

Selection Guides

Find the Right Analog Signal Generator
NI PXI Arbitrary Waveform Generator Features

Benefits of Choosing PXI

Overview of PXI
NI PXI Timing and Synchronization Design Advantages

NI Software for Waveform Generators

Selecting NI Waveform Generators Software


The software you use with your signal generator depends on the product you choose.


  • NI PXI Waveform Generator are supported by the NI-FGEN driver, which simplifies setup and programming for NI LabVIEW, Python, C/C++, C#, and more. They are also supported in InstrumentStudio with ready-to-run instrument panels to control and monitor multiple PXI instruments in a single environment.
  • PXI Pulse Generator uses its own Astronics-provided driver and software, supplied by Astronics Test Systems.
  • FlexRIO Signal Generators use the FlexRIO driver for control. To program the onboard FPGA, you need LabVIEW and the LabVIEW FPGA Module; LabVIEW Instrument Design Libraries (IDL) are optional for advanced instrument design. LabVIEW Real-Time Module can be used when deterministic, real-time system control is required.

NI InstrumentStudio™ Software

NI InstrumentStudio provides an integrated approach to interactive PXI measurements.

NI LabVIEW

NI LabVIEW is a graphical programming environment that provides unique productivity accelerators for test system development, such as an intuitive approach to programming, connectivity to any instrument, and fully integrated user interfaces.

NI LabVIEW FPGA Module

The LabVIEW FPGA Module helps you develop and debug custom hardware logic that you can compile and deploy to NI FPGA hardware.

NI LabVIEW Real-Time Module

The LabVIEW Real-Time Module helps you create reliable, stand-alone applications that execute on embedded hardware devices.


Waveform Generator Resources

Driver icon

Download NI-FGEN

Download driver for PXI waveform generators
Driver icon

Download NI FlexRIO

Download driver for NI FlexRIO-supported hardware
Driver icon

Download Astronics PXIe-1209 Driver

Download driver for the PXI Pulse Generator

Signal Generator Applications

Advanced Waveform Sequencing and Triggering on Arbitrary Waveform Generators

Training

Group of partners working together in a lab

Get Help from an NI Partner

The NI Partner Program offers domain, application, and overall test development expertise to help your team get ahead and stay ahead. Connect with our global community of trusted NI Partners ready to give your business a competitive edge.
Find a partner

Frequently Asked Questions About Waveform Generators

  • Engineers should look for waveform generators that deliver accurate signal output, flexible waveform options, and reliable performance. Key specifications include waveform types, frequency and amplitude range, DAC resolution, and sampling rate. Advanced features like real-time streaming, sequencing, and multichannel synchronization are essential for complex testing. PXI-based waveform generators offer additional benefits for automated systems, including compact modular design, high-speed performance, and precise timing coordination across instruments. Compatibility with software tools like LabVIEW also plays a critical role in streamlining development and validation workflows.

  • Waveform generators simulate electrical signals to test how circuits respond under various conditions. Engineers use them to validate signal integrity, measure system performance, and detect faults or anomalies. They are essential tools for ensuring that electronic designs meet functional and regulatory standards.

  • Arbitrary waveform generators (AWGs) allow researchers to create custom signal profiles that mimic complex, real-world scenarios. This capability is vital in R&D environments where standard waveforms are insufficient for testing advanced technologies such as radar systems, medical devices, or high-speed digital interfaces.

  • NI waveform generators feature high-resolution DACs, fast update rates, and low-distortion output stages. These specifications enable the generation of clean, accurate signals that preserve waveform integrity, making them ideal for precision testing in analog and mixed-signal applications.

Signal Generators for Custom Arbitrary Waveform Generation

NI-FGEN Programming

NI-FGEN .NET Resources
Python Resources for NI Hardware and Software
NI-FGEN User Manual
Generating Signals with Waveform Generators