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  5. Vector Signal Generators, Analyzers, and Transceivers

Vector Signal Generators, Analyzers, and Transceivers

Vector signal generators (VSGs), analyzers (VSAs), and transceivers (VSTs) evaluate electrical signal characteristics across the frequency and time domain, measuring parameters like amplitude, phase, bandwidth, and modulation quality. They help engineers analyze complex waveforms in wireless communication system design, RFIC characterization, radar test, spectrum monitoring, and signals intelligence.

View vector signal generators, analyzers, and transceivers
NI PXIe-5668 Vector Signal Analyzer (VSA) for RF test applications

What VSGs, VSAs, and VSTs Is Right for You?

PXIe-5668 Vector Signal Analyzer

Baseband, RF, or mmWave I/O

NI signal analyzers support baseband, RF, and mmWave frequency ranges so that you can choose the right option for your application. You can also choose options that include both baseband and higher frequency capabilities.

Explore frequency range options

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PXIe-5842 Vector Signal Transceiver with up to 4 GHz Bandwidth

Wide Instantaneous Bandwidth

With options that offer up to 4 GHz instantaneous bandwidth in a single acquisition, NI spectrum and signal analyzers are ideally suited for carrier aggregation, digital predistortion, and radar testing or for testing wireless standards, such as LTE-A Pro, and digital predistortion and radar pulse measurements.

Explore wide bandwidth options
PXIe-5842 and PXIe-5841 Vector Signal Transceivers

Vector Signal Generation Capabilities

NI PXI Vector Signal Transceivers can perform both spectrum analysis and RF signal generation in the same instrument. These options provide a compact solution for complex vector analysis and generation applications.

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Baseband
RF
RF mmWave

Explore Related Categories

RF Switches
Vector Network Analyzers
Software Defined Radios

Featured Products

PXIe-5668 Signal Analyzer

PXI Vector Signal Analyzer

The PXI Vector Signal Analyzer (VSA) performs spectrum measurements, demodulation, and signal analysis—and can measure the magnitude and phase of an input signal at a certain frequency within a specified bandwidth.


  • Up to 765 MHz of instantaneous RF bandwidth
  • RF frequency range up to 26.5 GHz
Learn more about PXI Vector Signal Analyzers
PXIe-5842 Vector Signal Transceiver

PXI Vector Signal Transceiver

The PXI Vector Signal Transceiver (VST) combines an RF and baseband vector signal analyzer and generator with a user-programmable FPGA and high-speed serial and parallel digital interfaces for real-time signal processing and control from baseband to mmWave.


  • Achieve better than -50 dB EVM performance for higher-order modulation schemes
  • Frequency coverage from baseband to mmWave
  • Up to 2 GHz instantaneous bandwidth
Learn more about NI PXI Vector Signal Transceivers
NI PXIe VSTs for taking RF measurements

RF Measurement Fundamentals

Discover how to perform various RF measurements using NI hardware and software tools for wireless applications.
Learn more

VSGs, VSAs, and VSTs Fundamentals

Terminology

Glossary for RF Common Terminology

Selection Guides

Spectrum Analyzer Determined by Choice of Measurements
The NI LabVIEW RIO Architecture: A Foundation for Innovation
Which VST is Right for You?

NI-RFSA Programming

.NET Resources for NI Hardware and Software
Python Resources for NI Hardware and Software
NI-RFSA User Manual

NI Software for VSGs, VSAs, and VSTs

Selecting Vector Signal Generators, Analyzers, and Transceivers Software


The NI PXI Vector Signal Analyzer (VSA) is programmed using the NI-RFSA device driver. NI-RFSA includes APIs for LabVIEW or other text-based programming languages. NI-RFSA includes a soft front panel that you can use for quick measurements and debugging, or you can perform similar tasks using NI InstrumentStudio™ software. NI RFmx offers a variety of wireless test panels, specific to different types of measurements, in the InstrumentStudio environment. You can also choose to customize the onboard FPGA on the VSA using NI LabVIEW and the NI LabVIEW FPGA Module.


The NI PXI Vector Signal Transceiver offers similar software options. You can program the input channels of the device using NI-RFSA, and the output channels using NI-RFSG. You can also choose to use LabVIEW FPGA, InstrumentStudio, or NI RFmx.

NI RFmx

RFmx provides signal generation and analysis for general-purpose, cellular, connectivity, IoT, and aerospace and defense test applications.

NI InstrumentStudio™ Software

InstrumentStudio provides an integrated approach to interactive PXI measurements.

NI LabVIEW

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.


VSGs, VSAs, and VSTs Resources

Download NI-RFSA

Download driver for vector signal analysis

Download NI-RFSG

Download driver for vector signal generation

Download a free trial of NI RFmx

Download a 7-day free trial of NI RFmx

Driver Resources

NI-RFSA .NET Resources
NI-RFSG .NET Resources

LabVIEW FPGA

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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 Vector Signal Generators, Analyzers, and Transceivers

  • A vector signal analyzer (VSA) measures and analyzes complex RF signals, focusing on modulation and spectrum characteristics. A vector signal transceiver (VST) combines a VSA with a vector signal generator, enabling both signal analysis and generation for design, test, and validation.

  • When choosing a vector signal transceiver, engineers should look for key features like wide frequency range to cover current and future standards, high bandwidth for complex signals, and excellent dynamic range for accurate measurements. Integration of fast signal generation and analysis, low latency for real-time testing, and flexible software support are also important for adapting to evolving technologies.

  • When selecting a vector signal analyzer, consider frequency range to match your application, bandwidth for capturing wide signals, and dynamic range for measurement accuracy. Look for advanced modulation analysis, fast processing, and versatile software to support evolving wireless and RF standards.

  • NI spectrum and signal analyzers offer speed, accuracy, and flexibility. They combine high-performance hardware with powerful software tools like LabVIEW for custom automation, RFmx for advanced modulation analysis, and NI TestStand for streamlined test management. This integration enables real-time analysis, wide frequency coverage, and scalable bandwidth, delivering faster testing, easier automation, and adaptability for future RF and wireless standards.

Application Resources

Optimizing Basic Power Measurements on NI Vector Signal Analyzers
Maximize RF Testing with the PXI Platform and NI InstrumentStudio™ Software
Real-Time Radar Target Simulation with LabVIEW and PXI Vector Signal Transceiver
RF Instrumentation Bring-Up and Workflow with NI InstrumentStudio™ Software
FPGA Fundamentals
Everything You Need to Know About LabVIEW FPGA