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Multichannel RF Record and Playback for System Validation

RF record and playback empowers engineers to bring the real world into the lab. From capturing live RF environments to replaying mission-critical scenarios, it enables repeatable, high-fidelity testing that accelerates development and de-risks deployment. But today’s RF systems are more demanding than ever. Engineers face challenges like ultra-wide bandwidths, multi-channel synchronization, and massive data throughput—all while maintaining signal integrity and timing accuracy.

 

To meet these demands, a modern RF record and playback solution must have the following requirements:

 

  • Wideband capture and playback
  • Multichannel record and playback
  • Phase-aligned multichannel operation
  • Scalable data handling and throughput
  • Seamless integration into lab and field workflows 

NI RF Record and Playback Solution

  • NI RF Record and Playback Software enables wideband, multichannel, RF data streaming to and from data storage
  • PXIe-5842 VST provides 2 GHz of instantaneous bandwidth with local oscillator (LO) sharing for phase alignment across channels 
  • PXIe-8290 Data Movement Module simplifies connectivity between High-Speed Serial and RDMA by bringing data-center connectivity to PXI
  • External RAID storage delivers massive capacity and high-speed data throughput for extended RF recordings
  • NI InstrumentStudio™ Software panels for manual control and integration with other instruments
  • gRPC APIs enable automation and remote control over a network from languages including LabVIEW, Python, and C/C++

Solution Advantages

  • 2 GHz of instantaneous bandwidth lossless record and playback on up to 4 channels simultaneously

  • Independent or shared LO configurations, for either individual center frequencies per channel or phase alignment across port groups

  • Automated system compensation procedure for LO power, multichannel amplitude correction, and phase alignment across channels

  • Scalable data handling and throughput for long-duration recordings and high sample rates

  • Intuitive out-of-the-box GUI for easy setup and operation, with APIs available for local or remote automation and customization

  • Uses calibrated, instrument-grade VST hardware to perform both parametric test and RF record/playback with a single platform

BUILDING YOUR SOLUTION WITH NI ECOSYSTEM

NI offers a variety of solution integration options customized to your application-specific requirements. You can use your own internal integration teams for full system control or leverage the expertise of NI and our worldwide NI Partner Network to obtain a turnkey solution.

NI Partner Network

The NI Partner Network is a global community of domain, application, and overall test development experts working closely with NI to meet the needs of the engineering community. NI Partners are trusted solution providers, systems integrators, consultants, product developers, and services and sales channel experts skilled across a wide range of industries and application areas.

Services and Support

NI works with customers throughout the life of an application, delivering training, technical support, consultation and integration services, and maintenance programs. Teams can discover new skills by participating in NI-specific and geographic user groups and build proficiency with online and in-person training.

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.