NI (National Instruments), a provider of software-centric platforms that help users accelerate the development and improve the performance of automated test and measurement systems, today announced the availability of a millimeter-wave vector signal transceiver (VST) to address the test challenges posed by 5G millimeter-wave RFIC transceivers and power amplifiers. amplifier test challenges.

　　As chipmakers race to commercialize 5G millimeter-wave technology, engineers are faced with the increased challenge of accelerating product schedules while dealing with new, unresolved technical requirements. ni's millimeter-wave test solution addresses these challenges in both the r&d lab and high-volume production environments. The solution delivers:

　　- Measurement quality to meet the stringent technical requirements of the laboratory

　　- An architecture designed to meet the specific needs of millimeter-wave chip production testing

　　- A unified software experience that simplifies measurement and automation

　　NI's solution uses a millimeter-wave VST that combines an RF signal generator, RF signal analyzer, and integrated switches with a 1 GHz instantaneous bandwidth up to 44 GHz. In addition to existing PXI-based characterization systems in the lab, the instrument itself can be integrated into NI semiconductor test systems (STS) for deployment in high-volume manufacturing applications. Choosing a tester based on a modular PXI platform helps engineers using the STS to quickly integrate new measurement capabilities, such as 5G, into the test cell, thereby increasing cost-effectiveness and reducing the risk of delayed time to market.

　　In the race to bring 5G technology to market, traditional RF semiconductor test methods are struggling to realize the flexibility and cost expectations of 5G devices," said Eric Starkloff, president and COO of NI. The Millimeter Wave VST is another example of NI's ability to combine our industry-leading platform with customer insights to enable disruptive innovation for our customers."

　　The product features a number of innovations to meet the test requirements of 5G millimeter wave devices. The new calibrated integrated switch supports up to 32 channels, improving the accuracy of beamforming and phased array measurements without the need for additional infrastructure. The modular front-end design enables accurate and cost-effective measurements while maintaining forward compatibility with future 5G bands. With these innovations, engineers can make measurements at 5-21 GHz and 26-44 GHz simultaneously.

　　NI's release of the millimeter-wave VST epitomizes NI's ongoing commitment to helping customers reduce costs and time-to-market for RFIC devices. The Millimeter Wave VST complements NI's modular instrument portfolio, which includes more than 600 PXI products from DC to millimeter wave, and NI measurement software for 2G, 3G, LTE Advanced Pro, Wi-Fi 802.11ax, Bluetooth 5, and more, with support for multiple languages including LabVIEW and C#.NET.