RFmx is a set of interoperable software applications, or personalities, that optimize NI RF instrumentation for general-purpose, cellular, connectivity, and aerospace and defense test applications. RFmx simplifies and accelerates your RF signal generation and analysis, and RF measurement experience.
With many personalities to choose from, RFmx can transform your PXI RF instruments into application-specific test systems. Configure RF measurements such as phase noise, noise figure, pulse measurements, s-parameters, and spectral measurements—or analyze standard-specific waveforms. Intuitive and easy to use, RFmx streamlines RF parametric test.
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RFmx in NI InstrumentStudio™ software connects seamlessly with NI PXI hardware and allows you to integrate RF instruments along with digital, DC, and analog I/O. From there, configurations can be exported and used as the building block for customized test code in NI LabVIEW, C#, or Python, where the measurement IP for system-level validation can create tailored test systems.
Ensure signal generation and analysis test for cellular, connectivity, and IoT signals are up to date and standard-compliant. With quarterly releases, the latest 3GPP and IEEE standards are already part of RFmx, along with legacy wireless standards.
Start with programming examples for every measurement in every API to quickly configure automated test sequences. Once development is complete, achieve faster test with innate high-speed measurement algorithms, composite measurement functionality, and test plan optimization for instrument utilization with native, multi-threaded parallel measurement execution.
The following diagram shows how different RFmx personalities can be used to create application-specific measurement configurations. For full functionality, you might also need to install NI InstrumentStudio, NI LabVIEW, or NI TestStand.
Transform RF instruments into application-specific test systems, from design to production test.
Instrument interaction is simple with a unified, customizable user interface for RF test in InstrumentStudio. Get started quickly with out-of-the box soft front panels for RF signal generation and analysis, built with measurements for every RFmx personality for a short time to first measurement.
RF signal generation is made easy with the ability to quickly generate wide ranging and up-to-date standard-compliant waveforms or create custom signals. RFmx Waveform Creator enables simple configuration, visualization, and playback.
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Feature | RFmx SpecAn (Free) | Licensed RFmx Personalities |
|---|---|---|
Licensing | Free | License(s) Required |
Best for | Basic RF measurements and spectral analysis, acquiring I/Q data | Standard-compliant signal generation and analysis, complex RF measurements |
Measurements | Spectrum, window and FFT, span, I/Q, channel power, power averaging, harmonics, and more | Noise figure, phase noise, pulse measurements, analog/digital modulation, WLAN, Bluetooth® wireless technology, 5G NR, LTE, and more |
InstrumentStudio Soft Front Panels | Yes | Yes |
Access to APIs | Yes | Yes |
RFmx Waveform Creator | Examples for simple modulation and waveform types | Complex, standard-specific waveform examples that can be customized |
Next Steps | Download RFmx SpecAn | Explore licensed RFmx personalities |
RFmx supports all NI PXI RF instrumentation, including PXI Vector Signal Transceivers, PXI Vector Network Analyzers, PXI Vector Signal Analyzers, and PXI RF Signal Generators, as well as third-party hardware with the necessary software add-ons.
The PXI Vector Signal Transceiver (VST) combine 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.
The RFmx VNA measurement personality can be used in conjunction with the NI PXIe-5633 Vector Network Analyzer for s-parameter measurements in the same front panel as modulated RF measurements.
The PXI Vector Signal Analyzer (VSA) perform 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.
Your system must meet the following requirements to use RFmx:
RF Signal Generators create continuous waveform (CW) or modulated signals to stimulate RF components and systems. You can use these products for testing amplifiers, filters, and more complex circuitry.