Analyzing and Generating RF Signals with NI VSTs

In broad terms, NI VSTs are designed to receive (analyze) and output (generate) RF signals. To do this, NI VSTs use separate instrument drivers—NI-RFSA, NI-RFSG—as well as RFmx and other purpose-built applications that enable specific measurement types.

The documentation in this manual focuses on programming your hardware using the NI-RFSA, NI-RFSG, and RFmx APIs.

You can use the following software to control your NI VST:

  • NI-RFSA —Instrument driver that provides API-level control over RF signal analysis functionality
  • NI-RFSG —Instrument driver that provides API-level control over RF signal generation functionality
  • RFmx—Advanced measurement software for RF test systems that includes personalities and purpose-built applications. Each personality enables a specific family of RF measurements via a soft front panel and a programmatic API; the API allows you to access signal analysis functionality of the personality in test programs.

    • Each API has its own programming flow you need to understand to successfully control your VST and meet the needs of your RF application.

    In addition to NI-RFSA, NI-RFSG, and RFmx, NI provides high-level applications to control RF instruments:

  • InstrumentStudio—Interactive soft front panel application that, for NI RF instruments, surfaces the functionality of NI-RFSG and RFmx; also supports other instrument types
  • Application-specific RF software—Purpose-built application environments for specific RF testing workflows, such as RFIC test

    • Refer to the documentation for these applications for information on using them with NI RF hardware.

    Note Your instrument must have the appropriate hardware option—for generation, analysis, or both—to access associated functionality in your programs.