Components of a S-Parameter Measurement Library System

The S-Parameter Measurement Library is designed for use in a system that might require hardware, drivers, and software to optimize the S-Parameter Measurement Library for your application.

The S-Parameter Measurement Library requires the following components:

  • Hardware that supports your application. For additional information, refer to S-Parameter Measurement Library Hardware Configuration Options.
  • Relevant hardware drivers
  • InstrumentStudio
  • LabVIEW
Note The S-Parameter Measurement Library installs the necessary runtime drivers for the hardware in your configuration, InstrumentStudio, and LabVIEW support (optional). If you want to utilize driver software features or LabVIEW features not included with this installation, visit ni.com/downloads to install full support for your software.
Note Install NI Software using NI Package Manager. For additional information, refer to Installing, Updating, Repairing, and Removing NI Software.

S-Parameter Measurement Library Hardware Configuration Options

You can design your S-parameter measurement test system based on one of several combinations of couplers, switches, and vector signal transceivers (VSTs).

Choose one of the following recommended hardware configuration options to perform S-parameter measurements. The configuration you choose depends on your measurement accuracy, cost, and sweep speed requirements.

  • 1 Coupler Per Port, 2 VST System
  • 2 Couplers Per Port, 1 VST System
  • 1 Coupler Per Port, 1 VST System
  • S11 1 Coupler System
  • S11 2 Couplers System

Supported VSTs

The S-Parameter Measurement Library supports the following VSTs:

  • PXIe-5831
  • PXIe-5841
  • PXIe-5842
Note The additional required hardware for S-Parameter Measurement Library is dependent on your VST model and configuration option. For a complete list of required hardware for your configuration, refer to the Connecting the Hardware for S-Parameter Measurements.
For more information about VSTs, refer to the PXI Vector Signal Transceivers Product Flyer.