World's first RF vector signal transceiver redefines instrumentation

Built on the NI LabVIEW RIO architecture, the world's first software-designed instrument delivers programming flexibility and cutting-edge hardware to address the most challenging RF applications. For example, the new VST is ideal for testing the latest wireless and cellular standards, including 802.11ac and LTE. What Is a Vector Signal Transceiver (VST)? Software-defined RF test system architectures have become increasingly popular over the past several decades. Almost every commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) automated RF test system today uses application software to communicate through a bus interface to the instrument. As RF applications become more complex, engineers are continuously challenged with the dilemma of increasing functionality without increasing test times, and ultimately test cost. While improvements in test measurement algorithms, bus speeds, and CPU speeds have reduced test times, further improvements are necessary to address the continued increase in the complexity of RF test applications. Explore the new instrumentation class that combines a vector signal generator, vector signal analyzer, and user-programmable FPGA. View our whitepaper here for more information on how the VST redefines instrumentation.