At the IEEE International Microwave Symposium (IMS 2016), RADX Technologies has introduced the LibertyGT 1410 (LGT1410), a new Real-Time Vector Signal Analyzer (RTVSA) which includes a high performance wideband Real-Time Spectrum Analyzer (RTSA). According to RADX, it is the only high-performance RTSA available in a PXIe-based modular system. With up to 765 MHz analysis bandwidth and real-time Digital Signal Processing (DSP) throughput of up to 62 million FFTs per second, the LGT1410 can detect and analyze (with full accuracy) intermittent signals between 20 Hz and 26.5 GHz with 100% Probability of Intercept (POI) and a minimum duration of only 320 nanoseconds. The LGT1410 is the first commercial instrument to achieve this record level of RTSA performance, which is between three and ten times better than competitive instruments.
Capabilities of wideband RTSA are essential for capturing, detecting, and analyzing modern frequency-agile transient and inherently elusive signals. The LGT1410’s RTSA features an intuitive, 1080p HD touchscreen optimized graphical user interface and easy-to-program API that allows users to readily optimize the system for Resolution Bandwidth (RBW) for small amplitude signals, minimum duration with 100% POI for short-duration signals, or combinations thereof. With its unmatched RTSA capability, wide analysis bandwidth, sensitivity, and large frequency range, the LGT1410 is ideal for mission-critical RF and microwave test and measurement (T&M) applications including next-generation wireless communications, electronic warfare, military communications, and radar.
The National Instruments PXIe-5668R VSA provides a great RF foundation for the LGT1410, so the challenge was to unlock its full potential by optimizing MSFS for RTSA performance in the Xilinx Kintex-7 in the NI PXIe-7976R FlexRIO. New 26.5 GHz LibertyGT 1410 Achieves Watershed 100% POI with Full Accuracy on 320 Nanosecond Minimum Duration Signals by Harnessing 765 MHz Analysis Bandwidth and up to 62 Million FFTs per Second DSP Throughput Capability By giving users the ability to optimize the system for small amplitude or short duration, the LGT1410R with RTSA-2 should help users address a wide range of RF challenges.
At the IMS 2016, RADX demonstrated the LGT1410R and RTSA, along with the LGT1211B Modular, COTS, Benchtop, 6 GHz Automated Test System (ATS), featuring enhanced Spectrum/Waveform Record & Playback and Radio Test capabilities.
Unique, Modular, PXIe Architecture
The LGT1410 is the only commercially available, integrated, multifunction, touchscreen, real-time signal analyzer that features modular, PXIe-based architecture. As with other LibertyGT systems, the LGT1410 is a Software Defined Synthetic Instrument (SDSI) that combines RADX award-winning, patented and patent-pending real-time Measurement Science Firmware and Software (MSFS), value-added hardware, intuitive touchscreen user interface and easy-to-program API with PXIe modules and LabVIEW software from National Instruments (NI)—the global leader in PXIe technology. This unique combination provides unparalleled scalability, upgradeability, and technology insertion capability that minimizes obsolescence, repair and test program portability issues that plague box instruments and enables the LGT1410 to dramatically reduces total cost of ownership, which is vital for cost-sensitive, long-life-cycle applications.
LGT1410-RTVSA
To achieve its industry-leading wideband RTSA performance, the LGT1410 combines RADX FPGA-based, real-time MSFS with NI PXIe modules, including the NI PXIe-5668R 26.5 GHz Vector Signal Analyzer. The LGT1410R is packaged in a standard NI PXIe-1085 (24 GB/sec) 18-Slot PXIe chassis that comes with an external HD 1080p touchscreen. The LGT1410B includes the RADX patent-pending, 24 GB/sec, 18-Slot PXIe enclosure with integrated HD 1080p touchscreen and unique hinged front panel.
The LibertyGT RTVSA MSFS included with both LGT1410 models features the LibertyGT RTSA-2 along with a comprehensive suite of high performance, real-time signal analysis Apps: Real-Time Vector Signal Analyzer (RTVSA), Spectrum Analyzer, Standard Modulation Analysis Library, Standard Spectrum Recorder, Bit Error Rate Tester, UUT Control App, Performance Verification Test, Alignment and the LibertyGT Remote/Local Programming Library that supports user-developed test programs in Python, LabVIEW, TestStand, Java, C and C++.
LGT1410 users may also add a wide range of modules, instruments, libraries, and apps, including signal generation, digital storage oscilloscope, advanced modulation analysis, audio analysis, and digital multi-meter, to transform the system into a complete, benchtop ATS. LGT1211B customers may add the LGT RTSA-1 as a software upgrade (for use with the NI PXie-5644R, with full accuracy detection and analysis of signals with minimum duration longer than 15 microseconds with 100% POI) or they may also upgrade to RTSA-2 with the purchase of an NI PXIe-5668R system for enhanced, wideband 26.5 GHz signal analysis capabilities. Test programs developed using the LibertyGT MSFS APIs are binary compatible with all LibertyGT systems, so LGT1211B test programs will run without change on LGT1410 and vice-versa.
Pricing and Availability
The LibertyGT RTSA-2 is available for purchase today as an option for an LGT1410B or LGT1410R system, as an LGT1410B Kit for System Integrators (that includes Enclosure, Embedded Controller and MSFS), as a Software Only Kit or as a Hardware/Software or Software Only upgrade for the LGT1211B. The lead time for the LGT1410 is 60 days ARO. NAFTA pricing for the LGT1410R-RTVSA including the RTSA-2 option starts at $150,000 USD and includes an NI PXIe1085 24 GB/sec Chassis, an external HD 1080p touchscreen, and a comprehensive suite of touchscreen optimized LibertyGT 26.5 GHz Signal Analysis MSFS.
The combination of RADX real-time, Xilinx FPGA based MSFS and National Instruments PXIe technology enables the LGT1410 to deliver 10x better RTSA performance than boxed instruments from key industry leaders—while simultaneously providing the unique benefits that come from its modular, PXIe-based, SDSI architecture, best-in-class GUI and open-standard programming interface, all at a price point that is equal or better than comparable, single-purpose box instruments. For realtime and wideband signal analysis, customers no longer have to compromise on performance, price, usability or modularity, since the LGT1410 delivers the best in class on all fronts.
