2 channels simultaneously sampled at 14-bit resolution 100 MS/s real-time and 2.0 GS/s random interleaved sampling 100 MHz bandwidth 50 Ω or 1 MΩ input impedance

200 mV to 20 V input range 75 dBc SFDR and 62 dB SINAD Memory options from 8 to 512 MB per channel Edge, window, hysteresis, video, and digital triggering with 100 ps timestamping

Overview

NI 5122 high-speed digitizers feature two 100 MS/s simultaneously sampled input channels with 14-bit resolution, 100 MHz bandwidth, and up to 512 MB of memory per channel in a compact, 3U PXI Express, PXI, or PCI device. With its high sampling rate and low-distortion front end, an NI 5122 is ideal for a wide range of applications in automotive, communications, scientific research, military/aerospace, and consumer electronics. Using the National Instruments Synchronization and Memory Core (SMC) architecture, you can easily synchronize to other analog and digital instruments to develop high-channel-count or mixed-signal test systems.

Application and Technology

Analog Input Performance
NI 5122 digitizers use 14-bit analog-to-digital converters (ADCs), low-noise variable-gain amplifiers, and a low-jitter 100 MHz timebase to deliver a 75 dBc spurious-free dynamic range and a 62 dB signal-to-noise ratio. The 14-bit data converters have 64 times the resolution
of traditional 8-bit instruments, providing more accurate time- and frequency-domain measurements.

Software-selectable 50 Ω or 1 MΩ input impedance, input ranges from 200 mVpp to 20 Vpp, seven trigger modes, and antialias and noise filters make NI 5122 digitizers versatile enough to meet the most demanding application requirements. The programmable DC offset feature maximizes the use of the entire 14 bits of vertical range. Onboard self-calibration also ensures measurement stability over the entire operating temperature range of 0 to 55 °C.

Figure 1. Graph of NI 5122 Dynamic Performance (FFT)

Deep Onboard Acquisition Memory
NI 5122 devices, based on the NI Synchronization and Memory Core (SMC) architecture, come with high-speed memory options from 8 to 512 MB per channel (4 to 256 million 14-bit samples per channel). An NI 5122 can acquire more than 1 million triggered waveforms without software intervention in multiple-record acquisition mode for applications such as RADAR, ultrasound, and event detection, which require short trigger rearm times. In addition, you can timestamp each triggered event with 100 ps resolution in both single-shot and multiple-record acquisition modes. An NI 5122 also can stream data continuously from onboard memory to host memory for longer acquisitions and streaming to disk.

Figure 2. Hardware Block Diagram

 

Data Streaming Up to 400 MB/s
Because of the PCI and PCI Express buses used in PXI, an NI 5122 can continuously stream data to the host computer at rates up to 110 MB/s using PCI/PXI or 400 MB/s using PXI Express. At 400 MB/s, an NI 5122 is streaming data on both channels at its maximum data rate. The dedicated per-slot bandwidth available in PXI Express enables multimodule systems to achieve higher aggregate data rates. High-speed data record and playback applications are possible using the host computer’s memory or high-end storage solutions such as RAID. Using an
8 x 500 GB drive RAID system with a capacity of 4 TB, you can capture data at 400 MB/s for more than 2.5 hours. Areas that benefit from this capability include RF/IF data streaming in signal intelligence, data record and playback, and scientific applications.

Triggering
NI 5122 digitizers have three trigger sources – analog, digital, and software control. Compare the input signal on either channel or the external trigger channel to one or two thresholds for edge, hysteresis, or window trigger detection. You can also use line-selectable video triggering for NTSC, PAL, or SECAM broadcast standards. Drive and receive digital triggers to and from the PXI trigger bus or the external 9-pin AUX connector. You can specify the number of samples to acquire before and after a trigger event occurs. These pretrigger and posttrigger settings also apply when the module is used in multiple-record mode.

Timing and Synchronization
An advanced 100 MHz clock generator produces the low-jitter, low-phase-skew clock for the precise clocking and stable synchronization necessary for high-speed, high-resolution digitizers. You can also use an external clock source, such as the NI PXI-5404 100 MHz frequency generator, for applications that require very specific sample frequencies, or you can clock directly from the device under test. Synchronize multiple instruments using the PXI backplane 10 MHz reference clock or an external reference ranging from 1 to 20 MHz in 1 MHz increments. Because NI 5122 digitizers are built on the SMC architecture, you can synchronize two or more digitizers for high-channel-count applications and build mixed-signal test systems using NI PXI-5421 arbitrary waveform generators and NI PXI-655x digital waveform generator/analyzers.

Software
Every National Instruments high-speed digitizer comes with the IVI-compliant NI-SCOPE driver, which is fully compatible with NI LabVIEW, LabWindows™/CVI, and Measurement Studio for Visual Studio 6.0 and .NET. NI-SCOPE includes more than 50 built-in measurement and analysis functions and the interactive NI-SCOPE Soft Front Panel. The NI Spectral Measurements Toolkit gives you sophisticated frequency-domain measurements, such as power in-band, multiple peak search, and 3D spectrogram, for applications in communications, signal intelligence, and avionics.

Figure 3. Spectral Measurements Toolkit 3D Spectrogram

Support and Services

System Assurance Programs

NI system assurance programs are designed to make it even easier for you to own an NI system. These programs include configuration and deployment services for your NI PXI, CompactRIO, or Compact FieldPoint system. The NI Basic System Assurance Program provides a simple integration test and ensures that your system is delivered completely assembled in one box. When you configure your system with the NI Standard System Assurance Program, you can select from available NI system driver sets and application development environments to create customized, reorderable software configurations. Your system arrives fully assembled and tested in one box with your software preinstalled. When you order your system with the standard program, you also receive system-specific documentation including a bill of materials, an integration test report, a recommended maintenance plan, and frequently asked question documents. Finally, the standard program reduces the total cost of owning an NI system by providing three years of warranty coverage and calibration service. Use the online product advisors at ni.com/advisor to find a system assurance program to meet your needs.

Calibration

NI measurement hardware is calibrated to ensure measurement accuracy and verify that the device meets its published specifications. To ensure the ongoing accuracy of your measurement hardware, NI offers basic or detailed recalibration service that provides ongoing ISO 9001 audit compliance and confidence in your measurements. To learn more about NI calibration services or to locate a qualified service center near you, contact your local sales office or visit ni.com/calibration.

Technical Support

Get answers to your technical questions using the following National Instruments resources.

• Support - Visit ni.com/support to access the NI KnowledgeBase, example programs, and tutorials or to contact our applications engineers who are located in NI sales offices around the world and speak the local language.
• Discussion Forums - Visit forums.ni.com for a diverse set of discussion boards on topics you care about.
• Online Community - Visit community.ni.com to find, contribute, or collaborate on customer-contributed technical content with users like you.

Repair

While you may never need your hardware repaired, NI understands that unexpected events may lead to necessary repairs. NI offers repair services performed by highly trained technicians who quickly return your device with the guarantee that it will perform to factory specifications. For more information, visit ni.com/repair.

Training and Certifications

The NI training and certification program delivers the fastest, most certain route to increased proficiency and productivity using NI software and hardware. Training builds the skills to more efficiently develop robust, maintainable applications, while certification validates your knowledge and ability.

• Classroom training in cities worldwide - the most comprehensive hands-on training taught by engineers.
• On-site training at your facility - an excellent option to train multiple employees at the same time.
• Online instructor-led training - lower-cost, remote training if classroom or on-site courses are not possible.
• Course kits - lowest-cost, self-paced training that you can use as reference guides.
• Training memberships and training credits - to buy now and schedule training later.

Visit ni.com/training for more information.

Extended Warranty

NI offers options for extending the standard product warranty to meet the life-cycle requirements of your project. In addition, because NI understands that your requirements may change, the extended warranty is flexible in length and easily renewed. For more information, visit ni.com/warranty.

OEM

NI offers design-in consulting and product integration assistance if you need NI products for OEM applications. For information about special pricing and services for OEM customers, visit ni.com/oem.

Alliance

Our Professional Services Team is comprised of NI applications engineers, NI Consulting Services, and a worldwide National Instruments Alliance Partner program of more than 700 independent consultants and integrators. Services range from start-up assistance to turnkey system integration. Visit ni.com/alliance.

Detailed Specifications

14-Bit 100 MS/s Digitizer Unless otherwise noted, the following conditions were used for each specification: All filter settings All impedance selections Sample clock set to 100 MS/s Typical values are representative of an average unit operating at room temperature. Specifications are subject to change without notice. For the most recent NI 5122 specifications, visit ni.com/manuals. To access the NI 5122 documentation, including the NI High-Speed Digitizers Getting Started Guide, which contains functional descriptions of the NI 5122 signals, navigate to Start»All Programs»National Instruments»NI-SCOPE»Documentation. Hot Surface If the NI 5122 has been in use, it may exceed safe handling temperatures and cause burns. Allow the NI 5122 to cool before removing it from the PXI/PXIe chassis or PC. Refer to the Environment section for operating temperatures of this device.

Vertical

Analog Input (Channel 0 and Channel 1)

NI 5122 Frequency Response (Typical)

NI 5122 Dynamic Performance, 50 Ω , 1 Vpk-pk Range (Typical)

Representation of NI 5122 Spectral Noise Density on 0.2 V Range, Noise Filter Enabled, 1 MΩ Input Impedance

Representation of NI 5122 Spectral Noise Density on 0.2 V Range, Full Bandwidth, 50 Ω Input Impedance

Horizontal

Sample Clock

Phase-Locked Loop (PLL) Reference Clock

CLK IN (Sample Clock and Reference Clock Input, Front Panel Connector)

CLK OUT (Sample Clock and Reference Clock Output, Front Panel Connector)

Trigger

Reference (Stop) Trigger

TRIG (External Trigger, Front Panel Connector)

PFI 0 and PFI 1 (Programmable Function Interface, AUX Front Panel Connectors)

TClk Specifications

National Instruments TClk synchronization method and the NI-TClk driver are used to align the sample clocks on any number of SMC-based modules in a chassis. For more information about TClk synchronization, refer to the NI-TClk Synchronization Help, which is located within the NI High-Speed Digitizers Help. Specifications are valid for any number of PXI modules installed in one NI PXI-1042 chassis or any number of PXIe modules installed in a PXI Express chassis. All parameters set to identical values for each SMC-based module. Sample Clock set to 100 MS/s and all filters are disabled. For other configurations, including multichassis systems, contact NI Technical Support at ni.com/support. Note Although you can use NI-TClk to synchronize nonidentical modules, these specifications apply only to synchronizing identical modules.

Waveform Specifications

Calibration

Power

Software

Environment

NI PXI/PXIe-5122

Note To ensure that the NI PXI/PXIe-5122 cools effectively, follow the guidelines in the Maintain Forced-Air Cooling Note to Users included in the NI PXI/PXIe-5122 kit. The NI PXI/PXIe-5122 is intended for indoor use only.

NI PCI-5122

Note To ensure that the NI PCI-5122 cools effectively, make sure that the chassis in which it is used has active cooling that provides at least some airflow across the PCI card cage. To maximize airflow and extend the life of the device, leave any adjacent PCI slots empty. Refer to the Maintain Forced-Air Cooling Note to Users included in the NI PCI-5122 kit for important cooling information. The NI PCI-5122 is intended for indoor use only.

Safety, Electromagnetic Compatibility, and CE Compliance

Safety Standards

This product is designed to meet the requirements of the following standards of safety for electrical equipment for measurement, control, and laboratory use: IEC 61010-1, EN 61010-1 UL 61010-1, CSA 61010-1 Note For UL and other safety certifications, refer to the product label or the Online Product Certification section.

Electromagnetic Compatibility

This product meets the requirements of the following EMC standards for electrical equipment for measurement, control, and laboratory use: EN 61326 (IEC 61326): Class A emissions; Basic immunity EN 55011 (CISPR 11): Group 1, Class A emissions AS/NZS CISPR 11: Group 1, Class A emissions FCC 47 CFR Part 15B: Class A emissions ICES-001: Class A emissions Note For the standards applied to assess the EMC of this product, refer to the Online Product Certification section. Note For EMC compliance, operate this device with RG223/U or equivalent shielded cable. Operate according to product documentation.

CE Compliance

This product meets the essential requirements of applicable European Directives, as amended for CE marking, as follows: 2006/95/EC; Low-Voltage Directive (safety) 2004/108/EC; Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive (EMC)

Online Product Certification

Refer to the product Declaration of Conformity (DoC) for additional regulatory compliance information. To obtain product certifications and the DoC for this product, visit ni.com/certification, search by module number or product line, and click the appropriate link in the Certification column.

Environmental Management

National Instruments is committed to designing and manufacturing products in an environmentally responsible manner. NI recognizes that eliminating certain hazardous substances from our products is beneficial not only to the environment but also to NI customers. For additional environmental information, refer to the NI and the Environment Web page at ni.com/environment. This page contains the environmental regulations and directives with which NI complies, as well as other environmental information not included in this document.

Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE)

EU Customers At the end of the product life cycle, all products must be sent to a WEEE recycling center. For more information about WEEE recycling centers, National Instruments WEEE initiatives, and compliance with WEEE Directive 2002/96/EC on Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment, visit ni.com/environment/weee.htm.

Physical