Solution
Below are the key differences between USRP and NI RF hardware.
| Device Family | Universal Software Radio Peripheral (USRP) | NI RF |
| Overview | A family of software-defined radios (SDRs) designed for a wide range of wireless communication applications. | A family of RF instruments that has frequency range up to 44GHz and instantaneous bandwidth up to 1GHz. Ranging from Vector Signal Generators, Vector Signal Analyzer, Vector Signal Transceivers, Network Analyzer, Spectrum Analyzer, RF/Microwave Switches, Power Sensors to RF Signal Conditioning |
| Usage | Commonly used for research, prototyping, and deployment in wireless research such as communications, radar, electronic warfare (EW), and 5G research. | Commonly used in Test and Measurement industry for validation and production test application |
| Key Features |
- Flexibility: Supports a variety of software frameworks like GNU Radio, LabVIEW, and MATLAB.
- Modularity: Uses daughterboards for different frequency ranges and functionalities.
- Open Source: Many USRP models are open source, allowing for customization and modification.
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- Precision: Provides accurate, calibrated and reliable measurements for RF signals.
- Integration: Seamlessly integrates with NI hardware for comprehensive signal generation and analysis.
- Automation: Supports automated testing and measurement processes.
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| Calibrated Instruments | No | Yes |
| Example Hardware |
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NI-USRP devices are ideal for flexible, software-defined radio applications such as research, prototyping, and education. In contrast, NI-RFmx instruments, including VSA, VST, and VSG devices, are designed for precise RF signal generation, analysis, and automated testing in professional and industrial settings. Additionally, NI-USRP devices are not calibrated, and its RF performance is not specified in the device specification because they are not intended for precise RF measurement.
Therefore, use NI-USRP devices for experimental and developmental tasks, and reserve NI-RFmx instruments for rigorous testing and measurement to ensure optimal performance and accuracy.