Instantaneous Bandwidth Configurable on the PXIe‑5842 in the Low‑Frequency Band (Center Frequency < 1.75 GHz)

Updated Jun 17, 2026

Reported In

Hardware

  • PXIe-5842

Issue Details

For the PXIe‑5842, what instantaneous bandwidth can be configured when the center frequency is below 1.75 GHz?
For example, the specifications describe a calculation formula for the 1 GHz Bandwidth Option. Please explain the meaning of the following formula:

 Maximum Bandwidth = min[1 GHz, 2 × min(Center - 30 MHz, 2 GHz - Center Frequency)]

Solution

The calculation can be explained step by step as follows.

Step 1: Calculate the inner min value
 
 min(Center Frequency−30MHz, 2GHz−Center Frequency)
This selects the smaller of the following two values:
  • Center Frequency − 30 MHz, which represents the margin to the lower frequency limit
  • 2 GHz − Center Frequency, which represents the margin to the upper frequency limit
The smaller value determines the maximum allowable bandwidth on one side of the center frequency.
 
Step 2: Multiply by 2
 2×min(Center Frequency−30MHz, 2GHz−Center Frequency)
This accounts for both the upper and lower sides of the spectrum, resulting in the total instantaneous bandwidth.

 

Step 3: Compare with 1 GHz
 Maximum Bandwidth=min(1 GHz, calculated value)
Due to hardware limitations, the PXIe‑5842 with the 1 GHz Bandwidth Option supports a maximum instantaneous bandwidth of 1 GHz. If the calculated value exceeds 1 GHz, it is limited to 1 GHz.

Additional Information

Specific examples of calculation formulas


Example 1: Center Frequency = 1 GHz

  • Center Frequency - 30MHz = 970MHz
  • 2 GHz - Center Frequency = 1 GHz
  • min(970 MHz, 1 GHz) = 970 MHz
  • 2 × 970 MHz = 1.94 GHz
  • min(1 GHz, 1.94 GHz) = 1 GHz

→ In this case, the maximum bandwidth is 1 GHz

 

Example 2: Center Frequency = 300 MHz

  • Center Frequency - 30MHz = 270MHz
  • 2 GHz - Center Frequency = 1.7 GHz
  • min(270 MHz, 1.7 GHz) = 270 MHz
  • 2 × 270 MHz = 540 MHz
  • min(1 GHz, 540 MHz) = 540 MHz

→ In this case, the maximum bandwidth is 540 MHz

Related Links

Other Support Options

Ask the NI Community

Collaborate with other users in our discussion forums



Request Support from an Engineer

A valid service agreement or active software subscription may be required, and support options vary by country.