Evaluation of PXI instruments

Abstract: This thesis has been written at Ericsson AB in Kumla. The purpouse of the thesis was to evaluate if it was possible to use PXI instruments in Ericsson’s current test system and if it would bring any improvements. The parameters considered were compatibility, test time, radio frequency performance, equipment footprint and total cost of ownership. Compatibility and test time was evaluated using small test apps, the other three evaluations are based on calculations. We found that PXI is compatible with Ericsson’s current test system, is faster than the current instruments, has similar radio frequency performance stats, does not change equipment footprint and shows a 6 % cost decrease in total cost of ownership.