The PCI-5421 is an Arbitrary Waveform Generator Device from National Instruments. The PCI-5421 device is available in three versions with three options for the onboard memory size. Part number 778692-01 has 8 MB onboard memory, part number 778692-02 has 32 MB onboard memory, and part number 778692-03 has 256 MB onboard memory. This device is used to generate arbitrary waveforms defined by the user. The PCI-5421 device can also generate standard sine, ramp, triangle, and square signals. For the precise generation of waveforms, the PCI-5421 utilizes direct digital synthesis (DSS). This device can also be used to stream data and for advanced synchronization.

The PCI-5421 comes with an analog output channel, which has one SMB (jack) connector. The DAC resolution of the output channel is 16 bits. It is the DC-coupled type. The channel at the output of the PCI-5421 device can combine waveforms in similar paths. It means waveform summing is supported by the device. Therefore, the output terminals of different modules can be connected. The PCI-5421 Waveform Generator Device has a maximum bandwidth of 43 MHz. This device features a 7-pole elliptical filter.   

The PCI-5421 Waveform Generator Device comes with two bidirectional channels. The user can program these. These channels have SMB (jack) type connectors. The frequency range of these channels is DC to 105 MHz. As an input, these channels are used as a trigger channel. The maximum input overload is -2 to +7 V voltage. These channels can also be used as an output for the event generator.