VXI implementation of a millimeter wave measurement system

A measurement system was developed to provide integrated signal generation and noise measurement capability for the W-band frequency range, 75-110 GHz. An architecture conforming to established VXI technology was chosen for the implementation. The implementation consisted of integrating commercially available message-based VXI instruments, developing a unique module to provide W-band signal generation and downconversion capability that conformed to VXI specification, and creating software to access the system functionality and control instrument interactions. The authors address all three aspects of the development, but the central focus is on the unique W -band module. Extensions and benefits of the chosen approach are also discussed