BAE Systems, National Instruments, and Phase Matrix have announced a joint initiative to develop a PXI-Express-based synthetic instrument (SI) for military and commercial RF/microwave applications. Phase Matrix is currently developing a family of downconverter modules operating from 100 kHz to 26.5 GHz in a 3U PXI-Express-compatible format. Synthetic instruments combine modular hardware and a high-speed input/output (I/O) platform with software to create user-defined test and measurement systems. According to Robert Wade Lowdermilk, BAE Engineering Fellow, "PXI Express is a critical part of this new solution because it provides the increased bandwidth needed for RF and microwave applications." SI solutions make it possible to emulate multiple traditional instruments in a compact enclosure while adding new functionality at any time. For more information on BAE Systems, visit: www.baesystems.com. For information on National Instruments, visit: www.ni.com. For information on Phase Matrix, visit: www,phasematrix.com.