National Instruments NI 2590, NI 2591 User Manual

Computer-Based
Instruments

NI 2590/2591 User Manual

NI 2590/2591 User Manual

November 2000 Edition

Part Number 322387B-01

Worldwide Technical Support and Product Information

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For further support information, see the Technical Support Resources appendix. To comment on the
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© Copyright 1999, 2000 National Instruments Corporation. All rights reserved.

Important Information

Warranty

The NI 2590 and NI 2591 switch modules and accessories are warranted against defects in materials and workmanship for a
period of one year from the date of shipment, as evidenced by receipts or other documentation. National Instruments will, at its
option, repair or replace equipment that proves to be defective during the warranty period. This warranty includes parts and labor.

The media on which you receive National Instruments software are warranted not to fail to execute programming instructions,
due to defects in materials and workmanship, for a period of 90 days from date of shipment, as evidenced by receipts or other
documentation. National Instruments will, at its option, repair or replace software media that do not execute programming
instructions if National Instruments receives notice of such defects during the warranty period. National Instruments does not
warrant that the operation of the software shall be uninterrupted or error free.

A Return Material Authorization (RMA) number must be obtained from the factory and clearly marked on the outside of
the package before any equipment will be accepted for warranty work. National Instruments will pay the shipping costs of
returning to the owner parts which are covered by warranty.

National Instruments believes that the information in this document is accurate. The document has been carefully reviewed
for technical accuracy. In the event that technical or typographical errors exist, National Instruments reserves the right to
make changes to subsequent editions of this document without prior notice to holders of this edition. The reader should consult
National Instruments if errors are suspected. In no event shall National Instruments be liable for any damages arising out of
or related to this document or the information contained in it.

E

XCEPT AS SPECIFIED HEREIN,NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS MAKES NO WAR RANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AND SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS ANY

WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE

NEGLIGENCE ON THE PART OF

INSTRUMENTS WILL NOT BE LIABLE FOR DAMAGES RESULTING F ROM LOSS OF DATA, PROFITS, USE OF PRODUCTS, OR INCIDENTAL OR

CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES

apply regardless of the form of action, whether in contract or tort, including negligence. Any action against National Instruments
must be brought within one year after the cause of action accrues. National Instruments shall not be liable for any delay in
performance due to causes beyond its reasonable control. The warranty provided herein does not cover damages, defects,
malfunctions, or service failures caused by owner’s failure to follow the National Instruments installation, operation, or
maintenance instructions; owner’s modification of the product; owner’s abuse, misuse, or negligent acts; and power failure or
surges, fire, flood, accident, actions of third parties, or other events outside reasonable control.

NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS SHALL BE LIMITED TO THE AMOUNT THERETOFORE PAID BY THE CUSTOMER.NATIONAL

, EVEN IF ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY THEREOF. This limitation of the liability of National Instruments will

.CUSTOMER’S RIGHT TO RECOVER DAMAGES CAUSED BY FAULT OR

Copyright

Under the copyright laws, this publication may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form, electronic or mechanical, including
photocopying, recording, storing in an information retrieval system, or translating, in whole or in part, without the prior written
consent of National Instruments Corporation.

Trademarks

CVI™,IVI™,LabVIEW™, National Instruments™,ni.com™,andPXI™are trademarks of National Instruments Corporation.

Product and company names mentioned herein are trademarks or trade names of their respective companies.

WARNING REGARDING USE OF NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS PRODUCTS

(1) NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS PRODUCTS ARE NOT DESIGNED WITH COMPONENTS AND TESTING FOR A LEVEL
OF RELIABILITY SUITABLE FOR USE IN OR IN CONNECTION WITH SURGICAL IMPLANTS OR AS CRITICAL
COMPONENTS IN ANY LIFE SUPPORT SYSTEMS WHOSE FAILURE TO PERFORM CAN REASONABLY BE
EXPECTED TO CAUSE SIGNIFICANT INJURY TO A HUMAN.

(2) IN ANY APPLICATION, INCLUDING THE ABOVE, RELIABILITY OF OPERATION OF THE SOFTWARE PRODUCTS
CAN BE IMPAIRED BY ADVERSE FACTORS, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO FLUCTUATIONS IN ELECTRICAL
POWER SUPPLY, COMPUTER HARDWARE MALFUNCTIONS, COMPUTER OPERATING SYSTEM SOFTWARE
FITNESS, FITNESS OF COMPILERS AND DEVELOPMENT SOFTWARE USED TO DEVELOP AN APPLICATION,
INSTALLATION ERRORS, SOFTWARE AND HARDWARE COMPATIBILITY PROBLEMS, MALFUNCTIONS OR
FAILURES OF ELECTRONIC MONITORING OR CONTROL DEVICES, TRANSIENT FAILURES OF ELECTRONIC
SYSTEMS (HARDWARE AND/OR SOFTWARE), UNANTICIPATED USES OR MISUSES, OR ERRORS ON THE PART OF
THE USER OR APPLICATIONS DESIGNER (ADVERSE FACTORS SUCH AS THESE ARE HEREAFTER
COLLECTIVELY TERMED “SYSTEM FAILURES”). ANY APPLICATION WHERE A SYSTEM FAILURE WOULD
CREATE A RISK OF HARM TO PROPERTY OR PERSONS (INCLUDING THE RISK OF BODILY INJURY AND DEATH)
SHOULD NOT BE RELIANT SOLELY UPON ONE FORM OF ELECTRONIC SYSTEM DUE TO THE RISK OF SYSTEM
FAILURE. TO AVOID DAMAGE, INJURY, OR DEATH, THE USER OR APPLICATION DESIGNER MUST TAKE
REASONABLY PRUDENT STEPS TO PROTECT AGAINST SYSTEM FAILURES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO
BACK-UP OR SHUT DOWN MECHANISMS. BECAUSE EACH END-USER SYSTEM IS CUSTOMIZED AND DIFFERS
FROM NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS' TESTING PLATFORMS AND BECAUSE A USER OR APPLICATION DESIGNER
MAY USE NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS PRODUCTS IN COMBINATION WITH OTHER PRODUCTS IN A MANNER NOT
EVALUATED OR CONTEMPLATED BY NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS, THE USER OR APPLICATION DESIGNER IS
ULTIMATELY RESPONSIBLE FOR VERIFYING AND VALIDATING THE SUITABILITY OF NATIONAL
INSTRUMENTS PRODUCTS WHENEVER NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS PRODUCTS ARE INCORPORATED IN A
SYSTEM OR APPLICATION, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, THE APPROPRIATE DESIGN, PROCESS AND
SAFETY LEVEL OF SUCH SYSTEM OR APPLICATION.

Compliance

FCC/Canada Radio Frequency Interference Compliance*

Determining FCC Class

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has rules to protect wireless communications from interference.
The FCC places digital electronics into two classes. These classes are known as Class A (for use in industrial­commercial locations only) or Class B (for use in residential or commercial locations). Depending on where it is
operated, this product could be subject to restrictions in the FCC rules. (In Canada, the Department of
Communications (DOC), of Industry Canada, regulates wireless interference in much the same way.)

Digital electronics emit weak signals during normal operation that can affect radio, television, or other wireless
products. By examining the product you purchased, you can determine the FCC Class and therefore which of the two
FCC/DOC Warnings apply in the following sections. (Some products may not be labeled at all for FCC; if so, the
reader should then assume these are Class A devices.)

FCC Class A products only displaya simplewarning statement of one paragraph in length regarding interference and
undesired operation. Most of our products are FCC Class A. The FCC rules have restrictions regarding the locations
where FCC Class A products can be operated.

FCC Class B products display either a FCC ID code, starting with the letters EXN,
or the FCC Class B compliance mark that appears as shown here on the right.

Consult the FCC web site

http://www.fcc.gov

FCC/DOC Warnings

This equipment generates and uses radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in strict accordance with the
instructions in this manual and the CE Mark Declaration of Conformity**, may cause interference to radio and
television reception. Classification requirements are the same for the Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
and the Canadian Department of Communications (DOC).

Changes or modifications not expressly approved by National Instruments could void the user’s authority to operate
the equipment under the FCC Rules.

Class A

Federal Communications Commission

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to part 15
of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the
equipment is operated ina commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency
energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to
radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in
which case the user will be required to correct the interference at his own expense.

for more information.

Canadian Department of Communications

This Class A digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment Regulations.

Cet appareil numérique de la classe A respecte toutes les exigences du Règlement sur le matériel brouilleur du
Canada.

Class B

Federal Communications Commission

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15
of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a
residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed
and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However,
there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful
interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user
is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.

• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

Canadian Department of Communications

This Class B digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment Regulations.

Cet appareil numérique de la classe B respecte toutes les exigences du Règlement sur le matériel brouilleur du
Canada.

European Union - Compliance to EEC Directives

Readers in the EU/EEC/EEA must refer to the Manufacturer's Declaration of Conformity (DoC) for information**
pertaining to the CE Mark compliance scheme. The Manufacturer includes a DoC for most every hardware product
except for those bought for OEMs, if also available from an original manufacturer that also markets in the EU, or
where compliance is not required as for electrically benign apparatus or cables.

* Certain exemptions may apply in the USA, see FCC Rules §15.103 Exempted devices,and§15.105(c).

Also available in sections of CFR 47.

** The CE Mark Declaration of Conformity will contain important supplementary information and instructions

for the user or installer.

Conventions

The following conventions are used in this manual:

<> Angle brackets that contain numbers separated by an ellipsis represent a

range of values associated with a bit or signal name—for example,
DBIO<3..0>.

This icon denotes a note, which alerts you to important information.

This icon denotes a caution, which advises you of precautions to take to
avoid injury, data loss, or a system crash.

This icon denotes a warning, which advises you of precautions to take to
avoid being electrically shocked.

italic Italic text denotes variables, emphasis, a cross reference, or an introduction

to a key concept. This font also denotes text that is a placeholder for a word
or value that you must supply.

monospace

Text in this font denotes text or characters that you should enter from the
keyboard, sections of code, programming examples, and syntax examples.
This font is also used for the proper names of disk drives, paths, directories,
programs, subprograms, subroutines, device names, functions, operations,
variables, filenames and extensions, and code excerpts.

Contents

Chapter 1
Routing Signals with Your NI 2590/2591

About the NI 2590/2591 ................................................................................................1-1

Triggers............................................................................................................1-1

RF Switching Precautions..............................................................................................1-2

Contact Protection.......................................................................................................... 1-2

Connecting Signals ........................................................................................................1-3

NI 2590 Front Connector.................................................................................1-3

NI 2591 Front Connector.................................................................................1-4

Software Choices ...........................................................................................................1-5

NI-SWITCH Driver Software .........................................................................1-5

National Instruments Application Software .................................................... 1-5

Third-Party Software.......................................................................................1-6

Cabling and Accessory Requirements ...........................................................................1-6

Chapter 2
NI 2590/2591 Operation

Safety Instructions .........................................................................................................2-1

Functional Overview...................................................................................................... 2-2

Relay Operation .............................................................................................................2-5

NI 2590 Operation...........................................................................................2-5

NI 2591 Operation...........................................................................................2-5

Switch Control Circuitry................................................................................................2-6

Random Scanning .......................................................................................................... 2-6

PXI Interface..................................................................................................................2-7

PXI Triggers ....................................................................................................2-7

External Trigger Input....................................................................... 2-7

Scanner Advanced.............................................................................2-7

Modes................................................................................................2-8

Initiating Scanning........................................................................................... 2-8

Multiboard Triggering .....................................................................................2-8

Appendix A
Specifications

Appendix B
Servicing Your Module

© National Instruments Corporation vii NI 2590/2591 User Manual

Contents

Appendix C
Common Questions

Appendix D
Technical Support Resources

Glossary

Index

NI 2590/2591 User Manual viii ni.com

Routing Signals
with Your NI 2590/2591

This manual describes the electrical and mechanical characteristics of the

NI 2590, a 1 × 4, 50 Ω, 1.3 GHz multiplexer module, and the NI 2591,

a1× 4, 50 Ω, 4.0 GHz multiplexer module, for the PXI bus. It contains

information concerning their installation and operation.

About the NI 2590/2591

This section summarizes the features and operation of the NI 2590/2591

switch module; refer to Chapter 2, NI 2590/2591 Operation,formore

complete details. In addition, refer to Appendix A, Specifications,

for detailed specifications of the switch module.

The NI 2590/2591 are general-purpose, 4-channel, high-bandwidth

multiplexing switches.

The NI 2590 uses single-pole double-throw high-bandwidth relays capable

of switching signals from DC to 1.3 GHz. The characteristic impedance of

the channels is 50 Ω. The maximum rated voltage of the switch is 24 VDC,

and the maximum rated current is 1 ADC.

1

The NI 2591 uses a self-contained relay module consisting of three

high-bandwidth relays capable of switching signals from DC to 4 GHz. The

characteristic impedance of the channels is 50 Ω. The maximum rated DC

voltage of the module is 30 V. The maximum rated current is 0.33 A.

Triggers

Two triggers are used for handshaking between the NI 2590/2591 switches

and other PXI instruments. The scanner advanced trigger indicates when

the module has closed all the necessary switches for the next scan and the

switches have settled, or debounced.

© National Instruments Corporation 1-1 NI 2590/2591 User Manual

Chapter 1 Routing Signals with Your NI 2590/2591

The external trigger input trigger is generated by another instrument or by
software and causes the NI 2590/2591 to advance to the next entry in the
scan list. The triggers can be routed to any of the PXI TTL triggers or to the
PXIstartrigger.

Refer to Chapter 2, NI 2590/2591 Operation, for more information on
triggers.

RF Switching Precautions

The NI 2590/2591 is a reflective switch, meaning that any channels not
switched to the common channel are unterminated, and any signal on an
unterminated channel will be reflected to its source. For most low-power
switching applications this is not a problem. However, operation with an
unterminated output can damage some high-power RF sources. Consult
your RF source documentation for more information about connecting to
unterminated channels.

Caution

PXI chassis before removing the NI 2590/2591 from the chassis. Observe electrostatic
discharge handling precautions during and after removal of the module, or when
connecting and disconnecting signals on the front panel.

Warning

exceed the maximum voltage for the NI 2590/2591 can result in an electrical shock hazard
and damage to the switch module and any or all of the modules connected to the PXI
backplane. National Instruments is not liable for any damages or injuries resulting from
exceeding maximum voltage ratings. Refer to Appendix A, Specifications, for information.

Always disconnect all signals from the front connectors and power down the

Do not exceed the channel-to-ground voltage rating. Any connections that

Contact Protection

Caution

when operated with no signal or a very small signal present. At full rated power—1Aat
24 VDC for the NI 2590 and 0.33 A at 30 VDC for the NI 2591—the life of the switch is
downgraded to 100,000 operations. If your setup allows, it is always best to turn off the
input signals connected to the switch module during the switching operation to avoid
contact arcing within the switch. Switching large inductive loads can also cause contact
arcing. In such instances, install a flyback diode or varistor across the inductance to protect
the switch.

The contacts of the relay are rated for a life of 5 × 106mechanical operations

NI 2590/2591 User Manual 1-2 ni.com

Connecting Signals

The front of the NI 2590 module has five “push-on” SMB connectors for

signal connections. The NI 2591 has five SMA female connectors. The

center connection, labeled COM, is connected in a through path to one of

the other four connections depending on the software instructions sent to

the switch.

NI 2590 Front Connector

The following diagram shows the NI 2590 front connector. Table 1-1

describes the connector signals.

Chapter 1 Routing Signals with Your NI 2590/2591

2590

1×4 1.3 GHz Mux

CH0

CH1

COM

CH2

CH3

Figure 1-1. NI 2590 Front Connector

© National Instruments Corporation 1-3 NI 2590/2591 User Manual

Chapter 1 Routing Signals with Your NI 2590/2591

NI 2591 Front Connector

The following diagram shows the NI 2591 front connector. Table 1-1
describes the connector signals.

2591

1×4 4 GHz Mux

0

1

C
O
M

2

3

Figure 1-2. NI 2591 Front Connector

Table 1-1. Front Connector Signal Description

Signal Name Type Description

CH<0..3> Input/Output Channels—Where signals are connected to the switch

module

COM Input/Output Common—The common for the respective channel

NI 2590/2591 User Manual 1-4 ni.com

Chapter 1 Routing Signals with Your NI 2590/2591

Software Choices

You have several options to choose from when programming your National
Instruments switch module. You can use the NI-SWITCH driver software
or National Instruments application software.

NI-SWITCH Driver Software

The NI-SWITCH instrument driver is an Interchangeable Virtual
Instrument (IVI)-compliant instrument driver that is bundled with the
module at no cost.

NI-SWITCH features a set of operations and attributes that exercise all
the functionality of the switching hardware, including configuration,
opening/closing, and scanning. In addition, NI-SWITCHNI-SWITCH
comes with an interactive soft front panel and online documentation.

NI-SWITCH eliminates the need to understand complex register
programming and interrupt handling in the Microsoft operating systems,
and frees you to focus on creating your test system.

National Instruments Application Software

LabVIEW and LabWindows/CVI are innovative program development
software packages for data acquisition and control applications. LabVIEW
uses graphical programming, whereas LabWindows/CVI enhances
traditional programming languages. Both packages include extensive
libraries for data acquisition, instrument control, data analysis, and
graphical data presentation. Using LabVIEW or LabWindows/CVI can
significantly reduce the development time for your data acquisition and
control application.

LabVIEW features interactive graphics, a state-of-the-art user interface,
and a powerful graphical programming language. The LabVIEW
NI-SWITCH VI Library, a series of virtual instruments (VIs) for using
LabVIEW with National Instruments switch hardware, is included with
the NI-SWITCH driver.

LabWindows/CVI features interactive graphics, a state-of-the-art user
interface, and uses the ANSI standard C programming language. The
LabWindows/CVI NI-SWITCH Library, a series of functions for using
LabWindows/CVI with National Instruments switch hardware, is included
with the NI-SWITCH driver.

© National Instruments Corporation 1-5 NI 2590/2591 User Manual

Chapter 1 Routing Signals with Your NI 2590/2591

Third-Party Software

The NI-SWITCH instrument driver also includes support files for
Microsoft Visual C++ and Microsoft Visual Basic. See the NI-SWITCH
Software Readme File for version support information.

Cabling and Accessory Requirements

National Instruments recommends the use of cables and accessories with
50 Ω characteristic impedance with the NI 2590/2591.

NI 2590/2591 User Manual 1-6 ni.com