National Instruments NI 8234 Getting Started
Getting Started with the NI 8234
The NI 8234 is a Gigabit Ethernet (GigE) interface device for PXI Express (PXIe) or CompactPCI
Express (cPCIe). This document describes how to install and configure the necessary hardware and
software components to begin using the NI 8234.
What You Need to Get Started
You need the following items to set up and use the NI 8234.
❑ NI 8234 GigE interface device
❑ GigE Vision compliant camera
❑ Ethernet cable
❑ PXIe/cPCIe computer running Microsoft Windows Vista/XP/2000 with at least one available slot
Note The NI 8234 card will work in any standard peripheral slot of a cPCIe chassis adhering to the
PICMG CompactPCI Express EXP.0 R1.0 specification, or in a peripheral slot of a PXIe chassis that
is compatible with the PXI Express Hardware Specification, Revision 1.0 or later.
Note Vis it ni.com/info and enter rdvisionvista for more information about
National Instruments image acquisition device compatibility with Windows Vista.
❑ NI Vision Acquisition Software 8.2.1 or later, which includes the NI-IMAQdx driver software
❑ Optional software for developing applications:
– NI Vision Builder for Automated Inspection
– NI Vision Development Module
–LabVIEW
™
– LabWindows
– Microsoft Visual Basic
/CVI
™
Related Documentation
The following documents contain additional information that you may find helpful:
• NI Vision Acquisition Software Release Notes—Outlines new functionality, system requirements,
installation procedures, and descriptions of the documentation included with the NI-IMAQdx
driver software.
• Measurement & Automation Explorer Help for NI-IMAQdx—Describes how to configure the
NI-IMAQdx driver software, NI interface devices, and cameras using Measurement & Automation
Explorer (MAX).
• NI-IMAQdx Help—Contains fundamental programming concepts for the NI-IMAQdx driver
software.
Safety Information
Caution The following paragraphs contain important safety information you must follow when
installing and operating the device.
Do not operate the device in a manner not specified in the documentation. Misuse of the device may
result in a hazard and may compromise the safety protection built into the device. If the device is
damaged, turn it off and do not use it until service-trained personnel can check its safety. If necessary,
return the device to National Instruments for repair.
Keep away from live circuits. Do not remove equipment covers or shields unless you are trained to do
so. If signal wires are connected to the device, hazardous voltages can exist even when the equipment is
turned off. To avoid a shock hazard, do not perform procedures involving cover or shield removal unless
you are qualified to do so. Disconnect all field power prior to removing covers or shields.
If the device is rated for use with hazardous voltages (>30 V
, 42.4 Vpk, or 60 Vdc), it may require a
rms
safety earth-ground connection wire. Refer to the device specifications for maximum voltage ratings.
Because of the danger of introducing additional hazards, do not install unauthorized parts or modify the
device. Use the device only with the chassis, modules, accessories, and cables specified in the
installation instructions. All covers and filler panels must be installed while operating the device.
Do not operate the device in an explosive atmosphere or where flammable gases or fumes may be
present. Operate the device only at or below the pollution degree stated in the specifications. Pollution
consists of any foreign matter—solid, liquid, or gas—that may reduce dielectric strength or surface
resistivity. The following is a description of pollution degrees.
• Pollution Degree 1—No pollution or only dry, nonconductive pollution occurs. The pollution has
no effect.
• Pollution Degree 2—Normally only nonconductive pollution occurs. Occasionally, nonconductive
pollution becomes conductive because of condensation.
• Pollution Degree 3—Conductive pollution or dry, nonconductive pollution occurs. Nonconductive
pollution becomes conductive because of condensation.
Clean the device and accessories by brushing off light dust with a soft, nonmetallic brush. Remove other
contaminants with a stiff, nonmetallic brush. The unit must be completely dry and free from
contaminants before returning it to service.
Yo u must insulate signal connections for the maximum voltage for which the device is rated. Do not
exceed the maximum ratings for the device. Remove power from signal lines before connection to or
disconnection from the device.
Caution National Instruments measurement products may be classified as either Measurement
Category I or II. Operate products at or below the Measurement Category level specified in the
hardware specifications.
1
Measurement Category
: Measurement circuits are subjected to working voltages2 and transient
stresses (overvoltage) from the circuit to which they are connected during measurement or test.
Measurement Category establishes standardized impulse withstand voltage levels that commonly occur
1
Measurement Categories as defined in electrical safety standard IEC 61010-1.
2
Working voltage is the highest rms value of an AC or DC voltage that can occur across any particular insulation.
Getting Started with the NI 8234 2 ni.com
in electrical distribution systems. The following is a description of Measurement (Installation1)
Categories:
• Measurement Category I is for measurements performed on circuits not directly connected to the
• Measurement Category II is for measurements performed on circuits directly connected to the
• Measurement Category III is for measurements performed in the building installation at the
• Measurement Category IV is for measurements performed at the primary electrical supply
Unpacking
The NI 8234 ships in an antistatic package to prevent electrostatic discharge from damaging device
components. To avoid such damage in handling the device, take the following precautions:
1. Ground yourself using a grounding strap or by touching a grounded object, such as the computer
2. Touch the antistatic package to a metal part of the chassis before removing the device from the
2
electrical distribution system referred to as MAINS
voltage. This category is for measurements of
voltages from specially protected secondary circuits. Such voltage measurements include signal
levels, special equipment, limited-energy parts of equipment, circuits powered by regulated
low-voltage sources, and electronics.
electrical distribution system. This category refers to local-level electrical distribution, such as that
provided by a standard wall outlet (e.g., 115 V for U.S. or 230 V for Europe). Examples of
Measurement Category II are measurements performed on household appliances, portable tools,
and similar products.
distribution level. This category refers to measurements on hard-wired equipment such as
equipment in fixed installations, distribution boards, and circuit breakers. Other examples are
wiring, including cables, bus-bars, junction boxes, switches, socket-outlets in the fixed installation,
and stationary motors with permanent connections to fixed installations.
installation (<1,000 V). Examples include electricity meters and measurements on primary
overcurrent protection devices and on ripple control units.
chassis.
package.
Caution Never touch the exposed pins of connectors.
3. Remove the device from the package and inspect the device for loose components or any sign of
damage. Notify NI if the device appears damaged in any way. Do not install a damaged device into
the PXIe/cPCIe chassis.
Store the NI 8234 in the antistatic package when not in use.
Installation
The following instructions are for general installation. Refer to the documentation provided by your
computer manufacturer for specific instructions and warnings. Refer to the Specifications section for a
list of the typical power requirements for the NI 8234.
1. Install the NI Vision Acquisition Software before installing the NI 8234. Refer to the NI Vision
Acquisition Software Release Notes for specific installation instructions.
2. Power off and unplug the PXIe/cPCIe chassis.
1
Measurement Category is also referred to as Installation Category.
2
MAINS is defined as the (hazardous live) electrical supply system to which equipment is designed to be connected for the
purpose of powering the equipment. Suitably rated measuring circuits may be connected to the MAINS for measuring
purposes.
© National Instruments Corporation 3 Getting Started with the NI 8234
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