National Instruments NI PXI-5671 User Manual

GETTING STARTED GUIDE

NI PXI-5671

2.7 GHz RF Vector Signal Generator

Note Before you begin, install and configure your chassis and controller.

This document explains how to install, configure, and test the NI PXI-5671 (NI 5671). The NI 5671 is a 2.7 GHz RF vector signal generator (VSG) with digital upconversion. The NI 5671 ships with the NI-RFSG instrument driver, which you use to program the device.

The NI 5671 comprises the following devices:

• NI PXI-5610 (NI 5610) RF upconverter module

• NI PXI-5441 (NI 5441) arbitrary waveform generator (AWG) module

To access NI 5671 documentation, navigate to Start»All Programs»National Instruments» NI-RFSG»Documentation.

The specifications document for your device is installed with the driver software. Refer to

ni.com/manuals for the most recent specifications for your device.

Caution The protection provided by this product may be impaired if it is used in a

manner not described in this document.

Hot Surface If the NI 5671 has been in use, it may exceed safe handling

temperatures and cause burns. Allow the NI 5671 to cool before removing it from the chassis.

Electromagnetic Compatibility Guidelines...............................................................................2

Verifying the System Requirements..........................................................................................2

Unpacking the Kit..................................................................................................................... 2

Verifying the Kit Contents................................................................................................ 4

Preparing the Environment....................................................................................................... 5

Installing the Software.............................................................................................................. 6

Installing the NI 5671............................................................................................................... 6

Interconnecting the NI 5671 Modules.............................................................................. 8

Configuring the NI 5671 in MAX...........................................................................................15

Programming the NI 5671.......................................................................................................16

NI-RFSG Examples........................................................................................................ 16

Generating a Signal Using the NI-RFSG Soft Front Panel.............................................17

Building a Basic NI-RFSG Application..........................................................................17

Troubleshooting...................................................................................................................... 21

Why Is the ACCESS LED Off When the Chassis is On?...............................................21

What Should I Do if the NI 5671 Doesn't Appear in MAX?..........................................21

What Should I Do if the Module Fails the Self-Test?.....................................................22

What Should I Do if the Thermal Shutdown Error Appears?.........................................22

What Should I Do if I Experience Performance Issues Using an MXI Connection?..... 22

Where to Go Next................................................................................................................... 23

Worldwide Support and Services............................................................................................ 23

Electromagnetic Compatibility Guidelines

This product was tested and complies with the regulatory requirements and limits for electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) stated in the product specifications. These requirements and limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the product is operated in the intended operational electromagnetic environment.

This product is intended for use in industrial locations. However, harmful interference may occur in some installations, when the product is connected to a peripheral device or test object, or if the product is used in residential or commercial areas. To minimize interference with radio and television reception and prevent unacceptable performance degradation, install and use this product in strict accordance with the instructions in the product documentation.

Furthermore, any modifications to the product not expressly approved by National Instruments could void your authority to operate it under your local regulatory rules.

Caution To ensure the specified EMC performance, operate this product only with

shielded cables and accessories.

Caution To ensure the specified EMC performance, the length of all I/O cables

must be no longer than 3 m (10 ft).

Verifying the System Requirements

To use the NI-RFSG instrument driver, your system must meet certain requirements.

For more information about minimum system requirements, recommended system, and supported application development environments (ADEs), refer to the product readme, which is available on the driver software media or online at ni.com/updates.

Unpacking the Kit

Caution To prevent electrostatic discharge (ESD) from damaging the device,

ground yourself using a grounding strap or by holding a grounded object, such as your computer chassis.

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1. Touch the antistatic package to a metal part of the computer chassis.

2. Remove the device from the package and inspect the device for loose components or any other sign of damage.

Caution Never touch the exposed pins of connectors.

Notify NI if the device appears damaged in any way. Do not install a damaged device.

3. Unpack any other items and documentation from the kit.

Store the device in the antistatic package when the device is not in use.

NI PXI-5671 Getting Started Guide | © National Instruments | 3

Verifying the Kit Contents

NI PXI-5421

6 7 8 9

Figure 1. NI 5671 Kit Contents

1. NI PXI-5610 RF Upconverter Module

2. NI PXI-5441 AWG Module

3. Two Semi-Flexible SMA (m)-to-SMB Cables, Part Number 190846B-01

4. Two Cable Wrenches, Part Number 746016-01

5. Screwdriver, Part Number 772006-01

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6. Driver Software DVD

7. NI PXI-5671 Getting Started Guide (this document)

8. Read Me First: Safety and Electromagnetic Compatibility

9. Maintain Forced-Air Cooling Note to Users

Other Equipment

There are several required items not included in your device kit that you need to install or operate the NI 5671.

Required Items

• A PXI chassis and chassis documentation. The NI PXIe-1085 chassis is one available option for your device. For more information about compatible chassis options, refer to

ni.com.

• A PXI embedded controller or MXI controller system that meets the system requirements specified in this guide and chassis documentation.

Optional Items

• A 1 N · m standard SMA torque wrench (NI part number 780487-01).

Preparing the Environment

Ensure that the environment you are using the NI 5671 in meets the following specifications.

Operating ambient temperature

....................................................................NI PXI-5610 upconverter 0 °C to 55 °C (Tested in accordance with

IEC 60068-2-1 and IEC 60068-2-2. Meets MIL PRF-28800F Class 3 low temperature limit and MIL PRF-28800F Class 2 high temperature limit.)

....................................................................NI PXI-5441 AWG 0° to 45° (When installed in an NI PXI-101X

or NI PXI-1000B chassis.)

............................................................................Operating relative humidity

(IEC-60068-2-56)

............................................................................Maximum altitude 2,000 m (800 mbar) (at 25 °C ambient

............................................................................Pollution Degree 2

10% to 90%, noncondensing

temperature)

Indoor use only.

Caution Clean the hardware with a soft, nonmetallic brush. Make sure that the

hardware is completely dry and free from contaminants before returning it to service.

Note Refer to the NI PXI-5670/5671 Specifications at ni.com/manuals for

complete specifications.

NI PXI-5671 Getting Started Guide | © National Instruments | 5

Installing the Software

You must be an Administrator to install NI software on your computer.

1. Install an ADE, such as LabVIEW or LabWindows™/CVI™.

2. Insert the driver software DVD into your computer. The installer should open automatically.

If the installation window does not appear, navigate to the drive, double-click it, and double-click autorun.exe.

3. Follow the instructions in the installation prompts to install the NI-RFSG driver software.

Note Windows users may see access and security messages during

installation. Accept the prompts to complete the installation.

4. When the installer completes, restart your system.

Installing the NI 5671

Caution To prevent damage to the device caused by ESD or contamination, handle

the device using the edges or the metal bracket.

You must install NI-RFSG before installing the hardware.

Before you install the hardware, refer to the guidelines in the Maintain Forced-Air Cooling Note to Users included with the module to ensure that the chassis can cool the device effectively.

To use the included cables, you must install the NI 5441 AWG module in the slot immediately to the right of the NI 5610 RF upconverter module.

1. Ensure the AC power source is connected to the chassis before installing the modules.

The AC power cord grounds the chassis and protects it from electrical damage while you install the modules.

2. Power off the chassis.

3. Inspect the slot pins on the chassis backplane for any bends or damage prior to installation. Do not install a module if the backplane is damaged.

4. Remove the black plastic connectors from all the captive screws on the module front panel.

5. Identify a supported slot in the chassis. The following figure shows the symbols that indicate the slot types.

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Figure 2. Chassis Compatibility Symbols

NI PXIe-1062Q

2 3

NI PXIe-1075

1. PXI Express System Controller Slot

2. PXI Peripheral Slot

3. PXI Express Hybrid Peripheral Slot

4. PXI Express System Timing Slot

5. PXI Express Peripheral Slot

NI 5671 modules can be placed in PXI peripheral slots or PXI Express Hybrid peripheral slots.

6. Touch any metal part of the chassis to discharge static electricity.

7. Ensure that the ejector handle is in the unlatched (downward) position.

8. Place the module edges into the module guides at the top and bottom of the chassis. Slide the device into the slot until it is fully inserted.

Figure 3. Module Installation

1. Chassis

2. Hardware Module

3. Ejector Handle in Down (Unlatched) Position

9. Latch the module in place by pulling up on the ejector handle.

10. Secure the device front panel to the chassis using the front-panel mounting screws.

Note Tightening the top and bottom mounting screws increases mechanical

stability and also electrically connects the front panel to the chassis, which can improve the signal quality and electromagnetic performance.

11. Cover all empty slots using filler panels or slot blockers to maximize cooling air flow.

12. Power on the chassis.

RF Upconverter

PFI 0

PFI 1

ACCESS ACTIVE

CLK

CH 0

DIGITAL DATA & CONTROL

Related Information

Installing the Software on page 6

Interconnecting the NI 5671 Modules

Figure 4. NI 5671 Front Panel Interconnection

1. Flexible SMA-to-SMB Cable

2. Flexible SMA-to-SMB Cable

1. Using a flexible SMA-to-SMB cable, connect the INPUT connector on the NI 5610 front panel to the CH 0 connector on the NI 5441 front panel.

Note Ensure that the SMA cable center pins properly align with the SMA

connectors to avoid bending the cable pins or damaging the front panel connectors on the device.

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