This document explains how to install and configure National Instruments PCI/PXI-781xR,
PCI/PXI-783xR, PXI-784xR, and PXI-785xR (NI 78xxR) devices. This document also contains a
tutorial section that demonstrates how to begin taking a measurement using a LabVIEW FPGA
example VI.
Figure 1. PCI and PXI R Series Devices
NI 78xx R Required Components
The following items are necessary to set up and use the NI PCI/PXI-78xxR:
❑ The following software packages:
–LabVIEW
–LabVIEW FPGA Module
–NI-RIO device drivers
–
(Optional) LabVIEW Real-Time Module
Refer to Step 1. Install Application Software and Driver, for information on R Series software
support.
❑ Development computer or PXI/CompactPCI chassis and PXI/CompactPCI embedded controller
running Windows 2000/XP.
❑ At least one cable and accessory for connecting signals to the NI 78xxR. For a list of applicable
cable and accessory options, refer to the Connectivity Options section.
Step 1. Install Application Software and Driver
Before installing the NI 78xxR, you need to install the application software and device driver. Visit
ni.com/info and enter rdsoftwareversion to determine which minimum versions of software
you need for the device you are using.
Refer to the LabVIEW Release Notes for installation instructions for LabVIEW and system requirements
for the LabVIEW software. Refer to the LabVIEW Upgrade Notes for additional information about
upgrading to the most recent version of LabVIEW for Windows.
Refer to the LabVIEW FPGA Module Release and Upgrade Notes for installation instructions and
information on getting started with the LabVIEW FPGA Module.
Refer to the LabVIEW Real-Time Module Release and Upgrade Notes for system requirements,
installation instructions, and additional information on using the LabVIEW Real-Time Module.
The previous documents are available at
view the LabVIEW Manuals directory that contains these documents by selecting Start»All Programs»National Instruments»LabVIEW»LabVIEW Manuals.
ni.com/manuals. In LabVIEW 8.0 or later, you can also
Step 2. Install the Device, Accessories, and Cables
This section describes how to unpack and install the NI PXI-78xxR and NI PCI-78xxR devices.
Note You must install NI-RIO before installing the NI 78xxR.
Unpacking
The NI 78xxR is shipped in an antistatic package to prevent electrostatic discharge from damaging
device components. To prevent such damage when handling the device, take the following precautions:
•Ground yourself using a grounding strap or by holding a grounded object, such as your computer
chassis.
•Touch the antistatic package to a metal part of the computer chassis before removing the device
from the package.
Caution Never touch the exposed pins of connectors.
Remove the device from the package and inspect the devices for loose components or any other sign of
damage. Notify NI if the device appears damaged in any way. Do not install a damaged device into the
computer.
Store the NI 78xxR in the antistatic envelope when not in use.
Getting Started with R Series Intelligent DAQ2ni.com
Installing the NI 78xxR
You can install the NI PCI-78xxR in any available PCI expansion slot in the computer, and the
NI PXI-78xxR in any available peripheral slot in the PXI or CompactPCI chassis. To achieve the best
noise performance, leave as much room as possible between the NI PCI-78xxR and other boards.
Note You must install the software before installing the hardware. For software installation
information, refer to Step 1. Install Application Software and Driver.
1.Power off and unplug the computer or PXI chassis.
Caution Refer to the Read Me First: Safety and Radio-Frequency Interference document packaged
with your PXI chassis or device before removing equipment covers or connecting or disconnecting
any signal wires.
2.Remove the computer cover and/or the expansion slot cover on the computer, or the filler panel of
an unused PXI slot on the PXI chassis.
3.Touch any metal part of the computer or chassis to discharge any static electricity.
4.For the NI PCI-78xxR, insert the device into the applicable PCI system slot on your computer.
Gently rock the device into place. Do not force the device into place. For the NI PXI-78xxR,
insert the device into the PXI slot. Use the injector/ejector handle to fully inject the NI PXI-78xxR
into place.
3
1
2
1 NI PCI-78xxR Device2 PCI System Slot3 PC with PCI Slot
Figure 3. Installing an NI PXI-78xxR Device in a PXI Chassis
5.For the NI PCI-78xxR, secure the device mounting bracket to the computer back panel rail. For the
NI PXI-78xxR, secure the device front panel to the chassis front panel mounting rail using the
front-panel mounting screws.
6.For the NI PCI-78xxR, replace the computer cover, if applicable.
7.Plug in and power on the computer or PXI chassis.
To confirm that your device is recognized, complete the following additional steps:
1.Select Start»All Programs»National Instruments»Measurement & Automation to open
Measurement & Automation Explorer (MAX).
2.Expand Devices and Interfaces.
3.Verify that the device appears under Devices and Interfaces»RIO Devices.
Getting Started with R Series Intelligent DAQ4ni.com
Step 3. Connect Signals
Figure 4 shows the I/O connector pin assignments and locations for NI 781xR Digital R Series devices.
Figure 5 shows the I/O connector pin assignments and locations for NI 783xR/784xR/785xR
Multifunction R Series devices.
(RDIO)
CONNECTOR 0
(RDIO)
CONNECTOR 3
DIO39
DIO37
DIO35
DIO33
DIO31
DIO29
DIO27
DIO26
DIO25
DIO24
DIO23
DIO22
DIO21
DIO20
DIO19
DIO18
DIO17
DIO16
DIO15
DIO14
DIO13
DIO12
DIO11
DIO10
DIO9
DIO8
DIO7
DIO6
DIO5
DIO4
DIO3
DIO2
DIO1
DIO0
6834
67 33
66 32
65 31
64 30
63 29
62 28
61 27
60 26
59 25
58 24
57 23
56 22
55 21
54 20
53 19
52 18
51 17
50 16
49 15
48 14
47 13
46 12
45 11
44 10
43 9
42 8
41 7
40 6
395
38 4
37 3
362
351
DIO38
DIO36
DIO34
DIO32
DIO30
DIO28
+5V
+5V
DGND
DGND
DGND
DGND
DGND
DGND
DGND
DGND
DGND
DGND
DGND
DGND
DGND
DGND
DGND
DGND
DGND
DGND
DGND
DGND
DGND
DGND
DGND
DGND
DGND
DGND
TERMINAL 68
TERMINAL 34
TERMINAL 1
TERMINAL 35
TERMINAL 68
TERMINAL 34
TERMINAL 1
TERMINAL 35
TERMINAL 35
TERMINAL 1
TERMINAL 34
TERMINAL 68
TERMINAL 35
TERMINAL 1
TERMINAL 34
TERMINAL 68
(RDIO)
(RDIO)
CONNECTOR 1
CONNECTOR 2
Figure 4. NI 781xR Connector Pin Assignments and Locations