Page 1
GETTING STARTED GUIDE
PXIe-4163
PXIe, 24-Channel, ±24 V, 50 mA PXI Source Measure Unit
This document explains how to install, configure, and test the PXIe-4163. The PXIe-4163
ships with NI-DCPower driver software, which you can use to program the module.
Note Before you begin, install and configure your chassis and controller.
Contents
Verifying the System Requirements..........................................................................................1
Unpacking the Kit..................................................................................................................... 1
Other Equipment....................................................................................................................... 3
Preparing the Environment....................................................................................................... 3
Installing the Software.............................................................................................................. 4
Installing the PXIe-4163........................................................................................................... 4
PXIe-4163 Pinout and LEDs.....................................................................................................6
Configuring the PXIe-4163 in MAX...................................................................................... 13
Self-Calibrating the PXIe-4163.............................................................................................. 14
Programming the PXIe-4163.................................................................................................. 15
Troubleshooting...................................................................................................................... 17
What Should I Do if the PXIe-4163 Doesn't Appear in MAX?......................................17
Why Is the ACCESS LED Off When the Chassis Is On?...............................................18
What Should I Do if the PXIe-4163 Fails the Self-Test?................................................18
Where To Go Next..................................................................................................................19
Worldwide Support and Services............................................................................................ 19
Verifying the System Requirements
To use the NI-DCPower instrument driver, your system must meet certain requirements.
Refer to the product readme, which is available on the driver software media or online at
ni.com/manuals, for more information about minimum system requirements, recommended
system, and supported application development environments (ADEs).
Unpacking the Kit
Refer to the following figure to identify the contents of the PXIe-4163 kit.
Page 2
Figure 1. PXIe-4163 Kit Contents
2
3
1
PXIe-4163
OUTPUT
24-CH Precision SMU
ACCESS
VOLTAGE
ALL CHANNEL SIGNALS
±24V MAX
60V MAX to
1. PXIe-4163
2. PXIe-4163 Safety, Environmental, and Regulatory Information
3. Maintain Forced-Air Cooling Note to Users
Notice To prevent electrostatic discharge (ESD) from damaging the module,
ground yourself using a grounding strap or by holding a grounded object, such as
your computer chassis.
1. Touch the antistatic package to a metal part of the computer chassis.
2. Remove the module from the package and inspect it for loose components or other signs
of damage.
Notice Never touch the exposed pins of connectors.
Note Do not install a module if it appears damaged in any way.
3. Unpack any other items and documentation from the kit.
Store the module in the antistatic package when the module is not in use.
2 | ni.com | PXIe-4163 Getting Started Guide
Page 3
Other Equipment
There are several required items not included in your PXIe-4163 kit that you need to operate
the PXIe-4163. Your application may require additional items not included in your kit to
install or operate your PXIe-4163.
Required Items
• A PXI Chassis and chassis documentation
• A PXI Controller or PC with a Device for PXI Remote Control system that meets the
system requirements specified in this guide and chassis documentation
Optional Items
• PXI Slot Blocker Kit (NI part number 199198-01)
• SHDB62M-DB62M-LL Low Leakage Cable for SMU, 62 D-Sub Male to 62 D-Sub Male
– 1 m (NI part number 142947B-01)
– 2 m (NI part number 142947B-02)
• SHDB62M-BW-LL Low Leakage Cable for SMU, 62 D-Sub Male to Bare Wire Male
– 1 m (NI part number 142948A-01)
– 2 m (NI part number 142948A-02)
• 62-Pin Connector Kit for PXIe-416x SMUs (NI part number 785582-01)
Visit ni.com for more information about these additional items.
Preparing the Environment
Ensure that the environment you are using the PXIe-4163 in meets the following
specifications:
Temperature and Humidity
Temperature
Operating
Chassis with slot cooling
capacity ≥58 W
All other compatible chassis 0 °C to 40 °C
Storage -40 °C to 71 °C
1
Not all chassis with slot cooling capacity ≥58 W can achieve this ambient temperature range. Refer
to PXI chassis specifications to determine the ambient temperature ranges your chassis can achieve.
1
0 °C to 55 °C
PXIe-4163 Getting Started Guide | © National Instruments | 3
Page 4
Humidity
Operating 10% to 90%, noncondensing
Storage 5% to 95%, noncondensing
Pollution Degree 2
Maximum altitude 2,000 m (800 mbar) (at 25 °C ambient temperature)
Notice This model is intended for use in indoor applications only.
Related Information
Refer to the PXIe-4163 Specifications at ni.com for complete specifications.
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. Visit ni.com/downloads/drivers and search for NI-DCPower.
3. Download the latest version of NI-DCPower by clicking Download and then running the
executable (.exe) file.
Driver support for the PXIe-4163 was first available in NI-DCPower 17.6.
4. Follow the instructions in the installation prompts.
Note Windows users may see access and security messages during
installation. Accept the prompts to complete the installation.
5. When the installer completes, select Restart in the dialog box that prompts you to restart,
shut down, or restart later.
Installing the PXIe-4163
Notice To prevent damage to the PXIe-4163 caused by ESD or contamination,
handle the module using the edges or the metal bracket.
The PXIe-4163 is a single-slot module with one backplane connector. The module may be
installed into any PXI Express-compatible slot.
1. Ensure the AC power source is connected to the chassis before installing the PXIe-4163.
The AC power cord grounds the chassis and protects it from electrical damage while you
install the PXIe-4163.
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 | ni.com | PXIe-4163 Getting Started Guide
Page 5
4. Position the chassis so that inlet and outlet vents are not obstructed.
NI PXIe-1062Q
1
2 3
4
5
2
3
NI PXIe-1075
1
For more information about optimal chassis positioning, refer to the chassis
documentation.
5. Remove the black plastic covers from all the captive screws on the module front panel.
6. Identify a supported slot in the chassis. The following figure shows the symbols that
indicate the slot types.
Figure 2. Chassis Compatibility Symbols
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
PXIe-4163 modules can be placed in PXI Express peripheral slots, PXI Express hybrid
peripheral slots, or PXI Express system timing slots.
7. Touch any metal part of the chassis to discharge static electricity.
8. Ensure that the ejector handle is in the downward (unlatched) position.
9. Place the module edges into the module guides at the top and bottom of the chassis. Slide
the module into the slot until it is fully inserted.
Figure 3. Module Installation
1. Chassis
2. Hardware Module
3. Ejector Handle in Downward (Unlatched) Position
10. Latch the module in place by pulling up on the ejector handle.
PXIe-4163 Getting Started Guide | © National Instruments | 5
Page 6
11. Secure the module front panel to the chassis using the front-panel mounting screws.
A
B
PXIe-4163
OUTPUT
24-CH Precision SMU
ACCESS
VOLTAGE
ALL CHANNEL SIGNALS
± 24V MAX
60V MAX to
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.
12. Cover all empty slots using EMC filler panels or fill using slot blockers to maximize
cooling air flow, depending on your application.
13. Power on the chassis.
Related Information
Why Is the ACCESS LED Off When the Chassis Is On? on page 18
PXIe-4163 Pinout and LEDs
Front Panel
Refer to the following figures and tables for information about the PXIe-4163 front panel
connector pins, channels, and LEDs.
6 | ni.com | PXIe-4163 Getting Started Guide
Page 7
Item
A LED Access Status indicator
B LED Voltage Status Indicator
Table 1. LED Access Status Indicator
Status Indicator Device State
(Off) Not Powered
Green Powered
Amber Device is being accessed
Table 2. LED Voltage Status Indicator
Status Indicator Output Channel State
(Off) All device outputs are disconnected from their voltage generation sources
through output disconnect relays.
Green At least one device output is connected to a voltage generation source.
Red The device has a fault or is in error due to the voltage generated or
measured by the device. Refer to the driver software for possible sources.
The device will not operate until the error is cleared and/or the device is
reset.
Pinout
The following figure and table provide detailed signal information for the PXIe-4163
connector.
PXIe-4163 Getting Started Guide | © National Instruments | 7
Page 8
CH2 Output HI
CH2 Sense HI
CH21 Sense HI
Calibration HI
CH20 Sense HI
CH21 Output HI
CH20 Output HI
CH15 Output HI
CH15 Sense HI
CH14 Output HI
CH14 Sense HI
CH0-23 Output LO
CH9 Output HI
CH9 Sense HI
CH8 Output HI
CH8 Sense HI
CH3 Sense HI
CH3 Output HI
CH0 Output HI
CH0 Sense HI
CH5 Output HI
CH5 Sense HI
CH6 Output HI
CH6 Sense HI
CH11 Output HI
CH11 Sense HI
CH12 Output HI
CH12 Sense HI
CH17 Output HI
CH17 Sense HI
CH18 Output HI
CH18 Sense HI
CH23 Output HI
CH23 Sense HI
CH1 Output HI
CH1 Sense HI
CH0-5 Sense LO
CH4 Output HI
CH4 Sense HI
CH7 Output HI
CH7 Sense HI
CH6-11 Sense LO
CH10 Output HI
CH10 Sense HI
CH13 Output HI
CH13 Sense HI
CH12-17 Sense LO
CH16 Output HI
CH16 Sense HI
CH19 Output HI
CH19 Sense HI
CH18-23 Sense LO
CH22 Output HI
CH22 Sense HI
62
61
60
59
56
55
54
57
50
49
48
51
45
44
43
46
20
21
19
18
17
14
13
12
15
8
7
6
9
10
3
2
1
4
42
41
40
39
38
37
36
35
34
33
31
30
29
28
27
26
25
24
23
22
8 | ni.com | PXIe-4163 Getting Started Guide
Page 9
Table 3. PXIe-4163 Signal Descriptions
Bundle Channel Pin Signal Description
A 0 61 Sense HI
62 Output HI
1 41 Sense HI
42 Output HI
2 19 Sense HI
20 Output HI
3 17 Sense HI
18 Output HI
4 38 Sense HI
39 Output HI
5 59 Sense HI
60 Output HI
0 to 5 40 Sense LO
PXIe-4163 Getting Started Guide | © National Instruments | 9
Page 10
Table 3. PXIe-4163 Signal Descriptions (Continued)
Bundle Channel Pin Signal Description
B 6 56 Sense HI
57 Output HI
7 36 Sense HI
37 Output HI
8 14 Sense HI
15 Output HI
9 12 Sense HI
13 Output HI
10 33 Sense HI
34 Output HI
11 54 Sense HI
55 Output HI
6 to 11 35 Sense LO
10 | ni.com | PXIe-4163 Getting Started Guide
Page 11
Table 3. PXIe-4163 Signal Descriptions (Continued)
Bundle Channel Pin Signal Description
C 12 50 Sense HI
51 Output HI
13 30 Sense HI
31 Output HI
14 8 Sense HI
9 Output HI
15 6 Sense HI
7 Output HI
16 27 Sense HI
28 Output HI
17 48 Sense HI
49 Output HI
12 to 17 29 Sense LO
PXIe-4163 Getting Started Guide | © National Instruments | 11
Page 12
Table 3. PXIe-4163 Signal Descriptions (Continued)
Bundle Channel Pin Signal Description
D 18 45 Sense HI
46 Output HI
19 25 Sense HI
26 Output HI
20 3 Sense HI
4 Output HI
21 1 Sense HI
2 Output HI
22 22 Sense HI
23 Output HI
23 43 Sense HI
44 Output HI
18 to 23 24 Sense LO
A, B, C, D 0 to 23 10 Output LO
— — 21 Calibration HI
12 | ni.com | PXIe-4163 Getting Started Guide
5 Void
11
16
32
47
52
53
58
Page 13
Cable Bundles
Channel 11 Grouping
Channel 10 Grouping
62
61
60
59
56
55
54
57
50
49
48
51
45
44
43
46
20
21
19
18
17
14
13
12
15
8
7
6
9
10
3
2
1
4
42
62
41
40
38
37
36
35
34
33
31
30
29
28
27
26
25
24
23
22
56
13
12
15
14
55
54
57
37
36
35
Sense HI
Sense HI
Sense HI
Output HI
Output HI
Sense HI
Sense LO
Channel 9 Grouping
Channel 8 Grouping
Output HI
37
36
35
363534
33
Output HI
Sense HI
Channel 6 Grouping
Sense HI
Channel 7 Grouping
Output HI
Output HI
A
B
C
D
The PXIe-4163 has 24 channels organized into four cable bundles (A, B, C, D) for use with
associated cable accessories. The following figure and table provide detailed bundle
information.
Bundle Channels
A 0 to 5
B 6 to 11
C 12 to 17
D 18 to 23
Configuring the PXIe-4163 in MAX
Use Measurement & Automation Explorer (MAX) to configure your NI hardware. MAX
informs other programs about which NI hardware products are in the system and how they are
configured. MAX is automatically installed with NI-DCPower.
1. Launch MAX.
2. In the configuration tree, expand Devices and Interfaces to see the list of installed NI
hardware.
Installed modules appear under the name of their associated chassis.
3. Expand your Chassis tree item.
PXIe-4163 Getting Started Guide | © National Instruments | 13
Page 14
MAX lists all modules installed in the chassis. Your default names may vary.
Note If you do not see your module listed, press <F5> to refresh the list of
installed modules. If the module is still not listed, power off the system, ensure
the module is correctly installed, and restart.
4. Record the identifier MAX assigns to the hardware. Use this identifier when
programming the PXIe-4163.
5. Self-test the hardware by selecting the item in the configuration tree and clicking Self-
Test in the MAX toolbar.
The MAX self-test performs a basic verification of hardware resources.
Related Information
What Should I Do if the PXIe-4163 Doesn't Appear in MAX? on page 17
What Should I Do if the PXIe-4163 Fails the Self-Test? on page 18
Self-Calibrating the PXIe-4163
Self-calibration adjusts the PXIe-4163 for variations in the module environment. Perform a
complete self-calibration after the first time you install the PXIe-4163.
1. Install the PXIe-4163 and let it warm up for 30 minutes.
Note Warm up begins when the PXI Express chassis has been powered on and
the operating system has completely loaded.
2. Self-calibrate the PXIe-4163 by clicking the Self-Calibrate button in MAX or calling
niDCPower Cal Self Calibrate or niDCPower_CalSelfCalibrate.
The PXIe-4163 modules are externally calibrated at the factory but you should perform a selfcalibration in all of the following situations:
• After first installing the PXIe-4163 in a chassis
• After any module that is in the same chassis as the PXIe-4163 is installed, uninstalled, or
moved
• When the PXIe-4163 is in an environment where the ambient temperature varies or the
PXIe-4163 temperature has drifted more than ±5 °C from the temperature at the last selfcalibration
• Within 24 hours of the previous self-calibration
Related Information
What Should I Do if the PXIe-4163 Fails the Self-Test? on page 18
14 | ni.com | PXIe-4163 Getting Started Guide
Page 15
Programming the PXIe-4163
You can generate signals interactively using InstrumentStudio or you can use the NI-DCPower
instrument driver to program your device in the supported ADE of your choice.
PXIe-4163 Getting Started Guide | © National Instruments | 15
Page 16
Software Location Description
InstrumentStudio
Note InstrumentStudio is
supported only on 64-bit systems.
If you are using a 32-bit system,
use your driver's specific soft front
panel instead of InstrumentStudio.
InstrumentStudio is automatically installed
when you install the NI-DCPower driver. You
can access InstrumentStudio in any of the
following ways:
• From the Windows start menu, select
National Instruments»[Driver] Soft
Front Panel. This launches
InstrumentStudio and runs a soft front
panel populated with NI-DCPower
devices.
• From the Windows start menu, select
National Instruments»
InstrumentStudio 2018. This launches
InstrumentStudio and runs a soft front
panel populated with devices detected on
your system.
• From Measurement & Automation
Explorer (MAX), select a device and
then click Test Panels.... This launches
InstrumentStudio and runs a soft front
panel for the device you selected.
When you install
NI-DCPower on a 64-bit
system, you can monitor,
control, and record
measurements from
supported devices using
InstrumentStudio.
InstrumentStudio is a
software-based soft front
panel application that
allows you to perform
interactive measurements
on several different
device types in a single
program.
16 | ni.com | PXIe-4163 Getting Started Guide
Page 17
Software Location Description
NI-DCPower
Instrument Driver
LabVIEW—Available on the LabVIEW
Functions palette at Measurement I/O»
NI-DCPower. Examples are available from
the Start menu in the National Instruments
folder.
LabVIEW NXG—Available from the
diagram at Hardware Interfaces»Electronic
Test»NI-DCPower. Examples are available
from the Learning tab in the Examples»
Hardware Input and Output folder.
LabWindows/CVI—Available at Program
Files»IVI Foundation»IVI»Drivers»
NI-DCPower. LabWindows/CVI examples
are available from the Start menu in the
National Instruments folder.
C/C++—Available at Program Files»IVI
Foundation»IVI. Refer to the Creating an
Application with NI-DCPower in Microsoft
Visual C and C++ topic of the NI DC Power
Supplies and SMUs Help to manually add all
required include and library files to your
project. NI-DCPower does not ship with
installed C/C++ examples.
The NI-DCPower API
configures and operates
the module hardware and
performs basic
acquisition and
measurement functions.
Troubleshooting
If an issue persists after you complete a troubleshooting procedure, contact NI technical
support or visit ni.com/support.
What Should I Do if the PXIe-4163 Doesn't Appear in MAX?
1. In the MAX configuration tree, expand Devices and Interfaces.
2. Expand the Chassis tree to see the list of installed hardware, and press <F5> to refresh
the list.
3. If the module is still not listed, power off the system, ensure that all hardware is correctly
installed, and restart the system.
4. Navigate to the Device Manager.
Operating System Description
Windows 10/8.1 Right-click the Start button, and select Device Manager.
PXIe-4163 Getting Started Guide | © National Instruments | 17
Page 18
Operating System Description
Windows 7 Select Start»Control Panel»Device Manager.
5. Verify the PXIe-4163 appears in the Device Manager.
a) Under an NI entry, confirm that a PXIe-4163 entry appears.
Note If you are using a PC with a device for PXI remote control system,
under System Devices, also confirm that no error conditions appear for the
PCI-to-PCI Bridge.
b) If error conditions appear, reinstall NI-DCPower and the PXIe-4163.
Why Is the ACCESS LED Off When the Chassis Is On?
Before proceeding, verify that the PXIe-4163 appears in MAX.
If the ACCESS LED fails to light after you power on the chassis, a problem may exist with the
chassis power rails, a hardware module, or the LED.
Notice Apply external signals only while the PXIe-4163 is powered on. Applying
external signals while the module is powered off may cause damage.
1. Disconnect any signals from the module front panels.
2. Power off the chassis.
3. Remove the module from the chassis and inspect it for damage. Do not reinstall a
damaged module.
4. Install the module in a different chassis slot from which you removed it.
5. Power on the chassis.
Note If you are using a PC with a device for PXI remote control system,
power on the chassis before powering on the computer.
6. Verify that the module appears in MAX.
7. Reset the module in MAX and perform a self-test.
Related Information
PXIe-4163 Pinout and LEDs on page 6
What Should I Do if the PXIe-4163 Fails the Self-Test?
1. Restart the system.
2. Launch MAX.
• Failed self-test
1. Perform self-calibration, then perform the self-test again. The PXIe-4163 must
be calibrated to pass the self-test.
• Failed self-calibration
1. Perform self-calibration again.
18 | ni.com | PXIe-4163 Getting Started Guide
Page 19
3. Power off the chassis.
custom applications with
an application programming
interface (API).
NI-DCPower Soft Front Panel
NI-DCPower Instrument Driver
about hardware features
or review device
specifications.
more about your products through ni.com.
the application
development environment (ADE)
for your application.
Getting Started
with LabVIEW
Getting Started with
LabWindows/CVI
NI DC Power Supplies
and SMUs Help*
NI DC Power Supplies
and SMUs Help*
NI-DCPower Examples*
*This item is also installed with the driver software.
Located online at ni.com/manuals Located using the NI Example Finder
EXPLORE
LEARN CREATE
DISCOVER
Support
ni.com/support
Services
ni.com/services
PXIe-4163 Specifications*
NI Community
ni.com/community
Power Supplies
Solutions
ni.com/powersupplies
4. Reinstall the failed module in a different slot.
5. Power on the chassis.
6. Perform the self-test again.
Where To Go Next
Worldwide Support and Services
The NI website is your complete resource for technical support. At ni.com/support, you have
access to everything from troubleshooting and application development self-help resources to
email and phone assistance from NI Application Engineers.
Visit ni.com/services for information about the services NI offers.
Visit ni.com/register to register your NI product. Product registration facilitates technical
support and ensures that you receive important information updates from NI.
NI corporate headquarters is located at 11500 North Mopac Expressway, Austin, Texas,
78759-3504. NI also has offices located around the world. For support in the United States,
create your service request at ni.com/support or dial 1 866 ASK MYNI (275 6964). For
PXIe-4163 Getting Started Guide | © National Instruments | 19
Page 20
support outside the United States, visit the Worldwide Offices section of ni.com/niglobal to
access the branch office websites, which provide up-to-date contact information.
Information is subject to change without notice. Refer to the NI Trademarks and Logo Guidelines at ni.com/trademarks for
information on NI trademarks. Other product and company names mentioned herein are trademarks or trade names of their
respective companies. For patents covering NI products/technology, refer to the appropriate location: Help»Patents in your
software, the patents.txt file on your media, or the National Instruments Patent Notice at ni.com/patents. You can find
information about end-user license agreements (EULAs) and third-party legal notices in the readme file for your NI product. Refer
to the Export Compliance Information at ni.com/legal/export-compliance for the NI global trade compliance policy and how
to obtain relevant HTS codes, ECCNs, and other import/export data. NI MAKES NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES AS
TO THE ACCURACY OF THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN AND SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY ERRORS. U.S.
Government Customers: The data contained in this manual was developed at private expense and is subject to the applicable
limited rights and restricted data rights as set forth in FAR 52.227-14, DFAR 252.227-7014, and DFAR 252.227-7015.
© 2017—2019 National Instruments. All rights reserved.
377402B-01 January 25, 2019
Loading...