National Instruments PXIE-4844 User Manual

INSTALLATION GUIDE AND SPECIFICATIONS

PXIe-4844

This document includes the installation instructions and specifications for the National Instruments PXIe-4844 Optical Sensor Interrogator (OSI) module. The PXIe-4844 is a dual-slot, 3U PXI Express data acquisition module for fiber Bragg grating (FBG) optical sensors. The PXIe-4844 provides four optical channels that are simultaneously sampled at 10 Hz, and is expandable to eight or 16 channels with an external optical multiplexer.

FBG fiber optic sensing provides many benefits over conventional electrical sensing because it is nonconductive, electrically passive, and immune to EMI. FBG technology also enables measurements over long distances without loss of signal accuracy and provides the ability to daisy-chain dozens of sensors along a single optical fiber. The PXIe-4844 requires no calibration as it continuously adjusts its measurements using an on-board NIST traceable wavelength reference.

Caution This icon denotes a caution, which advises you of precautions to take to

avoid injury, data loss, or a system crash.

Safety Guidelines

Follow these guidelines when installing and using the PXIe-4844.

Caution Do not enable the laser unless an optical connector or LC/APC connector

cover is connected to the LC/APC connector port. The laser enables when the device receives power.

Caution Never look into the end of an optical cable attached to an optical output

when the device is powered on. The laser radiation is not visible to the human eye, but it can seriously damage your eyesight.

Caution Do not modify the PXIe-4844 module. This may result in hazardous

radiation exposure from the laser source.

Caution The protection provided by the PXIe-4844 can be impaired if it is used in

a manner not described in this document.

Electromagnetic Compatibility Guidelines

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

This product is intended for use in industrial locations. There is no guarantee that harmful interference will not occur in a particular installation, when the product is connected to a test object, or if the product is used in residential areas. To minimize the potential for the product to cause interference to radio and television reception or to experience unacceptable performance degradation, install and use this product in strict accordance with the instructions in the product documentation.

Furthermore, any changes or 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 when using the AUX port,

install a snap-on, ferrite bead (National Instruments part number 781233-01) in accordance with the product installation instructions.

Unpacking

The product shipping kit includes the PXIe-4844 hardware module and the NI-OSI driver software DVD. The PXIe-4844 module ships in an antistatic package to prevent damage from electrostatic discharge (ESD), and the package is inside a hard-shelled plastic case. Before removing the hardware module from the antistatic package, touch the antistatic package to a metal part of your computer chassis to discharge any static electricity. Ground yourself using a grounding strap or by touching a grounded metal object.

Remove the hardware module from the package and inspect it for loose components or any signs of damage. Contact NI if the hardware module appears damaged in any way. Do not install a damaged module into your system. Store the module in the antistatic package and the hard-shelled plastic case when not in use.

Note When transporting the PXIe-4844 over long distances, remove the module

from the chassis and place the module in the original antistatic package and hard-shelled plastic case.

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What You Need to Get Started

 LabVIEW 2009 (32-bit), 2010 (32-bit), 2011 (32-bit), 2012 (32-bit), 2013 (32-bit),

2014 (32-bit), 2015 (32-bit), or 2016 (32-bit)

 PXI Express chassis with

– controller, or

– MXI-Express (card or built-in)

 FBG sensors

 Multiplexer for additional channels (optional)

Installing the NI-OSI Driver Software

Install the NI-OSI driver software on the host computer before installing the PXIe-4844 module. Refer to directory, for software installation instructions, LabVIEW compatibility information, and system requirements.

readme_OSI.html, located in the National Instruments\OSI Explorer

Installing the PXIe-4844

This section contains installation instructions for the PXIe-4844. Refer to your PXI Express chassis user manual for chassis instructions and warnings.

1. Plug in your chassis before installing the PXIe-4844. The power cord grounds the chassis and protects it from electrical damage while you install the module.

2. Make sure the chassis power switch is turned off.

Caution To protect both yourself and the chassis from electrical hazards, leave the

chassis powered off until you finish installing the PXIe-4844 module.

3. Touch a metal part on the chassis to discharge any static electricity that might be on your clothes or body.

4. Remove the protective plastic covers from the four front panel mounting screws on the

module, as shown in Figure 1.

Figure 1. Removing Protective Screw Caps

1 Protective Screw Cap (4x)

5. Make sure the PXIe-4844 injector/ejector handle is in its downward position.

6. Identify two side-by-side empty chassis slots, except for a PXI Express System Controller slot. Of these two slots, the left-most slot must be one of the following PXI Express slots:

PXI Express Peripheral Slot—a PXI Express slot marked with a solid circle containing the slot number.

PXI Express Hybrid Peripheral Slot—a PXI Express hybrid slot marked with the letter “H” and a solid circle containing the slot number.

PXI Express System Timing Slot—a PXI Express timing slot marked with a square surrounding a solid circle containing the slot number.

7. Remove the filler panels covering the selected slots.

8. Align the PXIe-4844 with the card guides on the top and bottom of the selected slots.

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