6 GHz, 1 GHz Bandwidth, RF PXI Vector Signal Transceiver
Note Before you begin, install and configure your chassis and controller.
This document explains how to install, configure, and test the PXIe-5841. The PXIe-5841 is
an RF vector signal transceiver (VST) and ships with the following software options, which
you use to program the device.
•RFmx software
•NI-RFSA and NI-RFSG driver software
Notice The protection provided by this equipment may be impaired if it is used in
a manner not described in the documentation.
Contents
Verifying the System Requirements..........................................................................................2
Unpacking the Kit..................................................................................................................... 2
Preparing the Environment....................................................................................................... 2
Verifying the Kit Contents........................................................................................................ 3
Other Equipment............................................................................................................... 4
Choosing and Installing the Software....................................................................................... 5
What Should I Do if the PXIe-5841 Doesn't Appear in MAX?......................................17
Why Is the ACCESS LED Off When the Chassis Is On?...............................................17
Where to Go Next................................................................................................................... 18
Worldwide Support and Services............................................................................................ 18
Page 2
Verifying the System Requirements
To use the PXIe-5841, your system must meet certain requirements. For more information
about minimum system requirements, recommended system, and supported application
development environments (ADEs), refer to the readme, which is installed or available at
ni.com/manuals.
Unpacking the Kit
Notice 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.
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.
Notice Never touch the exposed pins of connectors.
Note Do not install a device if it appears damaged in any way.
3.Unpack any other items and documentation from the kit.
Store the device in the antistatic package when the device is not in use.
Preparing the Environment
Ensure that the environment you are using the PXIe-5841 in meets the following
specifications.
Temperature
Operating ambient temperature
Chassis with slot cooling
capacity ≥58 W
All other compatible chassis
Operating relative humidity10% to 90%, noncondensing
1
Not all chassis with a 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.
2
For chassis with a slot cooling capacity of 38 W, the fan speed must be set to HIGH to achieve this
ambient temperature range.
2 | ni.com | PXIe-5841 Getting Started Guide
1
2
0 °C to 55 °C
0 °C to 40 °C
Page 3
Maximum altitude2,000 m (800 mbar) (at 25 °C ambient
1
2
3
PXIe-5841
Vector Signal Transceiver
9 kHz – 6 GHz, 1 GHz BW
PFI 0
DIO
REF
OUT
REF
IN
RF IN
+33 dBm MAX
50
Ω
RF OUT
Reverse Power
+33 dBm MAX
ACCESS ACTIVE
LO OUT
50 Ω
LO OUT
50 Ω
LO IN
+15 dBm MAX
50 Ω
LO IN
+15 dBm MAX
50 Ω
50 Ω
50 Ω
ESD
SENSITIVE
456
temperature)
Pollution Degree2
Indoor use only.
Notice Clean the hardware with a soft, nonmetallic brush or lint free cloth. Make
sure that the hardware is completely dry and free from contaminants before returning
it to service.
Note Refer to the PXIe-5841 Specifications at ni.com/manuals for complete
specifications.
Verifying the Kit Contents
Figure 1. PXIe-5841 Kit Contents
1. PXIe-5841 Module
2. Screwdriver, Part Number 772006-01
3. SMA Driver Bit, Part Number 780895-01
4. PXIe-5841 Safety, Environmental, and Regulatory
Information
5. Maintain Forced-Air Cooling Note to Users
6. PXIe-5841 Getting Started Guide (This
Document)
There are several required items not included in your device kit that you need to operate the
PXIe-5841. Your application may require additional items not included in your kit to install or
operate your PXIe-5841.
Required Items
•A PXI Express chassis and chassis documentation
•A PXI Express embedded controller or PC with MXI controller system that meets the
system requirements specified in this guide and chassis documentation
Optional Items
•PXI Chassis Slot Blocker kit (NI part number 199198-01)
•SMA (m)-to-SMA (m) cables
•SMA (m)-to-MMPX (m) cables
•MMPX (m)-to-MMPX (m) cables
•OCuLink x4, 1 m cable (NI part number 143340-01)
Visit ni.com for more information about these additional items.
3
3
NI does not recommend using an OCuLink x4 cable supplied by another manufacturer.
4 | ni.com | PXIe-5841 Getting Started Guide
Page 5
Choosing and Installing the Software
Software Options
NI provides three software options for programming the PXIe-5841—RFmx, NI-RFSA and
NI-RFSG instrument driver software.
Table 1. PXIe-5841 Software Options
Software
Option
DescriptionUse Case
RFmxProvides a single-handle instrument
driver with built-in measurements.
You can use instrument driver
FPGA extensions to customize the
device FPGA using precompiled
bitfiles.
NI-RFSA and
NI-RFSG
instrument
driver
Related Information
Refer to the RFmx SpecAn Help, the NI-RFmx Demod Help, the NI RF Vector Signal Analyzers
Help, or the NI RF Signal Generators Help for more information about using the NI-RFmx,
NI-RFSA, and NI-RFSG instrument driver FPGA extensions.
The NI-RFSA and NI-RFSG APIs
each provide a fixed API for
interacting with your hardware.
NI-RFSA and NI-RFSG provide
standard IVI-based functionality
needed for most vector signal
analyzer and vector signal
generator applications.
You can use NI-RFSA and
NI-RFSG instrument driver FPGA
extensions to customize the device
FPGA using precompiled bitfiles.
Use RFmx SpecAn to perform spectral
measurements.
Use RFmx Demod to perform
modulation quality measurements, such
as EVM.
Use RFmx personalities to perform
physical layer analysis on supported
communications and connectivity
signals.
Use NI-RFSA to create custom
measurements or applications that
require I/Q data.
Use NI-RFSG to generate continuous
wave (CW) or modulated waveforms.
Use NI-RFSA and NI-RFSG with the
NI Modulation Toolkit to develop
software-defined radio transmitters and
receivers.
Use NI-RFSG with the NI Modulation
Toolkit to create and generate
modulated signals to test receivers.
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.Install the driver software using NI Package Manager or by inserting your driver software
media into your computer.
If you do not already have NI Package Manager installed, visit ni.com/r/NIPMDownload
to download NI Package Manager. Refer to the NI Package Manager Manual for more
information about installing, removing, and upgrading NI software using NI Package
Manager.
3.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.
4.When the installer completes, select Restart in the dialog box that prompts you to restart,
shut down, or restart later.
Installing the PXIe-5841
Notice To prevent damage to the PXIe-5841 caused by ESD or contamination,
handle the module using the edges or the metal bracket.
You must install the software before installing the hardware.
Before you install the hardware, refer to the guidelines in the Maintain Forced-Air CoolingNote to Users included with the module to ensure that the device can cool itself effectively.
This document is also available at ni.com/manuals.
The PXIe-5841 is a two-slot module with two backplane connectors. The module must be
installed into two adjacent chassis slots.
1.Ensure the AC power source is connected to the chassis before installing the module.
The AC power cord grounds the chassis and protects it from electrical damage while you
install the module.
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.If the chassis has a slot cooling capacity of 38 W, set the fan speed to HIGH.
Note Inadequate air circulation could cause the temperature inside the chassis
to rise above the optimal operating temperature for the device, potentially
causing thermal shutdown, shorter lifespans, or improper performance.
5.Position the chassis so that inlet and outlet vents are not obstructed.
6.Remove the black plastic covers from all the captive screws on the module front panel.
7.Identify two adjacent PXI Express-compatible slots in the chassis. The following figure
shows the symbols that indicate the slot types.
6 | ni.com | PXIe-5841 Getting Started Guide
Page 7
Figure 2. Chassis Compatibility Symbols
NI PXIe-1062Q
1
23
4
5
1
2
3
ESD
SENSITIVE
N
I P
X
I
e
5
6
4
6
R
V
e
c
t
o
r
Si
g
n
a
l
T
r
a
n
s
c
e
i
v
e
r
6
5
M
H
z 6
.
0
G
H
z, 200 MHz BW
1. PXI Express System Controller Slot
2. PXI Peripheral Slot
4. PXI Express System Timing Slot
5. PXI Express Peripheral Slot
3. PXI Express Hybrid Peripheral Slot
The PXIe-5841 can be placed in PXI Express peripheral slots, PXI Express Hybrid
peripheral slots, or PXI Express system timing slots.
8.Touch any metal part of the chassis to discharge static electricity.
9.Ensure that the ejector handle is in the unlatched (downward) position.
10. Hold the module by the edges and slide it into the empty compatible slots. Ensure the
base engages with the guides in the chassis.
Figure 3. PXIe-5841 Module Installation
1. PXI Express Chassis
2. PXIe-5841 Module
3. Ejector Handle in Unlatched (Downward) Position
11. Latch the module in place by pulling up on the ejector handle.
12. Secure the module 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.
13. Use slot blockers and cover all empty slots with filler panels to maximize cooling air
flow.
Note Proper airflow is critical to device operation.
14. Power on the chassis.
Direct Connections to the PXIe-5841
The PXIe-5841 is a precision RF instrument that is sensitive to ESD and transients. Ensure
you take the following precautions when making direct connections to the PXIe-5841 to avoid
damaging the device.
Notice Apply external signals only while the PXIe-5841 is powered on. Applying
external signals while the device is powered off may cause damage.
•Ensure you are properly grounded when manipulating cables or antennas connected to the
PXIe-5841 RF IN connector.
•If you are using nonisolated devices, such as a nonisolated RF antenna, ensure the devices
are maintained in a static-free environment.
•If you are using an active device, such as a preamplifier or switch routed to the
PXIe-5841 RF IN connector, ensure that the device cannot generate signal transients
greater than the RF and DC specifications of the PXIe-5841 RF IN connector.
8 | ni.com | PXIe-5841 Getting Started Guide
Page 9
Hardware Front Panel Connectors and Indicators
PXIe-5841
Vector Signal Transceiver
9 kHz – 6 GHz, 1 GHz BW
PFI 0
DIO
REF
OUT
REF
IN
ESD
SENSITIVE
RF IN
+33 dBm MAX
50 Ω
RF OUT
Reverse Power
+33 dBm MAX
50 Ω
LO OUT
50 Ω
LO OUT
50 Ω
LO IN
+15 dBm MAX
50 Ω
LO IN
+15 dBm MAX
50 Ω
50 Ω
50 Ω
Figure 4. PXIe-5841 Front Panel
Notice Apply external signals only while the PXIe-5841 is powered on. Applying
external signals while the device is powered off may cause damage.
Refer to the user documentation for required maintenance measures to ensure user
safety and/or preserve the specified EMC performance.
The signal pins of this product's input/output ports can be damaged if subjected to
ESD. To prevent damage, employ industry-standard ESD prevention measures during
installation, maintenance, and operation.
Table 3. General Connector Descriptions
ConnectorUseConnector Type
REF INInput terminal that allows for the use of an external 10 MHz
MMPX (f)
Reference Clock.
REF OUT Output terminal that can export a 10 MHz Reference Clock.MMPX (f)
PFI 0Programmable-function digital I/O (DIO) connector for use
MMPX (f)
with triggers or events.
DIOMulti-signal DIO connector that provides access to FPGA
Nano-Pitch
multi-gigabit transceivers (MGTs) and general purpose
LVCMOS signals.
Notice The DIO connector is not an OCuLink interface. Do not connect the DIO
connector on the PXIe-5841 to the OCuLink interface of another device. NI is not
liable for any damage resulting from such signal connections.
Table 4. RF Connector Descriptions
ConnectorUseConnector Type
RF OUT RF OUT Output terminal for RF signals.SMA (f)
LO INInput terminal that allows for the use of an external
MMPX (f)
local oscillator (LO) for RF OUT.
LO OUT Output terminal for exporting the RF OUT LO
MMPX (f)
source.
RF INLO INInput terminal that allows the use of an external LO
MMPX (f)
for RF IN.
LO OUT Output terminal for exporting the RF IN LO source.MMPX (f)
RF OUT Input terminal for RF signals.SMA (f)
10 | ni.com | PXIe-5841 Getting Started Guide
Page 11
Table 5. LED Indicators
LEDIndications
ACCESS Indicates the basic hardware status of the device.
Off—The device is not yet functional or has detected a problem with a PXI
Express power rail.
Amber—The device is being accessed. Accessed means that you are writing to the
device setup registers to control the device, reading from the device to monitor the
device status, or transferring data to/from the device.
Green—The device is controllable through the software.
ACTIVE Off—The device is idle.
Solid green—The device is generating a waveform.
Dim amber—The device is waiting for an acquisition Reference Trigger.
Solid amber—The device is acquiring a waveform.
Solid red—The device has detected an error. The LED remains red until the error
condition is removed.
Note The indicators are listed in increasing order of priority. For
example, if you are generating a waveform using NI-RFSG and
waiting on an acquisition Reference Trigger in NI-RFSA, the LED is
dim amber.
Related Information
Refer to the PXIe-5841 Specifications for more information about front panel connectors.
Configuring the Hardware in MAX
Use Measurement & Automation Explorer (MAX) to configure your NI hardware. MAX
informs other programs about which devices reside in the system and how they are configured.
MAX is automatically installed with NI-RFSA and NI-RFSG.
1.Launch MAX by navigating to Start»All Programs»National Instruments»NI MAX or
by clicking the NI MAX desktop icon.
2.In the Configuration pane, expand Devices and Interfaces to see the list of installed
devices. Installed devices appear under the name of their associated chassis.
MAX lists all devices installed in the chassis. PXIe-5841 devices appear as NI-RIO
devices in the list. Your default device names may vary.
Note If you do not see your hardware listed, refer to the Troubleshooting
section of this document.
4.Record the device identifier MAX assigns to the hardware. Use this identifier when
programming the PXIe-5841.
Notice When you install, uninstall, or move an NI-RIO device in your
system, resource identification of your NI-RIO devices may change. Whenever
any of these changes occur, verify resource identification of all your NI-RIO
devices in MAX, and, if necessary, make changes to your software and
documentation.
Self-Calibration
Self-calibration adjusts the PXIe-5841 for variations in the module environment using an
onboard high-precision calibration tone.
The PXIe-5841 modules are externally calibrated at the factory; however, you should perform
a self-calibration in any of the following situations:
•After first installing the PXIe-5841 into your chassis
•After any module in the chassis is installed, uninstalled, or moved
•When the system is in an environment where the ambient temperature varies or the
module temperature has drifted more than ±5 °C from the temperature at the last selfcalibration
•To periodically adjust for small performance drifts that occur with product aging
Note Allow the module to warm up for 30 minutes after the PXI Express chassis
has powered on and the operating system has completely loaded before you use the
module or perform self-calibration.
Note Disconnect external RF IN/RF OUT port cables prior to self calibration for
best performance. If this is not possible then make sure external devices are turned
off or in idle state and not transmitting. Performing self-calibration while connected
in direct loopback configuration from RF OUT to RF IN is not recommended.
Performing a Device Self-Calibration Using the
NI-RFSA or NI-RFSG SFP
Perform the self-calibration using the NI-RFSA or NI-RFSG Soft Front Panel (SFP). The NIRFSA and NI-RFSG SFPs perform the same self-calibration, so it is not necessary to use both
SFPs when you self-calibrate the module.
1.Launch the NI-RFSA or NI-RFSG Soft Front Panel by navigating to Start»AllPrograms»National Instruments»<Driver>»<Driver> Soft Front Panel.
If you are using RFmx or NI-RFSA with Microsoft Visual C/C++, locate examples in the
following directories.
Table 7. Location of Microsoft Visual C/C++ Programming Examples
Software OptionExamples Location
RFmx<NIDocDir>\RFmx\Demod\Examples
<NIDocDir>\RFmx\SpecAn\Examples
where <NIDocDir> is the Users\Public\Public Documents
\National Instruments directory.
NI-RFSA<NIDocDir>\NI-RFSA\examples
where <NIDocDir> is the Users\Public\Public Documents
\National Instruments directory.
Making a First Measurement
You can verify proper installation and configuration of your device by making a measurement
using the NI-RFSG and NI-RFSA SFPs.
1.Connect the RF IN port to the RF OUT port using an SMA (m)-to-SMA (m) cable.
2.Select Start»All Programs»National Instruments»NI-RFSG»NI-RFSG Soft FrontPanel to launch the NI-RFSG Soft Front Panel.
3.Select the device identifier assigned to the PXIe-5841 in MAX in the Device drop-down
menu.
4.Click the RF On/Off button to generate a 1 GHz continuous wave (CW) tone RF signal
at the RF output terminal of your device.
5.Select Start»All Programs»National Instruments»NI-RFSA»NI-RFSA Soft FrontPanel to launch the NI-RFSA Soft Front Panel.
6.Select the device identifier assigned to the PXIe-5841 in MAX in the Device drop-down
menu.
7.Verify that the NI-RFSA Soft Front Panel is receiving the CW tone.
8.Close the NI-RFSA Soft Front Panel and NI-RFSG Soft Front Panel.
Related Information
Refer to the NI-RFSA Soft Front Panel Help for more information about using the NI-RFSA
Soft Front Panel.
Refer to the NI-RFSG Soft Front Panel Help for more information about using the NI-RFSG
Soft Front Panel.
16 | ni.com | PXIe-5841 Getting Started Guide
Page 17
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-5841 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 SystemDescription
Windows 10Select Start»Control Panel»Device Manager.
Windows 8.1Right-click the Start button, and select Device Manager.
Windows 7Select Start»Control Panel»Device Manager.
5.If you are using a PXI controller, verify that a National Instruments entry appears in the
system device list. If error conditions appear in the list, right-click the PXIe-5841 and NI-RIO FPGA Device nodes and select Update Driver. If you are using an MXI controller,
right-click PCI-to-PCI Bridge, and select Properties from the shortcut menu to verify
that the bridge is enabled.
6.Restart your computer.
Why Is the ACCESS LED Off When the Chassis Is
On?
The LEDs may not light until the device has been configured in MAX. Before proceeding,
verify that the PXIe-5841 appears in MAX.
If the module appears in MAX but the ACCESS LED fails to light after you power on the
chassis, a problem may exist with the chassis power rails, the hardware module, or the LED.
Notice Apply external signals only while the hardware is powered on. Applying
external signals while the hardware is powered off may cause damage.
1.Disconnect any signals from the PXI Express module front panel.
2.Power off the PXI Express chassis.
3.Remove the module from the PXI Express chassis and inspect it for damage. Do not
reinstall a damaged device.
4.Install the module in a different PXI Express chassis slot from which you removed it.
*This item is also installed with the driver software.
The VST device information is also located in the NI RF Vector Signal Analyzer Help or the NI RF Signal Generators Help.
Learn LabVIEW Basics
the application development
environment (ADE)
for your application.
about hardware features
or review device
specifications.
custom applications with
an application programming
interface (API).
RFmx Examples*
NI-RFSA and NI-RFSG
Examples*
ni.com/vstgettingstarted
Services
ni.com/services
NI Community
ni.com/community
Support
ni.com/support
more about your products through ni.com.
Located online at ni.com/manuals
Located online at ni.com/gettingstarted
RF Solutions
ni.com/rf
PXIe-5841
Specifications*
NI RF Vector Signal
Transceivers Help*
†
†
7.Verify that the device appears in MAX.
Where to Go Next
Refer to the following figure for information about other product tasks and associated
resources for those tasks.
Tip The NI RF Vector Signal Transceivers Help, available at ni.com/manuals, is an
HTML version of a traditional user manual that includes detailed information about
RF fundamentals, device features, and programming for vector signal transceivers.
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.
18 | ni.com | PXIe-5841 Getting Started Guide
Page 19
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
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
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