National Instruments SCXI-1190, SCXI-1191 User Manual

™

SCXI

SCXI-1190/1191
User Manual

SCXI-1190/1191 User Manual

February 2000 Edition

Part Number 322610A-01

Worldwide Technical Support and Product Information

www.ni.com

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For further support information, see the Technical Support Resources appendix. To comment on the
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© Copyright 2000 National Instruments Corporation. All rights reserved.

Important Information

Warranty

The SCXI-1190 and SCXI-1191 are warranted against defects in materials and workmanship for a period of one year from the date
of shipment, as evidenced by receipts or other documentation. National Instruments will, at its option, repair or replace equip ment
that proves to be defective during the warranty period. Th is warrant y in cludes parts and labor.

The media on which you receive National Instruments software are warranted not to fail to execute programming instructions,
due to defects in materials and workmanship, for a period of 90 days from date of sh ipmen t, as evid enced b y receipt s o r other
documentation. National Instruments will, at its op ti on , repair or repl ace soft ware me dia th at do not ex ecu te pr ogram mi ng
instructions if National Instruments receives notice of such defects during the warranty period. National Instruments does not
warrant that the operation of the software shall be uni nterrup ted or error free.

A Return Material Authorization (RMA) number must be obtained from the factory and clearly marked on the outside of
the package before any equipment will be accepted for warranty work. National Instruments will pay the shipping costs of
returning to the owner parts which are covered by warrant y.

National Instruments believes that the information in this document is accurate. The document has been carefully reviewed
for technical accuracy. In the event that technical or typographical errors exist, National Instruments reserves the right to
make changes to subsequent editions of this document withou t p rio r no ti ce to hold ers o f thi s ed itio n. The read er sh ou ld consul t
National Instruments if errors are suspected. In no even t shall Nati on al Inst rum ents be l iable fo r any dama ges aris in g o ut of
or related to this document or the information contained in it.

XCEPT AS SPECIFIED HEREIN

E

WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE
NEGLIGENCE ON THE PART OF NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS SHALL BE LIMITED TO THE AMOUNT THERETOFORE PAID BY THE CUSTOMER

NSTRUMENTS WILL NOT BE LIABLE FOR DAMAGES RESULTING FROM LOSS OF DATA, PROFITS, USE OF PRODUCTS, OR INCIDENTAL OR

I

CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, EVEN IF ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY THEREOF

apply regardless of the form of action, whether in contract or tort, including negligence. Any action against National Instruments
must be brought within one year after the cause of action accrues. National Instruments shall not be liable for any delay in
performance due to causes beyond its reasonable control. The warranty provided herein does not co ver d amag es, defects,
malfunctions, or service failures caused by ow ner’s fai lu re t o foll ow th e Nation al Inst rum ent s in stal l ation, op erat i on, or
maintenance instructions; owner’s modification of the pro du ct; ow ner’s abus e, m isus e, or negligent acts; and po wer failure or
surges, fire, flood, accident, actions of third parties, or other events outside reasonable control.

ATIONAL INSTRUMENTS MAKES NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AND SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS ANY

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Copyright

Under the copyright laws, this publication may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form, electronic or mechanical, including
photocopying, recording, storing in an informatio n retriev al s ystem, o r t ran sl ating , in who le or i n p art, wit ho ut t he prior written
consent of National Instruments Corporation.

USTOMER’S RIGHT TO RECOVER DAMAGES CAUSED BY FAULT OR

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. This limitation of the liability of National Instruments will

. N

ATIONAL

Trademarks

CVI™, LabVIEW™, National Instruments™, ni.com™, NI-DAQ™, NI-SWITCH™, PXI™, and SCXI™ are trademarks of
National Instruments Corporati on.

Product and company names mentioned herein are trad emarks o r trad e name s of thei r respect ive compan ies .

WARNING REGARDING USE OF NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS PRODUCTS

(1) NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS PRODUCTS ARE NOT DESIGNED WITH COMPONENTS AND TESTING FOR A LEVEL
OF RELIABILITY SUITABLE FOR USE IN OR IN CONNECTION WITH SURGICAL IMPLANTS OR AS CRITICAL
COMPONENTS IN ANY LIFE SUPPORT SYSTEMS WHOSE FAILURE TO PERFORM CAN REASONABLY BE
EXPECTED TO CAUSE SIGNIFICANT INJURY TO A HUMAN.

(2) IN ANY APPLICATION, I NCLUDING THE ABOVE , RELIABILITY OF OP ERATION OF THE SOFT WARE PRODUCTS
CAN BE IMPAIRED BY ADVERSE FACTORS, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO FLUCTUATIONS IN ELECTRICAL
POWER SUPPLY, COMPUTER HARDWARE MALFUNCTIONS, COMPUTER OPERATING SYSTEM SOFTWARE
FITNESS, FITNESS OF COMPILERS AND DEVELOPMENT SOFTWARE USED TO DE VEL OP AN APPLICAT ION,
INSTALLATION ERRORS, SOFTWARE AND HARDWARE COMPATIBILITY PROBLEMS, MALFUNCTIONS OR
FAILURES OF ELECTRONIC MONITORING OR CONTROL DEVICES, TRANSIENT FAILURES OF ELECTRONIC
SYSTEMS (HARDWARE AND/OR SOFTWARE), UNANTICIPATED USES OR MISUSES, OR ERRORS ON THE PART OF
THE USER OR APPLICATIONS DESIGNER (ADVERSE FACTORS SUCH AS THESE ARE HEREAFTER
COLLECTIVELY TERMED “SYSTEM FAILURES”). ANY APPLICATION WHERE A SYSTEM FAILURE WOULD
CREATE A RISK OF HARM TO PROPERTY OR PERSONS (INCLUDING THE RISK OF BODILY INJURY AND DEATH)
SHOULD NOT BE RELIANT SOLELY UPON ONE FORM OF ELECTRON IC SYSTE M DUE TO THE RISK OF SYSTEM
FAILURE. TO AVOID DAMAGE, INJURY, OR DEATH, THE USER OR APPLICATION DESIGNE R MU ST T AKE
REASONABLY PRUDENT STEPS TO PROTECT AGAINST SYSTEM FAILURES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO
BACK-UP OR SHUT DOWN MECHANISMS. BECAUSE EACH END-USER SYSTEM IS CUSTOMIZED AND DIFFERS
FROM NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS' TESTING PLATFORMS AND BECAUSE A USER OR APPLICATION DESIGNER
MAY USE NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS PRODUCTS IN COMBINATION WITH OTHER PRODUCTS IN A MANNER NOT
EVALUATED OR CONTEMPLATED BY NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS, THE USER OR A PPLICATION DE SIGNER IS
ULTIMATELY RESPONSIBLE FOR VERIFYING AND VALIDATING THE SUITAB ILITY OF NA TIONAL
INSTRUMENTS PRODUCTS WHENEVER NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS PRODUCTS ARE INCORPORATED IN A
SYSTEM OR APPLICATION, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, THE APPROPRIATE DESIGN, PROCESS AND
SAFETY LEVEL OF SUCH SYSTEM OR APPLICATION.

Compliance

FCC/Canada Radio Frequency Interference Compliance*

Determining FCC Class

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has rules to protect wireless communications from interference.
The FCC places digital electronics into two classes. These classes are known as Class A (for use in industrial­commercial locations only) or Class B (for use in residential or commercial locations). Depending on where it is
operated, this product could be subject to restrictions in the FCC rules. (In Canada, the Department of
Communications (DOC), of Industry Canada, regulates wireless interference in much the same way.)

Digital electronics emit weak signals during normal operation that can affect radio, television, or other wireless
products. By examining the product you purchased, you can determine the FCC Class and therefore which of the two
FCC/DOC Warnings apply in the following sections. (Some products may not be labeled at all for FCC; if so, the
reader should then assume these are Class A devices.)

FCC Class A products only display a simple warning statement of one paragraph in length regarding interference and
undesired operation. Most of our products are FCC Class A. The FCC rules have restrictions regarding the locations
where FCC Class A products can be operated.

FCC Class B products display either a FCC ID code, starting with the letters EXN,
or the FCC Class B compliance mark that appears as shown here on the right.

Consult the FCC web site

http://www.fcc.gov for more information.

FCC/DOC Warnings

This equipment generates and uses radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in strict accordance with the
instructions in this manual and the CE Mark Declaration of Conformity**, may cause interference to radio and
television reception. Classification requirements are the same for the Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
and the Canadian Department of Communications (DOC).

Changes or modifications not expressly approved by National Instruments could void the user’s authority to operate
the equipment under the FCC Rules.

Class A

Federal Communications Commission

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to part 15
of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the
equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency
energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to
radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in
which case the user will be required to correct the interference at his own expense.

Canadian Department of Communications

This Class A digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment Regulations.
Cet appareil numérique de la classe A respecte toutes les exigences du Règlement sur le matériel brouilleur du

Canada.

Class B

Federal Communications Commission

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15
of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a
residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed
and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However,
there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful
interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user
is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.

• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

Canadian Department of Communications

This Class B digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment Regulations.
Cet appareil numérique de la classe B respecte toutes les exigences du Règlement sur le matériel brouilleur du

Canada.

European Union - Compliance to EEC Directives

Readers in the EU/EEC/EEA must refer to the Manufacturer's Declaration of Conformity (DoC) for information**
pertaining to the CE Mark compliance scheme. The Manufacturer includes a DoC for most every hardware product
except for those bought for OEMs, if also available from an original manufacturer that also markets in the EU, or
where compliance is not required as for electrically benign apparatus or cables.

* Certain exemptions may apply in the USA, see FCC Rules §15.103 Exempted devices, and §15.105(c).

Also available in sections of CFR 47.

** The CE Mark Declaration of Conformity will contain important supplementary information and instructions

for the user or installer.

Conventions

The following conventions are used in this manual:
This icon denotes a note, which alerts you to important information.
This icon denotes a caution, which advises you of precautions to take to

avoid injury, data loss, or a system crash.
This icon denotes a warning, which advises you of precautions to take to

avoid being electrically shocked.

bold Bold text denotes items that you must select or click on in the software,

such as menu items and dialog box options. Bold text also denotes
parameter names.

italic Italic text denotes variables, emphasis, a cross reference, or an introduction

to a key concept. This font also denotes text that is a placeholder for a word
or value that you must supply.

monospace Text in this font denotes text or characters that you should enter from the

keyboard, sections of code, programming examples, and syntax examples.
This font is also used for the proper names of disk drives, paths, directories,
programs, subprograms, subroutines, device names, functions, operations,
variables, filenames and extensions, and code excerpts.

monospace bold Bold text in this font denotes the messages and responses that the computer

automatically prints to the screen. This font also emphasizes lines of code
that are different from the other examples.

SCXI-119X Refers to the both the SCXI-1190 module and the SCXI-1191 module.

Contents

Chapter 1
Installing and Configuring the SCXI-119

About the SCXI-119X....................................................................................................1-1

Installing the Software................................................................................................... 1-1

Installing the Hardware..................................................................................................1-2

Unpacking........................................................................................................1-2

Installing the SCXI-119X Module into an SCXI Chassis ...............................1-3

Connecting the SCXI-119X to a DAQ Device or Computer-Based

Instrument....................................................................... ..............................1-4

Connecting the SCXI-119X to a DAQ Device in a PXI Combination

Chassis..........................................................................................................1-6

Configuration and Self-Test......................................... .................................. ... .............1-7

Auto-Detecting Modules.................................................................................1-8

Manually Adding Modules..............................................................................1-9

Self-Test Verification......................................................................................1-10

Troubleshooting Self-Test Verification...........................................................1-10

Removing the SCXI-119X.............................................................................................1-12

Removing the SCXI-119X from an SCXI Chassis..........................................1-12

Removing the SCXI-119X from Measurement & Automation Explorer........1-13

Chapter 2
Using the SCXI-119

Functional Overview......................................................................................................2-1

Safety Instructions .........................................................................................................2-2

RF Switching Precautions.................................................. ............................................2-3

Contact Protection..........................................................................................................2-3

Connecting Signals ........................................................................................................2-4

Multiplexing to RF Sources.............................................................................2-5

Expanding the RF Multiplexer........................................................................2-6

X

X

Appendix A
Specifications

Appendix B
Common Questions

© National Instruments Corporation vii SCXI-1190/1191 User Manual

Contents

Appendix C
Technical Support Resources

Glossary

Index

Figures

Figure 1-1. Installing the SCXI-119X into an SCXI Chassis ..................................1-3

Figure 1-2. Connecting an SCXI Chassis to a DAQ Device or

Computer-Based Instrument.................................................................1-6

Figure 1-3. Removing the SCXI-119X....................................................................1-13

Figure 2-1. SCXI-119X Module Block Diagram.....................................................2-2

Figure 2-2. SCXI-1190 SMB Connectors, SCXI-1191 SMA Connectors.............. 2-4

Figure 2-3. Connecting the SCXI-119X ..................................................................2-5

Figure 2-4. Expanding the SCXI-119X ...................................................................2-6

SCXI-1190/1191 User Manual viii www.ni.com

Installing and Configuring the
SCXI-119X

This manual describes the electrical and mechanical characteristics of the
SCXI-1190 (quad 1 × 4, 50 Ω, 1.3 GHz bandwidth) and the SCXI-1191
(quad 1 × 4, 50 Ω, 4 GHz bandwidth) multiplexer modules for the SCXI
bus and contains information concerning their installation and operation.

About the SCXI-119X

This section summarizes the features and operation of the SCXI-119X
switch modules. In addition, refer to Appendix A, Specifications,
for detailed specifications of the switch module.

The SCXI-119X modules are general-purpose, quad 4-channel,
high-bandwidth multiplexing switches. The SCXI-119X uses single-pole
double-throw, high-bandwidth relays capable of switching signals from
DC to 1.3 GHz bandwidth (SCXI-1190) and from DC to 4 GHz bandwidth
(SCXI-1191). The characteristic impedance of the channels is 50 Ω. F or the
SCXI-1190, the maximum rated voltage of the switch is 24 VDC, and the
maximum rated current is 1 A at 24 V. For the SCXI-1191, the maximum
rated voltage of the switch is 30 VDC, and the maximum rated current is
30 V

at 0.33 ADC.

rms

1

Installing the Software

You can control the SCXI-119X programmatically in an application
development environment (ADE) using NI-SWITCH. The supported
ADEs include LabVIEW, LabWindows/CVI, Visual Basic, and C or C++
environments. The following steps describe how to install your SCXI-119X
software.

1. Install your ADE if you have not already done so. Refer to your ADEs
documentation for the software installation instructions.

© National Instruments Corporation 1-1 SCXI-1190/1191 User Manual

Chapter 1 Installing and Configuring the SCXI-119X

2. Install the NI-SWITCH software that came on a CD with your
SCXI-119X. The CD includes the software required to configure and
to program your SCXI-119X module.

a. Insert your National Instruments NI-SWITCH software CD into

the CD-ROM drive.

b. Click Install in the installation window that will appear

automatically.

Note If the installation window does not appear, double-click the My Computer icon on

your PC desktop. Find the CD drive, and double-click it. In the CD directory , double-click

install.exe.

Installing the Hardware

The following section describes how to unpack, install, and connect your
SCXI-119X for use with an SCXI chassi s.

Caution Make sure you read and understand all the safety information in this manual

before you install an SCXI module.

Unpacking

Your SCXI-119X module is shipped in an antistatic package to prevent
electrostatic discharge damage to the module. Electrostatic discharge can
damage several components on the module. To avoid damaging the
module, take the following precautions:

• Ground yourself through a grounding strap or by holding a grounded
object.

• Touch the antistatic package to a metal part of your SCXI chassis
before removing the module from the package.

• Remove the module from the package, and inspect the module for
loose components or any other sign of damage. Notify National
Instruments if the module appears damaged in any way . Do not install
a damaged module into your SCXI chassis.

• Never touch the exposed pins of connectors to avoid possible
electrostatic discharge.

SCXI-1190/1191 User Manual 1-2 www.ni.com

Chapter 1 Installing and Configuring the SCXI-119X

Installing the SCXI-119X Module into an SCXI Chassis

You need the following items to complete the installation:

• SCXI-119X module

• SCXI chassis
Follow these steps to install your SCXI-119X module into an SCXI chassis

while referring to Figure 1-1.

5

1 Slot 1
2 Slot 2
3 Slot 3

7

8

4 Slot 4
5 SCXI Chassis
6 SCXI Chassis Power Sw itc h

1. Turn of f the computer that contains the DA Q device or computer -based
instrument, or disconnect the computer from your SCXI chassis.

2. Turn off the SCXI chassis.

Caution

Do not insert the SCXI-119X module into a chassis that is turned on as doing so

could damage the module.

6

SCXI

MAINFRAME

1

3

Figure 1-1.

®

2

4

7 SCXI-119X (SCXI-1191 Shown)
8 SCXI Module Thumbscrews

Installing the SCXI-119X into an SCXI Chassis

3. Remove the protecti ve plastic caps from the module’s thumbscrews so
that the module will insert correctly.

© National Instruments Corporation 1-3 SCXI-1190/1191 User Manual

Chapter 1 Installing and Configuring the SCXI-119X

4. Insert the SCXI-119X module into slot 1. Gently guide the module into
the module guides and push it to the back of the slot until the
connectors make good contact. The module must be firmly engaged;
however, do not force the module into place. If the module is not
sliding easily into the chassis, check for correct insertion into the
module guides.

Note When installing the SCXI-119X module in an SCXI chassis, slot 1 should be filled

first, then fill slot 2 with the next SCXI-119X.

5. Insert any other SCXI modules into the remaining slots in the same
manner as described in step 4.

6. Secure all the SCXI-119X modules to the SCXI chassis by tightening
both module thumbscrews.

Connecting the SCXI-119X to a DAQ Device or Computer-Based
Instrument

You need the following items:

• SCXI chassis with the SCXI modules installed (Refer to the Installing

the SCXI-119X Module into an SCXI Chassis section.)

• SCXI cable assembly, which consists of a cable adapter and a cable

• An installed National Instruments DAQ device or computer-based
instrument that is able to control the SCXI chassis such as the NI 4060

• 1/4 in. flathead screwdriver

Consult your SCXI chassis documentation, other SCXI module
documentation, and DAQ device or computer-based instrument
documentation for additional instructions and warnings. Your SCXI-119X
module and any other SCXI modules should already be installed in the
chassis according to their installation instructions.

You must select one of the modules in the chassis to be the cabled
module—the module to which the SCXI cable assembly will be connected.
If the chassis contains at least one SCXI-1140 module, select an
SCXI-1140 as the cabled module; otherwise, select one of the remaining
modules.

SCXI-1190/1191 User Manual 1-4 www.ni.com

Chapter 1 Installing and Configuring the SCXI-119X

To connect the chassis to a DAQ device for multiplexed operation,
complete the following steps while referring to Figure 1-2:

1. Turn off both the SCXI chassis and the computer that contains the
DAQ device or computer-based instrument.

2. Insert the cable adapter into the back of the SCXI chassis aligned with
the module that is to be connected to the DAQ device or
computer-based instrument. See your cable assembly’s installation
guide for more specific information.

3. Connect the cable to the back of the cable adapter, ensuring that the
cable fits securely.

4. Connect the other end of the cable to the DAQ device or
computer-based instrument that you will use to control the SCXI
system.

5. Check the cable installation, making sure the connectors are securely
fastened at both ends.

6. Turn on the SCXI chassis.

7. Turn on the computer.

8. If you have already installed the appropriate software, you are ready to
configure the SCXI-119X. If you have not installed the appropriate
software, refer to the Installing the Software section.

© National Instruments Corporation 1-5 SCXI-1190/1191 User Manual

Chapter 1 Installing and Configuring the SCXI-119X

1

4

®

1 SCXI Chassis Power Switch
2 Cable Adapter

2

3 Cable
4 DAQ Device or Computer-Bas ed Ins trument

Figure 1-2. Connecting an SCXI Chassis to a DAQ Device or

Computer-Based Instrument

3

Connecting the SCXI-119X to a DAQ Device in a PXI Combination
Chassis

To connect the SCXI-119X to a DAQ device in a PXI combination chassis,
such as the PXI-1010 or PXI-1011, you need the following items:

• PXI combination chassis with the SCXI modules installed

• National Instruments PXI MIO DAQ device, or a computer-based
instrument that is capable of controlling SCXI, installed in the right
most slot of the PXI section of the combination chassis

A PXI combination chassis can use both SCXI and PXI modules at the
same time. Because the connection between the SCXI backplane and the
PXI backplane is made through a local bus interface to a PXI multifunction
I/O module installed in the right most slot, no external cabling is needed to
connect one PXI multifunction I/O module to the SCXI bus.

SCXI-1190/1191 User Manual 1-6 www.ni.com