10 MHz to 6 GHz, x86 Processor, GPS-Disciplined OCXO, USRP
Software Defined Radio Stand-Alone Device
This document explains how to install, configure, and test the USRP-2974 Software Defined
Radio Stand-Alone Device.
The USRP-2974 can send and/or receive signals for use in various communications
applications. The device ships with the NI-USRP instrument driver, which you can use to
program the device.
Contents
Verifying the System Requirements..........................................................................................1
Unpacking the Kit..................................................................................................................... 2
Verifying the Kit Contents................................................................................................ 2
Installing the Software.............................................................................................................. 3
Connecting to a Computer........................................................................................................ 3
Powering on the Device.................................................................................................... 4
Programming the Device.......................................................................................................... 4
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.
Verifying the Kit Contents
Figure 1. Kit Contents
1. USRP-2974
2. Getting Started Guide (This Document)
3. 30 dB SMA Attenuator
Notice If you directly connect or cable a signal generator to your device, or if you
connect multiple devices together, you must connect a 30 dB attenuator to the RF
input (RX1 or RX2) of each receiving USRP-2974.
2 | ni.com | USRP-2974 Getting Started Guide
4. SMA (m)-to-SMA (m) Cable
5. Power Supply
Optional Items
•Additional SMA (m)-to-SMA (m) cables to use the REF IN and PPS IN signals
•1 G or 10 G Ethernet cable
•CDA-2990 Clock Distribution Device for synchronizing multiple devices
•GPS antenna
•10 G Ethernet card for desktop
Tip NI recommends using the Ettus 10 Gigabit Ethernet Card for Desktop,
available at www.ettus.com.
Installing the Software
You must be an Administrator to install NI software on your computer.
Ensure that you have installed the latest version of NI Package Manager. To access the
download page for NI Package Manager, go to ni.com/info and enter Info Code
NIPMDownload.
1.Install LabVIEW Communications System Design Suite.
2.Install the latest NI-USRP instrument driver 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.
Connecting to a Computer
For most applications, the USRP-2974 must be connected either to a desktop computer or a
laptop computer.
Install any software you plan to use on the desktop computer or laptop computer before you
connect the hardware.
1.(Optional) Connect any additional attachments required for your project to the front panel
or back panel terminals of the USRP-2974.
2.Connect the USRP-2974 to an Ethernet port on the local subnet or directly to the
computer using an Ethernet cable.
Connection Action
1G ETHConnect the RJ45 connector of the USRP-2974 front panel to the Ethernet
10G ETHConnect the SFP+ Port 0 connector of the USRP-2974 front panel to the
Ethernet port of the computer.
Note The USRP-2974 automatically attempts to connect to the network using
dynamic host configuration protocol (DHCP). If DHCP is not available, the
USRP-2974 connects to the network with a link-local IP address with the form
169.254.x.x.
Tip Use an Ethernet router to connect multiple USRP-2974 devices to the
computer.
Related Information
How Do I Change My IP Address Using My Computer? on page 9
Powering on the Device
1.Connect the power supply to the USRP-2974.
2.Plug the power supply into a wall outlet. Press the power button.
3.Power on the computer or laptop.
Programming the Device
You can use the NI-USRP instrument driver to create communications applications for the
USRP-2974.
The USRP-2974 contains a controller that runs NI Linux Real-Time. It also contains a
LabVIEW FPGA target, which supports the creation of custom FPGAs and configuration of
the device using Instrument Design Libraries (IDLs).
NI-USRP Instrument Driver
The NI-USRP instrument driver features a set of functions and properties that exercise the
capabilities of the USRP-2974, including configuration, control, and other device-specific
functions.
Refer to the NI-USRP Manual for information about using the instrument driver in your
applications.
4 | ni.com | USRP-2974 Getting Started Guide
Software Options
You must use the USRP RIO IDL when programming the USRP-2974.
Note The NI-USRP API is not supported when programming the USRP-2974.
•Description:
–Allows you to interface with the FPGA of your USRP-2974 for advanced
programming and digital signal processing (DSP).
–Uses the USRP RIO Sample Projects, which allow you to take common
measurements with your device. USRP RIO Sample Projects are included in the
installation.
•Use Case: Use with LabVIEW Communications System Design Suite to customize the
behavior of the device FPGA to create application-specific instrument designs.
•Location:
–(LabVIEW Communications System Design Suite 2.1 to Current) On the Diagram
tab, select Hardware Interfaces»Wireless Design and Test»USRP RIO from the
palette.
–(LabVIEW Communications System Design Suite 2.0) On the Diagram tab, select
Hardware Interfaces»USRP RIO from the palette.
NI-USRP Sample Project
NI-USRP includes a sample project that serves as a starting point to build a USRP RIO
streaming application.
•LabVIEW NXG 2.1 to Current or LabVIEW Communications System Design Suite 2.1
to Current: From the Projects tab, select USRP RIO and choose the applicable sample
project for your device and setup.
•LabVIEW Communications System Design Suite 2.0: From the Projects tab, choose the
applicable sample project for your device and setup.
Using Your Device with Software
You can view and manage your device using SystemLink or LabVIEW Communications
System Design Suite.
Note SystemLink is not supported when using LabVIEW Communications System
Design Suite 2.0.
Related Information
Refer to the SystemLink Manual to learn more about using your device with SystemLink.
Refer to the LabVIEW Communications System Design Suite Manual for information on using
a real-time target, such as connecting to a real-time controller, testing a VI, and deploying and
running an application.