National Instruments USRP-2974 Getting Started Manual

GETTING STARTED GUIDE
USRP-2974
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
NI-USRP Instrument Driver............................................................................................. 4
NI-USRP Sample Project..................................................................................................5
Using Your Device with Software.................................................................................... 5
Troubleshooting........................................................................................................................ 8
Device Troubleshooting....................................................................................................8
Network Troubleshooting................................................................................................. 8
Front Panel, Back Panel, and Connectors............................................................................... 11
Direct Connections to the USRP-2974............................................................................11
USRP-2974 Front Panel, Back Panel, and LEDs ...........................................................11
Where to Go Next................................................................................................................... 17
Worldwide Support and Services............................................................................................ 17

Verifying the System Requirements

To use the NI-USRP 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

1
32
RF 0
RF 1
AUX I/O
3.3 VDC MAX
1G/10G ETH
SFP+ Ports
NI USRP-2974
10 MHz – 6 GHz, GPS-Disciplined Clock (160 MHz BW)
4 5
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.
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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 ETH Connect the RJ45 connector of the USRP-2974 front panel to the Ethernet
port of the computer.
USRP-2974 Getting Started Guide | © National Instruments | 3
Connection Action
10G ETH Connect 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.
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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.
USRP-2974 Getting Started Guide | © National Instruments | 5

Adding Hardware to LabVIEW Communications System Design Suite

You must add your USRP-2974 to LabVIEW Communications System Design Suite before you can use it to run code.
Related Information
Why Can't I Detect My Device in LabVIEW Communications System Design Suite? on page
9
What is the IP Address of My Device? on page 9
Adding Hardware to LabVIEW Communications System Design Suite 2.1 to Current
1. Open LabVIEW Communications System Design Suite and select the Hardware button to open SystemDesigner.
2. Right-click anywhere in SystemDesigner and select Add hardware. Alternatively, select the + button.
3. In the Discovered hardware tab, select the USRP-2974 you want to register. Click Add.
Note If your device is not listed in the Discovered hardware tab, open the
Add hardware by address tab and type the IP address or hostname of your device in the IP address/hostname field. Click Connect.
Note By default, the user name is root, and the password is blank.
4. Click Close.
Adding Hardware to LabVIEW Communications System Design Suite 2.0
1. Open LabVIEW Communications System Design Suite and select the Hardware tab.
2. Select Network Systems to display USRP-2974 devices that you can reserve to use in projects on the computer.
The device and the computer must be connected to the same local network.
3. In the Unregistered Systems category, select the icon of the USRP-2974 you want to register.
4. Click Register.
Note If your USRP-2974 does not appear in the Unregistered Systems
category, type the IP address or hostname in the Register by IP or Hostname field.
5. Add or verify the Hostname or IP Address, User name, and Password.
Note By default, the user name is root, and the password is blank.
6. Click Register.
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