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.
3.Add the USRP-2974 device to the project as described in Adding Your Device to a
Project.
4.Run Tx and Rx Streaming (Host).gvi.
If the device is transmitting and receiving signals, the front panel graphs display
waveform data.
5.Click STOP to conclude the test.
Troubleshooting
If an issue persists after you complete a troubleshooting procedure, contact NI technical
support or visit ni.com/support.
Device Troubleshooting
Should I Update Device Firmware and FPGA Images?
Your device ships with firmware and FPGA images compatible with the NI-USRP driver
software. You may need to update the device for compatibility with the latest version of the
software.
Why Doesn't the Device Power On?
Verify that the power supply is functional by substituting a different adapter.
Network Troubleshooting
Why Doesn't the Device Respond to a Ping
(ICMP Echo Request)?
The device should reply to an internet control message protocol (ICMP) echo request.
To ping the device, open a Windows command prompt and enter ping <IP address>,
where <IP address> is the IP address for your USRP device. If you do not receive a
response, verify that the host network interface card is set to a static IP address corresponding
to the same subnet as the IP address of the corresponding device. Also verify that the device IP
address is set properly.
8 | ni.com | USRP-2974 Getting Started Guide
Why Can't I Detect My Device in LabVIEW Communications
System Design Suite?
Complete one or more of the following options to detect your device in LabVIEW
Communications System Design Suite:
•Ensure that the device is powered on and has a valid IP address.
•Refer to the NI-USRP Readme to verify that your version of the NI-USRP instrument
driver supports the USRP-2974.
•Visit ni.com/info and enter the Info Code bxpsse to access the Provisioning a Real-TimeController or USRP Stand-Alone Device for LabVIEW Communications tutorial.
What is the IP Address of My Device?
The device acquires an IP address when connected to the network for the first time. You can
discover this IP address by using Linux commands while connected to the device.
1.Connect the USRP-2974 to a monitor, keyboard, and mouse.
2.Enter your login credentials.
3.Use the Linux command ifconfig to view the IP address for the following Ethernet
ports:
Table 1. Ethernet Port Addressing
Ethernet Port
Addressing
eth01G ETH RJ45
eth1Internal 10G ETH
Port Description
eth2External SFP+ 1G/10G ETH 0
Note The external SFP+ 1G/10G ETH 1 port does
not have access to the system on module (SoM).
Tip You can limit the results by adding the Ethernet port after the Linux
command ifconfig. For example, the Linux command ifconfig eth0
provides the IP address for the 1G ETH RJ45 port.
How Do I Change My IP Address Using My Computer?
1.Open or create a project including the USRP-2974 as described in Adding Your Device to
a Project.
Note If the device cannot be connected in SystemDesigner due to an incorrect
or unknown IP address, set up a temporary IP address for the device as
described in How Do I Change My IP Address without Using My Computer?.
2.Select Network Adapters on the target in SystemDesigner.
3.Select Configure Network Settings on the Configuration pane.
4.Select the network adapter that you want to change the settings for using the addresses
defined in the following table.
How Do I Change My IP Address without Using My Computer?
1.Connect the USRP-2974 to a monitor, keyboard, and mouse.
2.Enter your login credentials.
3.Use the Linux command ifconfig <Port> <IP Address>, where <Port> is one
of the following Ethernet ports, and <IP Address> is the new IP address.
Table 3. Ethernet Port Addressing
Ethernet Port
Addressing
eth01G ETH RJ45
Port Description
eth1Internal 10G ETH
eth2External SFP+ 1G/10G ETH 0
Note The external SFP+ 1G/10G ETH 1 port does
not have access to the system on module (SoM).
For example, if you would like to change the IP address of the 1G ETH RJ45 port, use the
Linux command ifconfig eth0 <IP Address>.
Notice This change is lost once the device is turned off. Once the device is
accessible from your computer, change the IP address using your computer as
described in How Do I Change My IP Address Using My Computer? to ensure the IP
address is set indefinitely.
Why Does the Device Not Connect to the Host Interface?
Ensure the connection between the host network interface card and the device cable
connection is valid and both the device and computer are powered on.
10 | ni.com | USRP-2974 Getting Started Guide
A lit green LED in the upper left corner of the gigabit Ethernet connection port on the device
TX1 RX1RX2
RF 0
TX1 RX1RX2
RF 1
TX OUTPUT MAX +20 dBm, RX INPUT MAX -15 dBm, ALL RF PORTS 50 Ω
front panel indicates a gigabit Ethernet connection.
Front Panel, Back Panel, and Connectors
Direct Connections to the USRP-2974
The USRP-2974 is an RF instrument that is sensitive to ESD and transients. Ensure you take
the following precautions when making direct connections to the USRP-2974 to avoid
damaging the device.
Notice Apply external signals only while the USRP-2974 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
USRP-2974 TX 1 RX 1 or RX 2 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
USRP-2974 TX 1 RX 1 or RX 2 connector, ensure that the device cannot generate signal
transients greater than the RF and DC specifications of the USRP-2974 TX 1 RX 1 or
RX 2 connector.
internal power supply
has failed. Check
front-panel I/O
connections for shorts.
Remove any shorts
and cycle power to the
USRP-2974. Contact
NI if the problem
persists.
REF OUTOutput terminal for an external reference signal for the LO on the
device. REF OUT is an SMA (f) connector with an impedance of
50 Ω, and it is a single-ended reference output. The output signal at
this connector is 10 MHz at 3.3 V.
REF INInput terminal for an external reference signal for the LO on the
device. REF IN is an SMA (f) connector with an impedance of 50 Ω,
and it is a single-ended reference input. REF IN accepts a 10 MHz
signal with a minimum input power of 0 dBm (0.632 V pk-pk) and a
maximum input power of 15 dBm (3.56 V pk-pk) for a square wave
or sine wave.
PPS TRIG OUTOutput terminal for the PPS timing reference. PPS TRIG OUT is an
SMA (f) connector with an impedance of 50 Ω and is a single-ended
input. The output signal is 0 V to 3.3 V TTL. You can also use this
port as a triggered output (TRIG OUT) that you program with the
PPS Trig Out I/O signal.
PPS TRIG INInput terminal for PPS timing reference. PPS TRIG IN is an SMA (f)
connector with an impedance of 50 Ω and is a single-ended input
channel. PPS TRIG IN accepts 0 V to 3.3 V TTL and 0 V to 5 V
TTL signals. You can also use this port as a triggered input
(TRIG IN) that you control using NI-USRP software.
GPS ANTInput terminal for the GPS antenna signal. GPS ANT is an SMA (f)
connector with a maximum input power of -15 dBm and an output of
5 V DC to power an active antenna.
Notice Do not terminate the GPS ANT port if you do
not use it.
PCIe x4Port for a PCI Express Generation 2, x4 bus connection through an
MXI Express four-lane cable. Can be used to connect an external
USRP device or external chassis.
SYSTEM POWER IN Input that accepts a 15 V ± 5%, 10 A external DC power connector.
16 | ni.com | USRP-2974 Getting Started Guide
Where to Go Next
EXPLORELEARNCREATE
DISCOVER
the application development
environment (ADE)
for your application.
about hardware features
or review device
specifications.
custom applications with
an application programming
interface (API).
more about your products through ni.com.
LabVIEW Communications
System Design Suite
Manual
USRP Software Defined
Radio Stand-Alone Device
Manual
USRP-2974 Specifications
NI-USRP Sample
Projects*
NI-USRP Manual
RF Solutions
ni.com/rf
Services
ni.com/services
Updates
ni.com/updates
NI-USRP Instrument Driver
AUX I/O
3.3 VDC MAX
RF 0
RF 1
Designed by Ettus ResearchDesigned by Ettus Research
*This item is also installed with the driver software.
Refer to the following figure for information about other product tasks and associated
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