3
Hardware Installation
PC Card Evaluation
This chapter describes several software programs supplied
with the kit. It also details some diagnostic test points that
may be accessed on the card.
Using the PRISM Test Utility (PTU) Software
The PTU permits continuous operation of the transmitter. It
is therefore convenient for performing RF measurements
such as Transmitter Power. It also provides a handy method
of changing channels within the ISM band, Use of the
PRISM Transmitter Test Utility is basically self explanatory.
An icon was automatically created on the desktop when the
PTU installation was performed. It may be run by double-
clicking on this icon.
Using the LANEVAL Software
LANEVAL provides a convenient method of analyzing
Packet Error Rate (PER) and Receiver Sensitivity. An icon
for starting LANEVAL was automatically placed on the
desktop when the PTU installation was performed. In order
for LANEVAL to form a successful link, the same packet
parameters (e.g., Packet Length, Packet Pad Words, etc.)
most be programmed at each end of the link.
LANEVAL runs in conjunction with the NDC Driver. The
Driver permits selection of Data Rate and Channel. It is
normally run in the Pseudo IBSS mode as this provides a
simple wireless Ad Hoc link between two computers. The
NDC Driver may be easily accessed by double-clicking on its
icon (looks like a computer with an antenna on top) located
in the System Tray area on the desktop.
List of Test Instruments
The following instruments may be used for conducting tests
on the wireless LAN PC card.
Step 1. Ensure that power to the PCMCIA slot is OFF by
noting that the PCMCIA icon does not appear in the
System Tray on the Desktop. If unsure, re-boot the
computer.
Step 2. Insert the wireless LAN PC card extender card into
the PCMCIA slot.
Step 3. Insert the wireless LAN PC card into the end of the
extender card. Ensure that the LED and pin
headers of the extender card are on the same side.
Both the card and the extender are keyed so they
will fit correctly. The HWB3163 is a 3V only device.
Do not therefore force it in a 5V-keyed system as
permanent damage may occur.
INSTRUMENT
MANUFACTURER
MODEL
Spectrum Analyzer
Hewlett-Packard
8595E
Power Meter
Giga-tronics
8541B
Signal Generator
Hewlett-Packard
8648C
Frequency Counter Hewlett-Packard
53181A (012 Option)
Digital Scope
General-Purpose Multimeter
Computer with a PCMCIA Connection Slot (2 required)
3V PCMCIA
Extender Card
Swart Interconnect
EXT PCM-68-CC
NOTE: This is a 5V
Extender and must be
mechanically
modified for 3V
operation)
Differential Probe
Tektronix
P6247
RF Probe, 500
Ω
Hewlett-Packard
11742A
INSTRUMENT
MANUFACTURER
MODEL
Application Note 9864
