Getting Started with the NI PCIe-8255R
4
ni.com
Unpacking
The NI 8255R ships in an antistatic package to prevent electrostatic discharge from damaging device
components. To avoid such damage in handling the device, take the following precautions:
1.
Ground yourself using a grounding strap or by touching a grounded object, such as the computer
chassis.
2.
Touch the antistatic package to a metal part of the computer chassis before removing the device
from the package.
Caution
Never
touch the exposed pins of connectors.
3.
Remove the device from the package and inspect it for loose components or any other signs of
damage. Notify National Instruments if the device appears damaged in any way. Do
not
install a
damaged device in the computer.
Store the NI 8255R in the antistatic package when not in use.
Installation
The following instructions are for general installation. Refer to the documentation provided by your
computer manufacturer for specific instructions and warnings. Refer to the
section for a
list of the typical power requirements for the NI 8255R.
1.
Install NI Vision Acquisition Software before installing the NI 8255R. Refer to the
NI Vision
Acquisition Software Release Notes
for specific installation instructions.
2.
Power off and unplug the computer.
Caution
To protect yourself and the computer from electrical hazards, the computer
must
remain
unplugged until the installation is complete.
3.
Remove the computer cover to expose the expansion slots.
Caution
Installing a PCIe device into a PCI, PCI-X, AGP, or any non-PCIe slot can damage both the
computer motherboard and the device. If you are unsure of the difference between connector types,
do
not
install the device. Refer to the documentation provided by your computer manufacturer to
determine the correct slot in which to install the NI 8255R.
4.
Touch a metal part of the computer to discharge any static electricity that might be on your clothes
or body. Static electricity can damage the device.
5.
Choose an unused x1 or larger PCIe slot, and remove the corresponding expansion slot cover on
the back panel of the computer. Figure 1 shows the different types of expansion slots available on
most computers.
Note
The NI 8255R is intended for a x1 PCIe slot. The NI 8255R will fit into, and can be used in a
x4, x8, or x16 PCIe slot.
