National Instruments PXIe-5841 Getting Started Manual Download

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GETTING STARTED GUIDE

PXIe-5841

6 GHz, 1 GHz Bandwidth, RF PXI Vector Signal Transceiver

Note

Before you begin, install and configure your chassis and controller.

This document explains how to install, configure, and test the PXIe-5841. The PXIe-5841 is
an RF vector signal transceiver (VST) and ships with the following software options, which
you use to program the device.
•

RFmx software

•

NI-RFSA and NI-RFSG driver software

Notice

The protection provided by this equipment may be impaired if it is used in

a manner not described in the documentation.

Contents

Other Equipment............................................................................................................... 4

Choosing and Installing the Software....................................................................................... 5

Software Options...............................................................................................................5
Installing the Software...................................................................................................... 5

Installing the PXIe-5841........................................................................................................... 6

Direct Connections to the PXIe-5841............................................................................... 8
Hardware Front Panel Connectors and Indicators............................................................ 9

Configuring the Hardware in MAX........................................................................................ 11
Self-Calibration.......................................................................................................................12

Performing a Device Self-Calibration Using the NI-RFSA or NI-RFSG SFP............... 12

Locating the Software and Examples......................................................................................13

Software Locations......................................................................................................... 13
Programming Examples Locations................................................................................. 15

Making a First Measurement.................................................................................................. 16
Troubleshooting...................................................................................................................... 17

What Should I Do if the PXIe-5841 Doesn't Appear in MAX?......................................17
Why Is the ACCESS LED Off When the Chassis Is On?...............................................17

Where to Go Next................................................................................................................... 18
Worldwide Support and Services............................................................................................ 18

Summary of Contents for PXIe-5841

Page 1: ...ing the System Requirements 2 Unpacking the Kit 2 Preparing the Environment 2 Verifying the Kit Contents 3 Other Equipment 4 Choosing and Installing the Software 5 Software Options 5 Installing the Software 5 Installing the PXIe 5841 6 Direct Connections to the PXIe 5841 8 Hardware Front Panel Connectors and Indicators 9 Configuring the Hardware in MAX 11 Self Calibration 12 Performing a Device Se...

Page 2: ...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 Preparing the Environment Ensure that the environment you are using the PXIe 5841 in meets the following specifications Temperature Operating ambient temperature Chassis with slot co...

Page 3: ...e 1 PXIe 5841 Kit Contents 1 2 3 PX Ie 5 841 Vec tor Sig nal Tran sce iver 9 kHz 6 GHz 1 GHz BW PFI 0 DIO RE F OU T RE F IN RF IN 33 dBm MAX 50 Ω RF OU T Reve rse Pow er 33 dBm MAX ACCE SS ACTIV E LO OU T 50 Ω LO OU T 50 Ω LO IN 15 dBm MAX 50 Ω LO IN 15 dBm MAX 50 Ω 50 Ω 50 Ω ESD SEN SITIV E 4 5 6 1 PXIe 5841 Module 2 Screwdriver Part Number 772006 01 3 SMA Driver Bit Part Number 780895 01 4 PXIe ...

Page 4: ...bedded controller or PC with MXI controller system that meets the system requirements specified in this guide and chassis documentation Optional Items PXI Chassis Slot Blocker kit NI part number 199198 01 SMA m to SMA m cables SMA m to MMPX m cables MMPX m to MMPX m cables OCuLink x4 1 m cable NI part number 143340 01 3 Visit ni com for more information about these additional items 3 NI does not r...

Page 5: ...functionality needed for most vector signal analyzer and vector signal generator applications You can use NI RFSA and NI RFSG instrument driver FPGA extensions to customize the device FPGA using precompiled bitfiles Use NI RFSA to create custom measurements or applications that require I Q data Use NI RFSG to generate continuous wave CW or modulated waveforms Use NI RFSA and NI RFSG with the NI Mo...

Page 6: ... that the device can cool itself effectively This document is also available at ni com manuals The PXIe 5841 is a two slot module with two backplane connectors The module must be installed into two adjacent chassis slots 1 Ensure the AC power source is connected to the chassis before installing the module The AC power cord grounds the chassis and protects it from electrical damage while you instal...

Page 7: ...de it into the empty compatible slots Ensure the base engages with the guides in the chassis Figure 3 PXIe 5841 Module Installation 1 2 3 ESD SENSIT IVE NI PX Ie 5 646 R Vec tor Sig nal Tran sce iver 65 MH z 6 0 GHz 200 MH z BW 1 PXI Express Chassis 2 PXIe 5841 Module 3 Ejector Handle in Unlatched Downward Position 11 Latch the module in place by pulling up on the ejector handle 12 Secure the modu...

Page 8: ... only while the PXIe 5841 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 PXIe 5841 RF IN 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 ...

Page 9: ...EF IN ESD SENSITIVE RF IN 33 dBm MAX 50 Ω RF OUT Reverse Power 33 dBm MAX 50 Ω LO OUT 50 Ω LO OUT 50 Ω LO IN 15 dBm MAX 50 Ω LO IN 15 dBm MAX 50 Ω 50 Ω 50 Ω Notice Apply external signals only while the PXIe 5841 is powered on Applying external signals while the device is powered off may cause damage PXIe 5841 Getting Started Guide National Instruments 9 ...

Page 10: ...ers or events MMPX f DIO Multi signal DIO connector that provides access to FPGA multi gigabit transceivers MGTs and general purpose LVCMOS signals Nano Pitch Notice The DIO connector is not an OCuLink interface Do not connect the DIO connector on the PXIe 5841 to the OCuLink interface of another device NI is not liable for any damage resulting from such signal connections Table 4 RF Connector Des...

Page 11: ... is removed Note The indicators are listed in increasing order of priority For example if you are generating a waveform using NI RFSG and waiting on an acquisition Reference Trigger in NI RFSA the LED is dim amber Related Information Refer to the PXIe 5841 Specifications for more information about front panel connectors Configuring the Hardware in MAX Use Measurement Automation Explorer MAX to con...

Page 12: ... in an environment where the ambient temperature varies or the module temperature has drifted more than 5 C from the temperature at the last self calibration To periodically adjust for small performance drifts that occur with product aging Note Allow the module to warm up for 30 minutes after the PXI Express chassis has powered on and the operating system has completely loaded before you use the m...

Page 13: ...le from the LabWindows CVI Library menu at Library RFmx SpecAn Library and Library RFmx Demod Library Microsoft Visual C C Use the header files located in the NIDir Shared ExternalCompilerSupport C include directory and import library files located in one of the following directories 32 bit installation NIDir Shared ExternalCompilerSupport C lib32 msvc 64 bit installation NIDir Shared ExternalComp...

Page 14: ...t Visual C C Use the header files located in the IVIROOTDIR32 Include directory and import library files located in the IVIROOTDIR32 Lib directory where IVIROOTDIR32 is the following directory Program Files x86 IVI Foundation IVI Microsoft NET Use the NI RFSA NET class library by adding a reference to NationalInstruments ModularInstruments NIRfsa Fx40 or NationalInstruments ModularInstruments NIRf...

Page 15: ...IVI Foundation IVI Microsoft NET Use the NI RFSG NET class library by adding a reference to NationalInstruments ModularInstruments NIRfsg Fx40 or NationalInstruments ModularInstruments NIRfsg Fx45 and any dependent class libraries from within the Solution Explorer in Visual Studio Programming Examples Locations Using the NI Example Finder If you are using RFmx NI RFSA or NI RFSG with LabVIEW or La...

Page 16: ... Programs National Instruments NI RFSG NI RFSG Soft Front Panel to launch the NI RFSG Soft Front Panel 3 Select the device identifier assigned to the PXIe 5841 in MAX in the Device drop down menu 4 Click the RF On Off button to generate a 1 GHz continuous wave CW tone RF signal at the RF output terminal of your device 5 Select Start All Programs National Instruments NI RFSA NI RFSA Soft Front Pane...

Page 17: ...RIO FPGA Device nodes and select Update Driver If you are using an MXI controller right click PCI to PCI Bridge and select Properties from the shortcut menu to verify that the bridge is enabled 6 Restart your computer Why Is the ACCESS LED Off When the Chassis Is On The LEDs may not light until the device has been configured in MAX Before proceeding verify that the PXIe 5841 appears in MAX If the ...

Page 18: ...com services NI Community ni com community Support ni com support more about your products through ni com Located online at ni com manuals Located online at ni com gettingstarted RF Solutions ni com rf PXIe 5841 Specifications NI RF Vector Signal Transceivers Help Tip The NI RF Vector Signal Transceivers Help available at ni com manuals is an HTML version of a traditional user manual that includes...

Page 19: ...ac Expressway Austin Texas 78759 3504 NI also has offices located around the world For support in the United States create your service request at ni com support or dial 1 866 ASK MYNI 275 6964 For support outside the United States visit the Worldwide Offices section of ni com niglobal to access the branch office websites which provide up to date contact information PXIe 5841 Getting Started Guide...

Page 20: ...ments EULAs and third party legal notices in the readme file for your NI product Refer to the Export Compliance Information at ni com legal export compliance for the NI global trade compliance policy and how to obtain relevant HTS codes ECCNs and other import export data NI MAKES NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES AS TO THE ACCURACY OF THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN AND SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY...

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