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June 2010

374788B-01

GETTING STARTED GUIDE

NI RF Power Meters

This document explains how to install, configure, and set up the NI USB-5680/5681 RF power meters. 
NI RF power meters make true RMS power measurements. The NI RF power meters ship with the 
NI-568x instrument driver, which you can use to program the device.

For more information about the NI 5680/5681, refer to the 

NI RF Power Meters Help

, which is located 

at 

Start»All Programs»National Instruments»NI-568x»Documentation

. Refer to the specifications 

document that ships with the device for detailed specifications.

For the most current versions of specifications and other documentation, visit 

ni.com/manuals

For the latest version of NI-568x, visit 

ni.com/updates

.

Contents

Conventions ......................................................................................................................................... 1
1. Verifying the System Requirements ................................................................................................ 2
2. Unpacking ........................................................................................................................................ 2
3. Verifying the Kit Contents............................................................................................................... 2

Other Required Items................................................................................................................... 3

4. Installing the Software ..................................................................................................................... 3
5. Installing the Hardware.................................................................................................................... 3
6. Windows Device Recognition ......................................................................................................... 4
7. Connecting Signals .......................................................................................................................... 4

Connector Care and Handling...................................................................................................... 5

8. Programming the NI RF Power Meter............................................................................................. 6

NI-568x SFP ................................................................................................................................ 6
NI-568x Instrument Driver .......................................................................................................... 7
NI-568x Examples ....................................................................................................................... 7

Appendix A: Front and Back Panel ..................................................................................................... 7
Appendix B: Where to Go for Support ................................................................................................ 8

Conventions

The following conventions are used in this guide: 

»

The 

»

 symbol leads you through nested menu items and dialog box options to a final action. 

The sequence 

File»Page Setup»Options

 directs you to pull down the 

File

 menu, select the 

Page Setup

 item, and select 

Options

 from the last dialog box.

This icon denotes a tip, which alerts you to advisory information.

This icon denotes a note, which alerts you to important information.

This icon denotes a caution, which advises you of precautions to take to avoid injury, data loss, 
or a system crash.

 

When this symbol is marked on a product, refer to the 

Read Me First: Safety 

and Electromagnetic Compatibility

 for information about precautions to take.

Summary of Contents for USB-568 RF Series

Page 1: ...Other Required Items 3 4 Installing the Software 3 5 Installing the Hardware 3 6 Windows Device Recognition 4 7 Connecting Signals 4 Connector Care and Handling 5 8 Programming the NI RF Power Meter 6 NI 568x SFP 6 NI 568x Instrument Driver 7 NI 568x Examples 7 Appendix A Front and Back Panel 7 Appendix B Where to Go for Support 8 Conventions The following conventions are used in this guide The sy...

Page 2: ...nts recommended system and supported application development environments ADEs refer to the NI 568x Readme Before installing NI 568x you can access this file on the NI 568x software CD After you install NI 568x you can access this file at Start All Programs National Instruments NI 568x Documentation 2 Unpacking Remove the NI RF power meter from the package and inspect it for loose components or an...

Page 3: ...ting system 3 Insert the NI 568x CD into the CD drive The NI 568x installer should open automatically If the installation window does not appear navigate to the CD drive double click the drive and double click setup exe 4 Follow the instructions in the installation prompts For troubleshooting information contact NI technical support or visit ni com support Windows 7 Vista Users may see access and ...

Page 4: ...ssigned to your device in Measurement Automation Explorer MAX under Devices and Interfaces 7 Connecting Signals Connect signals to the NI RF power meter hardware front panel Type N connector to perform common power measurements You can also use the Type N to SMA adapter to make the signal connection Note You must zero the NI RF power meter before you take power measurements particularly when the d...

Page 5: ...re 2 Connecting the NI RF Power Meter to an SMA Cable Connector Care and Handling The NI RF power meter is a high quality precision laboratory device and should be carefully handled Follow the precautions listed in this section when handling or connecting these devices Complying with these precautions guarantees longer component life and lower equipment downtime due to connector or device failure ...

Page 6: ... the RF components To clean the connector interfaces use only denatured alcohol as a cleaning solvent Do not use excessive amounts of alcohol as this prolongs drying time Use low pressure compressed air to remove foreign particles and to dry the connector After cleaning verify that the center pin has not been bent or damaged Tip Most cotton swabs are too large to fit in the smaller connector types...

Page 7: ...ng started and other power meter functionality You can access NI 568x examples at Start All Programs National Instruments NI 568x Examples Appendix A Front and Back Panel The NI 5680 front panel has one connector The NI 5680 back panel has one USB port and the STATUS LED Refer to Figure 3 for an illustration of both panels of the device Figure 3 NI USB 5680 Front and Back Panel The NI 5681 front p...

Page 8: ...lectromagnetic compatibility EMC and product safety You can obtain the DoC for your product by visiting ni com certification If your product supports calibration you can obtain the calibration certificate for your product at ni com calibration National Instruments corporate headquarters is located at 11500 North Mopac Expressway Austin Texas 78759 3504 National Instruments also has offices located...

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