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NI RF Power Meters Getting Started Guide

2

ni.com

bold

Bold text denotes items that you must select or click in the software, such as menu items and 
dialog box options. Bold text also denotes parameter names.

italic

Italic text denotes variables, emphasis, a cross-reference, or an introduction to a key concept. 
Italic text also denotes text that is a placeholder for a word or value that you must supply.

monospace

Text in this font denotes text or characters that you should enter from the keyboard, sections 
of code, programming examples, and syntax examples. This font is also used for the proper 
names of disk drives, paths, directories, programs, subprograms, subroutines, device names, 
functions, operations, variables, filenames, and extensions.

NI 5680

Refers to the NI USB-5680 RF power meter.

NI 5681

Refers to the NI USB-5681 RF power meter.

Platform

Text in this font denotes a specific platform and indicates the text following it applies only to 
that platform.

1. Verifying the System Requirements

To use the NI-568x instrument driver, the system must meet certain requirements. For more information 
about minimum system requirements, 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 any sign of 
damage. Notify NI if the device appears damaged in any way. Do 

not

 install a damaged device. 

Caution

The NI RF power meter is a static-sensitive device. Always properly ground yourself and 

the equipment when handling the NI RF power meter or connecting to it.

3. Verifying the Kit Contents

Verify that the kit contains the following items required to set up and use the NI RF power meter:

NI RF power meter with dust cap

Note

The NI 5681 ships from the factory with a protective silicone cover already installed on the 

device.

One of the following cables:

NI 5680: USB 2.0 A to Mini-B cable

NI 5681: USB 2.0 A to Latching Micro-AB cable

A precision Type-N to SMA adapter

NI-568x instrument driver software CD. The NI-568x CD also includes the

 NI RF Power Meters 

Help

 and the 

NI-568x Readme

. After you install the NI-568x driver, you can find these documents 

at 

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

.

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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