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GETTING STARTED GUIDE
NI RF Signal Generators
This guide explains how to install, configure, test, and begin
using NI RF signal generators. For more information, such as
NI RF signal generator features and programming, refer to the
NI RF Signal Generators Help, accessible at Start»All Programs»
National Instruments»NI-RFSG»Documentation.
Refer to the specifications document that ships with your device for
detailed specifications.
For the most current versions of documentation, visit ni.com/
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Generate a Signal Using the NI 5670/5671/5672 RF Signal Generator Test Panel ..............................................................18 Configuring the NI 5650/5651/5652 in MAX..................................19 Rename the NI 5650/5651/5652 ...............................................20 Generate a Signal Using the NI 5650/5651/5652 RF Signal Generator Test Panel ..............................................................20 8. Setting up Synchronization for NI-DAQmx Devices in MAX
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AWG Arbitrary Waveform Generator—refers to the NI-RFSG-supported arbitrary waveform generator hardware module used in the NI 5670/5671/5672 devices. 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 m
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PXI/PXIe Refers to a PXI or PXI Express module. PXI Express compatible module A PXI module compatible with existing PXI slots and PXI hybrid slots. PXI Express compatible modules maintain hardware and software compatibility, with the exception of local bus functionality. RF Radio Frequency—refers to the signal output from the RF OUTPUT connector on the NI RF signal generator device front panels. upconverter A device that frequency-translates IF signals to center around a specified RF frequen
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appears damaged in any way. Do not install a damaged module into the system. 3. Verifying Kit Contents Verify that the kit contains the following items required to set up and use the NI RF signal generator: ❑ CDs, which install the following software components: –NI-RFSG instrument driver, including NI-RFSG examples – Hardware and software electronic documentation: � NI RF Signal Generators Help (online help) � NI RF Signal Generators Getting Started Guide (PDF) � Specifications documents for
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Table 1. NI 5670/5671/5672 Required Parts Inventory and Replacement Part Numbers (Continued) Hardware Component Replacement Part Number NI PXI-1042 chassis with controller 778636-01 (for NI 5670/5671 only, not included) NI PXIe-1062Q chassis with controller 779633-01 (for NI 5672 only, not included) PXI/PXIe Chassis Slot Blockers 778678-01 (optional, not included) PXI/PXIe Chassis Filler Panels 778679-01 (optional, not included) 100 N-cm SMA torque wrench N/A (not included) 1 Part numbers on t
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4. Installing the Software This section describes the software installation process for NI RF signal generators. Installing Application Development Software You can create applications for NI RF signal generators using application development environments (ADE) such as LabVIEW, ™ ™ LabWindows /CVI , or other development environments. Any ADE you intend to use must be installed before you install your driver software. Installing the NI-RFSG Instrument Driver Complete the following steps to in
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5. Installing the Hardware This section describes how to install hardware for PXI platforms. PXI Modules NI PXI modules are sensitive instruments that should be handled carefully. Do not expose the module to temperatures or humidity beyond the rated maximums. Keep the module free of dust by cleaning with compressed air only. Do not clean the module with any solvents or liquids. Refer to the Cooling section for more information about module cooling. You can install PXI modules in any PXI slot ma
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4. Remove the black plastic connectors from all the captive screws in the module front panel. 5. Make sure that the ejector handle is in the unlatched (downward) position. 6. Hold the module by the ejector handle and slide it into an empty slot. Make sure that the base engages with the guides in the chassis. 7. Slide the module completely into the chassis and latch it by pulling up on the ejector handle. 8. Tighten the captive screws at the top and bottom of the module front panel. Performa
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Installing the NI 5610 Upconverter Module Install the NI 5610 RF upconverter module by completing steps 1 through 11 under the Installing PXI Modules section. After completing all the steps, continue with the procedure in the Installing the NI 5421/5441 AWG Module section. Installing the NI 5421/5441 AWG Module Install the NI 5421/5441 AWG module by completing steps 1 though 11 in the Installing PXI Modules section. After completing all the steps, continue with the procedure in section 6. Int
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Figure 2 shows the correct installation of a PXI Express module into a compatible chassis slot. 1 3 2 1 PXI Express Chassis 3 NI PXI Express Module 2 Ejector Handle in Down Position Figure 2. PXI Express Module Installation NI 5672 Installation of the NI 5672 hardware requires three vacant slots—two PXI slots for the NI 5610 upconverter module and one PXIe compatible slot for the NI 5442 AWG module. The NI 5442 AWG module must be installed in the slot immediately to the right of the NI 5610
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Figure 3 and Figure 4 show the two possible slot configurations for the NI 5672 module in an 8-slot PXI Express chassis. 8 NI PXIe-1062Q 7 6 1 2 3 4 5 4 3 1 System Controller Expansion Slots 5 PXI Express System Timing Slot 2 PXI Express System Controller Slot 6 NI PXI-5610 Module 3 PXI Peripheral Slots 7 NI PXIe-5442 Module 4 PXI Express Hybrid Peripheral Slots 8 PXI Filler Panels Figure 3. NI 5672 Module in Slots 2, 3, and 4 NI RF Signal Generators Getting Started Guide 12 ni.com
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8 NI PXIe-1062Q 7 6 2 3 4 5 4 3 1 1 System Controller Expansion Slots 5 PXI Express System Timing Slot 2 PXI Express System Controller Slot 6 NI PXI-5610 Module 3 PXI Peripheral Slots 7 NI PXIe-5442 Module 4 PXI Express Hybrid Peripheral Slots 8 PXI Filler Panels Figure 4. NI 5672 Module in Slots 3, 4, and 5 Note The NI PXI-5610 module blocks the PXI Express System Timing Slot in the configuration shown in Figure 4. Installing the NI 5442 AWG Module Install the NI 5442 AWG module by completing
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Caution Inadequate air circulation could cause the temperature inside the chassis to rise above the optimal operating temperature for the NI RF signal generator, potentially causing thermal shutdown, shorter lifespans, or improper performance. ♦ NI 5670/5671/5672 Under conditions of proper air flow and 25 °C (63 °F) ambient temperatures, the NI 5610 upconverter module operates at internal temperatures of approximately 45 °C (113 °F), the NI 5421 module at approximately 51 °C (124 °F), and t
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Figure 5. Proper NI 5670/5671/5672 Front Panel Interconnection 3. Carefully tighten all SMA connectors to 100 N-cm using an SMA torque wrench (not included), as shown in Figure 6. Tighten only until the wrench clicks. Note Incorrect torque at SMA connections can degrade signal fidelity, PLL performance, and insertion loss. Use an SMA torque wrench to ensure all SMA connections are properly torqued to 100 N-cm. © National Instruments Corporation 15 NI RF Signal Generators Getting Started Gui
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1 2 1 100 N-cm SMA Torque Wrench 2 Apply Force Here Until Wrench Clicks Figure 6. Torque All SMA Connectors to 100 N-cm 4. Power up the PXI chassis and controller system. 5. Verify that the ACCESS LEDs on both modules are illuminated. If the LEDs are not illuminated, refer to Appendix C: Troubleshooting. 7. Configuring NI RF Signal Generators in MAX Use Measurement & Automation Explorer (MAX) to configure your National Instruments hardware. MAX informs other programs about which devices resi
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transparent operation of both modules as a single instrument (the NI 5670/5671/5672) using NI-RFSG. To use MAX to configure, self-test, associate, and generate signals with the NI 5670/5671/5672, complete the following steps: 1. Launch MAX by navigating to Start»All Programs»National Instruments»Measurement & Automation or by clicking the MAX desktop icon. 2. In the Configuration pane, double-click Devices and Interfaces to see the list of installed devices. 3. Expand the NI-DAQmx Devices f
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9. Click OK. 10. Verify that the new names for both modules are displayed. Associate the Upconverter with the AWG Module You must create a MAX association between the NI 5610 upconverter module and the NI 5421/5441/5442 AWG module to control both hardware modules as a single NI RF signal generator. Complete steps 11 through 13 to make this association. 11. Right-click NI PXI-5610 and select Properties. 12. In the NI 5610 Device Properties dialog box, use the drop-down listbox to specify the
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3. The test panel allows you to verify that the device is operating properly. Click Start to begin signal generation. During signal generation the ACTIVE LEDs on both NI 5670/5671/5672 hardware modules are activated. Note Refer to Appendix C: Troubleshooting if either ACTIVE LED does not illuminate or if the NI RF signal generator test panel generates an error. 4. Click Stop to stop waveform generation. 5. Click Close to return to MAX. 6. Exit MAX. You have completed setup, configuration, an
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Rename the NI 5650/5651/5652 MAX allows you to rename the NI 5650/5651/5652 hardware module. The MAX name is used in software to operate the NI 5650/5651/5652 hardware resources. You do not have to change the module name from the default but doing so can make programming easier. To rename the NI 5650/5651/5652 hardware modules, complete steps 1 through 4. If you do not wish to rename the modules, proceed to the Generate a Signal Using the NI 5650/5651/5652 RF Signal Generator Test Panel se
