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This document explains how to install and configure your NI PXIe-5644R. For detailed specifications, refer to the NI PXIe-5644R Specifications document available at ni.com/manuals. After installing the software described below, more detailed information can be found in Start»All Programs»National Instruments»Vector Signal Transceivers.
Table of Contents
Installing the Software
You must install your software before installing the NI PXIe-5644R hardware.
2. (Optional) LabVIEW FPGA Module
3. (Optional) LabVIEW Real-Time Module
4. NI LabVIEW 2012 Support for NI PXIe-5644R (NI 5644R software)—Refer to the NI PXIe-5644R Readme for system requirements and installation instructions. After installation, documentation for the NI 5644R software is available by selecting Start»All Programs»National Instruments»Vector Signal Transceivers.
Installing the Hardware
You must install the software before installing the hardware. Before you install the hardware, refer to the guidelines in the Maintain Forced-Air Cooling Note to Users included with the module to ensure that the device can cool itself effectively.
Caution: NI 5644R modules are sensitive instruments that should be handled carefully. To prevent damage to the device caused by ESD or contamination, handle the device using the edges or the metal bracket.
The NI PXIe-5644R is a three-slot module with two backplane connectors. The module must be installed into three adjacent chassis slots, and the left two slots must be PXI Express compatible.
1. Power off and unplug the chassis.
2. If the chassis has multiple fan speed settings, ensure the fans are set to the highest setting.
Note: Inadequate air circulation could cause the temperature inside the chassis to rise above the optimal operating temperature for the device, potentially causing thermal shutdown, shorter lifespans, or improper performance.
3. Position the chassis so that inlet and outlet vents are not obstructed. For more information about optimal chassis positioning, refer to the chassis documentation. Caution Do not disconnect the cable that connects CAL IN to CAL OUT. Removing the cable from or tampering with the CAL IN or CAL OUT front panel connectors voids the product calibration and specifications are no longer warranted.
Caution: Do not disconnect the cable that connects CAL IN to CAL OUT. Removing the cable from or tampering with the CAL IN or CAL OUT front panel connectors voids the product calibration and specifications are no longer warranted.
4. Remove the black plastic connectors from all the captive screws on the module front panel.
5. Ensure the ejector handle is in the unlatched (downward) position.
6. Hold the module by the ejector handle and slide it into an empty compatible slot. Ensure the base engages with the guides in the chassis.
7. After sliding the module completely into the chassis, latch it by pulling up on the ejector handle.
8. Tighten the captive screws at the top and bottom of the module front panel.
Note: Device performance may suffer if screws are not tightened properly.
9. Verify that the chassis fans are operable and free of dust and other contaminants that may restrict airflow.
10. Cover all empty slots using filler panels or slot blockers before operating the module.
NI recommends that you install slot blockers between the device and adjacent hardware modules to maximize cooling air flow.
11. Plug in and power on the chassis.
Configuring the Hardware in MAX
Use Measurement & Automation Explorer (MAX) to configure your National Instruments hardware. MAX informs other programs about which devices reside in the system and how they are configured. MAX is automatically installed with NI 5644R software.
1. Launch MAX by navigating to Start»All Programs»National Instruments»Measurement & Automation or by clicking the Measurement & Automation desktop icon.
2. In the Configuration pane, double-click Devices and Interfaces to see a the list of installed devices. Installed devices appear under the name of their associated chassis.
3. Expand your Chassis tree item.
MAX lists all devices installed in the chassis. Your default device names may vary.
4. Record the device identifier MAX assigns to the hardware. Use this identifier when programming the NI 5644R.
Caution: When you install, uninstall, or re-install more than one RIO device, resource identification of any previously installed RIO devices may change. Whenever any aspect of any RIO device in your system changes, verify resource identification of all your RIO devices in MAX, and, if necessary, make changes to your software and documentation.
Self-Calibration
It is important to perform a self-calibration after first installing your module. Self-calibration adjusts the NI 5644R with respect to an onboard high-precision calibration tone. Additionally, you may periodically run a self-calibration to adjust for performance drifts that occur with product aging. A full Self-calibration takes approximately 4-15 minutes depending on the speed of the computer.
The NI 5644R modules are independently calibrated at the factory; however, you should perform a self-calibration in any of the following situations:
- After first installing the NI 5644R into your chassis
- After any module in the chassis is added, moved, or removed
- When the system is in an environment where the ambient temperature varies
NI recommends you perform the self-calibration from the installed self-calibration executable. It is located at Program Files\National Instruments\NI VST\Self Calibration. An easy way to access the executable is through the Windows Start menu. Start»All Programs»National Instruments»Vector Signal Transceivers»VST Self Calibrate. You can also use the niVST Self-Calibrate VI, located on the Functions»Instrument I/O»Instrument Drivers»NI VST Calibration palette. Refer to the NI RF Vector Signal Transceivers Help and the NI PXIe-5644R Calibration Procedure for more information about calibration.
Note: NI recommends that you perform a self-calibration if the device temperature has drifted more than ±5 °C from the temperature at the last self-calibration.
After the self-calibration is finished and the done led is lit, you can close the niVST Self Calibrate.vi executable.
Making a Measurement
1. Launch LabVIEW
2. Select Create Project
3. In the Filters control on the left side of the Create Project window, select Vector Signal Transceiver (VST).
4. On the right side of the Create Project window, select the Simple VSA/VSG (NI PXIe-5644R) sample project and click Next.
5. Specify a name and location for the project in the Create Project window and click OK.
LabVIEW creates and opens a new Simple VSA/VSG (NI PXIe-5644R) project.
6. In the project tree, open My Computer»VSA and VSG Acquisition and Generation (Host).vi.
7. Specify the RIO Device as found in MAX.
8. Cable the RF Output port to the RF Input port of the NI PXIe-5644R.
9. Run the VI and observe a tone at the center frequency.
Next Steps
After installing the software above, more detailed information can be found in the NI RF Vector Signal Transceivers Help file located under Start»All Programs»National Instruments»Vector Signal Transceivers.
To proceed with using Vector Signal Transceiver software, return to ni.com/vstgettingstarted for addition information.
To view specifications and calibration procedures, visit ni.com/manuals.
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