Generating I/Q Data with the DST Generation Add-On

Use the DST Generation Add-On for InstrumentStudio to generate I/Q data.

  1. Launch InstrumentStudio by navigating to Start » National Instruments » InstrumentStudio.
  2. Click Manual layout.
  3. In the Edit Layout window that opens, select DST Generation.
  4. Select Create a large panel or Create a small panel.
  5. Click OK.
    A panel opens.
    Figure 14. DST Generation Add-On in InstrumentStudio


  6. Select the PXI high-speed serial instrument in the DST INSTRUMENTS field.
    The DST instrument receives the firmware for this operation.
  7. Click the gear icon () and select Instrument Settings.
  8. In the Generation Settings window that opens, specify the following:
    1. DST Bitfile Path: Enter the .lvbitx file path.
    2. Serial Path Type: Select Packed Library.
    3. Serial Class Packed Library: Enter the .lvlibp serial interface plugin path for the protocol you want to use.
    4. Class Name: If you have more than one LabVIEW class in your packed library, use the control to select the class name you want to use.
    Note When the Serial Class Packed Library field is empty, the DST Acquisition attempts to find a .lvlibp library in the plugin path that matches the FPGA ID. If the library is not found, the DST Acquisition does not make calls from the serial interface and it displays as the interface in that path.
  9. Close the Generation Settings window and click CONNECT.
    Connecting downloads the bitfile to the DST instrument.
    Note The information icon () becomes bordered in red to indicate an invalid configuration or error. Click the information icon for more information.
  10. Configure the generation settings.
    • Click CW if you want the generator to create a continuous wave in base band with the bandwidth value entered in the IQ RATE field.
    • Click ARB if you want the generation to load the waveform entered in the WAVEFORM FILE PATH field.

      For multiple Arb channels:

      • To apply the same waveform to all channels, enable ONE WAVEFORM FOR ALL CHANNELS.
      • To apply different waveforms to each channel, disable ONE WAVEFORM FOR ALL CHANNELS and select the CHANNEL and enter the corresponding WAVEFORM FILE PATH for each channel. The number of points and sampling time (dT) must match for all waveforms.
    Note The DST Generation Add-On requires that you generate a TDMS waveform file in interleaved I/Q data. NI recommends that you use the RFmx Waveform Creator to create your waveform file. RFmx Waveform Creator requires the installation of RFmx on your computer. Refer to the RFmx Waveform Creator User Manual for the file creation process. When creating your waveform file in RFmx Waveform Creator, ensure that you select Save Waveform File.
  11. Click RUN to generate the waveform.