An RF configuration list consists of configuration list steps. Each step specifies the state of the instrument by specifying values for properties or attributes.

Only select and add to the list the properties or attributes you want to set from step-to-step.

To use RF list mode, complete the following steps:

  1. Create the RF configuration list by calling the niRFSG Create Configuration List VI or the niRFSG_CreateConfigurationList function. When you call this VI or function, pass the array of properties or attribute IDs that you intend to change between configuration list steps. When the set as active list or setAsActiveList parameter is set to TRUE (which is the default), the newly created list is set as the active configuration list.
  2. If in the previous step you did not specify the active configuration list, do so now using the Active Configuration List property or the NIRFSG_ATTR_ACTIVE_CONFIGURATION_LIST attribute. The active configuration list also specifies whether NI-RFSG operates using the RF list mode.
  3. Typically, next you immediately populate the steps that make up that list. (Initially, the list has no steps.) To create the configuration steps, call the niRFSG Create Configuration List Step VI or the niRFSG_CreateConfigurationListStep function. When set as active step or setAsActiveStep is set to TRUE (which is the default), the newly created step becomes the active configuration list step.
  4. If in the previous step you did not specify the active configuration list step, do so now using the Active Configuration List Step property or the NIRFSG_ATTR_ACTIVE_CONFIGURATION_LIST_STEP attribute. Initially, this configuration list step contains the driver default values for each configuration list property that you specified in the the niRFSG Create Configuration List VI or the niRFSG_CreateConfigurationList function. Now, while this step is active, use the property node or one of the set attribute functions to change the default values of those properties and attributes.
    Note Configuration list steps are zero-based and numbered in the order in which you created them for the active list.
  5. To start RF list mode operation, call the niRFSG Initiate VI or the niRFSG_Initiate function. If you set the active list to "" (empty string), the NI-RFSG device operates without using RF list mode.
    After initiate, the device starts executing the list starting with step 0 as indicated by any of the following:
    • The Active Configuration List property
    • The NIRFSG_ATTR_ACTIVE_CONFIGURATION_LIST attribute
  6. Specify how the RF configuration list advances from one step to the next by configuring the source for the configuration list trigger with the Configuration List Step Digital Edge Source property or the NIRFSG_ATTR_DIGITAL_EDGE_CONFIGURATION_LIST_STEP_TRIGGER_SOURCE attribute.
    Generally, the configuration trigger can come from the following:
    • An internal timer
    • A waveform Marker Event in a script
    • An external signal from the PXI trigger lines
    • An external signal from front panel connectors
    Note For the PXIe-5830/5831/5841 with PXIe-5655, RF list mode requires at least two available PXI backplane triggers for NI-RFSG synchronization or at least four available PXI backplane triggers for simultaneous NI-RFSA and NI-RFSG synchronization.