Installing the NI PCIe-1477

The following instructions are for general installation. Refer to the documentation provided by your computer manufacturer for specific instructions and warnings.

What to Use

  • NI PCIe-1477
  • Camera Link-compatible camera
  • One (base) or two (medium/full/extended) Camera Link cables with a 26-pin SDR connector on the end for the NI PCIe-1477
  • Computer running Microsoft Windows 7 SP1 (32- or 64-bit) or later with at least one available x8 or larger PCIe slot and a 6-pin (2 x 3) PCIe auxiliary power connector if using PoCL
  • Tools for PCIe card installation (refer to the documentation provided by your computer manufacturer)
  • NI Vision Acquisition Software

What to Do

  1. Install NI Vision Acquisition Software before installing the NI PCIe-1477. Refer to the NI Vision Acquisition Software Release Notes for specific installation instructions.
  2. Power off and unplug the computer.
    Caution To protect yourself and the computer from electrical hazards, the computer must remain unplugged until the installation is complete.
    Attention Pour vous protéger et protéger l'ordinateur des risques électriques, l'ordinateur doit rester débranché jusqu'à ce que l'installation soit terminée.
  3. Remove the computer cover to expose the expansion slots.
    Notice Installing a PCIe device into any non-PCIe slot can damage both the computer motherboard and the device. Refer to the documentation provided by your computer manufacturer to determine the correct slot in which to install the NI PCIe-1477.
  4. Touch a metal part of the computer to discharge any static electricity that might be on your clothes or body. Static electricity can damage the device.
  5. Choose an unused x8 or larger PCIe slot, and remove the corresponding expansion slot cover on the back panel of the computer.
    Note The NI PCIe-1477 is intended for a x8 PCIe slot. The NI PCIe-1477 will fit into, and can be used in, a x8 or x16 PCIe slot. If the NI PCIe-1477 is plugged into a slot that cannot provide a x8 5.0 GT/s[1]1 Most motherboards label the slots capable of this speed as PCIe 2.0 or PCIe 3.0. connection, you will not be able to achieve full bandwidth and you may experience timeouts and/or FIFO overflows.
  6. Insert the device into the applicable PCIe slot and gently rock the device into the slot. The connection may be tight, but do not force the device into place.
    Note Check that the bracket of your device aligns up with the hole in the back panel rail of the computer chassis.
    Figure 2. Installing a PCI Express Device

    1378

    1. PCI Express Device
    2. PCI Express System Slot
    3. PC with PCI Express Slot
  7. Secure the device mounting bracket to the back panel rail of the computer.
    Note If you will be using the NI Camera Link I/O Extension Board (PCIe), refer to the NI Camera Link I/O Extension Board (PCIe) User Guide for installation instructions.
  8. Connect the 6-pin PCIe auxiliary power connector if using PoCL.
    Note This connection is not necessary if PoCL will not be used.
  9. Replace the computer cover.
  10. Connect the Camera Link cable(s) to a Camera Link-compatible camera. Refer to the camera manufacturer documentation for specific instructions about how to connect the cable to your camera.
  11. Connect the other end of the Camera Link cable(s) to the 26-pin SDR Camera Link connector(s) on the front panel. Tighten the retention screws to secure the cable(s) to the connector(s).
    Note If connecting two cables, ensure that one cable connects the Base connector of the camera to the Base connector of the NI PCIe-1477 and one cable connects the Med/Full/Ext connector of the camera to the Med/Full/Ext connector of the NI PCIe-1477. Crossing the cables will lead to the NI PCIe-1477 being unable to communicate with the camera.
  12. Plug in and power on the computer.
The NI PCIe-1477 is now installed and the camera is connected.

1 Most motherboards label the slots capable of this speed as PCIe 2.0 or PCIe 3.0.