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 at ni.com/manuals to ensure that the device can cool itself effectively.

Notice To prevent damage to the NI PXI/PXI Express Switch caused by ESD or contamination, handle the module using the edges or the metal bracket.
Caution Clean the hardware with a soft, nonmetallic brush. Make sure that the hardware is completely dry and free from contaminants before returning it to service.

Installing an NI PXI/PXI Express Switch

Note Some NI switches do not have ejector handles.
Figure 2. Installing an NI PXI/PXI Express Switch

1378

  1. NI PXI/PXI Express or NI PXI/SCXI Combination Chassis
  2. Controller
  3. NI PXI/PXI Express Switch
  4. Screws
  5. Certain products: Ejector Handle
  1. Ensure the AC power source is connected to the chassis before installing the switches.
    The AC power cord grounds the chassis and protects it from electrical damage while you install the switches.
  2. Power off the chassis.
  3. If the NI PXI/PXI Express chassis has multiple fan speed settings, ensure that the fans are set to high.
  4. Position the chassis so that inlet and outlet vents are not obstructed.
    For more information about optimal chassis positioning, refer to chassis documentation.
  5. Remove the black vinyl caps from all the captive screws on the switch front panel.
  6. Identify a supported slot in the NI PXI/PXI Express chassis.
    Refer to the following table to determine what slots support your switch if you are using a NI PXI Express chassis. Refer to the chassis documentation for details.
    Table 1. Slot Identification Symbols in an NI PXI/PXI Express Chassis
    1378

    NI PXI Peripheral Slot

    1378

    NI PXI Express Peripheral Slot

    1378

    NI PXI Express Hybrid Peripheral Slot

    1378

    NI PXI Express System Timing Slot

  7. Remove the filler panel of an unused PXI/PXI Express slot.
  8. Touch any metal part of the chassis to discharge static electricity.
  9. Ensure that the injector/ejector handle of the device is in the unlatched (down) position and swings freely.
  10. Holding the device by the injector/ejector handle, slide it into the empty slot, ensuring that the card engages with the card guides in the chassis.
  11. When you begin to feel resistance, pull up on the injector/ejector handle to latch the device.
  12. Secure the module front panel to the chassis using the front-panel mounting screws.
    Note Tightening the top and bottom mounting screws increases mechanical stability and also electrically connects the front panel to the chassis, which can improve the signal quality and electromagnetic performance.
  13. Cover all empty slots using either filler panels (standard or EMC) or slot blockers with filler panels, depending on your application.
    Note For more information about installing slot blockers and filler panels, go to ni.com/r/pxiblocker.
  14. Power on the chassis.