Installing and Connecting

Installing the Software

Use Package Manager to install the following NI software.
  • LabVIEW
  • LabVIEW FPGA Module
  • FlexRIO
Note Refer to Installing, Updating, Repairing, and Removing NI Software for information about using Package Manager. Installation of all NI software automatically installs Package Manager.

Installing the PXIe-1487

Notice To prevent damage to the PXIe-1487 caused by ESD or contamination, handle the module using the edges or the metal bracket.
  1. Ensure the AC power source is connected to the chassis before installing the module.
    The AC power cord grounds the chassis and protects it from electrical damage while you install the module.
  2. Power off the chassis.
  3. Inspect the slot pins on the chassis backplane for any bends or damage prior to installation. Do not install a module if the backplane is damaged.
  4. Remove the black plastic covers from all the captive screws on the module front panel.
  5. Identify a supported slot in the chassis. The following figure shows the symbols that indicate the slot types.
    Figure 1. Chassis Compatibility Symbols

    1378

    1. PXI Express System Controller Slot
    2. PXI Peripheral Slot
    3. PXI Express Hybrid Peripheral Slot
    4. PXI Express System Timing Slot
    5. PXI Express Peripheral Slot
    PXIe-1487 modules can be placed in PXI Express peripheral slots, PXI Express hybrid peripheral slots, or PXI Express system timing slots.
  6. Touch any metal part of the chassis to discharge static electricity.
  7. Ensure that the ejector handle is in the downward (unlatched) position.
    Figure 2. Module Installation

    1378

    1. Chassis
    2. Hardware Module
    3. Ejector Handle in Downward (Unlatched) Position
  8. Place the module edges into the module guides at the top and bottom of the chassis. Slide the module into the slot until it is fully inserted.
  9. Latch the module in place by pulling up on the ejector handle.
  10. 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.
  11. 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.
  12. Power on the chassis.

Cabling the PXIe-1487

Complete the following steps to connect your PXIe-1487 to other system components.

  1. Connect your chassis to a power source as described in the chassis getting started documentation.
  2. Connect serial device(s) and ECU(s) as required for your application.
    • For Deserializer or SerDes modules, use a FAKRA cable to connect serial device(s) to the PXIe-1487 serial input (SI) connector(s).
    • For Serializer or SerDes modules, use a FAKRA cable to connect ECU(s) to the PXIe-1487 serial output (SO) connector(s).
    Note Serial output and serial input coaxial connectors on the PXIe-1487 are physically identical. They can be differentiated by their labels. Serial output connectors are labeled SO and serial input connectors are labeled SI.
    Notice Do not plug or unplug devices while power over coax is enabled on serial channels as this may damage your device. Always set the power over coax to disabled and wait for the power to be fully disabled before plugging and unplugging devices.
  3. Connect the terminal blocks included in your kit to the AUX power connectors on the PXIe-1487.
  4. (Optional) Connect power sink(s) or power source(s) to the AUX power connectors as required for your application.
    • For Deserializer or SerDes modules, use a copper conductor wire to connect a power source to the serial input channel's corresponding pin on the AUX power connector. This allows you to supply external power. If you do not connect an external power source, devices connected to PXIe-1487 can be powered by the chassis backplane.
    • For Serializer or SerDes modules, use a copper conductor wire to connect a power sink to the serial output channel's corresponding pin on the AUX power connector. This allows you to simulate an additional load.
    Note AUX power connector pins map to serial input and serial output connectors one to one.
Refer to the following diagrams for examples of cabled configurations.
Figure 3. PXIe-1487 Deserializer

PXIe-1487 Deserializer Cable Diagram

  1. PXIe-1487 Deserializer Module
  2. Camera or Serial Device
  3. Power Source
  4. FAKRA Female Code Z to Serial Device Connector Cable
  5. Power Connector Wire, Grounding
  6. Power Connector Wire, Positively Charged
Figure 4. PXIe-1487 Serializer

PXIe-1487 Serializer Cable Diagram

  1. PXIe-1487 Serializer Module
  2. Electronic Control Unit (ECU)
  3. Power Sink
  4. FAKRA Female Code Z to FAKRA Female Code Z Cable
  5. Power Connector Wire, Grounding
  6. Power Connector Wire, Positively Charged
Figure 5. PXIe-1487 SerDes

PXIe-1487 SerDes Cable Diagram

  1. PXIe-1487 SerDes Module
  2. Electronic Control Unit (ECU)
  3. FAKRA Female Code Z to FAKRA Female Code Z Cable
  4. Camera or Serial Device
  5. Power Connector Wire, Positively Charged
Note In the PXIe-1487 SerDes module configuration shown, the power connector wire allows the ECU to power the camera or serial device.

Verifying the Installation in MAX

Use Measurement & Automation Explorer (MAX) to configure your NI hardware. MAX informs other programs about which NI hardware products are in the system and how they are configured. MAX is automatically installed with FlexRIO.

  1. Launch MAX.
  2. In the configuration tree, expand Devices and Interfaces to see the list of installed NI hardware.
    Installed modules appear under the name of their associated chassis.
  3. Expand your Chassis tree item.
    MAX lists all modules installed in the chassis. Your default names may vary.
    Note If you do not see your module listed, press <F5> to refresh the list of installed modules. If the module is still not listed, power off the system, ensure the module is correctly installed, and restart.
  4. Record the identifier MAX assigns to the hardware. Use this identifier when programming the PXIe-1487.
  5. Self-test the hardware by selecting the item in the configuration tree and clicking Self-Test in the MAX toolbar.
    MAX self-test performs a basic verification of hardware resources.