National Geographic USRP-29 Series User manual

December 2012
375717D-01
GETTING STARTED GUIDE
NI USRP -29xx
This document explains how to install, configure, and set up the National Instruments
Universal Software Radio Peripheral (USRP) 2920, 2921, 2922, 2930, or 2932 (NI 29xx)
device. The NI USRP-29xx is a software-defined radio (SDR), which can send and receive
signals for use in communications applications. This device ships with the NI-USRP instrument
driver, which you can use to program the device.
For more information about device features, programming, and examples, refer to the NI-USRP
Help at Start»All Programs»National Instruments»NI-USRP»Documentation»NI-USRP
Help. Individual device specifications are available at Start»All Programs»National
Instruments»NI-USRP»Documentation»Specifications.
For the most current versions of product documents, visit ni.com/manuals. For the latest
version of NI-USRP driver software, visit ni.com/updates.
Quick Start Steps
The following steps are an overview of the NI USRP-29xx getting started process. Follow these
steps to use the NI USRP-29xx after you install LabVIEW on your computer:
1. Install the NI USRP Software Suite DVD. The software suite adds the following items to
your LabVIEW installation: the NI-USRP driver, LabVIEW Modulation Toolkit,
LabVIEW MathScript RT Module, and LabVIEW Digital Filter Design Toolkit. For more
information, refer to section 4. Installing the Software on page 5.
2. Connect the Device. Attach the antenna or cable to the front of the NI USRP-29xx device.
Connect the device directly to your computer with the enclosed Ethernet cable and connect
the power. For more information, refer to section 5. Installing and Configuring the
Hardware on page 6.
3. Change the IP address of your 1 Gigabit Ethernet Port to a static IP. NI recommends
a static IP address of 192.168.10.1 because NI USRP-29xx devices have a default address
of 192.168.10.2. For more information, refer to section 5. Installing and Configuring the
Hardware on page 6.
4. Run an example. Examples are located in LabVIEW. Navigate to the Functions Palette
and select Start»All Programs»National Instruments»NI-USRP»Examples. For more
information, refer to section 6. Programming the NI 29xx on page 11.
5. Update the firmware using the NI-USRP Configuration Utility. Select Start»
All Programs»NI-USRP»NI-USRP Configuration Utility to open the NI-USRP
Configuration Utility. For more information, refer to section 7: Updating Device Firmware
and FPGA Images on page 12.
If you have trouble with any of these steps, refer to the detailed sections of this guide or the video
at ni.com/usrp/gettingstarted/.
™

2|ni.com |NI USRP-29xx Getting Started Guide
Electromagnetic Compatibility Guidelines
This product was tested and complies with the regulatory requirements and limits for
electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) as stated in the product specifications. These requirements
and limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the
product is operated in its intended operational electromagnetic environment.
This product is intended for use in industrial locations. There is no guarantee that harmful
interference will not occur in a particular installation, when the product is connected to a test
object, or if the product is used in residential areas. To minimize the potential for the product to
cause interference to radio and television reception or to experience unacceptable performance
degradation, install and use this product in strict accordance with the instructions in the product
documentation.
Furthermore, any changes or modifications to the product not expressly approved by National
Instruments could void your authority to operate it under your local regulatory rules.
Caution To ensure the specified EMC performance, operate this product only with
shielded cables and accessories.
Caution The protection provided by the NI USRP-29xx can be impaired if it is
used in a manner not described in this document.
Contents
Quick Start Steps ......................................................................................................................1
Electromagnetic Compatibility Guidelines...............................................................................2
1. Verifying the System Requirements ..................................................................................... 3
2. Unpacking .............................................................................................................................3
3. Verifying the Kit Contents.................................................................................................... 4
Other Required Items........................................................................................................4
Optional Items...................................................................................................................5
4. Installing the Software .......................................................................................................... 5
5. Installing and Configuring the Hardware ............................................................................. 5
Installing NI 29xx Devices ...............................................................................................6
Setting Up the Network .................................................................................................... 6
Default IP Address.................................................................................................... 6
Confirming Network Connection .............................................................................7
Configuring Multiple Devices .................................................................................. 7
Changing the IP Address ..........................................................................................9
6. Programming the NI 29xx .................................................................................................... 10
NI-USRP Instrument Driver .............................................................................................10
NI-USRP Examples ..........................................................................................................10
7: Updating Device Firmware and FPGA Images .................................................................... 11
Updating USRP N2xx/NI 29xx Firmware and FPGA Images ......................................... 11
Updating USRP2 Firmware and FPGA Images ...............................................................14
Appendix A: Front Panels, Backplanes, and Connectors .........................................................16
NI USRP-2920 .................................................................................................................. 16
NI USRP-2921 .................................................................................................................. 18

NI USRP-29xx Getting Started Guide |© National Instruments |3
NI USRP-2922.................................................................................................................. 20
NI USRP-2930.................................................................................................................. 22
NI USRP-2932.................................................................................................................. 25
Appendix B: Network Troubleshooting ................................................................................... 28
The Device Does Not Connect to the Host Ethernet Interface......................................... 28
The Device Does Not Respond to a Ping (ICMP Echo Request)..................................... 28
The NI-USRP Configuration Utility Does Not Return a Listing for My Device............. 28
The Device IP Address Does Not Reset to the Default .................................................... 28
Appendix C: Compliance and Certifications............................................................................ 29
Safety ................................................................................................................................ 29
Electromagnetic Compatibility......................................................................................... 29
CE Compliance................................................................................................................. 30
Online Product Certification............................................................................................. 30
Environmental Management............................................................................................. 30
Appendix D: Where to Go for Support .................................................................................... 31
1. Verifying the System Requirements
To use the NI-USRP instrument driver, the system must meet certain requirements. For more
information about minimum system requirements, recommended system, and supported
application development environments (ADEs), refer to the NI-USRP Readme, which is
available on the on the NI-USRP software media.
Note Prior to installation, you can access the NI-USRP Readme online at ni.com/
updates. After you install NI-USRP, you can access the NI-USRP Readme at Start»
All Programs»National Instruments»NI-USRP»Documentation.
2. Unpacking
The device ships in an antistatic package to prevent damage from electrostatic discharge (ESD).
ESD can damage several components of the device. Store the device in the antistatic package
when not in use.
Caution Never touch the exposed pins of connectors.
To avoid ESD damage when handling the device, take the following precautions:
• Ground yourself with a grounding strap or by touching a grounded object.
• Touch the antistatic package to a metal part of your computer chassis before removing the
device from the package.
Remove the device from the package and inspect it for loose components or any sign of damage.
Notify NI if the device appears damaged in any way. Do not install a damaged device.

4|ni.com |NI USRP-29xx Getting Started Guide
3. Verifying the Kit Contents
Verify that the kit contains the following items required to set up and use the device:
Driver software media—Installs the NI-USRP driver software and electronic
documentation, including the NI-USRP Help, the NI-USRP Readme, and device
specifications. After installation, you can find these documents at Start»All Programs»
National Instruments»NI-USRP»Documentation.
NI 29xx device
AC/DC power supply and power cable
Shielded Ethernet cable
SMA (m)-to-SMA (m) cable
Caution If you connect a signal generator to your device, or connect multiple
USRP devices to each other, you must connect a 30 dB attenuator to the RF input
(RX1 or RX2) of each receiving USRP device.
30 dB SMA attenuator
NI USRP-29xx Getting Started Guide (this document)
Other Required Items
In addition to the kit contents, you must provide the following additional items:
Computer with available gigabit Ethernet interface
LabVIEW 2009, 2010, 2011, or later
One or more of the recommended antennae shown in the following table.
Device Antenna
NI Part
Number
NI USRP-2920/2922/2930 VERT 400—144 MHz, 400 MHz, and
1,200 MHz tri-band vertical antenna
781915-01
NI USRP-2921/2922/2932 VERT 2450—2.4 GHz to 2.48 GHz and
4.9 GHz to 5.9 GHz dual-band vertical
antenna
781913-01

NI USRP-29xx Getting Started Guide |© National Instruments |5
Optional Items
LabVIEW Modulation Toolkit (MT), included on the NI-USRP instrument driver software
media, which includes MT VIs and functions, examples, and documentation
Note You must install the LabVIEW Modulation Toolkit for proper operation of
the NI-USRP Modulation Toolkit example VIs.
LabVIEW Digital Filter Design Toolkit, included on the NI-USRP instrument driver
software media
LabVIEW MathScript RT Module, included on the NI-USRP instrument driver
software media
NI USRP-29xx MIMO sync and data transfer cable, NI part number 781916-01, to
synchronize clock sources
Additional SMA (m)-to-SMA (m) cables to connect both channels with external devices
under test (DUTs) or to use the REF IN and PPS IN signals
4. Installing the Software
You must install all the software you plan to use with the device before installing the device.
1. Install the latest service packs for your operating system.
2. Verify that LabVIEW is installed on your system.
3. Insert the NI-USRP media into the DVD drive and follow the instructions in the installation
window.
Note If the installation window does not appear, navigate to the DVD drive,
double-click the drive, and double-click setup.exe.
4. (Optional) Install the LabVIEW Modulation Toolkit (available on the driver software
media) and other modules or toolkits you plan to use with the device.
5. Follow the instructions in the installation prompts. For troubleshooting information,
contact NI technical support or visit ni.com/support.
(Windows 7/Vista) Users may see access and security messages during installation.
Accept the prompts to complete the installation.
6. When the installer completes, if a dialog box asks if you want to restart, shut down, or
restart later, select Restart.

6|ni.com |NI USRP-29xx Getting Started Guide
5. Installing and Configuring the Hardware
Install all the software you plan to use with the hardware before installing the hardware. The
device connects to a host computer using a standard gigabit Ethernet interface. Refer to the
documentation for your gigabit Ethernet interface for installation and configuration instructions.
Installing NI 29xx Devices
1. Use the Ethernet cable to connect the device to the computer. For maximum throughput, NI
recommends that you connect each device to its own dedicated gigabit Ethernet interface
on the host computer.
2. Connect the AC/DC power supply to the device.
3. Plug the power supply into a wall outlet. Windows automatically recognizes the new
device.
For device front panel diagrams and connector descriptions, refer to Appendix A: Front Panels,
Backplanes, and Connectors. Device specifications are available at Start»All Programs»
National Instruments»NI-USRP»Documentation»Specifications.
Setting Up the Network
The device communicates with a host computer over gigabit Ethernet. Set up the network to
enable communication with the device.
Note The IP addresses for the computer and each connected USRP device must be
unique.
Refer to the Configuring Multiple Devices section for information about connecting multiple
devices.
Default IP Address
The default IP address for the NI 29xx is 192.168.10.2. You must configure the host Ethernet
interface with a static IP address on the same subnet as the connected device to enable
communication, as shown in the following table.
Component Address
Host Ethernet interface static IP address 192.168.10.1
Host Ethernet interface subnet mask 255.255.255.0
Default USRP device IP address 192.168.10.2

NI USRP-29xx Getting Started Guide |© National Instruments |7
Note NI-USRP uses user datagram protocol (UDP) broadcast packets to locate
the device. On some systems, the firewall blocks UDP broadcast packets. NI
recommends that you change or disable the firewall settings to allow communication
with the device.
Tip Make sure the host computer is using a static IP address. You may need to
modify the network settings for the local area connection using the Control Panel on
the host computer. Specify the static IP address in the Properties page for Internet
Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4).
Confirming Network Connection
1. Select Start»All Programs»National Instruments»NI-USRP»NI-USRP Configuration
Utility to open the NI-USRP Configuration Utility.
2. Select the Change IP Address tab of the utility. Your device should appear in the list on
the left side of the tab, similar to Figure 1.
Figure 1. Confirm Network Connection
Note If your device is not listed, verify that your device is powered on and correctly
connected, then click the Find Devices button to scan for USRP devices. Your device
should appear in the list on the left side of the tab. If the NI-USRP Configuration

8|ni.com |NI USRP-29xx Getting Started Guide
Utility does not return a listing for your device, refer to
Appendix B: Network Troubleshooting for information about troubleshooting the
network connection.
Configuring Multiple Devices
You can connect multiple devices in the following ways:
• Multiple Ethernet interfaces—One device for each interface
• Single Ethernet interface—One device connected to the interface, with additional devices
connected using an optional MIMO cable
• Single Ethernet interface—Multiple devices connected to an unmanaged switch
Tip Sharing a single gigabit Ethernet interface among devices may reduce overall
signal throughput. For maximum signal throughput, NI recommends that you
connect no more than one device per Ethernet interface.
Multiple Host Ethernet Interfaces
To configure multiple devices connected to separate gigabit Ethernet interfaces, assign each
Ethernet interface a separate subnet, and assign the corresponding device an address in that
subnet, as shown in the following table.
Single Host Ethernet Interface—MIMO
You can configure multiple devices using a single host Ethernet interface when the devices are
connected to each other using a MIMO cable. Assign each device a separate IP address in the
subnet of the host Ethernet interface, as shown in the following table. Connect Device 0 to the
Ethernet interface and connect Device 1 to Device 0 using a MIMO cable.
Single Host Ethernet Interface—Unmanaged Switch
You can connect multiple USRP devices to a host computer through an unmanaged gigabit
Ethernet switch that allows a single gigabit Ethernet adapter on the computer to interface with
Table 1. Multiple Host Ethernet Interface Configuration
Device
Host
IP Address
Host
Subnet Mask
Device
IP Address
USRP Device 0 192.168.10.1 255.255.255.0 192.168.10.2
USRP Device 1 192.168.11.1 255.255.255.0 192.168.11.2
Table 2. Single Host Ethernet Interface—MIMO Configuration
Device
Host
IP Address
Host
Subnet Mask
Device
IP Address
USRP Device 0 192.168.10.1 255.255.255.0 192.168.10.2
USRP Device 1 192.168.10.1 255.255.255.0 192.168.10.3

NI USRP-29xx Getting Started Guide |© National Instruments |9
multiple USRP devices connected to the switch. Assign the host Ethernet interface a subnet, and
assign each device an address in that subnet, as shown in the following table.
Table 3. Single Host Ethernet Interface—Unmanaged Switch Configuration
Device
Host
IP Address
Host
Subnet Mask
Device
IP Address
USRP Device 0 192.168.10.1 255.255.255.0 192.168.10.2
USRP Device 1 192.168.10.1 255.255.255.0 192.168.10.3

10 |ni.com |NI USRP-29xx Getting Started Guide
Changing the IP Address
To change the NI 29xx device IP address, you must know the current address of the device, and
you must configure the network as described in the Default IP Address section.
1. Verify that your device is powered on and connected to your computer using the gigabit
Ethernet interface.
2. Select Start»All Programs»National Instruments»NI-USRP»NI-USRP Configuration
Utility to open the NI-USRP Configuration Utility.
3. Select the Change IP Address tab of the utility. Your device should appear in the list on
the left side of the tab. If your device is not listed, refer to the Confirming Network
Connection section.
4. In the list, select the device for which you want to change the IP address. The IP address of
the device you selected displays in the Selected IP Address textbox. If you have multiple
devices, verify that you selected the correct device.
5. Enter the new IP address for the device in the New IP Address textbox. The utility should
appear similar to Figure 2.
Figure 2. Specify New IP Address
6. Click the Change IP Address button or press <Enter> to change the IP address.
7. The utility prompts you to confirm your selection. Click OK if your selection is correct;
otherwise, click Cancel.