National Instruments NI 8234 User manual

Getting Started with the NI 8234
The NI 8234 is a Gigabit Ethernet (GigE) interface device for PXI Express (PXIe) or CompactPCI
Express (cPCIe). This document describes how to install and configure the necessary hardware and
software components to begin using the NI 8234.
What You Need to Get Started
You need the following items to set up and use the NI 8234.
❑NI 8234 GigE interface device
❑GigE Vision compliant camera
❑Ethernet cable
❑PXIe/cPCIe computer running Microsoft Windows Vista/XP/2000 with at least one available slot
Note The NI 8234 card will work in any standard peripheral slot of a cPCIe chassis adhering to the
PICMG CompactPCI Express EXP.0 R1.0 specification, or in a peripheral slot of a PXIe chassis that
is compatible with the PXI Express Hardware Specification, Revision 1.0 or later.
Note Visit ni.com/info and enter rdvisionvista for more information about
National Instruments image acquisition device compatibility with Windows Vista.
❑NI Vision Acquisition Software 8.2.1 or later, which includes the NI-IMAQdx driver software
❑Optional software for developing applications:
– NI Vision Builder for Automated Inspection
– NI Vision Development Module
–LabVIEW
– LabWindows™/CVI™
– Microsoft Visual Basic
Related Documentation
The following documents contain additional information that you may find helpful:
•NI Vision Acquisition Software Release Notes—Outlines new functionality, system requirements,
installation procedures, and descriptions of the documentation included with the NI-IMAQdx
driver software.
•Measurement & Automation Explorer Help for NI-IMAQdx—Describes how to configure the
NI-IMAQdx driver software, NI interface devices, and cameras using Measurement & Automation
Explorer (MAX).
•NI-IMAQdx Help—Contains fundamental programming concepts for the NI-IMAQdx driver
software.

Getting Started with the NI 8234 2 ni.com
Safety Information
Caution The following paragraphs contain important safety information you must follow when
installing and operating the device.
Do not operate the device in a manner not specified in the documentation. Misuse of the device may
result in a hazard and may compromise the safety protection built into the device. If the device is
damaged, turn it off and do not use it until service-trained personnel can check its safety. If necessary,
return the device to National Instruments for repair.
Keep away from live circuits. Do not remove equipment covers or shields unless you are trained to do
so. If signal wires are connected to the device, hazardous voltages can exist even when the equipment is
turned off. To avoid a shock hazard, do not perform procedures involving cover or shield removal unless
you are qualified to do so. Disconnect all field power prior to removing covers or shields.
If the device is rated for use with hazardous voltages (>30 Vrms, 42.4 Vpk, or 60 Vdc), it may require a
safety earth-ground connection wire. Refer to the device specifications for maximum voltage ratings.
Because of the danger of introducing additional hazards, do not install unauthorized parts or modify the
device. Use the device only with the chassis, modules, accessories, and cables specified in the
installation instructions. All covers and filler panels must be installed while operating the device.
Do not operate the device in an explosive atmosphere or where flammable gases or fumes may be
present. Operate the device only at or below the pollution degree stated in the specifications. Pollution
consists of any foreign matter—solid, liquid, or gas—that may reduce dielectric strength or surface
resistivity. The following is a description of pollution degrees.
• Pollution Degree 1—No pollution or only dry, nonconductive pollution occurs. The pollution has
no effect.
• Pollution Degree 2—Normally only nonconductive pollution occurs. Occasionally, nonconductive
pollution becomes conductive because of condensation.
• Pollution Degree 3—Conductive pollution or dry, nonconductive pollution occurs. Nonconductive
pollution becomes conductive because of condensation.
Clean the device and accessories by brushing off light dust with a soft, nonmetallic brush. Remove other
contaminants with a stiff, nonmetallic brush. The unit must be completely dry and free from
contaminants before returning it to service.
Yo u must insulate signal connections for the maximum voltage for which the device is rated. Do not
exceed the maximum ratings for the device. Remove power from signal lines before connection to or
disconnection from the device.
Caution National Instruments measurement products may be classified as either Measurement
Category I or II. Operate products at or below the Measurement Category level specified in the
hardware specifications.
Measurement Category1: Measurement circuits are subjected to working voltages2and transient
stresses (overvoltage) from the circuit to which they are connected during measurement or test.
Measurement Category establishes standardized impulse withstand voltage levels that commonly occur
1 Measurement Categories as defined in electrical safety standard IEC 61010-1.
2 Working voltage is the highest rms value of an AC or DC voltage that can occur across any particular insulation.

©National Instruments Corporation 3 Getting Started with the NI 8234
in electrical distribution systems. The following is a description of Measurement (Installation1)
Categories:
• Measurement Category I is for measurements performed on circuits not directly connected to the
electrical distribution system referred to as MAINS2voltage. This category is for measurements of
voltages from specially protected secondary circuits. Such voltage measurements include signal
levels, special equipment, limited-energy parts of equipment, circuits powered by regulated
low-voltage sources, and electronics.
• Measurement Category II is for measurements performed on circuits directly connected to the
electrical distribution system. This category refers to local-level electrical distribution, such as that
provided by a standard wall outlet (e.g., 115 V for U.S. or 230 V for Europe). Examples of
Measurement Category II are measurements performed on household appliances, portable tools,
and similar products.
• Measurement Category III is for measurements performed in the building installation at the
distribution level. This category refers to measurements on hard-wired equipment such as
equipment in fixed installations, distribution boards, and circuit breakers. Other examples are
wiring, including cables, bus-bars, junction boxes, switches, socket-outlets in the fixed installation,
and stationary motors with permanent connections to fixed installations.
• Measurement Category IV is for measurements performed at the primary electrical supply
installation (<1,000 V). Examples include electricity meters and measurements on primary
overcurrent protection devices and on ripple control units.
Unpacking
The NI 8234 ships in an antistatic package to prevent electrostatic discharge from damaging device
components. To avoid such damage in handling the device, take the following precautions:
1. Ground yourself using a grounding strap or by touching a grounded object, such as the computer
chassis.
2. Touch the antistatic package to a metal part of the chassis before removing the device from the
package.
Caution Never touch the exposed pins of connectors.
3. Remove the device from the package and inspect the device for loose components or any sign of
damage. Notify NI if the device appears damaged in any way. Do not install a damaged device into
the PXIe/cPCIe chassis.
Store the NI 8234 in the antistatic package when not in use.
Installation
The following instructions are for general installation. Refer to the documentation provided by your
computer manufacturer for specific instructions and warnings. Refer to the Specifications section for a
list of the typical power requirements for the NI 8234.
1. Install the NI Vision Acquisition Software before installing the NI 8234. Refer to the NI Vision
Acquisition Software Release Notes for specific installation instructions.
2. Power off and unplug the PXIe/cPCIe chassis.
1 Measurement Category is also referred to as Installation Category.
2 MAINS is defined as the (hazardous live) electrical supply system to which equipment is designed to be connected for the
purpose of powering the equipment. Suitably rated measuring circuits may be connected to the MAINS for measuring
purposes.

Getting Started with the NI 8234 4 ni.com
Caution To protect yourself and the computer from electrical hazards, the chassis must remain
unplugged until the installation is complete.
Note If you are using a PXIe chassis, the NI 8234 must be installed in a PXIe or hybrid peripheral
slot. Consult your PXI chassis manual for the location of these slots.
3. Touch a metal part of the chassis to discharge any static electricity that might be on your clothes or
body. Static electricity can damage the device.
4. Make sure the injector/ejector handle is in its downward position. Be sure to remove all connector
packaging and protective caps from retaining screws on the module. Align the NI 8234 with the
card guides on the top and bottom of the peripheral slot.
Caution Do not raise the injector/ejector handle as you insert the NI 8234. It will not insert properly
unless the handle is in its downward position so that it does not interfere with the injector/ejector rail
on the chassis, as shown in Figure 1.
5. Hold the handle as you slowly slide the module into the chassis until the handle catches on the
injector/ejector rail.
Caution Installing a PXIe/cPCIe device into a non-PXIe/cPCIe slot can damage both the chassis
motherboard and the device. If you are unsure of the differences between the connector types, do not
install the device. Refer to the documentation provided by your chassis manufacturer to determine
the correct slot in which to install the NI 8234.
Figure 1. NI 8234 Installation
6. Raise the injector/ejector handle until the module firmly seats into the backplane receptacle
connectors. The front panel of the NI 8234 should be even with the front panel of the chassis.
7. Tighten the bracket-retaining screws on the top and bottom of the front panel to secure the NI 8234
to the chassis.
1 PXI Express/CompactPCI Express Chassis
2 Ejector Handle
3 Screws
4 Chassis Slot Markings
3
2
1
NI PXIe-1062Q
4

©National Instruments Corporation 5 Getting Started with the NI 8234
8. Connect the Ethernet cable to your camera. Refer to your camera manufacturer documentation for
specific instructions about how to connect the cable to your camera.
9. Connect the Ethernet cable to one of the RJ-45 connectors on the NI 8234 front panel.
10. Plug in and power on the PXIe/cPCIe chassis.
The NI 8234 is now installed and the camera is connected.
Configuring the NI 8234
After you have installed the NI 8234 and powered on your computer, Windows will recognize the device
and assign resources to it. Use Measurement & Automation Explorer (MAX), the National Instruments
configuration utility, to configure a GigE Vision compliant camera connected to the NI 8234 for
acquisition. Refer to the Measurement and Automation Explorer Help for NI-IMAQdx for more
information about how to configure the NI 8234.
Note Before configuring the device in MAX, ensure that you installed the NI-IMAQdx driver
software.
Specifications
The following specifications apply to the NI 8234 interface device. These specifications are typical at
25 °C, unless otherwise stated.
Physical Characteristics
Dimensions ............................................................10.0 cm ×16.0 cm (3.9 in. ×6.2 in.)
Camera interface .................................................... Two RJ-45 connectors
Slot requirements ................................................... One peripheral slot supporting a x4 PCIe connection
(either PXIe/cCPIe slot or PXIe hybrid slot)
CompactPCI Express compliance.......................... Version 1.0a
Compatibility ......................................................... PXI Express Specification 1.0
CompactPCI Express Specification 1.0
Weight ....................................................................158 g (5.5 oz)
Native link width....................................................x4
Signaling
Ethernet..................................................................1000Base-T compliant on four pairs of Category 5
cable
Power Requirements
Typical....................................................................0.375 A at 3.3V
0.36 A at 5V
1.19 A at 1.8V
5.2 W maximum

Getting Started with the NI 8234 6 ni.com
Environment
The NI 8234 is intended for indoor use only.
Ambient temperature range ...................................0 to 50 °C
Operating relative humidity ...................................10 to 90%, noncondensing
Pollution Degree ....................................................2
Caution Do not use the NI 8234 for connection to signals within Measurement Categories II, III,
or IV.
Approved at altitudes up to 2,000 m.
Storage Environment
Ambient temperature range ...................................–40 to 70 °C
Relative humidity...................................................10 to 90%, noncondensing
Safety
This product is designed to meet the requirements of the following standards of safety:
• IEC 60950-1, EN 60950-01
• UL 60950-1, CSA 60950-1
Electromagnetic Compatibility
This product is designed to meet the requirements of the following standards of EMC for electrical
equipment for measurement, control, and laboratory use:
• EN 61326 EMC requirements; Minimum Immunity
• EN 55011 Emissions; Group 1, Class A
• CE, C-Tick, ICES, and FCC Part 15 Emissions; Class A
Note For EMC compliance, operate this device to product documentation.
CE Compliance
This product meets the essential requirements of applicable European Directives, as amended for
CE marking, as follows:
• 73/23/EEC; Low-Voltage Directive (safety)
• 89/336/EEC; Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive (EMC)
Note Refer to the Declaration of Conformity (DoC) for this product for any additional
regulatory compliance information. To obtain the DoC for this product, visit ni.com/
certification, search by model number or product line, and click the appropriate link in
the Certification column.

©National Instruments Corporation 7 Getting Started with the NI 8234
FCC Class B User Information
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for the class B digital device
pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against
harmful interference in a residential installation. The equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio
frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful
interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in
a particular installation.
If this equipment does cause harmful interference to television or radio reception, which can be
determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference
by one or more of the following means:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is
connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
Caution If the device is changed or modified, the user may void his or her authority to operate the
equipment.
Note This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two
conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any
interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
Note Refer to the Declaration of Conformity (DoC) for this product for any additional regulatory
compliance information. To obtain the DoC for this product, visit ni.com/certification,
search by model number or product line, and click the appropriate link in the Certification column.
Environmental Management
National Instruments is committed to designing and manufacturing products in an environmentally
responsible manner. NI recognizes that eliminating certain hazardous substances from our products is
beneficial not only to the environment but also to NI customers.
For additional environmental information, refer to the NI and the Environment Web page at
ni.com/environment. This page contains the environmental regulations and directives with which
NI complies, as well as other environmental information not included in this document.
Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE)
EU Customers At the end of their life cycle, all products must be sent to a WEEE recycling center.
For more information about WEEE recycling centers and National Instruments WEEE initiatives,
visit ni.com/environment/weee.htm.
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The National Instruments Web site is your complete resource for technical support. At
ni.com/support you have access to everything from troubleshooting and application development
self-help resources to email and phone assistance from NI Application Engineers.
A Declaration of Conformity (DoC) is our claim of compliance with the Council of the European
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