National Instruments NI PXIe-4138 User manual

GETTING STARTED GUIDE
NI PXIe-4138/4139
Single-Channel System SMU
Note Before you begin, install and configure your chassis and controller.
This document explains how to install, configure, and test the NI PXIe-4138/4139
(NI 4138/4139). The NI 4138/4139 is a single channel system source measurement unit
(SMU).
To access NI 4138/4139 documentation, navigate to Start»All Programs»National
Instruments»NI-DCPower»Documentation.
Contents
Electromagnetic Compatibility Guidelines...............................................................................1
Verifying the System Requirements..........................................................................................2
Unpacking the Kit..................................................................................................................... 2
Kit Contents.............................................................................................................................. 3
Other Equipment............................................................................................................... 3
Preparing the Environment....................................................................................................... 4
Safety........................................................................................................................................ 4
Installing the Software.............................................................................................................. 4
Installing the NI 4138/4139...................................................................................................... 5
Configuring the NI 4138/4139 in MAX................................................................................... 6
Programming the NI 4138/4139............................................................................................... 7
Troubleshooting........................................................................................................................ 8
What Should I Do if the NI 4138/4139 Doesn't Appear in MAX?...................................8
Why Is the ACCESS LED Off When the Chassis Is On?.................................................8
Where To Go Next.................................................................................................................... 9
Worldwide Support and Services.............................................................................................. 9
Electromagnetic Compatibility Guidelines
This product was tested and complies with the regulatory requirements and limits for
electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) stated in the product specifications. These requirements
and limits provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the product is
operated in the intended operational electromagnetic environment.
This product is intended for use in industrial locations. However, harmful interference may
occur in some installations, when the product is connected to a peripheral device or test object,
or if the product is used in residential or commercial areas. To minimize interference with

radio and television reception and prevent 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 To ensure the specified EMC performance, the length of all I/O cables
must be no longer than 3 m (10 ft).
Caution To ensure the specified EMC performance, you must install PXI EMC
Filler panels, NI part number 778700-01, in all open chassis slots. A kit of six single
slot EMC Filler Panels can be ordered at ni.com.
Verifying the System Requirements
To use the NI-DCPower instrument driver, your system must meet certain requirements.
Refer to the product readme, which is available on the driver software media or online at
ni.com/manuals, for more information about minimum system requirements,
recommended system, and supported application development environments (ADEs).
Unpacking the Kit
Caution To prevent electrostatic discharge (ESD) from damaging the device,
ground yourself using a grounding strap or by holding a grounded object, such as
your computer chassis.
1. Touch the antistatic package to a metal part of the computer chassis.
2. Remove the device from the package and inspect the device for loose components or any
other sign of damage.
Caution Never touch the exposed pins of connectors.
Note Do not install a device if it appears damaged in any way.
3. Unpack any other items and documentation from the kit.
Store the device in the antistatic package when the device is not in use.
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Kit Contents
Figure 1. NI 4138/4139 Kit Contents
345
12
OUTPUTCAT I
ACCESS ACTIVE
LO
NSE
LO
ARD
HI
ARD
NSE
HI
SystemSMU
NI PXIe-4138
OUTPUT
±60V , 3 A MAX
150V MAXto
1. NI PXIe-4138/4139 System SMU Device
2. Output Connector Assembly
3. Driver Software DVD
4. NI PXIe-4138/4139 Getting Started Guide (this
document)
5. Maintain Forced-Air Cooling Note to Users
Other Equipment
There are several required items not included in your device kit that you need to operate the
NI 4138/4139. Your application may require additional items not included in your kit to install
or operate your device.
Required Items
• A PXI Express chassis and chassis documentation. For more information about
compatible chassis options, refer to ni.com.
• A PXI Express embedded controller or MXI controller system that meets the system
requirements specified in this guide and chassis documentation.
Note If your device is hardware revision F or earlier, a snap-on ferrite bead is
required to remain in EMC compliance. Refer to the NI 4138/4139 Getting Started
Guide included in your original shipping kit for information about this bead.
To determine which revision of a device you have, open Measurement & Automation Explorer
(MAX) and select the device in question. The hardware revision is displayed in the settings
pane on right-hand side.
NI PXIe-4138/4139 Getting Started Guide | © National Instruments | 3

Optional Items
• NI screwdriver (part number 781015-01).
Preparing the Environment
Ensure that the environment you are using the NI 4138/4139 in meets the following
specifications.
Operating Environment
Ambient temperature range 0 °C to 55 °C (Tested in accordance with
IEC 60068-2-1 and IEC 60068-2-2. Meets
MIL-PRF-28800F Class 3 low temperature
limit and MIL-PRF-28800F Class 2 high
temperature limit.)
Relative humidity range 10% to 90%, noncondensing (Tested in
accordance with IEC 60068-2-56.)
Storage ambient temperature range -40 °C to 70 °C (Tested in accordance
with IEC 60068-2-1 and IEC 60068-2-2.)
Maximum altitude 2,000 m (800 mbar) (at 25 °C ambient
temperature)
Pollution Degree 2
Indoor use only.
Note Refer to the device specifications on ni.com/manuals for complete
specifications.
Safety
Caution Always refer to the specifications document for your device before
connecting signals. Failure to observe the specified maximum signal ratings can
cause shock, a fire hazard, or damage to the devices connected to the NI 4138/4139.
NI is not liable for any damage or injuries resulting from incorrect signal
connections.
Related Information
For information about connecting signals for specific devices, refer to the ranges reference of
the NI DC Power Supplies and SMUs Help.
Installing the Software
You must be an Administrator to install NI software on your computer.
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1. Install an ADE, such as LabVIEW or LabWindows™/CVI™.
2. Insert the driver software media into your computer. The installer should open
automatically.
If the installation window does not appear, navigate to the drive, double-click it, and
double-click autorun.exe.
3. Follow the instructions in the installation prompts.
Note Windows users may see access and security messages during
installation. Accept the prompts to complete the installation.
4. When the installer completes, select Restart in the dialog box that prompts you to restart,
shut down, or restart later.
Installing the NI 4138/4139
Caution To prevent damage to the device caused by ESD or contamination, handle
the device using the edges or the metal bracket.
1. Ensure the AC power source is connected to the chassis before installing the modules.
The AC power cord grounds the chassis and protects it from electrical damage while you
install the modules.
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 connectors 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 2. Chassis Compatibility Symbols
NI PXIe-1062Q
1
2
3
4
5
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
NI 4138/4139 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 unlatched (downward) position.
8. Place the module edges into the module guides at the top and bottom of the chassis. Slide
the device into the slot until it is fully inserted.
NI PXIe-4138/4139 Getting Started Guide | © National Instruments | 5

Figure 3. Module Installation
2
3
NI PXIe-1075
1
1. Chassis
2. Hardware Module
3. Ejector Handle in Down (Unlatched) Position
9. Latch the module in place by pulling up on the ejector handle.
10. Secure the device 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 filler panels or slot blockers to maximize cooling air flow.
12. Connect the output connector assembly to the device. Tighten any thumbscrews on the
output connector assembly to hold it in place.
13. Power on the chassis.
Configuring the NI 4138/4139 in MAX
Use Measurement & Automation Explorer (MAX) to configure your NI hardware. MAX
informs other programs about which devices reside in the system and how they are configured.
MAX is automatically installed with NI-DCPower.
1. Launch MAX.
2. In the configuration tree, expand Devices and Interfaces to see the list of installed
devices.
Installed devices appear under the name of their associated chassis.
3. Expand your Chassis tree item.
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MAX lists all devices installed in the chassis. Your default device names may vary.
Note If you do not see your device listed, press <F5> to refresh the list of
installed devices. If the device is still not listed, power off the system, ensure
the device is correctly installed, and restart.
4. Record the device identifier MAX assigns to the hardware. Use this identifier when
programming the NI 4138/4139.
5. Self-test the device by selecting the device in the configuration tree and clicking Self-Test
in the MAX toolbar.
The MAX self-test performs a basic verification of hardware resources.
Programming the NI 4138/4139
You can generate signals interactively using the NI-DCPower Soft Front Panel (SFP) or you
can use the NI-DCPower instrument driver to program your device in the supported ADE of
your choice.
Table 1. NI 4138/4139 Programming Options
Application
Programming
Interface (API)
Location Description
NI-DCPower SFP Available from the start menu
at Start»All Programs»
National Instruments»
NI-DCPower»NI-DCPower
Soft Front Panel.
The NI-DCPower SFP acquires,
controls, and presents data. The NI-
DCPower SFP operates on the PC, to
provide additional display
capabilities.
NI-DCPower
Instrument Driver
LabVIEW—Available on the
LabVIEW Functions palette at
Measurement I/O»
NI-DCPower.
NI-DCPower configures and
operates the device hardware and
performs basic acquisition and
measurement options using
LabVIEW VIs or LabWindows/CVI
functions.
C or LabWindows/CVI—
Available at Program Files»
IVI Foundation»IVI»
Drivers»NI-DCPower.
Microsoft Visual C/C++—NI-
DCPower does not ship with
installed C/C++ examples.
Refer to the Creating an Application
with Microsoft Visual C and C++
topic of the NI DC Power Supplies
and SMUs Help to manually add all
required include and library files to
your project.
NI PXIe-4138/4139 Getting Started Guide | © National Instruments | 7

Troubleshooting
If an issue persists after you complete a troubleshooting procedure, contact NI technical
support or visit ni.com/support.
What Should I Do if the NI 4138/4139 Doesn't Appear
in MAX?
1. In the MAX configuration tree, expand Devices and Interfaces.
2. Expand the Chassis tree to see the list of installed devices, and press <F5> to refresh the
list.
3. If the module is still not listed, power off the system, ensure that all hardware is correctly
installed, and restart the system.
4. Navigate to the Device Manager.
Operating System Description
Windows 8 Right-click the Start screen, and select All apps»Control Panel»
Hardware and Sound»Device Manager.
Windows 7 Select Start»Control Panel»Device Manager.
Windows Vista Select Start»Control Panel»System and Maintenance»Device
Manager.
Windows XP Select Start»Control Panel»System»Hardware»Device
Manager.
5. If you are using a PXI or PXI Express controller, verify that a National Instruments
entry appears in the system device list. Reinstall NI-DCPower and the device if error
conditions appear in the list. If you are using an MXI controller, right-click PCI-to-PCI
Bridge, and select Properties from the shortcut menu to verify that the bridge is enabled.
Why Is the ACCESS LED Off When the Chassis Is
On?
The LEDs may not illuminate until the device has been configured in MAX. Before
proceeding, verify that the NI 4138/4139 appears in MAX.
If the ACCESS LED fails to illuminate after you power on the PXI Express chassis, a problem
may exist with the PXI Express power rails, a hardware module, or the LED.
1. Caution Apply external signals only while the NI 4138/4139 is powered on.
Applying external signals while the device is powered off may cause damage.
Disconnect any signals from the PXI Express module front panels.
2. Remove any front panel connections from the NI 4138/4139.
3. Power off the PXI Express chassis.
4. Remove the module from the PXI Express chassis and inspect it for damage. Do not
reinstall a damaged device.
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5. Install the module in a different PXI Express chassis slot from which you removed it.
6. Power on the PXI Express chassis.
7. Verify that the device appears in MAX.
8. Reset the device in MAX and perform a self-test.
If the ACCESS LED still fails to illuminate and failures continue, contact NI technical support
or visit ni.com/support.
Where To Go Next
custom applications within
an application programming
interface (API).
NI-DCPower Soft Front Panel
NI-DCPower Instrument Driver
about hardware features
or review device
specifications.
more about your products through ni.com.
NI PXIe 4138 Specifications*
OR
NI PXIe 4139 Specifications*
NI DC Power Supplies
and SMUs Help*
the application
development environment (ADE)
for your application.
*This item is also installed with the driver software.
Located online at ni.com/manuals Located using the NI Example Finder
EXPLORE LEARN CREATE
DISCOVER
Support
ni.com/support
Power Supplies
Solutions
ni.com/powersupplies
Services
ni.com/services
NI Community
ni.com/community
NIPXIe-4138
Getting Started with
LabWindows/CVI
Getting Started with
LabVIEW
NI DCPower Examples*
NI DC Power Supplies
and SMUs Help*
Worldwide Support and Services
The NI website 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.
Visit ni.com/services for NI Factory Installation Services, repairs, extended warranty, and
other services.
NI PXIe-4138/4139 Getting Started Guide | © National Instruments | 9

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European Communities using the manufacturer’s declaration of conformity. This system
affords the user protection for electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and product safety. You
can obtain the DoC for your product by visiting ni.com/certification. If your product supports
calibration, you can obtain the calibration certificate for your product at ni.com/calibration.
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374671B-01 Jan16