National Instruments Phase Matrix PXI-1440 User manual

Phase Matrix, Inc. 4600 Patrick Henry Drive, Santa Clara CA 95054 Tel: [phone] www.phasematrix.com
PXI MICROWAVE
IF DOWNCONVERTER MODULE
Quick Start GuideQuick Start Guide
PXI-1440 CCN 13001
Manual Assy Part Number 5585114-01
Manual Text Part Number 5580114-01 Rev '
Model PXI-1440

Notices
© Phase Matrix, Inc. 201
No part of this manual may be copied,
duplicated, or reproduced in any form or
by any means (including electronic stor-
age and retrieval or translation into a for-
eign language) without prior agreement
and written consent from Phase Matrix,
Inc. as governed by United States and
international copyright laws.
Phase Matrix, Inc.
4600 Patrick Henry Drive
Santa Clara, CA 95054
Software Copyright
Original Phase Matrix, Inc. software may
be distributed without consent from Phase
Matrix, Inc. only if all software and asso-
ciated files are included in the distribution
and remain unmodified.
Warranty
Phase Matrix, Inc. warrants this product
to be free from defects in material and
workmanship for one year from the date
of delivery. Damage due to accident,
abuse, or improper signal level is not cov-
ered by the warranty. Removal, deface-
ment, or alteration of any serial or
inspection label, marking, or seal may
void the warranty. Phase Matrix, Inc. will
repair or replace, at its option, any com-
ponents of this product which prove to be
defective during the warranty period, pro-
vided the entire unit is returned to Phase
Matrix, Inc. or an authorized service facil-
ity. In-warranty units will be returned
freight prepaid; out-of-warranty units will
be returned freight COLLECT. No war-
ranty other than the above is expressed or
implied.
Certification
Phase Matrix, Inc. certifies this instru-
ment to be in conformance with the speci-
fications noted herein at time of shipment
from the factory. Phase Matrix, Inc. fur-
ther certifies that its calibration measure-
ments are traceable to the United States
National Institute of Standards and Tech-
nology.
Manual Change Information
As Phase Matrix, Inc. continually
improves and updates its products,
changes to the material covered by the
manual will occur. When a part or assem-
bly in a Phase Matrix, Inc. instrument is
changed to the extent that it is no longer
interchangeable with the earlier part, the
configuration control number (CCN) of
the instrument, shown on the title page of
the manual, will change, and a new edi-
tion of the manual will be published.
To maintain the technical accuracy of the
manual, it may be necessary to provide
new or additional information with the
manual. In these cases, the manual is
shipped with a Manual Update. Please be
sure to incorporate the information as
instructed in the Manual Update.
Safety Notices
CAUTION
A CAUTION notice denotes a
hazard. It calls attention to an
operating procedure, practice, or
the like that, if not correctly per-
formed or adhered to, could result
in damage to the product or loss of
important data. Do not proceed
beyond a CAUTION notice until
the indicated conditions are fully
understood and met.
WARNING
A WARNING notice defines a
hazard. It calls attention to an
operating procedure or practice
that if not correctly followed or
adhered to, could result in
either personal injury or death.
Do not proceed beyond a
WARNING notice until the indi-
cated conditions are fully
understood and met.
EIP® is a brand name used to refer to a
line of traditional T&M instruments
owned by Phase Matrix, Inc.
National Instruments®, NI®,
ni.com®, LabVIEW®,
and LabWindows®
are registered trademarks of
National Instruments Corporation.
Microsoft®, Windows®, Vista®, XP®,
and 2000® are registered trademarks of
Microsoft Corporation.
Document created for Phase Matrix, Inc.
2010 by RLTechnical.com

Phase Matrix PXI-1440 IF Downconverter Module 3
Quick Start Guide
Introducing the PXI-1440 IF Downconverter Module
Congratulations on purchasing a
Phase Matrix PXI-1440 IF Downconverter Module!
To get the most out of your purchase, it is recommended that this
Quick Start Guide be read carefully and completely.
In this document...
The scope of this document is to describe the installation process of the 
stand-alone hardware and software for the PXI-1440 and to confirm
basic module operation.
This document describes information for the PXI-1440 when used in a
PXI system with an embedded controller or a PXI remote controller.
“Step 1. Confirm Module Operating Requirements" on page 4
“Step 2. Perform Hardware Installation/Configuration" on page 5
“Step 3. Perform Software Installation/Configuration" on page 9
“Step 4. Review Hardware and Software Front Panels" on page 19
“Step 5. Confirm Basic Module Operation" on page 31

4 Phase Matrix PXI-1440 IF Downconverter Module
Quick Start Guide
Step 1. Confirm Module Operating Requirements
Table 1 Module Operating Requirements When Used in a PXI System
Operating System
•Windows 7 (32- and 64-bit versions)
•Windows XP (32-bit version)
•LabVIEW Real-Time (Version 8.2.1 and later)
BIOS - computers manufactured prior to 2008 require NI MXI-Express BIOS Compatibility Software.
This BIOS software is available on the Internet at: NI > Support > Drivers and Software > 
MXI-Express BIOS Compatibility Software - Windows 7 x86/XP
RAM - minimum of 256 MB required by LabVIEW.
CD Drive - used to install PXI device driver software and Soft Front Panel from an optional CD
PXI device driver software and Soft Front Panels are available from an optional CD
or from the Phase Matrix web site at: www.phasematrix.com
Screen Resolution - at least 1024 × 768 pixels, recommended.
Adobe Reader - 6.0.1 or later to view or search PDF versions of manuals.
Interface/Controller - select either an embedded controller or a PXI remote controller.
Embedded Controller
NI PXI-8106 2.16 GHz Dual-Core PXI Embedded Controller
or NI PXIe-8106 2.16 GHz Dual-Core PXI Express Embedded Controller
or equivalent embedded controller running Windows 7/XP
PXI Remote Controller
NI PXI-CardBus8310 Laptop Control of PXI with PCMCIA CardBus
or NI PXIe-ExpressCard8360 Laptop Control of PXI Express with ExpressCard
or equivalent PXI remote controller running Windows 7/XP
NOTE
LabVIEW does not support Windows NT/Me/98/95, any of the Windows Server
editions, or Windows XP x64.
LabVIEW does support Windows 7 (64-bit version).
LabVIEW or the LabVIEW Run-Time Engine does support Windows 2000 with
Service Pack 3 or later.

Phase Matrix PXI-1440 IF Downconverter Module 5
Quick Start Guide
Step 2. Perform Hardware Installation/Configuration
Step 2-1. Unpack Hardware
Each PXI-1440 ships in an antistatic package to prevent damage from
electrostatic discharge (ESD). Because ESD can damage several
components of a hardware module, store all modules in antistatic
envelopes when not in use.
CAUTION
PXI hardware does not support “hot-swap” capabilities!
Before installing the PXI-1440 IF Downconverter Module, the PXI chassis must be
powered off and unplugged to prevent damage to PXI modules.
The PXI-1440 can be installed in any standard-PXI slot marked with a
peripheral slot compatibility image (a circle containing the slot number).
The PXI-1440 can also be installed in any hybrid-PXI slot marked with a
peripheral slot compatibility image (the letter “H” and a solid circle
containing the slot number).
Do not install the PXI-1440 into a slot for PXI Express (PXIe) modules.
NOTE
A PXI-1440 can be used in either a PXI or PXIe chassis, with either a PXI or PXIe
interface/controller, but the PXI-1440 must only be installed into a standard-PXI slot or a
hybrid-PXI slot.
CAUTION
•To avoid damage when handling a module, do not touch exposed connector pins.
•Before touching or handling a module, use a grounding strap or touch a grounded
object to ground yourself.
•Before touching or removing a module from its package, touch the antistatic package
to a metal part of your computer chassis.
•Remove each module from its package and inspect it for loose components or any
signs of damage. Notify Phase Matrix if any module appears damaged in any way.
•Do not install damaged modules into a system.

6 Phase Matrix PXI-1440 IF Downconverter Module
Quick Start Guide
Unpack the contents of the box and verify that everything is included:
•PXI-1440 IF Downconverter Module
•Optional CD (included if specifically ordered; otherwise, PXI device
driver software and Soft Front Panels are available from the Phase
Matrix web site at: www.phasematrix.com).
Step 2-2. Install PXI Modules into a PXI Chassis
Figure 1 Install PXI Modules into a PXI Chassis
Phase Matrix PXI modules are sensitive instruments that should be
handled carefully. Do not expose modules to temperatures or humidity
beyond their rated maximums.
CAUTION
•For information about the rated maximums, refer to each module’s specifications
document available at: www.phasematrix.com
•Keep the module free of dust by cleaning only with compressed air.
•Do not clean the module with any solvents or liquids.
•To prevent damage to the module caused by ESD or contamination, handle the
module using the edges or the metal bracket.

Quick Start Guide
Phase Matrix PXI-1440 IF Downconverter Module 7
1Assure that the power switch is in the Off (Standby) position and
unplug the PXI chassis.
2If the chassis has multiple fan speed settings, ensure that the fans are
set to automatic. Do not set the fan speed to low or turn it off.
3Position the chassis so that there is ample space between the chassis
fan intake and exhaust vents. Blockage by walls or obstructions
affects the air flow needed for cooling. (Refer to the chassis
documentation for more information about cooling.)
4Holding the PXI-1440 by the injector/ejector handle, slide it into an
available PXI (or hybrid) slot, as shown in Figure 1.
aInstall the PXI-1440 into the PXI (or hybrid) slot of the chassis by
placing the module card edges into the front module guides (top
and bottom).
bSlide the PXI-1440 to the rear of the chassis and assure that the
injector/ejector handle is pushed down in the unlatched
(downward) position.
cSlide the module completely into the chassis. When you begin to
feel resistance, push up on the injector/ejector handle to fully
inject the module into the chassis frame.
5Latch the PXI-1440 by pulling up on the injector/ejector handle and
secure the module front panel to the chassis using the module
front-panel mounting screws.
6Tighten the screws on the PXI-1440 front panel. Performance may
suffer if the screws are not tightened properly.
7Verify that the PXI chassis fans are operable and free of dust and
other contaminants that may restrict airflow.
8Install all chassis covers and filler panels after installing the
PXI-1440. Missing filler panels disrupt necessary air circulation in
the chassis.
9Plug-in and power-on the PXI chassis.
NOTE
Phase Matrix recommends installing slot blockers in adjacent vacant PXI slots to
maximize cooling air flow to the PXI modules.
A PXI Chassis Slot Blocker Kit (National Instruments part number 778678-01) is
available for purchase at www.ni.com.

8 Phase Matrix PXI-1440 IF Downconverter Module
Quick Start Guide
Step 2-3. Connect to the Host Computer and Power Source
Embedded Controller
1Connect the keyboard, mouse, monitor and any other external
devices to the PXI embedded controller.
2Connect the chassis’ AC or DC inlet to the power source using an
appropriate power cable.
3When the power switch is in the ON position, observe that fans
become operational.
4If the power outlet does not have an appropriate ground connection,
connect the premise safety ground to the chassis grounding screw.
Refer to the chassis’ user manual at ni.com/manual for instructions.

PXI systems can be controlled from a
PC or laptop computer through a
software transparent link using
National Instruments’ PXI Remote
Controllers.


- PC control of PXI consists of a
PCI/PCI Express board in the
computer and a PXI/PXI Express
module in slot 1 of the PXI system,
connected by a copper or fiber-optic
cable.


- Laptop computer control of 
PXI consists of an
ExpressCard/PCMCIA CardBus card
in the laptop and a PXI/PXI Express
module in slot 1 of the PXI system,
connected by a copper cable.
PXI Remote Controller
1Install the PCI/PCI Express board in a PC or
insert the ExpressCard/PCMCIA CardBus card in a laptop computer.
2Connect the chassis’ AC or DC inlet to the power source using an
appropriate power cable.
3When the power switch is in the ON position, observe that fans
become operational.
4If the power outlet does not have an appropriate ground connection,
connect the premise safety ground to the chassis grounding screw.
Refer to the chassis’ user manual at ni.com/manual for instructions.
(Step 2-4. Optional) Uninstall PXI Modules
Before uninstalling PXI modules, power off the PXI chassis!
When removing PXI modules from a chassis, ensure that you are
grounded with a grounding strap or are touching a grounded metal
surface. To avoid ESD, do not touch the exposed connector pins or any
exposed circuitry on the device. When not in use, PXI modules should
be stored in the original antistatic envelope to avoid damage.

Phase Matrix PXI-1440 IF Downconverter Module 9
Quick Start Guide
Step 3. Perform Software Installation/Configuration
Complete the following steps to install the PXI device driver software
and Soft Front Panels available from an optional CD or from the Phase
Matrix web site at: www.phasematrix.com
Embedded Controller
1Install the PXI device driver from an optional CD or
from the Phase Matrix web site.
See “Step 3-1. Installing the PXI Device Driver" on page 10.
2Install the Soft Front Panel from an optional CD or
from the Phase Matrix web site.
See “Step 3-2. Installing the Soft Front Panel" on page 13.
PXI Remote Controller
PXI systems can be controlled from a
PC or laptop computer through a
software transparent link using
National Instruments’ PXI Remote
Controllers.


- PC control of PXI consists of a
PCI/PCI Express board in the
computer and a PXI/PXI Express
module in slot 1 of the PXI system,
connected by a copper or fiber-optic
cable.


- Laptop computer control of 
PXI consists of an
ExpressCard/PCMCIA CardBus card
in the laptop and a PXI/PXI Express
module in slot 1 of the PXI system,
connected by a copper cable.
1If the PXI remote controller (PC or laptop computer) being used is a
Windows based operating system and was manufactured prior to
2008, install NI MXI-Express BIOS Compatibility Software:
NI MXI-Express BIOS Compatibility Software
2Install the NI PXI Platform Services Software that accompanies the
PXI remote controller: NI PXI Platform Services Software
3Install the PXI device driver from an optional CD or
from the Phase Matrix web site.
See “Step 3-1. Installing the PXI Device Driver" on page 10.
4Install the Soft Front Panel from an optional CD or
from the Phase Matrix web site.
See “Step 3-2. Installing the Soft Front Panel" on page 13.
5Connect the PXI remote controller, using the manufacture’s
provided cable, to the expansion card in the PXI remote controller.
6Reboot the PXI remote controller.
NOTE
Any application development environment (ADE) that is to be used (such as LabVIEW,
LabWindows/CVI, or a third-party program) must be installed prior to installing the
PXI device driver software or its Soft Front Panel.

10 Phase Matrix PXI-1440 IF Downconverter Module
Quick Start Guide
Step 3-1. Installing the PXI Device Driver
This procedure is used to install the PXI-1440’s device driver using the
“Found New Hardware Wizard” on an embedded controller or a
PXI remote controller running Windows 7/XP.
1Install PXI device drivers using one of the following methods:
•Insert the optional CD containing the device driver.
•Download the latest available PXI device driver from the
Phase Matrix web site and unzip it to a location on the
embedded controller or the PXI remote controller.

Device drivers are available at: www.phasematrix.com

2Install PXI modules into the PXI chassis and turn on power.
NOTE
If the embedded controller or the PXI remote controller being used has previously had a
device driver of the same type installed, it must be removed before installing a new
PXI-1440’s device driver.

Refer to “(Step 3-3. Optional) Uninstalling the PXI Device Driver" on page 17 for
further details.
NOTE
Any application development environment (ADE) that is to be used (such as LabVIEW,
LabWindows/CVI, or a third-party program) must be installed prior to installing the
PXI device driver software or its Soft Front Panel.
NOTE
The following procedure is shown for systems running Windows 7 and may vary slightly
for systems running Windows XP.
NOTE
Anti-virus software may prevent the device driver installer from executing.
CAUTION
PXI hardware does not support “hot-swap” capabilities!
Before installing the PXI-1440 IF Downconverter Module, the PXI chassis must be
powered off and unplugged to prevent damage to PXI modules.

Quick Start Guide
Phase Matrix PXI-1440 IF Downconverter Module 11
3Launch the PXI-14XX Series Device Driver Installer, “PXI-14XX
Driver (32 bit).exe” or “PXI-14XX Driver (64 bit).exe.”
The PXI-14XX Series Devcie Driver Installer will open with a welcome
window similar to the one shown in Figure 2.
Figure 2 Example Welcome Window
4Select Next to continue.
Windows will display the End User License Agreement (EULA) as
shown in Figure 3.
Figure 3 Example of Software License Agreement

12 Phase Matrix PXI-1440 IF Downconverter Module
Quick Start Guide
5Carefully read through the EULA.
•If you accpet the terms of the EULA, select “I accept this
Agreement” and Select Next to continue.
•If you do not accept the agreement, you will not be able to install
the software.
A Windows security window similar to the one shown in Figure 4 will
appear.
Figure 4 Example of Windows Security Window
6Select Install to continue.
Windows should display a message indicating that the installation was
successful.
Figure 5 Example of Completing the Installer
7Select Finish to complete the device driver installation.

Quick Start Guide
Phase Matrix PXI-1440 IF Downconverter Module 13
Step 3-2. Installing the Soft Front Panel
This procedure is used to install the PXI-1440’s Soft Front Panel
graphical user interface on an embedded controller or a
PXI remote controller running Windows 7/XP.
1Install the Soft Front Panel using one of the following methods:
•Insert the optional CD containing the Soft Front Panel.
•Download the latest available Soft Front Panel from the
Phase Matrix web site and unzip it to a location on the
embedded controller or the PXI remote controller.

Soft Front Panels are available at: www.phasematrix.com
2Start the installation process by selecting Start > Run > Browse,
navigate to the "setup.exe" file and select Open to start the
installation wizard.

After a small delay, a screen similar to Figure 6 is displayed. The
actual screen that appears will have the label of the module Soft
Front Panel being installed, so instead of “PXI-14XX,” the label is
displayed as either “PXI-1410,” “PXI-1420,” “PXI-1430B,”
“PXI-1440,” “PXI-1440B,” or “PXI-1450B.”
NOTE
The device driver software must be installed before this Soft Front Panel can be used to
control the PXI-1440.
Refer to “Step 3-1. Installing the PXI Device Driver" on page 10 for further details.
NOTE
Any application development environment (ADE) that is to be used (such as LabVIEW,
LabWindows/CVI, or a third-party program) must be installed prior to installing the
PXI device driver software or its Soft Front Panel.
NOTE
The following procedure is shown for systems running Windows XP and may vary
slightly for systems running Windows 7.

14 Phase Matrix PXI-1440 IF Downconverter Module
Quick Start Guide
Figure 6 Example of Starting the Soft Front Panel Installation Wizard
3Continue to the next screen.
Figure 7 Example of Selecting Destination Directory for Executables
4Enter the destination directory for the PXI-1440’s Soft Front Panel
executables or browse to a destination directory by selecting the
Browse button.
5Once the file path has been entered,
select Next to continue to the Software License Agreement.

Quick Start Guide
Phase Matrix PXI-1440 IF Downconverter Module 15
Figure 8 Example Software License Agreement
6Carefully read through the Software License Agreement.
•If you agree to the terms of the software license agreement,
select "I accept the License Agreement" and select Next to
continue.
•If you do not agree, you will not be able to install the software.
Figure 9 Example Summary of Files Being Installed
7Review the list of files to be installed and select Next to begin the
installation.

16 Phase Matrix PXI-1440 IF Downconverter Module
Quick Start Guide
Figure 10 Example of Completing Soft Front Panel Installation Wizard
8Select Finish to complete the Soft Front Panel installation.

Quick Start Guide
Phase Matrix PXI-1440 IF Downconverter Module 17
(Step 3-3. Optional) Uninstalling the PXI Device Driver
This procedure is used to uninstall previous versions of the PXI-1440’s
device driver from an embedded controller or a PXI remote controller
running Windows 7/XP.
Figure 11 Example of Device PX14XX Under “NI-VISA PXI Devices”
1Open the Device Manager by selecting Start > Control Panel
> Performance and Maintenance > System.
2Select the Hardware tab and select Device Manger.
3Select the View pull-down menu.
4Select Devices by connection and the device should appear under
"NI-VISA PXI Devices" with the label as "PM14XX."*
NOTE
•If this is the first time that a PXI-1440’s device driver is being installed, this
procedure is optional and can be skipped.
•If the embedded controller or the PXI remote controller has previously had a device
driver of the same type installed, it must be removed before installing a new
PXI-1440’s device driver.
NOTE
The following procedure is shown for systems running Windows XP and may vary
slightly for systems running Windows 7.
* PM14XX will actually display as PXI-1440 IF Downconverter Module.

18 Phase Matrix PXI-1440 IF Downconverter Module
Quick Start Guide
5To uninstall the device driver for a selected module, right-click on
the selected device and a popup menu is displayed with five
selectable choices.
6Select Uninstall and a popup window is displayed with a
conformation to continue with the uninstall process.
Figure 12 Example of Confirming Device Driver Removal
7Select OK to confirm the prompt and uninstall the device driver.

Phase Matrix PXI-1440 IF Downconverter Module 19
Quick Start Guide
Step 4. Review Hardware and Software Front Panels

20 Phase Matrix PXI-1440 IF Downconverter Module
Quick Start Guide
Hardware Front Panel
Figure 13 Hardware Front Panel of the
PXI-1440 IF Downconverter Module
CAUTION
The PXI-1440 IF Downconverter Module is designed to be used with the PXI-1420
MW Downconverter Module and PXI-1430 RF Downconverter Module.
The maximum power input to any of the input connectors (IF A IN, IF B IN, or
REFA IN 100 MHz) must not exceed +10 dBm!