National Instruments PXI-6683 Series User manual

USER MANUAL
PXI-6683 Series
Timing and Synchronization Module
This manual describes the electrical and mechanical aspects of the PXI-6683 and PXI-6683H,
and contains information concerning their operation and programming.
Conventions
Caution This icon denotes a caution, which advises you of precautions to take to
avoid injury, data loss, or a system crash. When this symbol is marked on the
product, refer to the Safety Information section of the Introduction for precautions to
take.
National Instruments Documentation
The PXI-6683 Series User Manual is one piece of the documentation set for your
measurement system. You could have any of several other documents describing your
hardware and software. Use the documentation you have as follows:
• Measurement hardware documentation—This documentation contains detailed
information about the measurement hardware that plugs into or is connected to the
computer. Use this documentation for hardware installation and configuration
instructions, specifications about the measurement hardware, and application hints.
• Software documentation—Refer to the NI-Sync Help, available at ni.com/manuals.
You can download NI documentation from ni.com/manuals.
Related Documentation
The following documents contain information that you might find helpful as you read this
manual.
•PICMG 2.0 R3.0, CompactPCI Core Specification, available from PICMG at
www.picmg.org.
•PXI Specification, Revision 2.1, available from www.pxisa.org.
•NI-VISA User Manual, available from ni.com/manuals.
•NI-VISA Help, included with the NI-VISA software.
•NI-Sync User Manual, available from ni.com/manuals.

Contents
Introduction...............................................................................................................................2
What You Need to Get Started..........................................................................................2
Unpacking.........................................................................................................................3
Safety Information............................................................................................................ 3
Installing and Configuring........................................................................................................ 5
Installing the Software...................................................................................................... 5
Installing the Hardware.....................................................................................................5
Configuring the Module....................................................................................................6
Hardware Overview..................................................................................................................7
PXI-6683 Front Panel and LEDs...................................................................................... 9
Connectors...................................................................................................................... 11
Hardware Features.......................................................................................................... 11
Clock and Event Generation........................................................................................... 13
Routing Signals...............................................................................................................14
I/O Considerations.......................................................................................................... 16
Synchronization...................................................................................................................... 23
GPS................................................................................................................................. 24
IRIG-B............................................................................................................................ 24
802.1AS.......................................................................................................................... 25
IEEE 1588.......................................................................................................................25
Pulse Per Second (PPS).................................................................................................. 25
Synchronization Best Practices.......................................................................................26
Calibration.............................................................................................................................. 28
Factory Calibration......................................................................................................... 28
Introduction
The PXI-6683 and PXI-6683H timing and synchronization modules synchronize PXI and PXI
Express systems using GPS, IEEE 1588, IEEE 802.1AS, IRIG-B, or PPS.
The PXI-6683 has a full PXI connector for full PXI timing slot functionality. The PXI-6683H
is designed to allow installation in a hybrid slot in a PXI Express system; some PXI timing
slot features are not available using a PXI-6683H board.
What You Need to Get Started
To set up and use a PXI-6683 Series timing and synchronization module, you need the
following items:
• PXI-6683 Series timing and synchronization module
• PXI-6683 Series User Manual
• NI-Sync driver software
• One of the following software packages and documentation:
– LabVIEW
– LabWindows™/CVI™
– Microsoft Visual C++ (MSVC)
2| ni.com | PXI-6683(H) User Manual

• PXI or PXI Express chassis with an appropriate slot (full PXI slot for the PXI-6683 and
PXI-6683H, PXIe hybrid slot for the PXI-6683H)
• PXI or PXI Express embedded controller, or a desktop computer connected to the PXI or
PXI Express chassis using MXI hardware
Unpacking
The PXI-6683 Series is shipped in an antistatic package to prevent electrostatic damage to the
module. Electrostatic discharge (ESD) can damage several components on the module.
Caution Never touch the exposed pins of connectors.
To avoid such damage in handling the module, take the following precautions:
• Ground yourself using a grounding strap or by touching a grounded object.
• Touch the antistatic package to a metal part of the computer chassis before removing the
module from the package.
Remove the module from the package and inspect the module for loose components or any
sign of damage. Notify NI if the module appears damaged in any way. Do not install a
damaged module into the computer.
Store the PXI-6683 Series board in the antistatic envelope when not in use.
Safety Information
The following section contains important safety information that you must follow when
installing and using the PXI-6683 Series.
Do not operate the product in a manner not specified in this document. Misuse of the product
can result in a hazard. You can compromise the safety protection built into the product if the
product is damaged in any way. If the product is damaged, return it to National Instruments for
repair.
Do not substitute parts or modify the product except as described in this document. Use the
product only with the chassis, modules, accessories, and cables specified in the installation
instructions. You must have all covers and filler panels installed during operation of the
product.
Do not operate the product in an explosive atmosphere or where there may be flammable
gases or fumes. If you must operate the product in such an environment, it must be in a
suitable rated enclosure.
If you need to clean the product, use a soft, nonmetallic brush. The product must be
completely dry and free from contaminants before you return it to service.
PXI-6683(H) User Manual | © National Instruments | 3

Operate the product only at or below Pollution Degree 2. Pollution is foreign matter in a solid,
liquid, or gaseous state that can reduce dielectric strength or surface resistivity. The following
is a description of pollution degrees:
• Pollution Degree 1 means no pollution or only dry, nonconductive pollution occurs. The
pollution has no influence.
• Pollution Degree 2 means that only nonconductive pollution occurs in most cases.
Occasionally, however, a temporary conductivity caused by condensation must be
expected.
• Pollution Degree 3 means that conductive pollution occurs, or dry, nonconductive
pollution occurs that becomes conductive due to condensation.
You must insulate signal connections for the maximum voltage for which the product is rated.
Do not exceed the maximum ratings for the product. Do not install wiring while the product is
live with electrical signals. Do not remove or add connector blocks when power is connected
to the system. Avoid contact between your body and the connector block signal when hot
swapping modules. Remove power from signal lines before connecting them or disconnecting
them from the product.
Operate the product at or below the measurement category1 marked on the hardware label.
Measurement circuits are subjected to working voltages2 and transient stresses (overvoltage)
from the circuit to which they are connected during measurement or test. Measurement
categories establish standard impulse to withstand voltage levels that commonly occur in
electrical distribution systems. The following is a description of measurement categories:
• Measurement Category I is for measurements performed on circuits not directly
connected to the electrical distribution system referred to as MAINS3 voltage. This
category is for measurements of voltages from specially protected secondary circuits.
Such voltage measurements include signal levels, special hardware, limited-energy parts
of hardware, 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 (MAINS3). This category refers to local-level
electrical distribution, such as that provided by a standard wall outlet (for example, 115
AC voltage for U.S. or 230 AC voltage for Europe). Examples of Measurement Category
II are measurements performed on household appliances, portable tools, and similar
hardware.
• Measurement Category III is for measurement performed in the building installation at
the distribution level. This category refers to measurements on hard-wired hardware such
as hardware in fixed installations, distribution boards, and circuit breakers. Other
examples are wiring, including cables, bus bars, junction boxes, switches, socket outlets
1Measurement categories, also referred to as overvoltage or installation categories, are defined in
electrical safety standard IEC 61010-1 and IEC 60664-1.
2Working voltage is the highest rms value of an AC or DC voltage that can occur across any
particular insulation.
3MAINS is defined as a hazardous live electrical supply system that powers hardware. Suitably
rated measuring circuits may be connected to the MAINS for measuring purposes.
4| ni.com | PXI-6683(H) User Manual

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 typically outside buildings. Examples include electricity meters and
measurements on primary overcurrent protection devices and on ripple control units.
Installing and Configuring
This section describes how to install the PXI-6683 Series hardware and software and how to
configure the device.
Installing the Software
Refer to the readme.htm file that accompanies the NI-Sync software for software installation
directions.
Note Be sure to install the driver software before installing the PXI-6683 Series
hardware.
Installing the Hardware
The following are general installation instructions. Consult the chassis user manual or
technical reference manual for specific instructions and warnings about installing new
modules.
1. Power off and unplug the chassis.
Caution Do not install the PXI-6683 Series in the system controller slot (Slot
1) of a chassis.
2. Choose an available slot in the chassis. Refer to Table 1. on page 6 for more
information about functionality.
– PXI-6683—Install in an available PXI slot. PXI triggers are accessible from any
PXI slot, but the PXI-6683 can replace PXI_CLK10 and control PXI_STAR triggers
only if it is installed in the system timing slot of a PXI chassis.
– PXI-6683H—Install in an available PXI slot. If you are using a PXI Express (PXIe)
system, install the PXI-6683H in an available PXI or PXIe/hybrid slot. Unlike the
PXI-6683, the PXI-6683H cannot replace PXI_CLK10 or drive PXI_STAR triggers.
PXI-6683(H) User Manual | © National Instruments | 5

Table 1. PXI/PXI Express Slot Type Compatibility
NI PXI Board
PXI System Timing Slot PXI Peripheral Slot PXI Express Hybrid Slot
H
PXI-6683 X*X†—
PXI-6683H X†X†X†
*Compatible: PXI_CLK10, PXI_CLKIN, PXI_STAR, PXI_TRIG functionality available.
†Compatible: PXI_TRIG functionality available
3. Remove the filler panel for the PXI or PXI Express hybrid slot you chose in step 2.
4. Ground yourself using a grounding strap or by touching a grounded object. Follow the
ESD protection precautions described in the Unpacking section.
5. Remove any packing material from the front panel screws and backplane connectors.
6. Insert the PXI-6683 Series module into the PXI or PXI Express hybrid slot. Use the
injector/ejector handle to fully insert the module into the chassis.
7. Screw the front panel of the module to the front panel mounting rail of the chassis.
8. If adjacent slots are not populated, use EMC filler panels to cover the opening.
Caution To ensure the specified EMC performance, you must install PXI
EMC filler panels (National Instruments part number 778700-01) in all open
chassis slots.
9. Visually verify the installation.
10. Plug in and power the chassis.
The PXI-6683 Series is now installed.
Verifying the Installation
During the first boot following the software and hardware installation of the PXI-6683 Series
module, the OS detects the device and associates it with the NI-Sync driver.
Configuring the Module
The PXI-6683 Series is completely software configurable. The system software automatically
allocates all module resources.
The two LEDs on the front panel provide information about module status. The PXI-6683
Front Panel and LEDs on page 9 section describes the LEDs in greater detail.
6| ni.com | PXI-6683(H) User Manual

Hardware Overview
This chapter presents an overview of the hardware functions of the PXI-6683 Series, shown in
Figure 1. on page 7.
Figure 1. Isometric View of the PXI-6683 Series
1
2
NI PXI-6682
Timing Module
NI PXI-6682H
Timing Module
1. PXI-6683
2. PXI-6683H
Figure 2. on page 8 provides a functional overview of the PXI-6683 Series:
PXI-6683(H) User Manual | © National Instruments | 7

Figure 2. Functional Overview of the PXI-6683
Synchronization
Clock Generation
and
Routing
Circuitry
PCI Interface
PXIPCI
PXI_STAR<0..12>
PXI_TRIG<0..7>
PXI_CLK10_IN
CLKIN AC Coupled
Clock Detector
PXI_CLK10
PFI 0 IRIG-B AM
Receiver
PFI 1
PFI 2
TCXO
(Oscillator)
CLKOUT AC Coupling
GPS RF IN
+5 V DC OUT
GPS
Receiver
PFI0 Digital
Ethernet
Controller
Ethernet
Port
Not in NI PXI-6683H
Not in NI PXI-6683H
DAC
Note The PXI-6683H does not have PXI_STAR trigger lines, shown as
PXI_STAR<0..12> in Figure 2. on page 8. The PXI-6683H does not have the
CLKIN circuitry, or the ability to drive PXI_CLK10_IN.
8| ni.com | PXI-6683(H) User Manual

PXI-6683 Front Panel and LEDs
Figure 3. PXI-6683 Front Panel
8
9
10
7
6
12
3
4
5
1. GPS LED
2. 1588/802.1AS LED
3. GPS Antenna Connector
4. CLKOUT Connector
5. CLKIN Connector
6. PFI0/IRIG-B Input Connector
7. PFI<1..2> Connectors
8. Ethernet Speed LED
9. Ethernet ACT/LINK LED
10. RJ-45 Ethernet Connector
The GPS LED indicates the status of the GPS hardware.
PXI-6683(H) User Manual | © National Instruments | 9

Table 2. GPS LED Color Description
Color Status
Off Not using GPS*
Amber Attempting to start self survey
Blinking Amber Self survey in progress
Blinking Green Self survey complete (normal operation)
Red Error†
*The GPS LED is turned off if GPS is not set as the time reference.
†An error is generated when the antenna is disconnected, when there is an antenna
malfunction, or when there is a hardware malfunction.
The 1588/802.1AS LED indicates the status of the IEEE 1588 or 802.1AS synchronization
protocol.
Table 3. 1588/802.1AS LED Color Description
Color Status
Off Not using 1588 or 802.1AS*
Amber Initializing
Blinking Amber (2 seconds) Listening or Passive
Green Uncalibrated or Slave
Blinking Green (2 seconds) Master or Premaster
Red Faulty
*1588 and/or 802.1AS has been disabled or stopped.
The Ethernet Speed LED indicates the PXI-6683 Series Ethernet link speed.
Table 4. Ethernet Speed LED Description
Color Status
Off 10 Mbps
Green 100 Mbps
Amber 1000 Mbps
10 | ni.com | PXI-6683(H) User Manual