National Instruments PXIe-5698 User manual

GETTING STARTED GUIDE
NI PXIe-5698
RF Preamplifier Module
Note Before you begin, install and configure your chassis and controller.
This document explains how to install, configure, and test the NI PXIe-5698 (NI 5698). The
NI 5698 is an RF preamplifier module designed to work with the NI 5668R vector signal
analyzer. The NI 5698 also functions as a stand-alone preamplifier. The NI 5698 ships with the
NI-RFSA instrument driver, which you use to program the device.
To access NI 5698 documentation, navigate to Start»All Programs»National Instruments»
NI-RFSA»Documentation.
Caution The protection provided by this product may be impaired if it is used in a
manner not described in this document.
Hot Surface If the NI 5698 has been in use, it may exceed safe handling
temperatures and cause burns. Allow the NI 5698 to cool before removing it from
the chassis.
Contents
Electromagnetic Compatibility Guidelines...............................................................................2
Verifying the System Requirements..........................................................................................2
Unpacking the Kit..................................................................................................................... 2
Verifying the Kit Contents................................................................................................ 3
Preparing the Environment....................................................................................................... 3
Installing the Software.............................................................................................................. 4
Installing the NI 5698............................................................................................................... 4
Direct Connections to the NI 5698................................................................................... 6
Connecting to the NI 5668R............................................................................................. 6
NI 5698 Front Panel..........................................................................................................8
Configuring the NI 5698 in MAX.............................................................................................9
Troubleshooting...................................................................................................................... 10
Why Is the ACCESS LED Off When the Chassis Is On?...............................................11
What Should I Do if the NI 5698 Doesn't Appear in MAX?.......................................... 11
What Should I Do if the Module Fails the Self-Test?..................................................... 11
Where to Go Next................................................................................................................... 12
Worldwide Support and Services............................................................................................ 12

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 are designed to 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 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).
Verifying the System Requirements
To use the NI 5698, your system must meet certain requirements. For more information about
minimum system requirements, recommended system, and supported application development
environments (ADEs), refer to the readme, which is available on the software media or online
at ni.com/updates.
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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Verifying the Kit Contents
67 8 5
2 31 4
RF OUT
+25dBm MAX
0VDC
ACCESS ACTIVE
NI PXIe-5698
10MHz – 26.5 GHz
ESD
SENSITIVE
RF IN
+17dBm MAX
±10VDC
NOISE
SOURCE
0/28VDC
RFPreamplifier
1. NI 5698 RF Preamplifier Module
2. SMA Driver Bit, Part Number 190487B-01
3. Semi-Rigid 2.92 mm-to-2.92 mm Cable, Part
Number 159289A-01
4. Plastic Cap (x2), Part Number 775067-01
5. Driver Software DVD
6. NI PXIe-5698 Getting Started Guide (This
Document)
7. Read Me First: Safety and Electromagnetic
Compatibility
8. Maintain Forced-Air Cooling Note to Users
Preparing the Environment
Ensure that the environment you are using the NI 5698 in meets the following specifications.
Operating ambient temperature
(IEC 60068-2-1, IEC 60068-2-2)
0 °C to 55 °C
Operating relative humidity
(IEC 60068-2-56)
10% to 90%, noncondensing
Maximum altitude 2,000 m (800 mbar) (at 25 °C ambient
temperature)
Pollution Degree 2
Indoor use only.
NI PXIe-5698 Getting Started Guide | © National Instruments | 3

Caution Clean the hardware with a soft, nonmetallic brush. Make sure that the
hardware is completely dry and free from contaminants before returning it to
service.
Note Refer to the NI PXIe-5698 Specifications at ni.com/manuals for complete
specifications.
Installing the Software
You must be an Administrator to install NI software on your computer.
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 5698
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 covers 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.
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Figure 1. 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
The NI 5698 module can be placed in PXI Express peripheral slots or PXI Express
Hybrid peripheral slots.
6. Touch any metal part of the chassis to discharge static electricity.
7. Ensure that the ejector handle is in the downward (unlatched) 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.
Figure 2. Module Installation
2
3
NI PXIe-1075
1
1. Chassis
2. Hardware Module
3. Ejector Handle in Downward (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 with filler panels or use slot blockers to maximize cooling air flow.
NI PXIe-5698 Getting Started Guide | © National Instruments | 5

12. Power on the chassis.
Related Information
Installing the Software on page 4
Direct Connections to the NI 5698
The NI 5698 is a precision RF instrument that is sensitive to ESD and transients. Ensure you
take the following precautions when making direct connections to the NI 5698 to avoid
damaging the device.
Caution Apply external signals only while the NI 5698 is powered on. Applying
external signals while the device is powered off may cause damage.
• Ensure you are properly grounded when manipulating cables or antennas connected to the
NI 5698 RF IN connector.
• If you are using noninsulated devices, such as a noninsulated RF antenna, ensure the
devices are maintained in a static-free environment.
• If you are using an active device, such as a preamplifier or switch routed to the NI 5698
RF IN connector, ensure that the device cannot generate signal transients greater than the
RF and DC specifications of the NI 5698 RF IN connector.
Connecting to the NI 5668R
Figure 3. NI 5668R with NI 5698 Front Panel Interconnection
0 VDC
+ 20 dBm MAX > 10 MHz
+10 dBM MAX < 10 MHz
NOISE
SOURCE
0/28 VDC
ACCESS ACTIVE
NI PXIe-5698
RF Preamplifier
10 MH z – 26.5 GHz
RF IN
+17 dBm MAX
±10 VDC
RF OUT
+25 dBm MAX
0 VDC
ACCESS ACTIVE
ESD
SENSITIVE
ACCESS ACTIVE
LO3
800 MHz
LO2
4 GHz
LO1
3.2 GHz - 8.3 GHz
OUT
ALL PORTS
50 Ω
NI PXIe-5653
Synthesizer
REF IN
10 MHz
5 V p-p MAX
REF OUT
10 MHz
1.5 V p-p MAX
REF OUT
100 MHz
1.5 V p-p MAX
1
1. Semi-rigid 2.92 mm-to-2.92 mm Coaxial Cable
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1. Use the 2.92 mm-to-2.92 mm cable to connect the RF OUT connector on the NI 5698
front panel to the RF IN connector on the NI 5606 front panel.
2. Hand-tighten all 2.92 mm cable ends on the 2.92 mm cable connectors. The cable
connectors should tighten without much torque or effort.
3. Carefully complete tightening all 2.92 mm connectors to 1 N · m using an appropriate
torque wrench or torque screwdriver and driver bit.
Caution Incorrect torque at 2.92 mm connections can degrade signal fidelity
and phase-locked loop (PLL) performance and may cause insertion loss. Use an
appropriate torque wrench or torque screwdriver and 2.92 mm driver bit to
ensure all 2.92 mm connections are properly torqued. 2.92 mm connectors for
connections to external equipment may require torque different from 1 N · m,
depending on the connector type, material, and manufacturer.
4. Power on your PXI Express chassis and controller system.
5. Verify that the ACCESS LED is illuminated on all modules.
Related Information
Troubleshooting on page 10
If an issue persists after you complete a troubleshooting procedure, contact NI technical
support or visit ni.com/support.
Configuring the NI 5698 in MAX on page 9
NI PXIe-5698 Getting Started Guide | © National Instruments | 7

NI 5698 Front Panel
The NI 5698 front panel contains three connectors and two LEDs.
Figure 4. NI 5698 RF Preamplifier Module Front Panel
NOISE
SOURCE
0/28 VDC
ACCESS ACTIVE
NI PXIe-5698
RF Preamplifier
10 MHz – 26.5 GHz
RF IN
+17 dBm MAX
±10 VDC
RF OUT
+25 dBm MAX
0 VDC
Table 1. Device Front Panel Icon Definitions
Refer to the user documentation for required maintenance measures to ensure user
safety and/or preserve the specified EMC performance.
The signal pins of this product's input/output ports can be damaged if subjected to
ESD. To prevent damage, turn off power to the product before connecting cables and
employ industry-standard ESD prevention measures during installation, maintenance,
and operation.
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Table 2. NI 5698 RF Preamplifier Module Front Panel Connectors
Connector Use
NOISE SOURCE HD BNC connector for enabling noise source on or off to facilitate noise
figure measurements.
RF IN Connects the analog RF input signal to the NI 5698 RF preamplifier. The
maximum RF input is +17 dBm.
RF OUT Outputs the bypassed or preamplified RF signal. The maximum RF
output is +25 dBm.
Table 3. NI 5698 RF Preamplifier Module Front Panel LEDs
LED Indications
ACCESS Indicates the basic hardware status of the module.
OFF—The module is not yet functional, or the module has detected a problem
with a PXI Express power supply rail.
AMBER—The module is being accessed. Accessed means that the device setup
registers are being written to in order to control the device.
GREEN—The module is ready to be programmed by NI-RFSA.
ACTIVE Indicates the module state.
OFF— The module is in a quiescent state.
AMBER—The module is waiting for a Reconfiguration Trigger from the
configuration list.
GREEN—The module is triggered and is running a step from the configuration
list.
RED—The module has detected an error state. An error state may indicate the
module has exceeded approved operating temperature and thermal shutdown has
occurred or that the module has detected a power supply failure. If the power
supply fails, contact NI technical support.
Configuring the NI 5698 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-RFSA.
NI PXIe-5698 Getting Started Guide | © National Instruments | 9

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.
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 5698.
5. To use the NI 5698 with the NI 5668R vector signal analyzer, you must associate the
NI 5698 with the NI 5606 RF downconverter in MAX.
Note This step is not required if you are using the NI 5698 as a stand-alone
device.
a) Select the system device with the appropriate downconverter in the configuration
tree.
b) In the Associated Devices section, use the RF Conditioning drop-down listbox to
select the NI 5698.
c) Click Save in the MAX toolbar.
Note Module associations may be lost when you move the modules to
different chassis slots.
6. 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.
Related Information
Refer to the NI RF Vector Signal Analyzers Help for more information about renaming
devices.
Troubleshooting on page 10
If an issue persists after you complete a troubleshooting procedure, contact NI technical
support or visit ni.com/support.
Troubleshooting
If an issue persists after you complete a troubleshooting procedure, contact NI technical
support or visit ni.com/support.
Related Information
Connecting to the NI 5668R on page 6
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