National Instruments PXIe-6674T User manual

USER MANUAL
PXIe-6674T
PXI Express Timing and Synchronization Module
The PXIe-6674T enables you to pass PXI timing and trigger signals between PXI Express
chassis. The PXIe-6674T can generate and route clock signals between devices in multiple
chassis, providing a method to synchronize multiple devices in a multichassis PXI Express
system.
This manual describes the electrical and mechanical aspects of the PXIe-6674T and contains
information concerning its operation and programming.
National Instruments Documentation
The PXIe-6674T 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.
•PXIe-6674T Calibration Procedure, available from ni.com/manuals.

Contents
Introduction...............................................................................................................................2
Unpacking......................................................................................................................... 2
Software Programming Choices....................................................................................... 3
Safety Information............................................................................................................ 3
What You Need to Get Started..........................................................................................5
Installing and Configuring........................................................................................................ 5
Installing the Software...................................................................................................... 5
Installing the Hardware.....................................................................................................6
Configuring the Module....................................................................................................6
Hardware Overview.................................................................................................................. 7
PXIe-6674T Front Panel .................................................................................................. 9
Access LED.......................................................................................................................9
Active LED..................................................................................................................... 10
Connectors.......................................................................................................................11
Hardware Features...........................................................................................................11
Generating and Routing Clocks...................................................................................... 14
Routing Signals............................................................................................................... 20
Calibration...............................................................................................................................31
Factory Calibration......................................................................................................... 31
Additional Information................................................................................................... 31
Compliance............................................................................................................................. 31
Legal Information................................................................................................................... 32
Limited Warranty............................................................................................................ 33
Copyright........................................................................................................................ 34
Trademarks......................................................................................................................35
Patents............................................................................................................................. 36
Export Compliance Information..................................................................................... 36
WARNING REGARDING USE OF NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS PRODUCTS...... 36
Introduction
The PXIe-6674T timing and synchronization module enables you to share clocks and triggers
between modules in a PXI Express chassis and other PXI chassis or non-PXI systems. The
PXIe-6674T module generates and routes clock signals between devices in multiple chassis,
providing a method for synchronizing multiple devices in a PXI Express system. It also
features a precision OCXO for improving the stability and accuracy of the PXI Express
backplane reference clocks.
Unpacking
The PXIe-6674T is shipped in an antistatic package to prevent electrostatic damage to the
module. Electrostatic discharge (ESD) can damage the module.
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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 the 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 PXIe-6674T in the antistatic envelope when not in use.
Software Programming Choices
When programming the PXIe-6674T, you can use NI application development environment
(ADE) software such as LabVIEW or LabWindows/CVI, or you can use other ADEs, such as
Visual C/C++.
LabVIEW features interactive graphics, a state-of-the-art interface, and a powerful graphical
programming language. The LabVIEW Data Acquisition VI Library, a series of virtual
instruments for using LabVIEW with National Instruments DAQ hardware, is included with
LabVIEW.
LabWindows/CVI is a complete ANSI C ADE that features an interactive video interface,
code generation tools, and the LabWindows/CVI Data Acquisition and Easy I/O libraries.
Safety Information
The following section contains important safety information that you must follow when
installing and using the product.
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.
PXIe-6674T 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 to 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 measurements 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
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.
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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 typically outside buildings. Examples include electricity meters and
measurements on primary overcurrent protection devices and on ripple control units.
What You Need to Get Started
To set up and use the PXIe-6674T, you need the following items:
• PXIe-6674T Timing and Synchronization Module
• PXIe-6674T User Manual
• NI-Sync driver
• One of the following software packages and documentation:
– LabVIEW
– LabWindows™/CVI™
– Microsoft Visual C++ (MSVC)
• PXI EMC filler panels, National Instruments part number 778700-01
• PXI Express chassis
• PXI Express embedded controller or a desktop computer connected to the PXI Express
chassis using MXI-Express hardware.
The NI-Sync User Manual offers more detailed information on the software used to program
the PXIe-6674T. You can find this manual at ni.com/manuals.
Installing and Configuring
This chapter describes how to install the PXIe-6674T hardware and software and how to
configure the device.
Installing the Software
Refer to the readme.htm file tha accompanies the NI-Sync driver for software installation
directions.
Note Be sure to install the driver software before installing the PXIe-6674T
hardware.
PXIe-6674T User Manual | © National Instruments | 5

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.
2. Locate the system timing slot for your PXI Express chassis. It is identified by the glyph
shown in Figure 1. on page 6:
Figure 1. System Timing Slot Indicator Glyph
3. Remove the filler panel for the system timing slot, if applicable.
4. Ground yourself using a grounding strap or by touching a grounded object. Follow the
ESD protection precautions described in the Unpacking section of the Introduction.
5. Carefully insert the PXIe-6674T into the system timing slot, making sure to not scrape
the module on any adjacent modules. Use the injector/ejector handle to fully insert the
module into the chassis.
6. Screw the front panel of the device to the front panel mounting rail of the chassis.
7. 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.
• To ensure the specified EMC performance, operate this product only with
double-shielded cables and accessories (for example, RG-223 cables).
8. Visually verify the installation. Ensure that the module is fully inserted into the slot.
9. Plug in and power on the chassis.
The PXIe-6674T is now installed.
Configuring the Module
The PXIe-6674T 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 front panel
description sections of the Hardware Overview describe the LEDs in greater detail.
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Hardware Overview
This chapter presents an overview of the hardware functions of the PXIe-6674T. Refer to
Figure 2. on page 8 for a functional overview of the PXIe-6674T hardware.
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Figure 2. PXIe-6674T Functional Overview
CLOCK and
TRIGGER
Routing
PCI Express
Interface
PCI Express
PXI_STAR<0..16>
PXI_TRIG<0..7>
CLKOUT
Clock
Generation
CLKIN AC Coupled
Clock Detector
PLL OCXO
PXI_CLK10_IN
OCXO
Calibration
DAC
OCXO
Clock
PXI_CLK10
Clock Generation
PXIe_DSTARA
Routing
PXI Express
PXIe_CLK100
PXIe_DSTARA
<0..16>
OCXO
CLK10
CLK100
PXIe_DSTARC
<0..16>
PXIe_DSTARB
<0..16>
PFI 0
Threshold
DAC
PFI 0
Driver/
Comparator
Driver/
Comparator
PFI 1
Threshold
DAC
LVDS Driver/
Receiver
PFI 1
PFI 2
Threshold
DAC
PFI 2
Driver/
Comparator
Driver/
Comparator
PFI 3
Threshold
DAC
LVDS Driver/
Receiver
PFI 3
PFI 4
Threshold
DAC
PFI 4
Driver/
Comparator
Driver/
Comparator
PFI 5
Threshold
DAC
LVDS Driver/
Receiver
PFI 5
PFI_LVDS
<0..2>
PFI<0..5>
CLKIN
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PXIe-6674T Front Panel
Figure 3. PXIe-6674T Front Panel Connectors
1 2
3
5
4
Timing Module
NI PXIe-6674T
PFI 0/
LVDS
0-
PFI 1/
LVDS
0+
PFI 2/
LVDS
1-
PFI 3/
LVDS
1+
PFI 5/
LVDS
2+
PFI 4/
LVDS
2-
CLK
OUT
CLK
IN
1. Access LED
2. Active LED
3. CLKOUT Connector
4. PFI<0..5> Connectors
5. CLKIN Connector
Access LED
The Access LED indicates the communication status of the PXIe-6674T. Refer to Figure 3. on
page 9 for the location of the Access LED.
Table 1. on page 10 summarizes what the Access LED colors represent:
PXIe-6674T User Manual | © National Instruments | 9

Table 1. Access LED Color Indications
Color Status
Off Module is not yet functional.
Green Driver has initialized the module.
Amber Module is being accessed. The Access LED flashes amber for 50 ms when the
module is accessed.
Blinking Red Module has detected an over-temperature condition.
Solid Red A hardware error has been detected.
Caution If the Access LED is observed to be blinking red, the module has detected
an over-temperature condition. Continued use of the PXIe-6674T in this condition is
not recommended as product reliability has been compromised. Since several
common problems can cause an over-temperature condition, please investigate the
following:
• Check that all chassis covers, filler panels, and/or slot blockers are installed.
• Make sure that the chassis fan speed is set to the highest setting.
• If applicable, check that the chassis fan air intake is not blocked and that the fan
filters are clean.
• Make sure that the ambient temperature around the chassis isn't above the rated
temperature specifications. If so, move the chassis to a cooler ambient
temperature location.
Caution If the Access LED is observed to be solid red, a hardware failure has been
detected that may impact the performance of the PXIe-6674T. Contact National
Instruments for support.
Active LED
The active LED indicates an error or phase-locked loop (PLL) activity. You can change the
Active LED to amber, unless an error overrides the selection. Refer to Figure 3. on page 9 for
the location of the active LED.
Tip Changing the Active LED color to amber is helpful when you want to identify
devices in a multichassis situation or when you want an indication that your
application has reached a predetermined section of the code.
Table 2. on page 11 summarizes what the Active LED colors represent.
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