National Instruments 7831R User manual

Getting Started with the NI 7831R
This document explains how to set up the National Instruments 7831R
device.
Introduction
The NI 7831 is an R Series reconfigurable I/O (RIO) device with 96 digital
I/O (DIO) lines, eight independent 16-bit analog output (AO) channels, and
eight independent 16-bit analog input (AI) channels.
Traditional I/O devices have a fixed functionality provided by an
application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), but the NI 7831R has a
field-programmable gate array (FPGA) that allows you to define device
functionality and timing.
You can use the LabVIEW FPGA Module to graphically design the
NI 7831R timing and functionality without having to learn a low-level
programming language or a hardware description language (HDL)
traditionally used for FPGA design. With the LabVIEW FPGA Module,
you create or download a custom virtual instrument (VI) to the FPGA.
You can reconfigure the NI 7831R device with a new VI at any time.
You can use the LabVIEW Real-Time Module to communicate and control
the NI 7831R device while performing additional tasks, such as real-time
floating-point processing and data logging.
Note If you are using LabVIEW but not the LabVIEW FPGA Module, you can create VIs
that run in LabVIEW to control existing FPGA VIs, but you cannot create new FPGAVIs.
The NI 7831R device has Flash memory that you can use to store VIs.
You can configure VIs to load to the FPGA and to run when the device
powers up.

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Required Items
This section provides lists of the items necessary for getting started using
the PXI-7831R and the PCI-7831R device with Windows 2000/XP and the
LabVIEW Real-Time Module.
Documentation
The NI 7831R User Manual describes the electrical and mechanical aspects
of the NI 7831R device and contains information about device operation
and programming. This document is included on the NI-RIO CD and is also
available at ni.com/manuals.
LabVIEW Help is available in LabVIEW by selecting Help»VI, Function,
& How-To Help.
PXI-7831R with Windows 2000/XP
Use the following items to set up and use the PXI -7831R with
Windows 2000/XP.
❑PXI-7831R device
❑The following software packages:
– LabVIEW 7.0 or later
– LabVIEW FPGA Module 1.0 or later—required to develop
custom FPGA VIs for the PXI-7831R device
– NI-RIO 1.1 or later—included with the PXI-7831R
❑PXI/CompactPCI chassis and a PXI/CompactPCI embedded
controller running Windows 2000/XP or any computer running
Windows 2000/XP and a MXI-3 link to a PXI/CompactPCI chassis
❑At least one cable and device for connecting signals to the PXI-7831R

©National Instruments Corporation 3 Getting Started with the NI 7831R
PCI-7831R with Windows 2000/XP
Use the following items to set up and use the PCI-7831R with
Windows 2000/XP.
❑PCI-7831R device
❑The following software packages:
– LabVIEW 7.1 or later
– LabVIEW FPGA Module 1.1 or later—required to develop
custom FPGA VIs for the PCI-7831R device
– NI-RIO 1.1 or later—included with the PCI-7831R
❑Pentium-based PCI computer running Windows 2000/XP
❑At least one cable and device for connecting signals to the PCI-7831R
PXI-7831R with the LabVIEW Real-Time Module for ETS
Use the following items to set up and use the PXI-7831R with the
LabVIEW FPGA Module and the LabVIEW Real-Time Module.
❑PXI-7831R device
❑The following software packages:
– LabVIEW 7.0 or later
– LabVIEW Real-Time Module for ETS 7.0 or later
– LabVIEW FPGA Module 1.0 or later—required to develop
custom FPGA VIs for the PXI-7831R device
– NI-RIO 1.0 or later—included with the PXI-7831R
❑PXI/CompactPCI chassis and real-time PXI controller
❑One of the following host computers, depending upon your
application, running Windows 2000/XP:
–PC
– Laptop computer
– PXI/CompactPCI embedded controller
❑At least one cable and device for connecting signals to the PXI-7831R
❑CAT 5 Ethernet crossover cable if the real-time PXI system is not
configured on a network. To connect the PXI system to a network port,
use a standard CAT 5 10/100Base-T Ethernet cable.

Getting Started with the NI 7831R 4 ni.com
PCI-7831R with the LabVIEW Real-Time Module for ETS
Use the following items to set up and use the PCI-7831R with the
LabVIEW FPGA Module and the LabVIEW Real-Time Module for ETS.
❑PCI-7831R device
❑The following software packages:
– LabVIEW 7.1 or later
– LabVIEW Real-Time Module for ETS 7.1 or later
– LabVIEW FPGA Module 1.1 or later
– NI-RIO 1.1 or later—included with the PXI-7831R
❑Pentium-based PCI computer. For information about the desktop PC
models that National Instruments recommends, refer to the NI Web
site at ni.com/info and enter etspc.
❑One of the following host computers running Windows 2000/XP:
–PC
– Laptop computer
– PXI/CompactPCI embedded controller
❑At least one cable and device for connecting signals to the PXI-7831R
PCI-7831R with the LabVIEW Real-Time Module 7.1 for RTX
Use the following items to set up and use the PCI-7831R with the
LabVIEW Real-Time Module 7.1 for RTX.
❑PCI-7831R device
❑The following software packages:
– LabVIEW Real-Time Module for RTX 7.1 or later
– LabVIEW FPGA Module 1.1 or later
– NI-RIO CD—included with the PCI-7831R
❑Pentium-based PCI computer running Windows 2000/XP
❑A host PC running Windows 2000/XP
❑At least one cable and device for connecting signals to the PCI-7831R

©National Instruments Corporation 5 Getting Started with the NI 7831R
Installing Software
The following instructions describe how to install the NI-RIO device
drivers and LabVIEW.
Installing LabVIEW, the LabVIEW Real-Time Module for ETS, and the
LabVIEW FPGA Module
Use the following sequence when installing LabVIEW, the LabVIEW
Real-Time Module, and the LabVIEW FPGA Module. For more detailed
information about software requirements, refer to the LabVIEW FPGA
Release Notes.
If you are using NI-RIO without LabVIEW, skip these steps and complete
the steps in the Installing NI-RIO Device Drivers section.
Note You must install LabVIEW (version 7.1 or later for PCI, and version 7.0 or later for
PXI) and the LabVIEW modules you will use with the NI 7831R before installing the
NI-RIO device drivers. For LabVIEW installation instructions, refer to the LabVIEW
Release Notes.
1. Install LabVIEW for Windows from the LabVIEW CD.
2. If you are using the LabVIEW Real-Time Module for ETS, install
the LabVIEW Real-Time Module for ETS from the LabVIEW
Real-Time CD.
If you are using the PCI-7831R device with the LabVIEW Real-Time
Module for RTX, install the LabVIEW Real-Time module for RTX
from the LabVIEW Real-Time CD.
Note If you are using the NI 7831R with Windows only, it is not necessary to install the
LabVIEW Real-Time Module.
3. Install LabVIEW FPGA from the LabVIEW FPGA CD.
4. Install the NI-RIO device drivers. Refer to the Installing NI-RIO
Device Drivers section for driver installation instructions.

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Installing NI-RIO Device Drivers
Complete the following steps to install the NI-RIO device drivers that are
included with the NI 7831R device. If you are using LabVIEW, complete
the installation instructions in the Installing LabVIEW, the LabVIEW
Real-Time Module for ETS, and the LabVIEW FPGA Module section
before installing the NI-RIO device drivers.
1. Run setup.exe from the NI-RIO CD and follow the setup
instructions.
2. Follow the onscreen instructions until the Feature Tree window
appears.
3. In the Feature Tree window, select the components to install. You must
install NI-VISA, NI-RIO, and NI Measurement & Automation
Explorer (MAX).
4. Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the driver installation.
5. Reboot your computer.
Installing Hardware
This section describes how to unpack and install the PXI-7831R and the
PCI-7831R devices.
Note You must install the NI-RIO device drivers before installing the NI 7831R device.
Unpacking
The NI 7831R device ships in an antistatic package to prevent electrostatic
discharge from damaging device components. To prevent such damage
when handling the device, take the following precautions:
• Ground yourself using a grounding strap or by holding a grounded
object, such as your computer chassis.
• Touch the antistatic package to a metal part of the computer chassis
before removing the devices from the package.
Caution Never touch the exposed pins of connectors.
Remove the devices from the package and inspect the devices for loose
components or any other sign of damage. Notify NI if the devices appear
damaged in any way. Do not install damaged devices into the computer.
Store the NI 7831R in the antistatic envelope when not in use.

©National Instruments Corporation 7 Getting Started with the NI 7831R
PXI-7831R Installation
You can install the PXI-7831R in any available peripheral slot in the PXI
or CompactPCI chassis. Complete the following instructions to install the
PXI-7831R device.
Note You must install the software before installing the hardware. For software
installation instructions, refer to the Installing Software section.
1. Power off and unplug the PXI or CompactPCI chassis.
2. Make sure there are no lit LEDs on the chassis. Wait for any lit LEDs
to go out before continuing the installation.
3. Remove the filler panel for the peripheral slot.
4. Ground yourself using a grounding strap or by touching a grounded
object, such as the PXI or CompactPCI chassis.
5. Insert the PXI-7831R into the slot. Use the injector/ejector handle to
fully inject the PXI-7831R into place.
6. Screw the front panel of the PXI-7831R to the front panel mounting
rails of the chassis.
7. Visually verify the installation. Make sure the PXI-7831R is not
touching other devices or components and that the PXI-7831R is fully
inserted into the slot.
8. Plug in and power on the PXI or CompactPCI chassis.
PCI-7831R Installation
You can install the PCI-7831R in any available PCI expansion slot in the
computer. To achieve the best noise performance, leave as much room as
possible between the PCI-7831R and other boards.
Complete the following instructions to install the PCI-7831R.
Note You must install the software before installing the hardware. For software
installation instructions, refer to the Installing Software section.
1. Power off and unplug the computer.
Caution To protect both yourself and the computer from electrical hazards, the computer
must remain off and unplugged until the PCI-7831R device is completely installed.
2. Remove the computer cover. Make sure there are no lit LEDs on the
motherboard. Wait for any lit LEDs to go out before continuing the
installation.

Getting Started with the NI 7831R 8 ni.com
3. Touch the metal part of the power supply case inside the computer to
discharge any static electricity that might be on your clothes or body.
4. Locate the metal bracket that covers the cut-out in the back panel
of the chassis for the slot you have selected. Remove and save the
bracket-retaining screw and the bracket cover.
5. Line up the PCI-7831R card-edge connector with the expansion
slot receptacle. Using slow, evenly distributed pressure, press the
PCI-7831R straight down until it seats in the expansion slot.
6. Reinstall the bracket-retaining screw to secure the PCI-7831R to the
back panel rail.
7. Visually verify the installation.
8. Replace the computer cover, and plug the computer in.
Using the NI PCI-7831R with the LabVIEW Real-Time
Module for RTX
You can use the LabVIEW Real-Time Module for RTX with the
PCI-7831R. After you have installed Venturcom RTX Runtime, the
LabVIEW Real-Time Module for RTX, and RTX support from the
NI-RIO 1.1 Driver CD, complete the following steps.
Note Before adding RTX support for the R Series device, close all NI software.
1. Select Start»Program Files»Venturcom RTX»RTX»RTX
Properties.
2. On the Plug and Play tab, right-click NI-7831R and select Add RTX
INF Support.
3. Click the Apply button. RTX Properties returns a Warning dialog box.
Click OK.
4. In the RTX Properties window, click OK.
5. Right-click My Computer and select Properties.
6. Select the Hardware tab and click Device Manager.
7. For Windows XP, expand NI-RIO Devices, right-click NI-7831R and
select Update Driver. In the Hardware Update Wizard window, select
Install the software automatically and click Next. When the wizard
finishes installing the software, click Finish. The NI PCI-7831R
appears under RTX Drivers as NI-7831R RTX Supported.
For Windows 2000, expand NI-RIO Devices, right-click NI 7831R
and select Properties. On the Driver tab, click Update Driver. In the
Upgrade Device Driver Wizard window, click Next. Select Search
for a suitable driver for my device and click Next three times. When

©National Instruments Corporation 9 Getting Started with the NI 7831R
Windows finishes installing the software, click Finish. The
NI PCI-7831R appears under RTX Drivers as NI-7831R RTX
Supported.
8. In the Device Manager window, select View»Resources by
connection.
9. In the Device Manager window, expand Interrupt Request (IRQ).
Make sure that the NI PCI-7831R is not sharing an IRQ with any other
devices. Refer to the Venturcom RTX Runtime Help for information
about modifying a PCI device.
10. Reboot your computer.
11. Select Start»Run. In the Run window, enter net start nirtrtx
and click OK.
The PCI-7831R now supports RTX. When you launch LabVIEW, the
PCI-7831R appears in the LabVIEW Execution Target menu as FPGA
Device (PCI-7831R) visa://localhost::RTRTX::0/RIO0::INSTR.
Removing RTX Support
Complete the following steps to remove RTX support from the PCI-7831R.
1. Close all NI software.
2. Select Start»Program Files»Venturcom RTX»RTX»RTX
Properties.
3. On the Plug and Play tab, right-click NI-7831R and select Remove
RTX INF Support.
4. Click Apply. RTX Properties returns a Warning dialog box. Click OK.
5. In the RTX Properties window, click OK.
6. Right-click My Computer and select Properties.
7. Select the Hardware tab and click Device Manager.
8. For Windows XP, expand Rtx Drivers, right-click NI-7831R RTX
Supported and select Update Driver.
You have removed RTX support for the PCI-7831R.

Getting Started with the NI 7831R 10 ni.com
Connecting Signals
The NI 7831R has two DIO connectors with 40 DIO lines per DIO
connector, and one MIO connector with eight AI lines, eight AO lines,
and16DIOlines.
Figure 1 shows the I/O connector locations for the PXI-7831R and the
PCI-7831R. The I/O connectors are numbered starting at zero.
Figure 1. NI 7831R Connector Locations
Reconfigurable I/O
NI PXI-7831R
CONNECTOR 0 (MIO) CONNECTOR 1 (DIO)
CONNECTOR 2 (DIO)
CONNECTOR 1 (DIO) CONNECTOR 2 (DIO)
CONNECTOR 0 (MIO)