National Instruments NI PXIe-5646R-G User manual

GETTING STARTED GUIDE
NI PXIe-5646R-G
6 GHz Reconfigurable RF Vector Signal Generator with 200 MHz
Bandwidth
Note Before you begin, install and configure your chassis and controller.
This document explains how to install, configure, and test the NI PXIe-5646R-G
(NI 5646R-G). The NI 5646R-G is a 6 GHz RF vector signal generator (VSG) with 200 MHz
bandwidth. The NI 5646R-G ships with the NI-RFSG instrument driver, which you use to
program the device.
To access NI 5646R-G documentation, visit ni.com/manuals and search for NI 5646R-G.
Caution The protection provided by this product may be impaired if it is used in a
manner not described in this document.
Contents
Electromagnetic Compatibility Guidelines...............................................................................2
Verifying the System Requirements..........................................................................................2
Unpacking the Kit..................................................................................................................... 2
Verifying the Kit Contents................................................................................................ 3
Preparing the Environment....................................................................................................... 4
Installing the Software.............................................................................................................. 4
Installing the NI 5646R-G.........................................................................................................4
Direct Connections to the NI 5646R-G.............................................................................6
Hardware Front Panel Connectors and Indicators............................................................ 7
Configuring the NI 5646R-G in MAX......................................................................................9
Self-Calibration.......................................................................................................................10
Programming the NI 5646R-G................................................................................................10
NI-RFSG Examples.........................................................................................................11
Generating a Signal Using the NI-RFSG Soft Front Panel.............................................12
Troubleshooting...................................................................................................................... 12
Why Is the ACCESS LED Off When the Chassis is On?...............................................12
What Should I Do if the NI 5646R-G Doesn't Appear in MAX?................................... 13
What Should I Do if the Thermal Shutdown Error Appears?.........................................13
Where to Go Next................................................................................................................... 14
Worldwide Support and Services............................................................................................ 14

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 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 changes or 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, operate this product only with
cables less than 3 meters in length.
Verifying the System Requirements
To use the NI 5646R-G, 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.
2| ni.com | NI PXIe-5646R-G Getting Started Guide

Verifying the Kit Contents
Figure 1. NI 5646R-G Kit Contents
1
NIPXIe-5646R
VectorSignal
Transceiver
65MHz - 6.0 GHz, 200 MHz BW
2
46 75
3
1. NI PXIe-5646R-G Module
2. Screwdriver, Part Number 772006-01
3. SMA Driver Bit, Part Number 780895-01
4. Driver Software DVD
5. Read Me First: Safety and Electromagnetic
Compatibility
6. Maintain Forced-Air Cooling Note to Users
7. NI PXIe-5646R-G Getting Started Guide (this
document)
Other Equipment
There are several required items not included in your device kit that you need to install or
operate the NI 5646R-G.
Required Items
• A PXI Express chassis and chassis documentation. The NI PXIe-1085 chassis is one
available option for your device. For more information about compatible chassis options,
refer to ni.com.
• A PXI Express embedded controller or MXI controller system that meets the system
requirements specified in this guide and chassis documentation.
Optional Items
• A 1 N · m standard SMA torque wrench (NI part number 780487-01).
NI PXIe-5646R-G Getting Started Guide | © National Instruments | 3

Preparing the Environment
Ensure that the environment you are using the NI 5646R-G 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.
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-5646R-G 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 to install the NI-RFSG instrument
driver software.
Note The NI 5646R-G is only supported by the NI-RFSG instrument driver
software.
Note Windows users may see access and security messages during
installation. Accept the prompts to complete the installation.
4. When the installer completes, restart your system.
Installing the NI 5646R-G
Caution To prevent damage to the device caused by ESD or contamination, handle
the device using the edges or the metal bracket.
4| ni.com | NI PXIe-5646R-G Getting Started Guide

You must install the software before installing the hardware.
Before you install the hardware, refer to the guidelines in the Maintain Forced-Air Cooling
Note to Users included with the module to ensure that the device can cool itself effectively.
This document is also available at ni.com/manuals.
The NI 5646R-G is a three-slot module with two backplane connectors. The module must be
installed into three adjacent chassis slots, and the left two slots must be PXI Express
compatible.
1. Ensure the AC power source is connected to the chassis before installing the module.
The AC power cord grounds the chassis and protects it from electrical damage while you
install the module.
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. If the chassis has multiple fan speed settings, ensure the fans are set to the highest setting.
Note Inadequate air circulation could cause the temperature inside the chassis
to rise above the optimal operating temperature for the device, potentially
causing thermal shutdown, shorter lifespans, or improper performance.
5. Position the chassis so that inlet and outlet vents are not obstructed.
Caution Do not disconnect the cable that connects CAL IN to CAL OUT.
Removing the cable from or tampering with the CAL IN or CAL OUT front
panel connectors voids the product calibration and specifications are no longer
warranted.
6. Remove the black plastic connectors from all the captive screws on the module front
panel.
7. Identify a supported slot in the chassis. The following figure shows the symbols that
indicate the slot types.
Figure 2. 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 5646R-G can be placed in PXI Express peripheral slots, PXI Express Hybrid
peripheral slots, or PXI Express system timing slots.
8. Touch any metal part of the chassis to discharge static electricity.
9. Ensure that the ejector handle is in the unlatched (downward) position.
NI PXIe-5646R-G Getting Started Guide | © National Instruments | 5

10. Hold the module by the edges and slide it into the empty compatible slots. Ensure the
base engages with the guides in the chassis.
Figure 3. NI 5646R-G Module Installation
1
2
3
ESD
SENSITIVE
NIPXIe-5646R
VectorSignal Transceiver
65MHz - 6.0 GHz, 200 MHz BW
1. PXI Express Chassis
2. NI PXIe-5646R-G Module
3. Ejector Handle in Down Position
11. Latch the module in place by pulling up on the ejector handle.
12. 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.
13. Cover all empty slots using filler panels or slot blockers to maximize cooling air flow.
14. Power on the chassis.
Related Information
Installing the Software on page 4
Direct Connections to the NI 5646R-G
The NI 5646R-G 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 5646R-G to
avoid damaging the device.
Note Do not apply external signals to the NI 5646R-G output ports. Applying
external signals may cause damage.
6| ni.com | NI PXIe-5646R-G Getting Started Guide

• Ensure you are properly grounded when manipulating cables or antennas connected to the
NI 5646R-G.
• 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 5646R-G, ensure no signal transients are sourced to the NI 5646R-G.
Hardware Front Panel Connectors and Indicators
Figure 4. NI 5646R-G Front Panel
DIGITAL I/O
LVTTL
REF OUT
1.65Vp-p
50 Ω
REF IN
5Vp-p MAX
50 Ω
PFI 0
LVTTL
NI PXIe-5646R-G
Vector Signal Generator
65 MHz– 6.0 GHz, 200 MHz BW
ESD
SENSITIVE
LO
IN
+15 dBm
MAX
50 Ω
LO
OUT
0 dBm
50 Ω
CAL
OUT
RF
OUT
Reverse
Power
+33 dBm
MAX
50 Ω
RESERVED RF OUT 0
ACCESS ACTIVE
NI PXIe-5646R-G Getting Started Guide | © National Instruments | 7

Caution Apply external signals only while the NI 5646R-G is powered on.
Applying external signals while the device is powered off may cause damage.
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.
Table 2. NI 5646R-G General Front Panel Connectors
Connector Use
REF IN Input terminal that allows for the use of an external 10 MHz Reference
Clock.
REF OUT Output terminal that can export a 10 MHz Reference Clock or the 250 MHz
Sample Clock.
PFI 0 Programmable-function digital I/O (DIO) connector for use with triggers or
events.
DIGITAL I/O DIO terminal that contains general-purpose 3.3 V LVTTL DIO signals. DIO
lines are direction-configurable as input or output.
Table 3. NI 5646R-G RF Front Panel Connectors
Connector Use
RF OUT 0 RF OUT Output terminal for RF signals.
CAL OUT Caution Do not disconnect the cable that connects
CAL IN to CAL OUT. Removing the cable from or
tampering with the CAL IN or CAL OUT front panel
connectors voids the product calibration and
specifications are no longer warranted.
Connector that is used when running self-calibration on the device.
LO OUT Output terminal for exporting the RF OUT 0 LO source.
LO IN Input terminal that allows for the use of an external LO for
RF OUT 0.
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Table 4. NI 5646R-G Front Panel LEDs
LED Indications
ACCESS Indicates the basic hardware status of the device.
Off—The device is not yet functional or has detected a problem with a PXI
Express power rail.
Amber—The device is being accessed. Accessed means that you are writing to
the device setup registers to control the device, reading from the device to
monitor the device status, or transferring data to/from the device.
Green—The device is controllable through the software.
ACTIVE When using NI-RFSG, the ACTIVE LED indicates the state of the device.
Off—The device is idle.
Solid green—The device is generating a waveform.
Solid red—The device has detected an error. The LED remains red until the error
condition is removed.
Related Information
Refer to your device specifications document for more information about front panel
connectors and LEDs.
Configuring the NI 5646R-G in MAX
Use Measurement & Automation Explorer (MAX) to configure your National Instruments
hardware. MAX informs other programs about which devices reside in the system and how
they are configured. MAX is automatically installed with NI-RFSG.
1. Launch MAX.
2. In the configuration tree, double-click 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 5646R-G.
NI PXIe-5646R-G Getting Started Guide | © National Instruments | 9

Self-Calibration
Self-calibration adjusts the NI 5646R-G for variations in the module environment using an
onboard high-precision calibration tone. Perform a complete self-calibration after first
installing your module and letting it warm up for 30 minutes.
Note Warm up begins when the PXI Express chassis has been powered on and the
operating system has completely loaded.
The NI 5646R-G modules are externally calibrated at the factory; however, you should
perform a self-calibration in any of the following situations:
• After first installing the NI 5646R-G into your chassis
• After any module in the chassis is installed, uninstalled, or moved
• When the system is in an environment where the ambient temperature varies or the
module temperature has drifted more than ±5 °C from the temperature at the last self-
calibration
• To periodically adjust for small performance drifts that occur with product aging
NI recommends you perform the self-calibration from the installed self-calibration executable
located at Start»All Programs»National Instruments»Vector Signal Transceivers»VST
Self Calibrate. When using LabVIEW, you can also use the niVST Self-Calibrate VI, located
on the Functions»Instrument I/O»Instrument Drivers»NI VST Calibration palette.
Related Information
Refer to the NI RF Vector Signal Transceivers Help for more information about self-
calibration and self-calibrating in text-based languages.
Programming the NI 5646R-G
You can generate signals interactively using the NI-RFSG Soft Front Panel (SFP), or you can
use the NI-RFSG instrument driver to program your device in the supported ADE of your
choice.
10 | ni.com | NI PXIe-5646R-G Getting Started Guide

Table 5. NI 5646R-G Programming Options
Application
Programming
Interface (API)
Location Description
NI-RFSG SFP Available from the Start
menu at Start»All
Programs»National
Instruments»NI-RFSG»NI-
RFSG Soft Front Panel.
The NI-RFSG SFP controls, generates,
and presents data similar to stand-alone
RF vector signal generators. The
NI-RFSG SFP operates on the PC, so it
provides additional processing, storage,
and display capabilities.
NI-RFSG
Instrument Driver
LabVIEW—Available on the
LabVIEW Functions palette
at Measurement I/O»NI-
RFSG.
NI-RFSG configures and operates the
device hardware, performs waveform
programming and generation, and
performs basic modulation tasks using
LabVIEW VIs or LabWindows/CVI
functions.
LabWindows/CVI—
Available at Program Files»
IVI Foundation»IVI»
Drivers»niRFSG.
Microsoft Visual C/C++ Add all required include and library
files to your project to create an
NI-RFSG application in Microsoft
Visual C/C++.
Related Information
For detailed instructions about how to generate signals in a specific ADE, refer to the Getting
Started section of the NI RF Signal Generators Help.
Refer to the Creating an Application with Microsoft Visual C and C++ topic of the NI RF
Signal Generators Help to manually add all required include and library files to your project.
NI-RFSG Examples
Examples demonstrate the functionality of the device and serve as programming models and
building blocks for your own applications. The NI Example Finder is a utility available for
some ADEs that organizes examples into categories and allows you to easily browse and
search installed examples. You can see descriptions and compatible hardware models for each
example or see all the examples compatible with one particular hardware model.
You can locate LabVIEW or LabWindows/CVI examples with the NI Example Finder. Within
LabVIEW or LabWindows/CVI, select Help»Find Examples and navigate to Hardware
Input and Output»Modular Instruments.
NI PXIe-5646R-G Getting Started Guide | © National Instruments | 11

Generating a Signal Using the NI-RFSG Soft Front
Panel
To verify your device configuration, use the NI-RFSG Soft Front Panel (SFP) in MAX to
generate a simple signal.
1. Within MAX, select the NI 5646R-G module in the configuration tree.
2. Select Soft Front Panel from the MAX toolbar.
The NI-RFSG SFP launches.
3. Within the NI-RFSG SFP, specify a frequency and a power level for signal generation.
Caution Clicking RF On/Off generates a signal from the RF OUTPUT
connector of the NI 5646R-G front panel. Disconnect any equipment that can
be damaged by the test signal prior to clicking the RF On/Off button on the
NI-RFSG SFP.
4. Click RF On/Off to begin signal generation.
Note Refer to the Troubleshooting section of this document if an
ACTIVE LED does not turn on or if the NI-RFSG SFP generates an error.
During signal generation, the ACTIVE LED on the NI 5646R-G hardware module
illuminates.
5. Click RF On/Off to stop signal generation.
Troubleshooting
If an issue persists after you complete a troubleshooting procedure, contact NI technical
support or visit ni.com/support.
Why Is the ACCESS LED Off When the Chassis is On?
The LEDs may not light until the device has been configured in MAX. Before proceeding,
verify that the NI 5646R-G appears in MAX.
If the ACCESS LED fails to light after you power on the chassis, a problem may exist with the
chassis power rails, a hardware module, or the LED.
Caution Apply external signals only while the NI 5646R-G is powered on.
Applying external signals while the device is powered off may cause damage.
1. Disconnect any signals from the module front panels.
2. Power off the chassis.
3. Remove the module from the chassis and inspect it for damage. Do not reinstall a
damaged device.
4. Reinstall the module in a different chassis slot.
5. Power on the chassis.
6. Verify that the device appears in MAX.
12 | ni.com | NI PXIe-5646R-G Getting Started Guide

7. Reset the device in MAX.
What Should I Do if the NI 5646R-G Doesn't Appear in
MAX?
1. In the MAX configuration tree, click Devices and Interfaces.
2. Expand the Chassis tree to see the list of installed devices, and press <F5> to refresh the
list.
3. If the module is still not listed, power off the system, ensure that all hardware is correctly
installed, and restart the system.
4. Navigate to the Device Manager.
Operating System Description
Windows 8 Right-click the Start screen, and select All apps»Control Panel»
Hardware and Sound»Device Manager.
Windows 7 Select Start»Control Panel»Device Manager.
Windows Vista Select Start»Control Panel»System and Maintenance»Device
Manager.
Windows XP Select Start»Control Panel»System»Hardware»Device
Manager.
5. If you are using a PXI controller, verify that a National Instruments entry appears in the
system device list. Reinstall NI-RFSG and the device if error conditions appear in the list.
If you are using an MXI controller, right-click PCI-to-PCI Bridge, and select Properties
from the shortcut menu to verify that the bridge is enabled.
What Should I Do if the Thermal Shutdown Error
Appears?
The thermal shutdown error appears when device temperatures exceed safe limits. The
NI 5646R-G shuts down until temperatures fall to acceptable levels and you reset the device in
MAX.
1. Power off the chassis that contains the device.
2. Review the Maintain Forced-Air Cooling Note to Users included in the NI 5646R-G kit
and make any necessary adjustments to ensure that the device is effectively cooled.
3. Reset the device in MAX.
The thermal shutdown error continues to be reported until you successfully reset the
device.
NI PXIe-5646R-G Getting Started Guide | © National Instruments | 13

Where to Go Next
Refer to the following figure for information about other product tasks and associated
resources for those tasks.
custom applications within
an application programming
interface (API).
NI-RFSG Examples*
NI RF Signal
Generators Help*
NI-RFSG Soft Front Panel
NI-RFSG Instrument Driver
about hardware features
or review device
specifications.
more about your products through ni.com.
NI PXIe-5646R-G
Specifications
NI RF Signal
Generators Help*
the application development
environment (ADE)
for your application.
Learn LabVIEW Basics
Getting Started with
LabWindows/CVI
Support
ni.com/support
*This item is also installed with the driver software.
EXPLORE LEARN CREATE
DISCOVER
RF Solutions
ni.com/rf
Services
ni.com/services
NI Community
ni.com/community
Located at ni.com/gettingstarted Located using the NI Example Finder
Located at ni.com/manuals
Tip The NI RF Signal Generators Help is an HTML version of a traditional user
manual that includes detailed information about RF fundamentals, device features,
and programming with NI-RFSG.
Worldwide Support and Services
The National Instruments website is your complete resource for technical support. At ni.com/
support, you have access to everything from troubleshooting and application development
self-help resources to email and phone assistance from NI Application Engineers.
Visit ni.com/services for NI Factory Installation Services, repairs, extended warranty, and
other services.
14 | ni.com | NI PXIe-5646R-G Getting Started Guide

Visit ni.com/register to register your National Instruments product. Product registration
facilitates technical support and ensures that you receive important information updates from
NI.
A Declaration of Conformity (DoC) is our claim of compliance with the Council of the
European Communities using the manufacturer’s declaration of conformity. This system
affords the user protection for electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and product safety. You
can obtain the DoC for your product by visiting ni.com/certification. If your product supports
calibration, you can obtain the calibration certificate for your product at ni.com/calibration.
National Instruments corporate headquarters is located at 11500 North Mopac Expressway,
Austin, Texas, 78759-3504. National Instruments also has offices located around the world.
For telephone support in the United States, create your service request at ni.com/support or
dial 1 866 ASK MYNI (275 6964). For telephone support outside the United States, visit the
Worldwide Offices section of ni.com/niglobal to access the branch office websites, which
provide up-to-date contact information, support phone numbers, email addresses, and current
events.
NI PXIe-5646R-G Getting Started Guide | © National Instruments | 15

Refer to the NI Trademarks and Logo Guidelines at ni.com/trademarks for information on National Instruments trademarks.
Other product and company names mentioned herein are trademarks or trade names of their respective companies. For patents
covering National Instruments products/technology, refer to the appropriate location: Help»Patents in your software, the
patents.txt file on your media, or the National Instruments Patent Notice at ni.com/patents. You can find information about
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AS TO THE ACCURACY OF THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN AND SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY ERRORS.
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© 2015 National Instruments. All rights reserved.
375319A-01 May15