National Instruments NI PXIe-5663 User manual

PXIe-5663

GETTING STARTED GUIDE
NI PXIe-5663
6.6 GHz RF Vector Signal Analyzer with Digital Downconversion
Note Before you begin, install and configure your chassis and controller.
This document explains how to install, configure, and test the NI PXIe-5663 (NI 5663). The
NI 5663 is a modular 6.6 GHz RF vector signal analyzer (VSA) with digital downconversion.
The NI 5663 ships with the NI-RFSA instrument driver, which you use to program the device.
The NI 5663 comprises the following devices:
• NI PXIe-5601 (NI 5601) RF downconverter module
• NI PXIe-5622 (NI 5622) IF digitizer module
• NI PXI-5652 (NI 5652) LO source module
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 5663 has been in use, it may exceed safe handling
temperatures and cause burns. Allow the NI 5663 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....................................................................................................... 4
Installing the Software.............................................................................................................. 4
Installing the NI 5663............................................................................................................... 5
Interconnecting the NI 5663 Modules.............................................................................. 6
Configuring the NI 5663 in MAX.......................................................................................... 16
Programming the NI 5663...................................................................................................... 18
NI-RFSA Examples........................................................................................................ 19
Troubleshooting...................................................................................................................... 20
Installation...................................................................................................................... 20
Configuration.................................................................................................................. 21
Measurements................................................................................................................. 22
Where to Go Next................................................................................................................... 23
Worldwide Support and Services............................................................................................23

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-RFSA instrument driver, your system must meet certain requirements.
For more information about minimum system requirements, recommended system, and
supported application development environments (ADEs), refer to the product readme, which
is available on the driver 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.
Notify NI if the device appears damaged in any way. Do not install a damaged device.
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
Figure 1. NI 5663 Kit Contents
7 8 9
C C
4 5 6
1 2 3
10 11 12 13
1. NI 5601 RF Downconverter Module
2. NI 5622 IF Digitizer Module
3. NI 5652 LO Source Module
4. Short, Semi-Rigid SMA-to-SMA Cable, Labeled D,
Part Number 198776A-01
5. Medium, Semi-Rigid SMA-to-SMA Cable, Labeled
C, Part Number 198775A-01
6. Flexible SMA-to-SMA Cable, Part Number
190412B-03
7. SMA Driver Bit, Part Number 190487A-01
8. Screwdriver, Part Number 772006-01
9. 50 Ω Termination Load, Part Number 778353-01,
Connected to the NI 5601 LO OUT Terminal
10. Read Me First: Safety and Electromagnetic
Compatibility
11. Maintain Forced-Air Cooling Note to Users
12. NI PXIe-5663 Getting Started Guide (This
Document)
13. Driver Software DVD
NI PXIe-5663 Getting Started Guide | © National Instruments | 3

Other Equipment
There are several required items not included in your device kit that you need to install or
operate the NI 5663.
Required Items
• A PXI/PXI Express chassis and chassis documentation. The NI PXIe-1075 chassis is one
available option for your device. For more information about compatible chassis options,
refer to ni.com.
• A PXI/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).
Preparing the Environment
Ensure that the environment you are using the NI 5663 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-5663 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.
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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 5663
Caution To prevent damage to the device caused by ESD or contamination, handle
the device using the edges or the metal bracket.
You must install NI-RFSA 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.
To use the included cables, you must install the NI 5622 IF digitizer module immediately to
the right of the NI 5601 RF downconverter module, and you must install the NI 5652 LO
source module immediately to the left of the NI 5601 RF downconverter module.
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 connectors 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.
Figure 2. Chassis Compatibility Symbols
NI PXIe-1062Q
12 3 45
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
NI 5601 and NI 5622 modules can be placed in PXI Express peripheral slots or PXI
Express Hybrid peripheral slots, and the NI 5652 module can be placed in PXI peripheral
NI PXIe-5663 Getting Started Guide | © National Instruments | 5

slots or PXI Express Hybrid peripheral slots. Refer to the documentation for your chassis
for more information about slot types.
6. Touch any metal part of the chassis to discharge static electricity.
7. Ensure that the ejector handle is in the unlatched (downward) 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 3. Module Installation
2
3
NI PXIe-1075
1
1. Chassis
2. Hardware Module
3. Ejector Handle in Down (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 using filler panels or slot blockers to maximize cooling air flow.
12. Power on the chassis.
Related Information
Installing the Software on page 4
Interconnecting the NI 5663 Modules
Caution The signal pins of this product's input/output ports can be damaged if
subjected to ESD. To prevent damage, remove power from the product before
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connecting cables and employ industry-standard ESD prevention measures during
installation, maintenance, and operation.
Figure 4. NI 5663 Front Panel Interconnection
ACCESS ACTIVE
CLK IN
CLK OUT
PFI 1
ESD
SENSITIVE
TTL
6.3 Vp-p
MAX
2 Vp-p
NOM
+20 dBm MAX
50 Ω
50 Ω
50 Ω
NI PXI-5622
16-Bit IF Digitizer
IF IN
0 dBm NOM
RF IN
IF OUT
LO IN
LO OUT
10 MHz – 6.6 GHz
ACCESS ACTIVE
ALL PORTS
±5 VDC MAX
50 Ω
0 dBm NOM
+20 dBm MAX
+20 dBm MAX
+20 dBm MAX
[+30 dBm MAX
w/Attenuation]
RF Downconverter
NI PXIe-5601
C
C
C
D
D
3
4
1
2
1. Medium, Semi-Rigid SMA-to-SMA Cable, Labeled
C
2. Flexible SMA-to-SMA Cable
3. Short, Semi-Rigid SMA-to-SMA Cable, Labeled D
4. 50 Ω Termination Load
1. Using the center pin of a medium semi-rigid SMA-to-SMA cable labeled C, connect the
RF OUT connector on the NI 5652 LO source front panel to the LO IN connector on the
NI 5601 RF downconverter front panel.
2. Using the center pin of a flexible SMA-to-SMA cable, connect the REF IN/OUT
connector on the NI 5652 LO source front panel to the CLK IN connector on the NI 5622
IF digitizer front panel.
3. Using the center pin of a short semi-rigid SMA-to-SMA cable labeled D, connect the
IF OUT connector on the NI 5601 front panel to the IF IN connector on the NI 5622 IF
digitizer front panel.
4. Hand-tighten all SMA cable ends on the SMA connectors after the cable center pins are
correctly aligned and connected. The cable connectors should tighten without much
torque or effort. If a cable bends due to incorrect alignment, remove the cable from the
front panel connector and reconnect the cable center pin on the SMA cable to the SMA
connector.
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5. Carefully complete tightening all SMA connectors to 1 N · m using an appropriate torque
wrench (not included) or torque screwdriver and SMA driver bit. Tighten only until the
wrench clicks.
Caution Incorrect torque at SMA 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 SMA driver bit to ensure
all SMA connections are properly torqued. SMA connectors for connections to
external equipment may require torque different from 1 N · m, depending on
the connector type, material, and manufacturer.
6. Power on the PXI Express chassis and controller system.
7. Verify that the ACCESS LED is on for all modules.
Related Information
Troubleshooting on page 20
If an issue persists after you complete a troubleshooting procedure, contact NI technical
support or visit ni.com/support.
Refer to the NI RF Vector Signal Analyzers Help for more information about how to connect
the NI 5663E using an external clock, how to connect multiple NI 5663E modules, or how to
connect the NI 5663E to the NI PXIe-5673E RF vector signal generator.
Direct Connections to the NI 5601
The NI 5601 is a precision RF instrument that is sensitive to ESD and transients. Ensure you
are making proper direct connections to the NI 5601 to avoid damaging the device.
Caution Apply external signals only while the NI 5601 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 5601 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 5601
RF IN connector, ensure that there are no signal transients greater than the RF and DC
specifications for the device that are being generated and sourced to the NI 5601 RF IN
connector.
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NI 5601 RF Downconverter Module Front Panel
The NI 5601 RF downconverter module front panel contains four connectors and two LEDs.
Figure 5. NI 5601 RF Downconverter Module Front Panel
0 dBm NOM
RF IN
IF OUT
LO IN
LO OUT
10 MHz – 6.6 GHz
ACCESS ACTIVE
ALL PORTS
±5 VDC MAX
50 Ω
0 dBm NOM
+20 dBm MAX
+20 dBm MAX
+20 dBm MAX
[+30 dBm MAX
w/Attenuation]
RF Downconverter
NI PXIe-5663 Getting Started Guide | © National Instruments | 9

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 5601 RF Downconverter Module Front Panel Connectors
Connector Use
RF IN Connects to the analog RF input signal to be measured by the NI 5663.
IF OUT Connects to the IF IN connector on the NI 5622 IF digitizer module front panel.
This connector is the output terminal for the frequency-translated IF signal for
digitization.
LO IN Connects to the RF OUT connector on the NI 5652 LO source front panel.
This connector is the input terminal for the LO source.
LO OUT Exports the signal received at LO IN to other NI 5601 modules for
multichannel systems.
This connector enables phase coherent operation of multiple devices by
allowing the use of a common LO signal when daisy-chaining the signal to
other NI 5601 RF downconverters. When not in use, connect a 50 Ω
termination load to LO OUT.
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Table 3. NI 5601 RF Downconverter Module Front Panel LEDs
LED Indications
ACCESS Indicates the downconverter module basic hardware status.
OFF—The module is not yet functional, or the module has detected a problem
with a +3.3 V power 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 downconverter module state.
OFF—The module is in a state other than thermal shutdown or power supply
failure.
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.
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NI 5622 IF Digitizer Module
The NI 5622 IF digitizer module front panel contains four connectors and two LEDs
Figure 6. NI 5622 IF Digitizer Module Front Panel
ACCESS ACTIVE
CLK IN
CLK OUT
PFI 1
ESD
SENSITIVE
TTL
6.3 Vp-p
MAX
2 Vp-p
NOM
+20 dBm MAX
50 Ω
50 Ω
50 Ω
16-Bit IF Digitizer
IF IN
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Table 4. 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 5. NI 5622 IF Digitizer Module Front Panel Connectors
Connector Use
IF IN Connects to the IF OUT connector on the NI 5601 RF downconverter module
front panel.
This connector is the input terminal for a frequency-translated IF waveform
from the NI 5601 RF downconverter for digitization and measurement.
CLK IN Connects to the REF IN/OUT connector on the NI 5652 LO source module
front panel.
This connector is the input terminal for the Reference Clock or Sample Clock.
CLK OUT This connector is the output terminal for the NI 5622 Reference Clock or
Sample Clock.
PFI 1 Receives a digital trigger from an external source.
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Table 6. NI 5622 IF Digitizer Module Front Panel LEDs
LED Indications
ACCESS Indicates the basic hardware status of the NI 5622 module.
OFF—The module is not yet functional, or the module has detected a problem
with a power 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.
RED—The module has exceeded approved operating temperature and thermal
shutdown has occurred.
ACTIVE Indicates the NI 5622 module state.
OFF—The module is not armed, triggered, or acquiring a waveform.
AMBER—The module is armed and waiting for a trigger.
GREEN—The module has received a Reference Trigger. Also indicates that the
module is acquiring a waveform.
RED—The module has detected an error. NI-RFSA must access the module to
determine the cause of the error. The LED remains red until the error condition is
removed.
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NI 5652 LO Source Module
The NI 5652 LO source module contains two connectors and two multicolor LEDs.
Figure 7. NI 5652 RF Signal Generator Module Front Panel
NI PXI-5652
RF Signal Generator
ACCESS
500 kHz-6.6 GHz
ACTIVE
RF OUT
REF
IN/OUT
Reverse Power
2 W MAX
IN 5 Vp-p MAX
OUT 1 Vp-p
Table 7. 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.
If this device has been in use, it may exceed safe handling temperatures and cause
burns. Allow the device to cool before removing it from the chassis.
NI PXIe-5663 Getting Started Guide | © National Instruments | 15

Table 8. NI 5652 RF Signal Generator Module Front Panel Connectors
Connector Use
RF OUT Output terminal for the RF signal at the requested frequency and power level.
REF IN/OUT Routes a frequency reference signal to or from the NI 5652 module.
This connector can be configured as an external frequency reference input or
as an output for the onboard 10 MHz Reference Clock.
Table 9. NI 5652 RF Signal Generator Module Front Panel LEDs
LED Indications
ACCESS Indicates the basic hardware status of the NI 5652 module.
OFF—The module is not yet functional or has detected a problem with a PXI
power 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.
ACTIVE Indicates the state of the NI 5652 module.
OFF—The module is not generating a signal.
AMBER—The module PLLs are attempting to lock.
GREEN—The module is generating a signal; applicable PLLs are locked.
RED—The module has detected an error state; this may indicate a PLL lock
failure or a thermal shutdown condition.
Configuring the NI 5663 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-RFSA.
1. Launch MAX.
2. In the configuration tree, double-click Devices and Interfaces to see the list of installed
devices.
Note If you are using the NI 5663 with the LabVIEW Real-Time Module,
expand Remote Systems. Find your target IP address or name, expand it, and
then expand Devices and Interfaces.
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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 5663.
5. Associate the hardware modules that comprise your device.
a) Select the NI 5601 that is identified as not configured in the configuration tree.
b) In the Associated Devices section, select the appropriate module from each system
component drop-down listbox.
For the NI 5663, you must associate the NI 5622 IF digitizer module and the
NI 5652 LO source module with the NI 5601 RF downconverter.
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 modules by selecting the modules in the configuration tree, and
clicking Self-Test in the MAX toolbar. Repeat this step for all modules in your NI 5663
system.
The MAX self-test performs a basic verification of hardware resources.
Related Information
Troubleshooting on page 20
If an issue persists after you complete a troubleshooting procedure, contact NI technical
support or visit ni.com/support.
Interconnecting the NI 5663 Modules on page 6
Refer to the NI RF Vector Signal Analyzers Help for more information about renaming
devices.
NI PXIe-5663 Getting Started Guide | © National Instruments | 17

Programming the NI 5663
You can acquire data interactively using the NI-RFSA Soft Front Panel (SFP) or use NI-RFSA
to program your device in the ADE of your choice.
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Table 10. NI 5663 Programming Options
Application
Programming
Interface (API)
Location Description
NI-RFSA SFP Available from the Start menu at
Start»All Programs»National
Instruments»NI-RFSA»NI-RFSA
Soft Front Panel.
NI-RFSA SFP controls,
analyzes, and presents data
similar to stand-alone RF vector
signal analyzers. The
NI-RFSA SFP operates on the
PC, so it provides processing,
storage, and display capabilities.
NI-RFSA
Instrument
Driver
LabVIEW—Available on the
LabVIEW Functions palette at
Measurement I/O»NI-RFSA.
C or LabWindows/CVI—Available at
Program Files»IVI Foundation»
IVI»Drivers»niRFSA.
NI-RFSA configures and
operates the device hardware
and acquires and analyzes data
using LabVIEW VIs or
LabWindows/CVI functions.
After you associate the modules
of the NI 5663 in MAX,
NI-RFSA operates the modules
as a single instrument.
Microsoft Visual C/C++—Use
examples located in the <NIDocDir>
\NI-RFSA\examples directory,
where <NIDocDir> is one of the
following directories:
• Windows 8/7/Vista—Users
\Public\Public Documents
\National Instruments
• Windows XP—Documents and
Settings\All Users
\Documents\National
Instruments
You can modify an NI-RFSA
example to create an application
with Microsoft Visual C/C++,
and all required include and
library files are automatically
added to the project.
Related Information
Refer to the Getting Started with NI-RFSA section of the NI RF Vector Signal Analyzers Help
for detailed instructions about how to acquire data in a specific ADE.
Refer to the Creating an Application with Microsoft Visual C and C++ topic of the NI RF
Vector Signal Analyzers Help if you prefer to manually add all required include and library
files to the project.
NI-RFSA 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
NI PXIe-5663 Getting Started Guide | © National Instruments | 19