National Instruments PXI-5660 User manual

December 2009
375483A
GETTING STARTED GUIDE
NI PXI-5660
This guide explains how to install, configure, test, and begin using an NI PXI-5660 radio frequency (RF)
vector signal analyzer, and introduces programming methods and examples. Refer to the 1. Verifying
System Requirements section for information about additional documents.
Contents
Conventions ......................................................................................................................................... 1
1. Verifying System Requirements ...................................................................................................... 2
2. Unpacking........................................................................................................................................ 2
3. Verifying Kit Contents..................................................................................................................... 3
Other Required Items................................................................................................................... 3
4. Installing the Software ..................................................................................................................... 5
5. Installing the NI 5660 ...................................................................................................................... 6
Installing the NI 5600 RF Downconverter Module ..................................................................... 6
Installing the NI 5620 IF Digitizer Module ................................................................................. 7
Installing PXI Modules................................................................................................................ 7
Uninstalling PXI Modules ........................................................................................................... 8
6. Interconnecting the NI 5660 Modules ............................................................................................. 8
Cooling Considerations................................................................................................................ 10
7. Configuring and Programming the NI 5660 .................................................................................... 10
Rename Both Modules................................................................................................................. 11
Acquiring Data Interactively ....................................................................................................... 11
Configuring Hardware Programmatically ................................................................................... 14
Introduction to the Spectral Measurements Toolkit .................................................................... 17
Appendix A: Hardware Front Panel Connectors and Indicators ......................................................... 17
NI 5600 RF Downconverter Module ........................................................................................... 18
NI 5620 IF Digitizer Module ....................................................................................................... 20
Appendix B: Troubleshooting ............................................................................................................. 21
Installation ................................................................................................................................... 21
Configuration ............................................................................................................................... 23
Measurements .............................................................................................................................. 24
Technical Support and Professional Services...................................................................................... 24
Conventions
The following conventions are used in this manual:
»The »symbol leads you through nested menu items and dialog box options to a final action.
The sequence File»Page Setup»Options directs you to pull down the File menu, select the
Page Setup item, and select Options from the last dialog box.
This icon denotes a tip, which alerts you to advisory information.
This icon denotes a note, which alerts you to important information.

NI PXI-5660 Getting Started Guide 2 ni.com
This icon denotes a caution, which advises you of precautions to take to avoid injury, data loss,
or a system crash. When this symbol is marked on a product, refer to the Read Me First: Safety
and Electromagnetic Compatibility for information about precautions to take.
When symbol is marked on a product, it denotes a warning advising you to take precautions
to avoid electrical shock.
When symbol is marked on a product, it denotes a component that may be hot. Touching this
component may result in bodily injury.
bold Bold text denotes items that you must select or click in the software, such as menu items and
dialog box options. Bold text also denotes parameter names.
italic Italic text denotes variables, emphasis, a cross-reference, or an introduction to a key concept.
Italic text also denotes text that is a placeholder for a word or value that you must supply.
monospace Text in this font denotes text or characters that you should enter from the keyboard, sections
of code, programming examples, and syntax examples. This font is also used for the proper
names of disk drives, paths, directories, programs, subprograms, subroutines, device names,
functions, operations, variables, filenames, and extensions.
monospace Italic text in this font denotes text that is a placeholder for a word or value that you must
italic supply.
Platform Text in this font denotes a specific platform and indicates that the text following it
applies only to that platform.
1. Verifying System Requirements
Your system must meet certain requirements to use NI RF vector signal analyzers. For more information
about minimum system, recommended system, and supported application development environments
(ADEs), refer to the NI RF Signal Analyzers Readme, which is available with the NI-RFSA software.
Note After you install NI-RFSA, you can access the NI RF Signal Analyzers Readme at Start»
All Programs»National Instruments»NI-RFSA»Documentation or online at ni.com/
downloads.
2. Unpacking
RF vector signal analyzer hardware modules ship in antistatic packages to prevent damage from
electrostatic discharge (ESD). Because ESD can damage several components of the hardware modules,
store all modules in the antistatic envelopes when not in use.
Caution Never touch exposed connector pins.
To avoid damage when handling the RF vector signal analyzer hardware modules, take the following
precautions:
• Ground yourself using a grounding strap or by touching a grounded object.
• Touch the antistatic package to a metal part of your computer chassis before removing the hardware
module from the package.
Remove each hardware module from the package and inspect it for loose components or any signs of
damage. Notify NI if any hardware module appears damaged in any way. Do not install a damaged
module into your system.

©National Instruments Corporation 3 NI PXI-5660 Getting Started Guide
3. Verifying Kit Contents
You need the following items to set up and use the RF vector signal analyzer. Listboxes represent
physical kit items.
❑Driver software disc—Installs the NI-RFSA and ni5660 instrument driver software and electronic
documentation, including the following documents:
–NI RF Signal Analyzers Readme—This HTML document includes information about the
minimal and recommended system requirements, new features, installed file locations, and
uninstalling/modifying the NI-RFSA instrument driver software.
–NI PXI-5660 Help—Use this online help file, located at Start»All Programs»
National Instruments»NI-RFSA»Documentation, to learn how to operate NI 5660 RF
vector signal analyzers.
–NI High-Speed Digitizers Help—Use this online help document, located at Start»All
Programs»National Instruments»NI-SCOPE»Documentation, to learn more information
about the IF digitizer module included as part of your RF vector signal analyzer.
–NI-Tuner Help—Use this online help document, located in the Program Files»National
Instruments»<LabVIEW>»Help directory, for full access to the functionality of the
instrument drivers for the RF downconverter and IF digitizer modules.
❑NI Spectral Measurement Toolkit CD—Installs the Spectral Measurements Toolkit (SMT)
software components, which includes SMT VIs and functions, examples, and documentation.
❑1/8 in. combination Phillips/flathead screwdriver
❑The following printed documentation:
–NI 5660 Getting Started Guide (this document)
– Specifications documents for your device
–Read Me First: Safety and Electromagnetic Compatibility
–Maintain Forced-Air Cooling Note to Users
❑Two hardware modules:
– NI 5600 RF downconverter module
– NI 5620 IF digitizer module
❑Short cables for interconnecting modules
– One short, semi-rigid SMA-to-SMA coaxial cable
– One long, semi-rigid SMA-to-SMA coaxial cable
– One semi-flexible SMA-to-SMA coaxial cable
❑Plastic collars (cable wrenches) for gripping the coaxial cable hex connectors
Other Required Items
❑One of the following configurations:
–(PXI system) A PXI chassis, PXI embedded or MXI controller system that meets the system
requirements specified in this guide, and chassis documentation.
–(PXI Express system) A PXI Express chassis, PXI Express embedded or MXI Express
controller, and chassis documentation.
❑A 1 N · m standard SMA torque wrench (part number 187106-01), for use with included SMA
driver bit

NI PXI-5660 Getting Started Guide 4 ni.com
Figure 1. NI 5660 Kit Contents and Replacement Part Numbers
4. Installing the Software
Complete the following steps to install the components of the instrument driver software. You must
install all of the included software before installing any RF vector signal analyzer hardware.
1. Install an application development environment (ADE) such as LabVIEW, LabWindows™/CVI™,
or a third-party program according to its instructions. Any development environment you intend to
use must be installed before you install the driver software and the Spectral Measurements Toolkit.
1 NI PXI-1042 or NI PXI-1045 Chassis (not included)
2 NI 5600 RF Downconverter Module
3 NI 5620 IF Digitizer Module
4 Short, Semi-Rigid SMA-to-SMA Cable, 763480-01
5 Long, Semi-Rigid SMA-to-SMA Cable, 763481-01
6 Semi-Flexible SMA-to-SMA Cable, 763488-01
7 Cable Wrenches (2), 746016-01
8 Screwdriver, 772006-01
4 5 6
1
NI PXI-1042
87
2
NI 5600
POWER
STATUS
RFDOWNCONVERTER
+20dBm MAX
+30dBm MAX
WITHATTN
3

©National Instruments Corporation 5 NI PXI-5660 Getting Started Guide
2. Insert the NI-RFSA disc into the appropriate drive and follow the instructions in the installation
window. You can choose to install NI-RFSA 2.1 (NI PXI-5661 and NI PXIe-5663) and/or
NI PXI-5660 Support.
(Windows Vista) Users may see access and security messages during installation. Accept the
prompts to complete the installation.
Note If the installation window. does not appear, navigate to the appropriate disk drive, and
double-click setup.exe.
3. If you are using a system running the LabVIEW Real-Time Module, download NI-RFSA to the
target using Measurement & Automation Explorer (MAX). Refer to the MAX Remote Systems Help
by selecting Help»Help Topics»Remote Systems in MAX for more information about using
MAX remote systems.
4. When installation completes, remove the driver software disc.
Note You must install the driver software before installing the Spectral Measurements Toolkit.
5. Insert the Spectral Measurements Toolkit CD.
6. Install the Spectral Measurements Toolkit for the ADE you intend to use. Follow instructions in the
installation window.
7. When the installation completes, remove the Spectral Measurements Toolkit CD.
Note For full functionality, you must install the Spectral Measurements Toolkit packaged with the
RF vector signal analyzer. The Spectral Measurements Toolkit extends the capability of the RF vector
signal analyzer to include frequency- and modulation-domain measurements and analysis of
analog-modulated IF signals.
8. Install any additional software that you intend to use with the RF vector signal analyzer after
installing the driver software and the Spectral Measurements Toolkit.
Note If toolkits or other software that you intend to use with the RF device were installed before
you installed the driver software, repeat or repair those installations after installing the driver
software and the Spectral Measurements Toolkit.
Note The Spectral Measurements Toolkit includes examples for analog modulation and
demodulation. The Modulation Toolkit includes digital modulation and demodulation measurement
functions. Both toolkits may be included in your RF vector signal analyzer shipping kit. You can also
purchase and install the NI Modulation Toolkit at ni.com. Install NI PXI-5660 Support and the
Spectral Measurements Toolkit before installing the Modulation Toolkit.
5. Installing the NI 5660
The NI 5660 modules are available in the PXI form factor. Installation of the NI 5660 RF vector signal
analyzer hardware modules requires four vacant PXI (or hybrid) slots—three slots for the NI 5600 RF
downconverter module and one slot for the NI 5620 IF digitizer module. The NI 5620 must be installed
in the slot immediately to the right of the NI 5600 to allow for the use of the included coaxial cables.
Note You must install NI PXI-5660 Support before installing the hardware.
Installing the NI 5600 RF Downconverter Module
To install the NI 5600 module, complete steps 1 through 10 in the Installing PXI Modules section.
Note The NI 5600 onboard frequency reference can drive the PXI backplane clock only if the
RF downconverter module is installed in PXI Slot 2. When the NI 5600 is installed in PXI Slot 2, you
can configure it to lock the PXI backplane clock to the highly accurate and stable NI 5600 onboard

NI PXI-5660 Getting Started Guide 6 ni.com
oven-controlled crystal oscillator (OCXO). You can also lock the NI 5600 to an external frequency
reference clock signal and drive this reference to the backplane. To use an external frequency
reference, you must connect this signal to the FREQ REF IN connector on the NI 5600 module front
panel.
Installing the NI 5620 IF Digitizer Module
To install the NI 5620 module, complete steps 2 through 11 in the Installing PXI Modules section.
Installing PXI Modules
NI PXI modules are sensitive instruments that should be handled carefully. Do not expose the module
to temperatures or humidity beyond the rated maximums.
Note For information about the rated maximums, refer to your device specifications document,
located at Start»All Programs»National Instruments»NI-RFSA»Documentation»
Specifications.
Keep the module free of dust by cleaning only with compressed air. Do not clean the device with any
solvents or liquids.
To prevent damage to the device caused by ESD or contamination, handle the device using the edges or
the metal bracket. For more information about the radio-frequency interference characteristics of your
hardware, refer to the Read Me First: Safety and Electromagnetic Compatibility document.
Caution You must power off and unplug the chassis before installing the device.
You can install PXI modules in any PXI slot marked with a peripheral slot compatibility
glyph (a circle containing the slot number).
You also can install PXI modules in any PXI hybrid slot marked with a peripheral slot
compatibility glyph (the letter “H” and a solid circle containing the slot number).
Install a PXI module by completing the following steps:
1. Power off and unplug your PXI chassis.
2. If the chassis has multiple fan speed settings, ensure that the fans are at the highest setting. Do not
set the fan speed to low or turn the fan off.
3. Position the chassis so that you allow ample space between the chassis fan intake and exhaust vents.
Blockage by walls or obstructions affects the air flow needed for cooling. Refer to the chassis
documentation for more information about cooling.
4. Make sure the ejector handle is in the unlatched (downward) position.
5. Remove the rubber screw covers from the captive screws in the module front panel.
6. Holding the module by the ejector handle, slide it into an available PXI (or hybrid) slot, as shown
in Figure 2. Ensure that the base card (the card on the left when looking at the front of the module)
engages with card guides in the chassis.
7. Slide the module completely into the chassis and latch by pulling up on the ejector handle.
8. Tighten the screws in the module front panel. Performance may suffer if the screws are not
tightened properly.
9. Verify that the PXI chassis fans are operable and free of dust and other contaminants that may
restrict airflow.
3
7
H

©National Instruments Corporation 7 NI PXI-5660 Getting Started Guide
10. Install all chassis covers and filler panels after installing the RF vector signal analyzer hardware
modules. Missing filler panels disrupt necessary air circulation in the chassis.
Note NI recommends installing slot blockers in adjacent vacant PXI slots to maximize cooling air
flow to the RF vector signal analyzer hardware modules. The PXI Chassis Slot Blocker Kit (part
number 778678-01) is available for purchase at ni.com.
11. Plug in and power on the PXI chassis.
Figure 2 shows the correct installation of a PXI module into a compatible chassis slot.
Figure 2. PXI Module Installation
Uninstalling PXI Modules
Power off the chassis prior to removing PXI modules. When removing PXI modules from the chassis,
ensure that you are grounded with a grounding strap or are touching a grounded metal surface. To avoid
ESD, do not touch the exposed connector pins or any exposed circuitry on the device. When not in use,
PXI devices should be stored in the original antistatic envelope to avoid damage.
Hot Surface During operation, the metal surfaces of PXI devices may become hot. Be careful when
removing the device from the chassis or when moving it to a different peripheral slot. When removing
the device, hold it by only the ejector handle and front panel.
6. Interconnecting the NI 5660 Modules
The NI 5600 and NI 5620 interconnect through the module front panels. Complete steps 1 through 6
to interconnect the RF vector signal analyzer hardware module front panel connectors, as shown in
Figure 3.
1 PXI Chassis
2 Ejector Handle Unlatched
3 Captive Screws with Rubber Screw Covers Removed
4 NI PXI Module
3
2
4
NI PXI-1042
1

NI PXI-5660 Getting Started Guide 8 ni.com
Figure 3. Interconnection of Devices with Included NI 5660 Cables
Note The published specifications document for your NI 5660 RF vector signal analyzer assumes
use of the included cables. Substituting different cables may affect performance.
1. Using the short semi-rigid coaxial cable, connect the OUTPUT connector on the NI 5600 RF
downconverter front panel to the INPUT connector on the NI 5620 IF digitizer front panel.
Note The semi-rigid cables must be installed so the bends point upwards, as shown in Figure 3.
2. Using the long semi-rigid coaxial cable, connect the lower of the two 10 MHz OUT connectors on
the NI 5600 front panel to the REF CLK IN connector on the NI 5620 front panel.
Note The NI 5600 onboard frequency reference can drive the PXI backplane clock only if the
RF downconverter module is installed in PXI Slot 2. When the NI 5600 is installed in PXI Slot 2, you
can configure it to lock the PXI backplane clock to the highly accurate and stable NI 5600 onboard
oven-controlled crystal oscillator (OCXO). You can also lock the NI 5600 to an external frequency
FREQ. REF IN
50 Ω
+16 dBm MAX
±5V DC MAX
10 MHz OUT
1 V pp 50 Ω
PXI 10 MHz I/O
50 Ω
+23 dBm MAX
± 5 V DC MAX INPUT
50 Ω
0 V DC MAX
50 Ω
+16 dBm MAX
50 Ω
+20 dBm MAX
OUTPUT
50 Ω
5 MHz - 25 MHz
INPUT
REF CLK IN
PFI 1
NI 5600 NI 5620
64 MS/s Digitizer
POWER
STATUS
RF DOWNCONVERTER
+20 dBm MAX
+30 dBm MAX
WITH ATTN

©National Instruments Corporation 9 NI PXI-5660 Getting Started Guide
reference clock signal and drive this reference to the backplane. To use an external frequency
reference, you must connect this signal to the FREQ REF IN connector on the NI 5600 module front
panel.
3. (Optional) Using the semi-flexible coaxial cable, connect the bidirectional PXI 10 MHz I/O
connector on the NI 5600 front panel to the upper 10 MHz OUT connector on the NI 5600 front
panel.
Caution Incorrect torque at SMA connections can degrade signal fidelity, phase-locked loop (PLL)
performance, and insertion loss. Use an SMA torque wrench to ensure all SMA connections are
properly torqued to 1 N · m.
4. Carefully tighten all SMA connectors to 1 N · m using an SMA torque wrench (not included), as
shown in Figure 3. Tighten only until the wrench clicks.
5. Plug in and power on your PXI chassis and controller system.
6. Verify that the POWER LED on the NI 5600 RF downconverter module is illuminated. If the LED
is not illuminated, refer to Appendix B: Troubleshooting.
You have completed installation of your NI 5660 RF vector signal analyzer.
Cooling Considerations
When installing a PXI module, follow the guidelines in the Maintain Forced-Air Cooling Note to Users
document included in the kit to ensure that the device is cooled effectively.
Caution Inadequate air circulation could cause the temperature inside the chassis to rise above the
optimal operating temperature for the RF vector signal analyzer hardware modules, potentially
causing thermal shutdown, shorter life spans, or improper performance.
7. Configuring and Programming the NI 5660
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 the driver software.
To use MAX to configure, self-test, and functionally test the NI 5660 RF vector signal analyzer
hardware modules, complete the following steps:
1. Launch MAX by navigating to Start»All Programs»National Instruments»Measurement &
Automation or by clicking the MAX desktop icon.
2. In the Configuration pane, double-click Devices and Interfaces to see the list of installed devices.
3. Expand the Traditional NI-DAQ (Legacy) Devices folder. You will see a list of installed devices
that includes the NI 5600 and NI 5620 modules (your default device names may vary).
Note If you do not see the NI 5600 and NI 5620 modules listed, refer to Appendix B:
Troubleshooting.
4. Note the device numbers assigned to your RF vector signal analyzer hardware modules by MAX.
These numbers are used when programming the RF vector signal analyzer.
Complete steps 5 through 11 to self-test both modules.
5. Right-click NI PXI-5600 and select Properties.
6. The Configuring Device dialog box appears. Click Test Resources to self-test the NI 5600 RF
downconverter hardware module. The MAX self-test performs a basic verification of hardware
resources.

NI PXI-5660 Getting Started Guide 10 ni.com
7. The NI-DAQ Configuration Utility dialog box appears to confirm your self-test. Click OK to return
to the Configuring Device dialog box.
Note If the NI 5600 RF downconverter module fails the self-test, refer to Appendix B:
Troubleshooting.
8. In the NI 5600 Configuring Devices dialog box, click OK to return to MAX.
9. Right-click NI PXI-5620 and select Properties.
10. The Configuring Device dialog box appears. Click Test Resources to self-test the NI 5620 IF
digitizer hardware module.
11. The NI-DAQ Configuration Utility dialog box appears. Click OK to return to the Configuring
Device dialog box and continue with the NI 5620 test panel.
Note If the NI 5620 IF digitizer module fails the self-test, refer to Appendix B: Troubleshooting.
You have completed setup, configuration, and testing of the NI 5660 RF vector signal analyzer.
Rename Both Modules
MAX allows you to rename both NI 5660 hardware modules. The MAX name is used in software to
operate the NI 5660 hardware resources. You are not required to change the module names from the
default names assigned by MAX, but doing so can make your program more readable. If you do not wish
to rename the modules, proceed to the Acquiring Data Interactively section.
To rename both NI 5660 hardware modules, complete steps 1 through 7.
1. Right-click NI PXI-5600 and select Rename from the shortcut menu.
2. Enter the new name for the NI 5600 module.
Note The device name must consist only of alphanumeric and underscore characters.
3. Click OK.
4. Right-click NI PXI-5620 and select Rename from the shortcut menu.
5. Enter the new name for the NI 5620 module.
6. Click OK.
7. Verify that the new names for both modules are displayed before proceeding to the next section.
Acquiring Data Interactively
To interactively acquire data and perform measurements with the RF vector signal analyzer, use the
included RFSA Demo Panel. The RFSA Demo Panel is accessible from within MAX at Tools»
Soft Front Panels»NI5660 - RFSA Demo Panel and from the Start menu at Start»All Programs»
National Instruments»NI-RFSA»5660 Demo Panel.
Tip If an external signal source is not available, the signal from the 10 MHz OUT connector on the
NI 5600 RF downconverter module front panel can be used as a source to verify proper RF vector
signal analyzer installation and as a live signal for the RFSA Demo Panel. To use this signal, connect
the 10 MHz OUT connector of the NI 5600 module to the INPUT connector on the NI 5600 RF
downconverter module front panel.
The RFSA Demo Panel (shown in Figure 4) provides a convenient software interface with which
you can operate the RF vector signal analyzer hardware to perform common frequency-domain and
I/Q measurements.
Tip Press <Ctrl-H> to view context-sensitive help for all RFSA Demo Panel controls and indicators.

©National Instruments Corporation 11 NI PXI-5660 Getting Started Guide
Figure 4. RFSA Demo Panel Performing ACP Measurement
To use the RFSA Demo Panel, configure the following controls:
1. Verify that the device numbers in the RFSADeviceNumbers dialog box reflect those assigned to
the RF vector signal analyzer hardware modules in MAX, and click OK.
2. Specify hardware parameters for your measurement, including the following parameters, in
Hardware Settings:
• RF Spectrum Settings
• Amplitude
• Timing
• Advanced Spectral Parameters
•Devices
1 Measurements Controls
2 Hardware Settings Controls
3 Averaging Controls
4 Units Controls
5 Waveform Graph
1
2
5
34

NI PXI-5660 Getting Started Guide 12 ni.com
3. Specify the measurement you want to perform in Measurements. Choose one of the following
options:
• Peak Search
• Delta Peak
•PowerinBand
• Adjacent Channel Power (ACP)
• Occupied Bandwidth
• IQ Data
4. Specify averaging applied to returned data in Averaging Type. Figure 5 illustrates the hierarchy
of options for spectrum averaging.
Figure 5. RFSA Demo Panel Spectrum Averaging Options
5. Specify units in which to return measurement results in Units. Several commonly used units are
available.
Exponential
Average Size
Peak-HoldNo Averaging VectorRMS
Averaging
Ty p e
Linear
Weighting
Ty p e
Linear
Weighting
Mode
Moving AverageAuto Restart ContinuousOne Shot

©National Instruments Corporation 13 NI PXI-5660 Getting Started Guide
Configuring Hardware Programmatically
Two paradigms are available to programmatically configure the NI 5660 RF vector signal analyzer
hardware for data acquisition, as shown in Table 1.
Note The NI Spectral Measurements Toolkit is used to perform measurements on the acquired data
regardless of programming paradigm.
Programming the RF Vector Signal Analyzer in LabVIEW
To programmatically configure the RF vector signal analyzer hardware for data acquisition in
LabVIEW, use the ni5660 VIs. These VIs control both the NI 5600 RF downconverter module and
the NI 5620 IF digitizer module as a single instrument for frequency-domain and I/Q data acquisitions.
The ni5660 VIs are located on the LabVIEW function palette at Instrument I/O»Instrument Drivers»
ni5660.
ni5660 LabVIEW VIs Programming Flow
The ni5660 VIs use two programming flows: a frequency-domain acquisition programming flow and
an I/Q acquisition programming flow. Every application built using the ni5660 VIs must call the
ni5660 Initialize VI and the ni5660 Close VI.
Frequency-Domain Measurements Programming Flow
Use the programming flow shown in Figure 6 to acquire data and perform frequency-domain
measurements using the ni5660 VIs. Use the ni5660 Configure for Spectrum VI and the ni5660 Read
Averaged Power Spectrum VI when Acquiring a Frequency Spectrum.
Table 1. Programmatic Configuration Paradigms for RF Vector Signal Analyzer Hardware
Programming
Paradigm Benefits ADE Support
ni5660 VIs Ease of use from a higher-level application
programming interface: both RF vector signal analyzer
hardware modules are controlled as a single instrument
Addresses common frequency-domain and
I/Q measurement applications
Refer to the NI RF
Signal Analyzers
Readme
Spectral Measurements
Toolkit;
NI-SCOPE and
NI-TUNER drivers
Maximum flexibility for unique applications from a
lower-level application programming interface
Provides full access to functionality of the instrument
drivers for the RF downconverter and IF digitizer
modules
Refer to the NI RF
Signal Analyzers
Readme

NI PXI-5660 Getting Started Guide 14 ni.com
Figure 6. Acquiring a Frequency Spectrum
I/Q Acquisition Programming Flow
Use the programming flow shown in Figure 7 and Figure 8 to acquire I/Q data in single-shot or
continuous modes, respectively. Use the ni5660 Configure for IQ Settings VI and the ni5660 Read IQ
VI when Acquiring Single-Shot I/Q Data. Use the ni5660 Configure for IQ Settings VI, the ni5660
Initiate IQ VI, and the ni5660 Fetch IQ VI when Acquiring Continuous I/Q Data.
Figure 7. Acquiring Single-Shot I/Q Data
Figure 8. Acquiring Continuous I/Q Data
Example Applications for LabVIEW
Several example ni5660 VI applications are available for LabVIEW. These examples are intended to
serve as interactive tools, programming models, and building blocks in your applications.
All installed ni5660 example files are located in the location specified in the NI RF Signal Analyzers
Readme.
LabVIEW examples demonstrate integration of the NI RF vector signal analyzer with
NI RF signal generators and NI toolkit software, including the Modulation Toolkit. Refer to the
NI Developer Zone on the Web at ni.com/examples for these examples and more information.

©National Instruments Corporation 15 NI PXI-5660 Getting Started Guide
Programming the RF Vector Signal Analyzer in LabWindows/CVI and C
With LabWindows/CVI and C you can program the RF vector signal analyzer hardware modules
individually, using function calls to the Spectral Measurements Toolkit and the individual drivers for the
RF downconverter and IF digitizer modules. The following list describes the role of each program:
• The Spectral Measurements Toolkit contains specialized functions for programming the RF vector
signal analyzer hardware for frequency-domain and I/Q measurements.
• The NI-SCOPE instrument driver controls the NI 5620 IF digitizer module and triggering of the
RF vector signal analyzer.
• For more information about NI-SCOPE and triggering, refer to the NI High-Speed Digitizers Help,
located at Start»All Programs» National Instruments»NI-SCOPE»Documentation.
• The NI-TUNER driver controls the NI 5600 RF downconverter module.
For more information about NI-TUNER, refer to the NI-TUNER Help, located at Start»
All Programs»National Instruments» NI-TUNER»Documentation.
The NI-SCOPE and NI-TUNER software components are depicted in Figure 9.
Figure 9. Software Flow Diagram for LabWindows/CVI and C
Note When programmatically operating the RF vector signal analyzer hardware, specify the
NI 5620 IF digitizer module using the DAQ Resource Name with the following syntax:
DAQ:: DeviceNumber
Specify the NI 5600 RF downconverter module using the MAX device number without modifiers.
User Application
SMT
NI-TUNER
NI 5600
Hardware
NI-SCOPE
NI 5620
Hardware

NI PXI-5660 Getting Started Guide 16 ni.com
Introduction to the Spectral Measurements Toolkit
NI provides add-on software toolkits, such as the Spectral Measurements Toolkit (included) and the
Modulation Toolkit, that extend the capability of the RF vector signal analyzer to include frequency- and
modulation-domain measurements, and analysis of analog-modulated IF signals.
Note You must install the Spectral Measurements Toolkit CD packaged with your RF vector signal
analyzer. The Spectral Measurements Toolkit is necessary for analysis of modulated signals using the
RF vector signal analyzer.
Use the Spectral Measurements Toolkit (SMT) VIs and functions for frequency-domain analysis,
measurement, and display of data acquired using the RF vector signal analyzer. The SMT can perform
several operations, including the following:
• Zoom Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) processing and spectrum averaging
• Spectral measurements such as band power, adjacent channel power, and peak frequency and
magnitude
• Spectrogram display and analysis
• RF vector signal analyzer hardware configuration for frequency-domain measurements
For complete information about SMT VIs and functions, refer to the Spectral Measurements Toolkit
documentation, accessible from Start»All Programs»National Instruments»Spectral
Measurements. For more information about the Modulation Toolkit, refer to ni.com/rf/
software.
SMT Example Applications for LabWindows/CVI and C
The Spectral Measurements Toolkit includes LabWindows/CVI and C examples for the RF vector signal
analyzer hardware. You can access the Spectral Measurements Toolkit examples at Start»
All Programs»National Instruments»Spectral Measurements»CVI Support. The example files
are in the location specified in the NI RF Signal Analyzers Readme.
Appendix A: Hardware Front Panel Connectors and Indicators
The following sections describe the connectors and LED indicators on the front panels of all three RF
vector signal analyzer hardware modules. All input and output terminals, except the PFI 1 connector on
the NI 5622 IF digitizer front panel, are AC-coupled.
Note Refer to Figure 3, Interconnection of Devices with Included NI 5660 Cables, for illustrations
of standard RF vector signal analyzer hardware module front panel interconnections.

©National Instruments Corporation 17 NI PXI-5660 Getting Started Guide
NI 5600 RF Downconverter Module
The NI 5600 RF downconverter module front panel contains six connectors and two LEDs, as shown in
Figure 10.
Figure 10. NI 5600 RF Downconverter Module Front Panel
Note The PXI 10 MHz I/O connector can be used to route reference clock signals to the PXI
backplane only when the NI 5600 RF downconverter module is installed in PXI Slot 2. This
connector can export the PXI 10 MHz backplane clock from any NI 5600 PXI installation slot.
For more information about exporting reference clock signals, refer to the NI PXI-5660 Help.
INPUT
50 Ω
0 V DC MAX
OUTPUT
50 Ω
5 MHz - 25 MHz
+20 dBm MAX
+30 dBm MAX
WITH ATTN
PXI 10 MHz I/O
50 Ω
+23dBm MAX
± 5 V DC MAX
10 MHz OUT
1 V pp 50 Ω
FREQ. REF IN
50 Ω
+16 dBm MAX
±5 V DC MAX
NI 5600
POWER
STATUS
RF DOWNCONVERTER

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Table 2. NI 5600 RF Downconverter Module Front Panel Connectors
Connector Use
FREQ REF IN Routes an external frequency reference signal to which the NI 5600 can lock. This signal
can be propagated to the PXI backplane when the NI 5600 is installed in PXI Slot 2.
10 MHz OUT Generate replications of the downconverter 10 MHz frequency reference signal. These
replicated signals are also useful for driving other devices. Each replication is 180
degrees out-of-phase with the other. The signal output at these connectors is always on
and cannot be disabled.
Connect the lower 10 MHz OUT connector to the REF CLK IN connector on the
NI 5620 module front panel or to the CLK IN connector on the NI 5142.
10 MHz OUT
PXI 10 MHz I/O Provides bidirectional connection to the PXI 10 MHz backplane clock.
This connector can be used to drive the PXI 10 MHz backplane clock only when the
NI 5600 is installed in PXI Slot 2. This connector can be used to export the
PXI 10 MHz backplane clock when the NI 5600 RF downconverter is installed in any
PXI slot. Refer to the help file for your device for more information.
OUTPUT Connects to the INPUT connector on the IF digitizer module front panel.
This connector is the output terminal for the frequency-translated IF signal for
digitization.
INPUT Connects to the analog RF input signal to be measured by the RF vector signal analyzer.
Table 3. NI 5600 RF Downconverter Module Front Panel LEDs
LED Indication
POWER Indicates the basic hardware power status of the NI 5600 RF downconverter module.
This LED functions identically to the ACCESS LED on the digitizer module front panel.
OFF—The module is not yet functional or has detected a problem with a PXI power rail.
GREEN—The module is functional and receiving power.
STATUS Indicates the status of the NI 5600 RF downconverter module PLLs.
OFF—The module is in an uninitialized state, or the module PLLs are attempting to lock.
GREEN—The module is in a ready state; applicable PLLs are locked.

©National Instruments Corporation 19 NI PXI-5660 Getting Started Guide
NI 5620 IF Digitizer Module
The front panel of the NI 5620 IF digitizer module contains three connectors, as shown in Figure 11.
Figure 11. NI 5620 IF Digitizer Module Front Panel
50 Ω
+20 dBm MAX
50 Ω
+16 dBm MAX
INPUT
REF CLK IN
PFI 1
NI 5620
64 MS/s Digitizer

NI PXI-5660 Getting Started Guide 20 ni.com
Appendix B: Troubleshooting
This section discusses issues you may encounter during installation, configuration, and use of the
RF vector signal analyzer hardware and software.
Installation
NI 5600 RF Downconverter Module Front Panel POWER LED is Off when PXI Chassis is On
If the POWER LED fails to light when the PXI chassis is powered on, a problem may exist with the
PXI power rail, a hardware module, or the LED. Complete the following steps to troubleshoot this issue:
1. Power off your PXI chassis.
2. Remove any module front panel interconnections between the RF vector signal analyzer hardware
modules.
3. Remove both RF vector signal analyzer hardware modules and inspect for damage. Do not reinstall
a damaged device.
4. Reinstall both RF vector signal analyzer hardware modules in different PXI slots. Use the
Installing PXI Modules procedure detailed in your device chapter.
5. Power on your PXI chassis.
6. If the POWER LED still fails to light, and failures continue, contact NI technical support or visit
ni.com/support.
A Hardware Module Does Not Appear in MAX
Use the following procedure if any RF vector signal analyzer hardware module does not appear in MAX:
1. In the MAX Configuration pane, expand the Traditional NI-DAQ (Legacy) Devices folder.
2. Press <F5> to refresh the list of installed devices.
3. If the module is still not listed, power off the system, ensure that the RF vector signal analyzer
hardware is correctly installed, and restart the system. If your hardware still does not appear,
continue to step 4.
Table 4. NI 5620 IF Digitizer Module Front Panel Connectors
Connector Use
INPUT Connects to the OUTPUT connector on the NI 5600 RF downconverter module front
panel.
This connector is the input terminal for a frequency-translated IF waveform from the
NI 5600 RF downconverter for digitization and measurement.
REF CLK IN Connects to the lower 10 MHz OUT connector on the NI 5600 RF downconverter
module front panel.
This connector is the input terminal for the NI 5600 internal reference clock signal.
PFI 1 Receives a digital trigger from an external source. Refer to the NI High-Speed Digitizers
Help for more information about triggering.