National Instruments PXIe-5630 User manual

GETTING STARTED GUIDE
NI PXIe-5630
6 GHz T/R Two-Port Vector Network Analyzer
Note Before you begin, install and configure your chassis and controller.
This document explains how to install, configure, and test the NI PXIe-5630 (NI 5630). The
NI 5630 is a 6 GHz, 2-port vector network analyzer (VNA) with support for vector
measurements of transmission and reflection (T/R) coefficients. The NI 5630 ships with the
NI-VNA instrument driver, which you can use to program the device.
To access NI 5630 documentation, navigate to Start»All Programs»National Instruments»
NI-VNA»Documentation.
The specifications document for your device is installed with the driver software. Refer to
ni.com/manuals for the most recent specifications for your device.
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.............................................................................................................. 5
Installing the NI 5630............................................................................................................... 5
Connecting Signals........................................................................................................... 7
Configuring the NI 5630 in MAX...........................................................................................11
Programming the NI 5630...................................................................................................... 12
NI-VNA Examples......................................................................................................... 12
Making Uncalibrated Measurements with the NI 5630..........................................................13
Calibrating the NI 5630.......................................................................................................... 13
Making Calibrated Measurements with the NI 5630..............................................................14
Troubleshooting...................................................................................................................... 15
What Should I Do if the Module Fails the Self-Test?.....................................................15
Why Is the ACCESS LED Off When the Chassis is On?...............................................15
What Should I Do if the NI 5630 Doesn't Appear in MAX?..........................................15
Where to Go Next................................................................................................................... 17
Worldwide Support and Services............................................................................................17

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-VNA 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. Visually ensure that the inner and outer center conductors of PORT 1 and PORT 2 are not
damaged and are centered in the middle of the outer connector conductor.
4. 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 5630 Kit Contents
2 3 4
5 6 7 8
1
1. NI PXIe-5630 Vector Network Analyzer device
2. SMA Driver Bit, part number 190487A-01
3. 1/8 in. Combination Phillips/Flathead Screwdriver,
part number 772006-01
4. NI-VNA Driver Software DVD
5. Read Me First: Safety and Electromagnetic
Compatibility
6. Maintain Forced-Air Cooling Note to Users
7. NI PXIe-5630 Getting Started Guide (this
document)
8. NI 5630 Calibration Certificate
Other Equipment
There are several required items not included in your device kit that you need to operate the
NI 5630. Your application may require additional items not included in your kit to install or
operate your device.
Required Items
• A 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.
• An embedded controller or MXI controller system that meets the system requirements
specified in this guide and chassis documentation.
• 0.9 N · m (8 in-lb) torque wrench
Optional Items
• PXI Chassis Slot Blocker kit (NI part number 199198-01)
• NI 2598 Dual 26 GHz Transfer Switch module (NI part number 778572-98)
• The following accessories available on the NI 5630 product page at ni.com/products:
NI PXIe-5630 Getting Started Guide | © National Instruments | 3

Table 1. NI 5630 Accessories
Accessory Part Number
Manual VNA Calibration Kit, K-Type 781587-01
Manual VNA Calibration Kit, N-Type 781588-01
Automatic VNA Calibration Kit, K-Type, Male-Female, 70 KHz to 9 GHz 782364-01
Phase-Equal Precision Adapter Kit, K-Type 781595-01
Phase-Equal Precision Adapter Kit, N-Type 781596-01
Precision Coaxial Cable, 0.6 m, K-Type, Male-Male 781607-01
Precision Coaxial Cable, 0.6 m, K-Type, Male-Female 781608-01
Precision Coaxial Cable, 0.6 m, K-Type Male to N-Type Male 781609-01
Precision Coaxial Cable, 0.6 m, K-Type Male to N-Type Female 781610-01
Calibrated 5/16" Torque Wrench, 8 in-lbs (0.9 Nm) 781615-01
Preparing the Environment
Ensure that the environment you are using the NI 5630 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-5630 Specifications at ni.com/manuals for complete
specifications.
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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.
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 5630
Caution To prevent damage to the device caused by ESD or contamination, handle
the device using the edges or the metal bracket.
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
The NI 5630 can be placed in PXI Express peripheral slots or PXI Express Hybrid
peripheral slots.
NI PXIe-5630 Getting Started Guide | © National Instruments | 5

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 5
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Connecting Signals
Use appropriate shielded cables to connect signals to the NI vector network analyzer to ensure
you achieve the best measurement accuracy possible.
Unsuitable cabling can adversely affect the vector error correction, producing unreliable and
misleading results. Precision coaxial cables are available for purchase from ni.com. Ensure
you take the following precautions when connecting signals to the NI 5630.
• Use phase-stable cables to make connections with the NI 5630. Phase-stable cables help
ensure that the reference plane remains stable across shifts in cable position after
calibration.
• Maintain placement of any accessories or cables that you attach to the NI 5630 to ensure
that the reference plane remains constant between calibration and measurement.
Tip You can also use phase-equal adapters after calibration to preserve the
reference plane.
The following figure shows an example of the reference plane for a male and female
connector.
Figure 4. Connector Reference Plane and Pin Depth
1
2 3
4 4
1. Reference Plane
2. Female Connector
3. Male Connector
4. Pin Depth
Related Information
Refer to the NI Vector Network Analyzers Help for more information about reference planes
and pin depth.
Direct Connections to the NI 5630
The NI 5630 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 5630 to avoid
damaging the device.
NI PXIe-5630 Getting Started Guide | © National Instruments | 7

Caution Apply external signals only while the NI 5630 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 5630 PORT 1 or PORT 2 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 5630
PORT 1 or PORT 2 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 5630 PORT 1 or PORT 2 connector.
NI 5630 Front Panel
The NI 5630 contains four connectors and two LEDs.
Figure 5. NI PXIe-5630 Front Panel
10 MHz
-10 dBm to +3 dBm
50 Ω
+23 dBm MAX
50 VDC
50 Ω
+23 dBm MAX
50 VDC
50 Ω
PORT 1
REF IN
TTL
PFI 0
NI PXIe- 5630
10 MHz - 6 GHz Vector Network Analyzer
ACCESS ACTIVE
PORT 2
TRANSMISSION
REFLECTION
ESD
SENSITIVE
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Table 2. 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 3. NI 5630 Front Panel Connectors
Connector Use
PORT 1 Input/output terminal for NI 5630 measurements.
REF IN Input terminal for an external reference signal for the NI 5630.
PFI 0 Input terminal for an external trigger signal.
PORT 2 Input terminal for NI 5630 measurements.
Table 4. NI 5630 LEDs
LED Indication
ACCESS Indicates the basic hardware status of the NI 5630.
OFF—The device is not yet functional.
AMBER—The device is being accessed. Accessed means that the device is being
communicated with over the PXI Express bus.
GREEN—The device is ready to be programmed by NI-VNA.
RED—The device has detected a hardware error, such as a hardware failure. The
LED remains red until the error condition is removed.
ACTIVE Indicates the state of the NI 5630.
OFF—The device is not yet functional.
AMBER—The device is armed and waiting for a trigger.
GREEN—The device has received a Start Trigger. This state also indicates that
the device is making a measurement.
RED—The device has detected a spurious error, such as when the PLL becomes
unlocked. The LED remains red until the error condition is removed.
NI PXIe-5630 Getting Started Guide | © National Instruments | 9

Connector Care
The NI 5630 is a high-accuracy precision laboratory device and should be carefully handled.
Follow the precautions listed in this section when handling or connecting devices. Complying
with these precautions guarantees longer component life and lower equipment downtime
because of connector or device failure.
Tighten Connectors Without Rotating the Center Pin
Never tighten the connectors, adapters, or cables such that the center pin rotates. Damage
occurs to the mating plane surfaces if the center pin rotates.
Avoid Touching Connectors with Bare Hands
Avoid touching connector mating planes with bare hands. Natural skin oils and microscopic
dirt particles are difficult to remove.
Observe Pin Depth of Mating Connectors
Make sure to use the proper connectors to mate with the NI 5630. NI recommends that you use
precision or instrument or metrology grade Type-K, 2.92 mm, 3.5 mm, or SMA connectors.
Always check the point depth of a connector with a pin depth gauge before use to determine
whether the pin depth is within the specified range.
Avoid Lateral Pressure
Never put lateral pressure on the center pin of the connector.
Always Torque Connectors to 0.9 N · m Using a Torque Wrench
Do not overtorque connectors; doing so may damage the connector center pin. Always use a
0.9 N · m (8 in-lb) torque wrench when tightening 2.92 mm, 3.5 mm, and SMA connectors.
Finger-tighten N-type connectors. Never use pliers.
Avoid Mechanical Shock
Precision connectors are designed to withstand years of normal bench handling. Handle the
connectors carefully and avoid dropping them. Mechanical shock significantly reduces their
service life.
Avoid Applying Excessive Power
The NI 5630 is rated for a specific maximum continuous input power. Exceeding the
maximum input power level permanently damages the internal components. Before making
connections, verify the maximum input levels labeled below the ports on the module front
panel.
Clean Connectors Carefully
Dirt and other contamination on the connector interfaces can affect the performance of the RF
components. To clean the connector interfaces, use only pure isopropyl alcohol as a cleaning
solvent. Do not use excessive amounts of alcohol, as this prolongs drying time. Apply the
alcohol with a foam-tipped swab instead of cotton swabs, because the cotton can become
lodged in the connector.
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