National Instruments PXIe-5663E User manual

GETTING STARTED GUIDE
NI PXIe-5663E
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 5663E. The NI 5663E is a
modular 6.6 GHz RF vector signal analyzer (VSA) with digital downconversion. The
NI 5663E ships with the NI-RFSA instrument driver, which you use to program the device.
You can also use NI-RFmx, available at ni.com/downloads, to program the device.
The NI 5663E comprises the following devices:
• NI PXIe-5601 (NI 5601) RF downconverter module
• NI PXIe-5622 (NI 5622) IF digitizer module
• NI PXIe-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 5663E has been in use, it may exceed safe handling
temperatures and cause burns. Allow the NI 5663E 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................................................................................................ 4
Preparing the Environment....................................................................................................... 5
Choosing and Installing the Software....................................................................................... 5
Software Options...............................................................................................................5
Installing the Software...................................................................................................... 6
Installing the NI 5663E............................................................................................................. 7
Interconnecting the NI 5663E Modules............................................................................ 8
Configuring the NI 5663E in MAX........................................................................................ 18

Locating the Software and Examples......................................................................................20
Software Locations......................................................................................................... 20
Programming Examples Locations................................................................................. 22
Troubleshooting...................................................................................................................... 23
Installation.......................................................................................................................23
Configuration.................................................................................................................. 24
Measurements................................................................................................................. 25
Where to Go Next................................................................................................................... 26
Worldwide Support and Services............................................................................................ 26
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 5663E, 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.
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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.
NI PXIe-5663E Getting Started Guide | © National Instruments | 3

Verifying the Kit Contents
Figure 1. NI 5663E Kit Contents
4
D D
5
C C
6
87 9
123
50
Ω
IN:
5Vp-p
MAX
OUT:
1Vp-p
NIPXIe-56 52
500kHz - 6.6 GHz
REFIN/OUT
RFOUT
REF
OUT2
50
Ω
1Vp-p
50
Ω
0.5W
MAX
Reverse
Power
RFSignal Generator
ACCESS ACTIVE
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-5663E Getting Started Guide (This
Document)
13. Driver Software DVD
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Other Equipment
There are several required items not included in your device kit that you need to install or
operate the NI 5663E.
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.
• 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).
Preparing the Environment
Ensure that the environment you are using the NI 5663E 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 or lint free cloth. Make
sure that the hardware is completely dry and free from contaminants before returning
it to service.
Note Refer to the NI PXIe-5663E Specifications at ni.com/manuals for complete
specifications.
Choosing and Installing the Software
Software Options
NI provides several software options for the NI 5663E—NI-RFmx, the NI-RFSA instrument
driver software, and the NI-RFSA Soft Front Panel (SFP).
NI PXIe-5663E Getting Started Guide | © National Instruments | 5

Table 1. NI 5663E Software Options
Software Option Description Use Case
NI-RFmx Provides a single-handle
instrument driver with built-in
measurements.
Use NI-RFmx SpecAn to perform
spectral measurements.
Use NI-RFmx Demod to perform
modulation quality measurements,
such as EVM.
Use NI-RFmx cellular personalities
to perform physical layer
measurement analysis on supported
cellular signals.
NI-RFSA
instrument driver
The NI-RFSA APIs each provide
a fixed API for interacting with
your NI 5663E device.
NI-RFSA provides standard IVI-
based functionality needed for
most vector signal analyzer
applications.
Use NI-RFSA to create custom
measurements or applications that
require I/Q data.
Use NI-RFSA along with the
NI Modulation Toolkit to analyze
modulated signals to test receivers.
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.
Use the NI-RFSA SFP to
interactively acquire data.
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.
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Installing the NI 5663E
Caution To prevent damage to the NI 5663E caused by ESD or contamination,
handle the module 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 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. Remove the black plastic covers 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
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
NI 5663E modules can be placed in PXI Express peripheral slots, PXI Express hybrid
peripheral slots, or PXI Express system timing slots.
6. Touch any metal part of the chassis to discharge static electricity.
7. Ensure that the ejector handle is in the downward (unlatched) position.
8. Place the module edges into the module guides at the top and bottom of the chassis. Slide
the module into the slot until it is fully inserted.
NI PXIe-5663E Getting Started Guide | © National Instruments | 7

Figure 3. Module Installation
2
3
NI PXIe-1075
1
1. Chassis
2. Hardware Module
3. Ejector Handle in Downward (Unlatched) Position
9. Latch the module in place by pulling up on the ejector handle.
10. Secure the module 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 fill using slot blockers to maximize cooling air
flow.
12. Power on the chassis.
Related Information
Installing the Software on page 6
Interconnecting the NI 5663E 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 5663E 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
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
50 Ω
IN:
5 Vp-p
MAX
OUT:
1 Vp-p
500 kHz - 6.6 GHz
REF IN/OUT
RF OUT
REF
OUT2
50 Ω
1 Vp-p
50 Ω
0.5 W
MAX
Reverse
Power
RF Signal Generator
ACCESS ACTIVE
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 OUT2 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.
NI PXIe-5663E Getting Started Guide | © National Instruments | 9

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 23
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 an 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 the device cannot generate signal transients greater than the
RF and DC specifications of the NI 5601 RF IN connector.
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