National Instruments USRP-2900 User manual

GETTING STARTED GUIDE
USRP-2900/2901
USRP Software Defined Radio Device
This document explains how to install, configure, and test the following USRP devices:
• USRP-2900 Software Defined Radio Device
• USRP-2901 Software Defined Radio Device
The USRP-2900/2901 can send and receive signals for use in various communications
applications. This device ships with the NI-USRP instrument driver, which you can use to
program the device.
Contents
Verifying the System Requirements..........................................................................................2
Unpacking the Kit..................................................................................................................... 2
Verifying the Kit Contents................................................................................................ 3
Environmental Guidelines.........................................................................................................3
Environmental Characteristics.......................................................................................... 4
Installing the Software.............................................................................................................. 4
Installing the Software Using NI Package Manager.........................................................4
Installing the Software Using the Driver Download Page................................................4
Installing USRP-2900/2901 Devices........................................................................................ 5
Configuring the Device.............................................................................................................5
Confirming the USB Connection......................................................................................5
Changing the Device ID....................................................................................................6
Programming the USRP-2900/2901......................................................................................... 8
NI-USRP Instrument Driver............................................................................................. 8
NI-USRP Examples and Lessons......................................................................................8
Verifying the Device Connection (Optional).................................................................... 9
Troubleshooting...................................................................................................................... 10
Why Doesn't the USRP Device Appear in MAX?..........................................................10
Why Doesn't the USRP Device Appear in the NI-USRP Configuration Utility?...........10
Front Panels and Connectors...................................................................................................11
Direct Connections to the Device....................................................................................11
USRP-2900 Front Panel, Back Panel, and LEDs............................................................11
USRP-2901 Front Panel, Back Panel, and LEDs............................................................13
Where to Go Next................................................................................................................... 16
Worldwide Support and Services............................................................................................ 16

Verifying the System Requirements
To use the NI-USRP instrument driver, your system must meet certain requirements.
Refer to the product readme, which is available on the driver software media or online at
ni.com/manuals, for more information about minimum system requirements, recommended
system, and supported application development environments (ADEs).
Unpacking the Kit
Notice 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.
Notice Never touch the exposed pins of connectors.
Note Do not install a device if it appears damaged in any way.
3. Unpack any other items and documentation from the kit.
Store the device in the antistatic package when the device is not in use.
2| ni.com | USRP-2900/2901 Getting Started Guide

Verifying the Kit Contents
6
54
31 2
TXOUTPUT MAX +20 dBm, RX INPUT MAX -15 dBm, ALL RF PORTS 50 Ω
RF 0
TX1 RX1 RX2 TX1 RX1
RX2
RF 1
NI USRP-2901
70 MHz–6 GHz
Designedby Ettus Research
1. USRP-2900/2901 Device
2. AC/DC Power Supply (Included Only in
USRP-2901 Kits)
3. USB 3.0 Cable
4. SMA (m)-to-SMA (m) Cable
5. 30 dB SMA Attenuator
6. USRP-2900/2901 Getting Started Guide (This
Document) and Safety, Environmental, and
Regulatory Information Document
Other Required Item(s)
In addition to the kit contents, you must provide a computer with available gigabit Ethernet
interface.
Optional Items
• Additional SMA (m)-to-SMA (m) cables to connect both channels with external devices
or to use the REF IN and PPS IN signals
• 6 V, 3 A external DC power connector
Environmental Guidelines
Notice This model is intended for use in indoor applications only.
USRP-2900/2901 Getting Started Guide | © National Instruments | 3

Environmental Characteristics
Operating temperature 0 °C to 45 °C
Operating humidity 10% to 90% relative humidity, noncondensing
Pollution Degree 2
Maximum altitude 2,000 m (800 mbar) (at 25 °C ambient temperature)
Installing the Software
You must be an Administrator to install NI software on your computer.
1. Install an application development environment (ADE), such as LabVIEW or LabVIEW
Communications System Design Software.
2. Follow the instructions below that correspond with the ADE that you installed.
Installing the Software Using NI Package Manager
Ensure that you have installed the latest version of NI Package Manager. To access the
download page for NI Package Manager, go to ni.com/info and enter info code
NIPMDownload.
Note NI-USRP versions 18.1 to current are available to download using NI
Package Manager. To download another version of NI-USRP, refer to Installing the
Software Using the Driver Download Page.
1. To install the latest NI-USRP instrument driver, open NI Package Manager.
2. On the BROWSE PRODUCTS tab, click Drivers to display all available drivers.
3. Select NI-USRP and click INSTALL.
4. 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.
Related Information
Refer to the NI Package Manager Manual for instructions on installing drivers using NI
Package Manager.
Installing the Software Using the Driver Download
Page
Note NI recommends using NI Package Manager to download NI-USRP driver
software.
1. Visit ni.com/info and enter the Info Code usrpdriver to access the driver download
page for all versions of NI-USRP software.
4| ni.com | USRP-2900/2901 Getting Started Guide

2. Download a version of NI-USRP driver software.
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 Shut Down in the dialog box that prompts you to
restart, shut down, or restart later.
Installing USRP-2900/2901 Devices
Install all the software you plan to use before you install the hardware.
The USRP-2900/2901 device connects to a host computer using a standard USB connector and
USB cable.
1. Power on the computer.
2. Attach the antenna or cable to the front panel terminals of the USRP-2900/2901 device as
needed for your application.
3. Use the USB cable to connect the USRP device to the computer using a USB 3.0 or USB
2.0 port.
Note If you use a USB 2.0 port, the maximum achievable sample rate may be
reduced to 8 MS/s or less. NI recommends that you connect the device to an
external power supply when you use USB 2.0.
4. (Optional) Connect the AC/DC power supply to the PWR connector on the back panel of
the USRP device, and plug the power supply into a wall outlet.
Note NI recommends that you connect the device to an external power supply
if you plan to use both channels of the USRP device. However, if you plan to
use only one channel, bus power may be acceptable.
You can connect and synchronize multiple USRP-2900/2901 devices using an external
Reference Clock distribution system such as the CDA-2990 Clock Distribution Device.
However, USB performance varies when multiple devices stream through the same controller.
Consider using a USRP RIO device if you need to build a high-channel count system.
Configuring the Device
Confirming the USB Connection
1. Select Start»All Programs»National Instruments»NI-USRP»NI-USRP
Configuration Utility to open the NI-USRP Configuration Utility.
2. Select the Devices tab of the utility.
Your device should appear in the Device ID column, similar to what is shown in the
following figure.
USRP-2900/2901 Getting Started Guide | © National Instruments | 5

Figure 1. Confirming USB Connection
Note If your device is not listed, verify that your device is powered on and
correctly connected, then click the Refresh Devices List button to scan for
USRP devices.
Changing the Device ID
To change the USRP-2900/2901 device ID, you must know the current address of the device.
1. Verify that your device is powered on and connected to your computer using the USB 3.0
or 2.0 interface.
2. Select Start»All Programs»National Instruments»NI-USRP»NI-USRP
Configuration Utility to open the NI-USRP Configuration Utility.
3. Select the Devices tab of the utility.
Your device should appear in the Device ID column.
4. In the list, select the device for which you want to change the device ID.
If you have multiple devices, verify that you selected the correct device.
The device ID of the selected device displays in the Selected Device ID textbox.
5. Enter the device ID for the device in the New Device ID textbox.
Note The device ID cannot contain spaces or special characters.
The utility should appear similar to what is shown in the following figure.
6| ni.com | USRP-2900/2901 Getting Started Guide

Figure 2. Changing the Device ID
6. Click the Change Device ID button or press <Enter> to change the device ID.
7. The utility prompts you to confirm your selection. Click OK if your selection is correct;
otherwise, click Cancel.
8. The utility displays a confirmation to indicate the process is complete. Click OK.
9. Power cycle the device to apply the changes.
Note After you change the device ID, you must power cycle the device and
click Find Devices in the utility to update the list of devices.
Configuring Multiple Devices with USB
You can connect multiple devices in the following ways:
• Multiple USB 2.0 or 3.0 interfaces—One device for each interface
• Single USB 2.0 or 3.0 interface—Multiple devices connected to a USB 2.0 or 3.0 hub
Tip Sharing a single USB 2.0 or 3.0 controller interface on your host computer
among multiple devices may reduce overall signal throughput. For maximum signal
throughput, NI recommends that you connect no more than one device per USB
interface.
To configure multiple devices connected to either separate USB 2.0 or 3.0 interfaces or to a
USB hub, assign a different device ID to each USRP device. Because each USRP device
device has the same default device ID, you must change the device ID for each USRP device
before you connect an additional device to the host computer.
USRP-2900/2901 Getting Started Guide | © National Instruments | 7

Programming the USRP-2900/2901
NI-USRP Instrument Driver
The NI-USRP instrument driver features a set of functions and properties that exercise the
capabilities of the USRP device, including configuration, control, and other device-specific
functions.
Related Information
Refer to the NI-USRP Manual for information about using the instrument driver in your
applications.
NI-USRP Examples and Lessons
NI-USRP includes several examples and lessons for LabVIEW, LabVIEW NXG, and
LabVIEW Communications System Design Software. They can be used individually or as
components of other applications.
NI-USRP examples and lessons are available in the following locations.
8| ni.com | USRP-2900/2901 Getting Started Guide

Content
Type
Description LabVIEW LabVIEW NXG 2.1 to
Current or LabVIEW
Communications
System Design
Software 2.1 to Current
Examples NI-USRP includes several
example applications that
serve as interactive tools,
programming models, and
building blocks in your own
applications. NI-USRP
includes examples for
getting started and other
software-defined radio
(SDR) functionality.
Note You can
access additional
examples from
the Code Sharing
Community at
ni.com/usrp.
• From the Start
menu at Start»
All Programs»
National
Instruments»NI-
USRP»
Examples.
• From the
LabVIEW
Functions palette
at Instrument
I/O»Instrument
Drivers»NI-
USRP»
Examples.
• From the Learning
tab, select
Examples»
Hardware Input
and Output»NI-
USRP.
• From the Learning
tab, select
Examples»
Hardware Input
and Output»NI
USRP RIO.
Lessons NI-USRP includes lessons
that guide you through the
process of identifying and
demodulating an FM signal
with your device.
- From the Learning tab,
select Lessons»Getting
Started»Demodulating
FM Signals with the
NI... and choose a task to
accomplish.
Note The NI Example Finder does not include NI-USRP examples.
Verifying the Device Connection (Optional)
Verifying the Device Connection Using LabVIEW NXG or
LabVIEW Communications System Design Software 2.1 to
Current
Use USRP Rx Continuous Async to confirm that the device receives signals and is connected
correctly to the host computer.
1. Navigate to Learning»Examples »Hardware Input and Output»NI-USRP»NI-USRP.
2. Select Rx Continuous Async. Click Create.
USRP-2900/2901 Getting Started Guide | © National Instruments | 9

3. Run USRP Rx Continuous Async.
If the device is receiving signals you will see data on the front panel graphs.
4. Click STOP to conclude the test.
Verifying the Device Connection Using LabVIEW
Perform a loopback test to confirm that the device transmits and receives signals and is
connected correctly to the host computer.
1. Attach the included 30 dB attenuator to one end of the SMA (m)-to-SMA (m) cable.
2. Connect the 30 dB attenuator to the RX 2 TX 2 connector on the front panel of the USRP
device and connect the other end of the SMA (m)-to-SMA (m) cable to the RX 1 TX 1
port.
3. On the host computer, navigate to <NIDIR>»National Instruments»LabVIEW
<Year>»examples»instr»niUSRP.
4. Open the niUSRP EX Tx Continuous Async example VI and run it.
If the device is transmitting signals, the I/Q graph displays I and Q waveforms.
5. Open the niUSRP EX Rx Continuous Async example VI and run it.
If the device is transmitting signals, the I/Q graph displays I and Q waveforms.
Troubleshooting
If an issue persists after you complete a troubleshooting procedure, contact NI technical
support or visit ni.com/support.
Why Doesn't the USRP Device Appear in MAX?
MAX does not support the USRP device. Use the NI-USRP Configuration Utility instead.
Open the NI-USRP Configuration Utility from the Start menu at Start»All Programs»
National Instruments»NI-USRP»NI-USRP Configuration Utility.
Why Doesn't the USRP Device Appear in the NI-USRP
Configuration Utility?
1. Verify that the latest NI-USRP drivers are installed by running NI Update Service,
available from the Start menu at Start»All Programs»National Instruments»NI
Update Service.
2. Check the LED status to ensure the device is powered correctly. If the LED is blue, the
device is powered correctly using USB. If the LED is orange, the device is powered
correctly using external power.
3. Connect the device to a different USB port of the host computer, if one is available.
4. Ensure that the latest drivers are installed for your USB controller.
10 | ni.com | USRP-2900/2901 Getting Started Guide

Front Panels and Connectors
Direct Connections to the Device
The USRP device is a precision RF instrument that is sensitive to ESD and transients. Ensure
you take the following precautions when making direct connections to the USRP device to
avoid damaging the device.
Notice Apply external signals only while the USRP device 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
USRP device TX1 RX 1 or RX2 connector.
• If you are using nonisolated devices, such as a nonisolated 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
USRP device TX1 RX 1 or RX2 connector, ensure that the device cannot generate signal
transients greater than the RF and DC specifications of the USRP device TX1 RX 1 or
RX2 connector.
USRP-2900 Front Panel, Back Panel, and LEDs
Front Panel
NI USRP-2900
70 MHz–6 GHz
ESD
SENSITIVE
TX OUTPUT MAX +20 dBm, RX INPUT MAX –15 dBm, ALL RF PORTS 50 Ω
RF 0
TX1 RX1
RX2
Designed by Ettus Research
Table 1. Connector Descriptions
Connector Description
RX2 Input terminal for the RF signal. RX2 is an SMA (f) connector with an
impedance of 50 Ω and is a single-ended input channel.
TX1 RX1 Input and output terminal for the RF signal. TX1 RX1 is an SMA (f) connector
with an impedance of 50 Ω and is a single-ended input or output channel.
USRP-2900/2901 Getting Started Guide | © National Instruments | 11

Table 2. LED Indicators
LED Description Color Indication
RF 0 RX2 Indicates the receive status of the
device.
Off The device is not active.
Green The device is receiving data.
TX1 RX1 Indicates the transmit status of the
device.
Off The device is not active.
Green The device is receiving data.
Red The device is transmitting
data.
Orange The device is switching
between transmitting and
receiving data.
Back Panel
+15 dBm MAX
PPS
5V MAX
USB PWR
IN
6V
1 A MAX
REF IN
Table 3. Connector Descriptions
Connector Description
REF IN Input terminal for an external reference signal for the local oscillator (LO) on
the device. REF IN is a female SMA connector with an impedance of 50 Ω, and
it is a single-ended reference input. REF IN accepts a 10 MHz signal with a
minimum input power of 0 dBm (0.632 Vpk-pk) and a maximum input power of
15 dBm (3.56 Vpk-pk) for a square wave or sine wave.
USB Input that accepts a standard USB cable. A suitable USB cable is included in the
hardware kit.
PPS IN Input terminal for pulse per second (PPS) timing reference. PPS IN is a female
SMA connector with an impedance of 50 Ω, and it is a single-ended input
channel. PPS IN accepts 0 V to 3.3 V TTL and 0 V to 5 V TTL signals.
PWR Input that accepts a 6 V, 3 A external DC power connector.
12 | ni.com | USRP-2900/2901 Getting Started Guide

USRP-2901 Front Panel, Back Panel, and LEDs
Front Panel
NI USRP-2901
70 MHz–6 GHz
ESD
SENSITIVE
RF 0
TX1 RX1 RX2
RF 1
TX1 RX1RX2
Designed by Ettus Research
TX OUTPUT MAX +20 dBm, RX INPUT MAX –15 dBm, ALL RF PORTS 50 Ω
Table 4. Connector Descriptions
Connector Description
RF 0 TX1 RX1 Input and output terminal for the RF signal. TX1 RX1 is an SMA (f)
connector with an impedance of 50 Ω and is a single-ended input or output
channel.
RX2 Input terminal for the RF signal. RX2 is an SMA (f) connector with an
impedance of 50 Ω and is a single-ended input channel.
RF 1 RX2 Input terminal for the RF signal. RX2 is an SMA (f) connector with an
impedance of 50 Ω and is a single-ended input channel.
TX1 RX1 Input and output terminal for the RF signal. TX1 RX1 is an SMA (f)
connector with an impedance of 50 Ω and is a single-ended input or output
channel.
USRP-2900/2901 Getting Started Guide | © National Instruments | 13

Table 5. LED Descriptions
LED Description Color Indication
RF 0 TX1 RX1 Indicates the transmit status of the
device.
Off The device is not active.
Green The device is receiving data.
Red The device is transmitting
data.
Orange The device is switching
between transmitting and
receiving data.
RX2 Indicates the receive status of the
device.
Off The device is not active.
Green The device is receiving data.
RF 1 RX2 Indicates the receive status of the
device.
Off The device is not active.
Green The device is receiving data.
TX1 RX1 Indicates the transmit status of the
device.
Off The device is not active.
Green The device is receiving data.
Red The device is transmitting
data.
Orange The device is switching
between transmitting and
receiving data.
Back Panel
+15 dBm MAX
PPS
5V MAX
USB PWR
IN
6V
1 A MAX
REF IN
14 | ni.com | USRP-2900/2901 Getting Started Guide

Table 6. Connector Descriptions
Connector Description
REF IN Input terminal for an external reference signal for the local oscillator (LO) on
the device. REF IN is a female SMA connector with an impedance of 50 Ω, and
it is a single-ended reference input. REF IN accepts a 10 MHz signal with a
minimum input power of 0 dBm (0.632 Vpk-pk) and a maximum input power of
15 dBm (3.56 Vpk-pk) for a square wave or sine wave.
USB Input that accepts a standard USB cable. A suitable USB cable is included in the
hardware kit.
PPS IN Input terminal for pulse per second (PPS) timing reference. PPS IN is a female
SMA connector with an impedance of 50 Ω, and it is a single-ended input
channel. PPS IN accepts 0 V to 3.3 V TTL and 0 V to 5 V TTL signals.
PWR Input that accepts a 6 V, 3 A external DC power connector.
USRP-2900/2901 Getting Started Guide | © National Instruments | 15

Where to Go Next
Refer to the following figure for information about other product tasks and associated
resources for those tasks.
more about your products through ni.com.
*This item is also installed with the driver software.
EXPLORE LEARN CREATE
DISCOVER
RF Solutions
ni.com/rf
Services
ni.com/services
Updates
ni.com/updates
LabVIEW Help
NI-USRP Help*
USRP Device
Specifications
Located online at ni.com/manuals
NI-USRP Sample Projects*
NI-USRP Help*
NI-USRP Instrument Driver
custom applications within
an application programming
interface (API).
about hardware features
or review device
specifications.
the application
development environment (ADE)
for your application.
Worldwide Support and Services
The NI website is your complete resource for technical support. At ni.com/support, you have
access to everything from troubleshooting and application development self-help resources to
email and phone assistance from NI Application Engineers.
Visit ni.com/services for information about the services NI offers.
Visit ni.com/register to register your NI product. Product registration facilitates technical
support and ensures that you receive important information updates from NI.
NI corporate headquarters is located at 11500 North Mopac Expressway, Austin, Texas,
78759-3504. NI also has offices located around the world. For support in the United States,
create your service request at ni.com/support or dial 1 866 ASK MYNI (275 6964). For
support outside the United States, visit the Worldwide Offices section of ni.com/niglobal to
access the branch office websites, which provide up-to-date contact information.
16 | ni.com | USRP-2900/2901 Getting Started Guide

Information is subject to change without notice. Refer to the NI Trademarks and Logo Guidelines at ni.com/trademarks for
information on NI trademarks. Other product and company names mentioned herein are trademarks or trade names of their
respective companies. For patents covering NI products/technology, refer to the appropriate location: Help»Patents in your
software, the patents.txt file on your media, or the National Instruments Patent Notice at ni.com/patents. You can find
information about end-user license agreements (EULAs) and third-party legal notices in the readme file for your NI product. Refer
to the Export Compliance Information at ni.com/legal/export-compliance for the NI global trade compliance policy and how
to obtain relevant HTS codes, ECCNs, and other import/export data. NI MAKES NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES AS
TO THE ACCURACY OF THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN AND SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY ERRORS. U.S.
Government Customers: The data contained in this manual was developed at private expense and is subject to the applicable
limited rights and restricted data rights as set forth in FAR 52.227-14, DFAR 252.227-7014, and DFAR 252.227-7015.
© 2015—2019 National Instruments. All rights reserved.
376357C-01 December 19, 2019