National Instruments USRP-2950 User manual

USRP-2950/2952/2953/2954/2955
2022-07-11

Contents
USRP RIO Getting Started Guide. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Electromagnetic Compatibility Guidelines. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Verifying the System Requirements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Unpacking the Kit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Verifying the Kit Contents. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Preparing the Environment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Installing the Soware. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Installing USRP RIO Devices. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Synchronizing Multiple USRP RIO Devices (Optional). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Preparing the USRP-2955 for LO Sharing (Optional). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Programming the USRP RIO. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
NI-USRP Instrument Driver. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
NI-USRP Sample Projects. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
NI-USRP Examples. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Verifying the Device Connection (Optional). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Troubleshooting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Should I Update Device Firmware and FPGA Images?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Why Doesn't the Device Power On?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Why Doesn't the USRP Device Appear in the NI-USRP Configuration Utility?. . 14
Why Does USRP2 Appear Instead of USRP RIO in the NI-USRP Configuration
Utility?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Why Don't NI-USRP Examples Appear in the NI Example Finder?. . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Front Panels, Back Panels, and Connectors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Direct Connections to the USRP RIO. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
USRP-2950. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
USRP-2952. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
USRP-2953. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
USRP-2954. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
USRP-2955. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
GPIO Connector. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Where to Go Next. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Worldwide Support and Services. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
ni.com
2
USRP-2950/2952/2953/2954/2955

USRP RIO Getting Started Guide
This document explains how to install, configure, and test the following USRP RIO
devices:
■USRP-2950R Soware Defined Radio Reconfigurable Device (USRP-2950)
■USRP-2952R Soware Defined Radio Reconfigurable Device (USRP-2952)
■USRP-2953R Soware Defined Radio Reconfigurable Device (USRP-2953)
■USRP-2954R Soware Defined Radio Reconfigurable Device (USRP-2954)
■USRP-2955 Soware Defined Radio Reconfigurable Device (USRP-2955)
The USRP RIO can send and/or receive signals for use in various communications
applications. The device ships with the NI-USRP instrument driver, which you can
use to program the device.
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.
© National Instruments 3
USRP-2950/2952/2953/2954/2955

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 online at ni.com/manuals, for more
information about minimum system requirements, recommended system, and
supported application development environments (ADEs).
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.
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.com
4
USRP-2950/2952/2953/2954/2955

Verifying the Kit Contents
Figure 1. Kit Contents
LINK PWR
TX OUTPUT MAX +20 dBm, RX INPUT MAX -15 dBm, ALL RF PORTS 50 W
TX1 RX1 RX2
GPS
PPS
REF
TX1 RX1 RX2
AUX I/O
3.3 VDC MAX
RF 0 RF 1
NI USRP-2943R
1.2 GHz - 6 GHz
NI USRP-2943R
1.2 GHz - 6 GHz
Designed by Ettus ResearchDesigned by Ettus Research
JTAG
1
54
3
2
1. USRP RIO Device
2. SMA Driver Bit (USRP-2955 Only)
3. Getting Started Guide (This Document)
4. SMA (m)-to-SMA (m) Cable
5. 30 dB SMA Attenuator (Not Included with USRP-2955)
Caution If you directly connect or cable a signal generator to your device,
or if you connect multiple USRP RIO devices together, you must connect a
30 dB attenuator to the RF input (RX1 or RX2) of each receiving USRP RIO
device.
Other Required Item(s)
In addition to the kit contents, you must provide the following additional item(s):
■An MXI Express interface card. You can purchase an MXI Express interface kit
for your USRP RIO device, which contains an MXI Express interface card, at
ni.com.
© National Instruments 5
USRP-2950/2952/2953/2954/2955

Optional Items
■LabVIEW Modulation Toolkit (MT), available for download at ni.com/
downloads and included in LabVIEW Communications System Design Suite,
which includes MT VIs and functions, examples, and documentation
Note You must install the LabVIEW Modulation Toolkit for proper
operation of the NI-USRP Modulation Toolkit example VIs.
■LabVIEW Digital Filter Design Toolkit, available for download at ni.com/
downloads and included in LabVIEW Communications System Design Suite
■LabVIEW MathScript RT Module, available for download at ni.com/
downloads
■Additional SMA (m)-to-SMA (m) cables to use the REF IN and PPS IN signals
■GPS antenna for devices with GPS disciplined oscillator (GPSDO) support
■PCIe - MXI Express Interface Kit for USRP RIO to connect to a desktop
computer
■ExpressCard Slot - MXI Express Interface Kit for USRP RIO to connect to a
laptop computer
■PXIe - MXI Express Interface Kit for USRP RIO to connect to a PXI Express
chassis
■CDA-2990 Clock Distribution Device for synchronizing multiple devices
■CPS-8910 Switch Device for PCI Express for large multiple-input, multiple-
output (MIMO) expansion configurations
Preparing the Environment
Ensure that the environment you are using the USRP RIO in meets the following
specifications.
Ambient temperature range 0 °C to 55 °C
Operating temperature 23 °C ± 5 °C
Operating humidity 10% to 90% relative humidity, noncondensing
ni.com
6
USRP-2950/2952/2953/2954/2955

Pollution Degree 2
Maximum altitude 2,000 m
Indoor use only.
Caution Do not operate the USRP RIO in a manner not specified in this
document. Product misuse can result in a hazard. You can compromise the
safety protection built into the product if the product is damaged in any
way. If the product is damaged, return it to NI for repair.
Installing the Soware
You must be an Administrator to install NI soware on your computer.
1. Install an ADE, such as LabVIEW or LabVIEW Communications System Design
Suite.
2. Visit ni.com/info and enter the Info Code usrpdriver to access the driver
download page for the latest NI-USRP soware.
3. Download the NI-USRP driver soware.
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.
5. When the installer completes, select Restart in the dialog box that prompts
you to restart, shut down, or restart later.
Installing USRP RIO Devices
Install all the soware you plan to use before you install the hardware. Ensure that
the USRP RIO device and computer are o before installing.
1. Attach the antenna or cable to the front panel terminals of the USRP RIO
device as desired.
© National Instruments 7
USRP-2950/2952/2953/2954/2955

2. Use the MXI Express Interface Kit to connect the USRP RIO device to the
computer.
1. Identify which MXI Express Interface Kit you want to use.
■If you are using the desktop connectivity kit or the PXI chassis
connectivity kit, follow the installation instructions in the Hardware
Installation section of the Set Up Your MXI™ Express ×4 System
document included in that kit.
■If you are using the laptop connectivity kit, touch the
ExpressCard-8360 for USRP and outer metal case of the USRP RIO
device simultaneously.
2. Connect the MXI device to the USRP RIO device using the included
cable.
If you are using the laptop connectivity kit, refer to the following figure.
Figure 2. Connecting the USRP RIO Device with a Laptop Connectivity Kit
4
2
1
3
1. Cable Included with ExpressCard Interface Kit
2. ExpressCard-8360 for USRP Device for PXI Remote Control
3. ExpressCard Slot
4. Laptop Computer
3. Connect the AC/DC power supply to the USRP RIO device.
ni.com
8
USRP-2950/2952/2953/2954/2955

4. Plug the power supply into a wall outlet. Press the PWR button.
5. Power on the computer.
Windows automatically recognizes the USRP RIO device.
Related information
■Refer to the Set Up Your MXI™ Express ×4 System document for installation
instructions.
Synchronizing Multiple USRP RIO Devices (Optional)
To set up a higher channel-count system, you can synchronize two or more
USRP RIO devices so that they share clock and PPS signals.
Note Synchronizing multiple USRP RIO devices requires a CDA-2990
accessory.
Ensure that all hardware is set up as previously indicated.
1. Connect the REF IN port of the USRP RIO device to the first 10 MHz OUT port of
the CDA-2990 using a standard SMA (m)-to-SMA (m) cable.
2. Connect the PPS TRIG IN port of the USRP RIO device to the PPS OUT port of
the CDA-2990 using a standard SMA (m)-to-SMA (m) cable.
3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 to synchronize additional USRP RIO devices using the
additional ports on the CDA-2990 (optional).
The completed hardware setup for two USRP RIO devices is shown in the
following figure.
© National Instruments 9
USRP-2950/2952/2953/2954/2955

Figure 3. Synchronizing Multiple USRP RIO Devices with the CDA-2990
CDA-2990
Designed by Ettus ResearchDesigned by Ettus Research 3 4 5 621 78 7 83 4 5 621
PPS OUT10 MHz OUT PPS OUT
POWER
GPS LOCK
PPS
STATUS
EXTERNAL
INTERNAL
ETHERNET GPS ANT
INPUT
PRIMARY REF
INTERNAL
EXTERNAL
EXT 10 MHz
INPUT
EXT PPS
INPUT POWER
8 Channel Clock Distribution Module
6 – 15 V
6 W MAX
0 1
PWR REF
IN
PPS
OUT
TRIG
5V DC
REF
OUT
1G/10G ETH
3.3 V +15 dBm
MAX
9-16V DC
7.5 A MAX
SFP+Ports
PCIe x4
TRIG
3.3V
IN
5V MAX
PPS GPS
ANT
–15 dBm
MAX
0 1
PWR REF
IN
PPS
OUT
TRIG
5V DC
REF
OUT
1G/10G ETH
3.3 V +15 dBm
MAX
9-16V DC
7.5 A MAX
SFP+Ports
PCIe x4
TRIG
3.3V
IN
5V MAX
PPS GPS
ANT
–15 dBm
MAX
Standard
SMA-SMA
Cables
10 MHz
PPS
Preparing the USRP-2955 for LO Sharing (Optional)
Complete the following steps to prepare a single USRP-2955 device to share local
oscillators (LOs) among all four channels in the device.
1. Connect the LO OUT 1 IF2 connector of the USRP-2955 back panel to the
LO IN 0 IF2 connector of the same USRP-2955 back panel using an SMA(m)-to-
SMA(m) cable.
2. Connect the LO OUT 1 IF1 connector of the USRP-2955 back panel to the
LO IN 0 IF1 connector of the same USRP-2955 back panel using an SMA(m)-to-
SMA(m) cable.
The completed hardware setup is shown in the following figure.
Figure 4. USRP-2955 Single Device LO Sharing
0 1
PWR 1G/10G ETH
9-16V DC
7.5 A MAX
SFP+Ports
1
1. SMA(m)-to-SMA(m) Cables
Programming the USRP RIO
You can use the NI-USRP instrument driver to create communications applications
for the USRP RIO.
ni.com
10
USRP-2950/2952/2953/2954/2955