National Instruments Gigabit Ethernet (GigE) Interface Device NI... User manual

NI PCIe-8231 Quick Start Guide
The NI PCIe-8231 is a Gigabit Ethernet (GigE) interface device for PCI
Express. The following sections describe how to install and configure the
NI PCIe-8231.
What You Need to Get Started
You need the following items to set up and use the NI PCIe-8231.
❑NI Vision Acquisition Software 8.2.1 or later
❑NI Vision Acquisition Software Release Notes
❑NI PCIe-8231 GigE interface device
❑Computer running Windows 2000/XP with at least one PCIe slot
❑GigE Vision Camera
❑Ethernet cable
❑Optional software packages and documentation:
– NI Vision Development Module
– NI Vision Builder for Automated Inspection
–LabVIEW
– LabWindows™/CVI™
– Microsoft Visual Basic
Safety Information
Caution The following paragraphs contain important safety information you must follow
when installing and operating the device.
Do not operate the device in a manner not specified in the documentation.
Misuse of the device may result in a hazard and may compromise the safety
protection built into the device. If the device is damaged, turn it off and do

NI PCIe-8231 Quick Start Guide 2 ni.com
not use it until service-trained personnel can check its safety. If necessary,
return the device to National Instruments for repair.
Keep away from live circuits. Do not remove equipment covers or shields
unless you are trained to do so. If signal wires are connected to the device,
hazardous voltages can exist even when the equipment is turned off. To
avoid a shock hazard, do not perform procedures involving cover or shield
removal unless you are qualified to do so. Disconnect all field power prior
to removing covers or shields.
If the device is rated for use with hazardous voltages (>30 Vrms, 42.4 Vpk,
or 60 Vdc), it may require a safety earth-ground connection wire. Refer to
the device specifications for maximum voltage ratings.
Because of the danger of introducing additional hazards, do not install
unauthorized parts or modify the device. Use the device only with the
chassis, modules, accessories, and cables specified in the installation
instructions. All covers and filler panels must be installed while operating
the device.
Do not operate the device in an explosive atmosphere or where flammable
gases or fumes may be present. Operate the device only at or below the
pollution degree stated in the specifications. Pollution consists of any
foreign matter—solid, liquid, or gas—that may reduce dielectric strength
or surface resistivity. The following is a description of pollution degrees.
• Pollution Degree 1—No pollution or only dry, nonconductive
pollution occurs. The pollution has no effect.
• Pollution Degree 2—Normally only nonconductive pollution occurs.
Occasionally, nonconductive pollution becomes conductive because of
condensation.
• Pollution Degree 3—Conductive pollution or dry, nonconductive
pollution occurs. Nonconductive pollution becomes conductive
because of condensation.
Clean the device and accessories by brushing off light dust with a soft,
nonmetallic brush. Remove other contaminants with a stiff, nonmetallic
brush. The unit must be completely dry and free from contaminants before
returning it to service.
You must insulate signal connections for the maximum voltage for which
the device is rated. Do not exceed the maximum ratings for the device.
Remove power from signal lines before connection to or disconnection
from the device.

©National Instruments Corporation 3 NI PCIe-8231 Quick Start Guide
Caution National Instruments measurement products may be classified as either
Measurement Category I or II. Operate products at or below the Measurement Category
level specified in the hardware specifications.
Measurement Category1: Measurement circuits are subjected to working
voltages2and transient stresses (overvoltage) from the circuit to which they
are connected during measurement or test. Measurement Category
establishes standardized impulse withstand voltage levels that commonly
occur in electrical distribution systems. The following is a description of
Measurement (Installation3) Categories:
• Measurement Category I is for measurements performed on circuits
not directly connected to the electrical distribution system referred to
as MAINS4voltage. This category is for measurements of voltages
from specially protected secondary circuits. Such voltage
measurements include signal levels, special equipment, limited-energy
parts of equipment, circuits powered by regulated low-voltage sources,
and electronics.
• Measurement Category II is for measurements performed on circuits
directly connected to the electrical distribution system. This category
refers to local-level electrical distribution, such as that provided by a
standard wall outlet (e.g., 115 V for U.S. or 230 V for Europe).
Examples of Measurement Category II are measurements performed
on household appliances, portable tools, and similar products.
• Measurement Category III is for measurements performed in the
building installation at the distribution level. This category refers to
measurements on hard-wired equipment such as equipment in fixed
installations, distribution boards, and circuit breakers. Other examples
are wiring, including cables, bus-bars, junction boxes, switches,
socket-outlets in the fixed installation, and stationary motors with
permanent connections to fixed installations.
• Measurement Category IV is for measurements performed at the
primary electrical supply installation (<1,000 V). Examples include
electricity meters and measurements on primary overcurrent
protection devices and on ripple control units.
1 Measurement Categories as defined in electrical safety standard IEC 61010-1.
2 Working voltage is the highest rms value of an AC or DC voltage that can occur across any particular insulation.
3 Measurement Category is also referred to as Installation Category.
4 MAINS is defined as the (hazardous live) electrical supply system to which equipment is designed to be connected for the
purpose of powering the equipment. Suitably rated measuring circuits may be connected to the MAINS for measuring
purposes.

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Unpacking
The NI PCIe-8231 ships in an antistatic package to prevent electrostatic
discharge from damaging device components. To avoid such damage in
handling the device, take the following precautions:
• Ground yourself via a grounding strap or by holding a grounded object,
such as the computer chassis.
• Touch the antistatic package to a metal part of the computer chassis
before removing the device from the package.
Caution Never touch the exposed pins of connectors.
Remove the device from the package and inspect it for loose components
or any other signs of damage. Notify National Instruments if the device
appears damaged in any way. Do not install a damaged device in the
computer.
Store the NI PCIe-8231 in the antistatic package when not in use.
Installation
The following instructions are for general installation. Refer to the
documentation provided by your computer manufacturer for specific
instructions and warnings. Refer to the Specifications section for a list of
the typical power requirements for the device.
1. Install the NI-IMAQdx driver software before installing the
NI PCIe-8231 device. NI-IMAQdx is located on the NI Vision
Acquisition Software CD. Refer to the NI Vision Acquisition Software
Release Notes for installation and configuration instructions.
2. Power off and unplug the computer.
Caution To protect yourself and the computer from electrical hazards, the computer must
remain unplugged until the installation is complete.
3. Remove the computer cover to expose access to the expansion slots.
Caution Installing a PCIe device into a PCI, PCI-X, AGP or any non-PCIe slot can damage
both the computer motherboard and the device. If you are unsure of the differences
between the connector types, do not install the device. Refer to the documentation provided
by your computer manufacturer to determine the correct slot in which to install the
NI PCIe-8231.

©National Instruments Corporation 5 NI PCIe-8231 Quick Start Guide
4. Touch a metal part of the computer to discharge any static electricity
that might be on your clothes or body.
5. Choose an unused PCIe slot, and remove the corresponding expansion
slot cover on the back panel of the computer.
Note The NI PCIe-8231 is intended for a x1 PCIe slot. The NI PCIe-8231 will fit into, and
can be used in, a x4, x8 or x16 PCIe slot.
Figure 1. PC Expansion Slots
6. Remove the NI PCIe-8231 from the antistatic package and gently rock
the NI PCIe-8231 into the slot. The connection may be tight, but do not
force the device into place.
Note Check that the bracket of the NI PCIe-8231 lines up with the hole in the back panel
rail of the computer chassis.
1 PCI 32-bit Connector
2 PCI 64-bit and/or PCI-X Connector
3 PCIe x1 Connector
4 PCIe x16 Connector
2
1
3
4

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7. Unless your computer secures expansion devices in a different manner,
screw the mounting bracket of the device to the back panel rail of the
computer.
8. Replace the cover.
9. Connect the Ethernet cable to your camera. Refer to your camera
manufacturer documentation for specific instructions about how to
connect the Ethernet cable to your camera.
10. Connect the Ethernet cable to the RJ-45 connector on the
NI PCIe-8231 front panel.
11. Plug in and power on the computer.
The NI PCIe-8231 is now installed.
Configuring the NI 8231
After you have installed the NI PCIe-8231 and powered on your computer,
Windows will recognize the device and assign resources to it. Use
Measurement & Automation Explorer (MAX), the National Instruments
configuration utility, to configure a GigE Vision compliant camera
connected to the NI PCIe-8231 for acquisition.
Note You must install NI Vision Acquisition Software 8.2.1 or later before configuring
your camera in MAX. Refer to the NI Vision Acquisition Software Release Notes for more
information about how to configure your camera.
Specifications
These specifications are typical at 25 °C, unless otherwise stated.
Caution Misuse of this equipment may impair the protection features included.
Physical Characteristics
Dimensions
PCIe ........................................................12.9 cm ×12.0 cm
(5.1 in ×4.725 in.)
Connector
Ethernet...................................................RJ-45

©National Instruments Corporation 7 NI PCIe-8231 Quick Start Guide
PCI Express Interface
PCI Express compliance ........................ Version 1.1
Native link width.................................... x1
Up-plugging link width availability....... x4, x8, x16
Signaling
Ethernet .................................................. 1000Base-T compliant on four
pairs of Category 5 cable
Power Consumption
Typical ................................................... 1 A at 3.3 V = 3.3 W maximum
375 mA at 3.3 Vaux = 1.24 W
maximum
Operating Environment
The NI PCIe-8231 device is intended for indoor use only.
Ambient temperature range.................... 0 °C to 55 °C
Operating relative humidity ................... 85%, noncondensing
Pollution Degree .................................... 2
Altitude................................................... 2,000 m (at 25 °C ambient
temperature)
Caution Do not use the NI PCIe-8231 for connection to signals within Measurement
Categories II, III, or IV.
Storage Environment
Ambient temperature range.................... –40 °C to 70 °C
Relative humidity................................... 50% to 85%, noncondensing
Safety
The NI PCIe-8231 is designed to meet the requirements of the following
standards of safety:
• IEC 60950-1, EN 60950-01
• UL 60950-1, CSA 60950-1

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Electromagnetic Compatibility
The NI PCIe-8231 is designed to meet the requirements of the following
EMC Standards:
• FCC Part 15—Radiated and Conducted Emissions (USA)
• ICES -003—Radiated and Conducted Emissions (Canada)
• CISPR 22—Radiated and Conducted Emissions (International)
• EN55022—Radiated and Conducted Emissions (European Union)
• EN55024—(Immunity) (European Union)
• VCCI—Radiated and Conducted Emissions (Japan)
• CNS13438—Radiated and Conducted Emissions (Taiwan)
• AS/NZS3548—Radiated and Conducted Emissions (Australia/New
Zealand)
• MIC notice 1997-41, EMI and MIC notice 1997-42—EMS (Korea)
CE Compliance
The NI PCIe-8231 meets the essential requirements of applicable European
Directives, as amended for CE marking, as follows:
• 73/23/EEC; Low-Voltage Directive (safety)
• 89/336/EEC; Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive (EMC)
FCC Class B User Information
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for the
class B digital device pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits are
designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a
residential installation. The equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio
frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the
instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a
particular installation.
If this equipment does cause harmful interference to television or radio
reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on,
the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of
the following means:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to
which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

©National Instruments Corporation 9 NI PCIe-8231 Quick Start Guide
Caution If the device is changed or modified, the user may void his or her authority to
operate the equipment.
Note This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this
device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause
undesired operation.
Note Refer to the Declaration of Conformity (DoC) for this product for any additional
regulatory compliance information. To obtain the DoC for this product, visit ni.com/
certification, search by model number or product line, and click the appropriate link
in the Certification column.
Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE)
EU Customers At the end of their life cycle, all products must be sent to a WEEE recycling
center. For more information about WEEE recycling centers and National Instruments
WEEE initiatives, visit ni.com/environment/weee.htm.

NI PCIe-8231 Quick Start Guide 10 ni.com
Where to Go for Support
The National Instruments Web site 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.
A Declaration of Conformity (DoC) is our claim of compliance with the
Council of the European Communities using the manufacturer’s
declaration of conformity. This system affords the user protection for
electronic compatibility (EMC) and product safety. You can obtain the DoC
for your product by visiting ni.com/certification. If your product
supports calibration, you can obtain the calibration certificate for your
product at ni.com/calibration.
National Instruments corporate headquarters is located at
11500 North Mopac Expressway, Austin, Texas, 78759-3504.
National Instruments also has offices located around the world to help
address your support needs. For telephone support in the United States,
create your service request at ni.com/support and follow the calling
instructions or dial 512 795 8248. For telephone support outside the United
States, contact your local branch office:
Australia 1800 300 800, Austria 43 0 662 45 79 90 0,
Belgium32027570020,Brazil551132623599,
Canada 800 433 3488, China 86 21 6555 7838,
Czech Republic 420 224 235 774, Denmark 45 45 76 26 00,
Finland3850972572511,France330148142424,
Germany 49 0 89 741 31 30, India 91 80 41190000,
Israel 972 0 3 6393737, Italy 39 02 413091, Japan 81 3 5472 2970,
Korea820234513400,Lebanon96101332828,
Malaysia 1800 887710, Mexico 01 800 010 0793,
Netherlands 31 0 348 433 466, New Zealand 0800 553 322,
Norway 47 0 66 90 76 60, Poland 48 22 3390150,
Portugal 351 210 311 210, Russia 7 495 783 68 51,
Singapore 1800 226 5886, Slovenia 386 3 425 42 00,
South Africa 27 0 11 805 8197, Spain 34 91 640 0085,
Sweden460858789500,Switzerland41562005151,
Taiwan 886 02 2377 2222, Thailand 662 278 6777,
United Kingdom 44 0 1635 523545