National Instruments USRP-29 Series User manual

NI USRP™-29xx
Getting Started Guide
ni.com/usrp
375717E-01 Feb14

GETTING STARTED GUIDE
NI USRP-29xx
Universal Software Radio Peripheral
This document explains how to install, configure, and test the National Instruments universal
software radio peripheral (USRP) 2920, 2921, 2922, 2930, 2932, 2940R, 2942R, 2943R,
2950R, 2952R, or 2953R (NI 29xx) device. The NI USRP-29xx 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.
To access NI USRP-29xx documentation, navigate to Start»All Programs»
National Instruments»NI-USRP»Documentation.
Contents
Electromagnetic Compatibility Guidelines...............................................................................2
Quick Start Steps.......................................................................................................................3
Verifying the System Requirements.........................................................................................4
Unpacking the Kit.....................................................................................................................4
Preparing the Environment.......................................................................................................4
Verifying the Kit Contents........................................................................................................5
Other Required Items........................................................................................................5
Optional Items...................................................................................................................6
Installing the Software..............................................................................................................7
Installing NI 29xx Devices.......................................................................................................7
Configuring NI 29xx Devices...................................................................................................8
Setting Up the Network (Ethernet Only)..........................................................................8
Using the Optional NI ExpressCard Slot - MXI Express Interface Kit for USRP
RIO to Connect to a Laptop Computer.....................................................................12
Using the Optional NI PCIe - MXI Express Interface Kit for USRP RIO to
Connect to a Desktop Computer...............................................................................13
Using the Optional NI PXIe - MXI Express Interface Kit for USRP RIO to
Connect to a PXI Express Chassis............................................................................13
Updating Device Firmware and FPGA Images......................................................................14
Updating USRP N2xx/NI 29xx Firmware and FPGA Images.......................................14
Updating USRP2 Firmware and FPGA Images..............................................................17
Programming the NI 29xx.......................................................................................................19
NI-USRP Instrument Driver...........................................................................................19
NI-USRP Examples........................................................................................................19
NI-USRP Sample Projects..............................................................................................19

Troubleshooting......................................................................................................................20
Device Troubleshooting..................................................................................................20
Network Troubleshooting...............................................................................................21
Front Panels, Back Panels, and Connectors............................................................................22
NI USRP-2920................................................................................................................22
NI USRP-2921................................................................................................................24
NI USRP-2922................................................................................................................26
NI USRP-2930................................................................................................................28
NI USRP-2932................................................................................................................30
NI USRP-2940R.............................................................................................................32
NI USRP-2942R.............................................................................................................35
NI USRP-2943R.............................................................................................................39
NI USRP-2950R.............................................................................................................42
NI USRP-2952R.............................................................................................................45
NI USRP-2953R.............................................................................................................49
Where to Go Next...................................................................................................................53
Worldwide Support and Services............................................................................................53
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, the length of all I/O cables
except for that connected to the GPS antenna input must be no longer than
3 m (10 ft).
Caution This product is not approved or licensed for transmission over the air
using an antenna. As a result, operating this product with an antenna may violate
local laws. Ensure that you are in compliance with all local laws before operating
this product with an antenna.
2| ni.com | NI USRP-29xx Getting Started Guide

Quick Start Steps
1. Choose whether to use the device as a PCI Express device or as an Ethernet device.
Note NI 294x/295x devices support both PCI Express and Ethernet bus
connections. All other devices support only Ethernet.
2. Install the driver software media.
3. Connect the device.
• Ethernet connection—Keep the computer powered on. Attach the antenna or cable to
the front panel terminals of the NI USRP-29xx device as desired. Connect the device
directly to your computer with the included Ethernet cable and connect the power.
• PCI Express connection—Power off the computer and the device. Connect the
device to an MXI Express interface on your computer. Power on the device before
powering on your computer. Attach the antenna or cable to the front panel terminals
of the NI USRP-29xx device as desired.
Note Do not connect a single device to both MXI Express and Ethernet.
4. Configure your computer.
•Ethernet connection—Change the IP address of your standard Ethernet port to a
static IP. NI recommends a static IP address of 192.168.10.1.
• PCI Express connection—Identify your device in Measurement & Automation
Explorer (MAX) and note its RIO resource name. Optionally, create an alias for
your device.
5. (Optional) Update the firmware using the NI-USRP Configuration Utility. If you are
programming the device through the NI-USRP application programming interface (API)
and you need to update the firmware, select Start»All Programs»National
Instruments»NI-USRP»NI-USRP Configuration Utility to open the NI-USRP
Configuration Utility. On the N2xx/NI-29xx Image Updater tab, click Browse to select
a firmware image.
6. Run an example VI or sample project.
If you have trouble with any of the preceding steps, refer to the detailed sections of this guide.
Related Information
Installing the Software on page 7
Installing NI 29xx Devices on page 7
Updating Device Firmware and FPGA Images on page 14
Programming the NI 29xx on page 19
NI USRP-29xx Getting Started Guide | © National Instruments | 3

Verifying the System Requirements
To use the NI-USRP 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 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. Unpack any other items and documentation from the kit.
Store the device in the antistatic package when the device is not in use.
Preparing the Environment
Ensure that the environment you are using the NI USRP device in meets the following
specifications.
............................................................................Operating temperature -40 °C to 70 °C
............................................................................Operating humidity 10% to 90% RH, noncondensing
............................................................................Pollution Degree 2
............................................................................Maximum altitude 2,000 m
Indoor use only.
Note Refer to the NI USRP device specifications on ni.com/manuals for complete
specifications.
Caution Do not operate the device 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 National Instruments for repair.
4| ni.com | NI USRP-29xx Getting Started Guide

Verifying the Kit Contents
LINK PWR
TXOUTPUTMAX +20 dBm, RX INPUT MAX -15 dBm, ALL RF PORTS 50 W
TX1 RX1 RX2GPSPPSREF
TX1 RX1 RX2
AUXI/O
3.3VDCMAX
RF0 RF1
NIUSRP-2943R
1.2GHz- 6 GHz
NIUSRP-2943R
1.2GHz- 6 GHz
DesignedbyEttusResearchDesignedbyEttusResearch
JTAG
21 3
654 7
1. NI 29xx device
2. AC/DC power supply and power cable
3. Shielded Ethernet cable (included only in NI 292x/
293x kits)
4. SMA (m)-to-SMA (m) cable
5. 30 dB SMA attenuator
6. Driver software media
7. NI USRP-29xx Getting Started Guide (this
document)
Caution If you directly connect or cable a signal generator to your device, or if
you connect multiple NI USRP devices together, you must connect a 30 dB
attenuator to the RF input (RX1 or RX2) of each receiving NI USRP device.
Note The driver software media installs the NI-USRP driver software and
electronic documentation, including the NI-USRP Help, the NI-USRP Readme, and
device specifications. After installation, you can find these documents at Start»All
Programs»National Instruments»NI-USRP»Documentation.
Other Required Items
In addition to the kit contents, you must provide the following additional items:
•Computer with available gigabit Ethernet interface.
• If you plan to connect to the device using PCI Express, you need an MXI Express
interface card, such as the NI PCIe-8371.
• One or more of the recommended antennas shown in the following table.
NI USRP-29xx Getting Started Guide | © National Instruments | 5

Table 1. Recommended Antennas
Device Antenna NI Part
Number
NI USRP-2920/2922/2930/2932/2940R/2942R/2950R/2952R VERT 400—
144 MHz,
400 MHz, and
1,200 MHz tri-
band vertical
antenna
781915-01
NI USRP-2921/2922/2932/2942R/2943R/2952R/2953R VERT 2450—
2.4 GHz to
2.48 GHz and
4.9 GHz to
5.9 GHz to
5.9 GHz dual-
band vertical
antenna
781913-01
Caution This product is not approved or licensed for transmission over the air
using an antenna. As a result, operating this product with an antenna may violate
local laws. Ensure that you are in compliance with all local laws before operating
this product with an antenna.
Optional Items
•LabVIEW Modulation Toolkit (MT), included on the driver software media, 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, included on the driver software media
•LabVIEW MathScript RT Module, included on the driver software media
• NI USRP-29xx multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) sync and data transfer cable,
available at ni.com, to synchronize clock sources
• Additional SMA (m)-to-SMA (m) cables to connect both channels with external devices
under test (DUTs) or to use the REF IN and PPS IN signals
• GPS antenna for devices with GPS disciplined oscillator (GPSDO) support
• NI PCIe - MXI Express Interface Kit for USRP RIO to connect to a desktop computer
• NI ExpressCard Slot - MXI Express Interface Kit for USRP RIO to connect to a laptop
computer
• NI PXIe - MXI Express Interface Kit for USRP RIO to connect to a PXI Express chassis
6| ni.com | NI USRP-29xx Getting Started Guide

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 asks if you want to
restart, shut down, or restart later.
Installing NI 29xx Devices
Install all the software you plan to use before you install the hardware.
Note The NI USRP device connects to a host computer using either a standard
gigabit Ethernet interface or an MXI Express device. Refer to the documentation for
your gigabit Ethernet interface or your MXI Express device for installation and
configuration instructions.
1. Power off the computer if necessary.
•PCI Express connection—Power off the computer and the NI USRP device. Power
on the NI USRP device before powering on your computer.
• Ethernet connection—Keep the computer powered on.
2. Attach the antenna or cable to the front panel terminals of the NI USRP device as desired.
3. Use the Ethernet cable or MXI Express interface card to connect the NI USRP device to
the computer. For maximum throughput over Ethernet, NI recommends that you connect
each NI USRP device to its own dedicated gigabit Ethernet interface on the host
computer.
Note Do not connect a single NI USRP device to both MXI Express and
Ethernet.
4. Connect the AC/DC power supply to the NI USRP device.
5. Plug the power supply into a wall outlet. For NI 294x/295x devices, you must also press
the PWR button. If your computer was powered off, you can now power on the computer.
Windows automatically recognizes the NI USRP device.
Related Information
Updating USRP N2xx/NI 29xx Firmware and FPGA Images on page 14
NI USRP-29xx Getting Started Guide | © National Instruments | 7

Configuring NI 29xx Devices
Setting Up the Network (Ethernet Only)
The device communicates with a host computer over gigabit Ethernet. Set up the network to
enable communication with the device.
Note The IP addresses for the host computer and each connected NI USRP device
must be unique.
Related Information
Configuring Multiple Devices with Ethernet on page 11
Configure the Host Ethernet Interface with a Static IP Address
The default IP address for the NI 29xx is 192.168.10.2. You must configure the host
Ethernet interface with a static IP address on the same subnet as the connected device to
enable communication, as shown in the following table.
Table 2. Static IP Addresses
Component Address
Host Ethernet interface static IP address 192.168.10.1
Host Ethernet interface subnet mask 255.255.255.0
Default NI USRP device IP address 192.168.10.2
Note NI-USRP uses user datagram protocol (UDP) broadcast packets to locate the
device. On some systems, the firewall blocks UDP broadcast packets.
NI recommends that you change or disable the firewall settings to allow
communication with the device.
Tip Make sure the host computer uses a static IP address. You may need to modify
the network settings for the local area connection using the Control Panel on the host
computer. Specify the static IP address in the Properties page for Internet Protocol
Version 4 (TCP/IPv4).
Related Information
Changing the IP Address on page 8
Changing the IP Address
To change the NI 29xx device IP address, you must know the current address of the device,
and you must configure the network.
8| ni.com | NI USRP-29xx Getting Started Guide

1. Verify that your device is powered on and connected to your computer using the gigabit
Ethernet interface.
2. Select Start»All Programs»National Instruments»NI-USRP»NI-USRP
Configuration Utility to open the NI-USRP Configuration Utility.
3. Select the Change IP Address tab of the utility.
Your device should appear in the list on the left side of the tab.
4. In the list, select the device for which you want the change the IP address.
If you have multiple devices, verify that you selected the correct device.
The IP address of the selected device displays in the Selected IP Address textbox.
5. Enter the new IP address for the device in the New IP Address textbox.
The utility should appear similar to the following figure.
Figure 1. Changing the IP Address
6. Click the Change IP Address button or press <Enter> to change the IP address.
The IP address of the selected device displays in the Selected IP Address textbox.
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.
NI USRP-29xx Getting Started Guide | © National Instruments | 9