NI PXIe-5673E User manual

GETTING STARTED GUIDE
NI PXIe-5673E
6.6 GHz RF Vector Signal Generator
Note Before you begin, install and configure your chassis and controller.
This document explains how to install, configure, and test the NI PXIe-5673E (NI 5673E).
The NI 5673E is a 6.6 GHz RF vector signal generator (VSG) with RF list mode. The
NI 5673E ships with the NI-RFSG instrument driver, which you use to program the device.
The NI 5673E comprises the following devices:
• NI PXIe-5450/5451 (NI 5450/5451) arbitrary waveform generator (AWG) module
• NI PXIe-5611 (NI 5611) I/Q modulator module
• NI PXIe-5650/5651/5652 (NI 5650/5651/5652) local oscillator (LO) source module
To access NI 5673E documentation, navigate to Start»All Programs»National Instruments»
NI-RFSG»Documentation.
The specifications document for your device is installed with the driver software. Refer to
ni.com/manuals for the most recent specifications for your device.
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 5673E has been in use, it may exceed safe handling
temperatures and cause burns. Allow the NI 5673E 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
Installing the Software.............................................................................................................. 5
Installing the NI 5673E............................................................................................................. 6
Interconnecting the NI 5673E Modules............................................................................ 8
Configuring the NI 5673E in MAX........................................................................................ 17

Programming the NI 5673E.................................................................................................... 19
NI-RFSG Examples........................................................................................................ 19
Generating a Signal Using the NI-RFSG Soft Front Panel.............................................20
Building a Basic NI-RFSG Application..........................................................................20
Troubleshooting...................................................................................................................... 24
Why Is the ACCESS LED Off When the Chassis is On?...............................................24
What Should I Do if the NI 5673E Doesn't Appear in MAX?....................................... 24
What Should I Do if the Module Fails the Self-Test?..................................................... 25
What Should I Do if the Thermal Shutdown Error Appears?.........................................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 are designed to 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 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
must be no longer than 3 m (10 ft) with the exception of cables connected to the
RF OUT and PLS MOD ports, which must be no longer than 10 m (30 ft).
Verifying the System Requirements
To use the NI-RFSG 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 (ESD) from damaging the device,
ground yourself using a grounding strap or by holding a grounded object, such as
your computer chassis.
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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.
NI PXIe-5673E Getting Started Guide | © National Instruments | 3

Verifying the Kit Contents
Figure 1. NI 5673E Kit Contents
A A
B B
NI-PXIe-5611
I/QVector Mudulator
ACCESS ACTIVE
85MHz-
6.6GHz
50 W
IN:
5Vp-p
MAX
OUT:
1Vp-p
NIPXI-56 52
500kHz - 6.6 GHz
REFIN/OUT
RFOUT
REF
OUT2
50 W
1Vp-p
50 W
0.5W
MAX
Reverse
Power
RFSignal Generator
ACCESS ACTIVE
87 9
4 5 6
1 3
2
10 11 12 13
1. NI PXIe-5611 I/Q Modulator Module
2. NI PXIe-5450/5451 AWG Module
3. NI PXIe-5650/5651/5652 LO Source Module
4. Four Short, Rigid SMA-to-SMA Cables, Labeled
A, Part Number 195947-01
5. Medium, Semi-Rigid SMA-to-SMA Cable, Labeled
B, Part Number 198774-01
6. Semi-Flexible SMA-to-SMA Cable, Part Number
190412-05
7. SMA Driver Bit, Part Number 190487A-01
8. Screwdriver, Part Number 772006-01
9. 50 Ω Termination Load, Part Number 765516-01
10. Driver Software DVD
11. NI PXIe-5673E Getting Started Guide (this
document)
12. Read Me First: Safety and Electromagnetic
Compatibility
13. Maintain Forced-Air Cooling Note to Users
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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 5673E.
Required Items
• A PXI Express chassis and chassis documentation. The NI PXIe-1085 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 5673E 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. Make sure that the
hardware is completely dry and free from contaminants before returning it to
service.
Note Refer to the NI PXIe-5673E Specifications at ni.com/manuals for complete
specifications.
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 DVD into your computer. The installer should open
automatically.
NI PXIe-5673E Getting Started Guide | © National Instruments | 5

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 to install the NI-RFSG driver software.
Note Windows users may see access and security messages during
installation. Accept the prompts to complete the installation.
4. When the installer completes, restart your system.
Installing the NI 5673E
Caution To prevent damage to the device caused by ESD or contamination, handle
the device using the edges or the metal bracket.
You must install NI-RFSG 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 chassis can cool the device
effectively.
To use the included cables, you must install the NI 5611 I/Q modulator module in the slot
immediately to the right of the NI 5450/5451 AWG module, and you must install the
NI 5650/5651/5652 LO source module in the slot immediately to the right of the NI 5611 I/Q
modulator module.
1. Ensure the AC power source is connected to the chassis before installing the modules.
The AC power cord grounds the chassis and protects it from electrical damage while you
install the modules.
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 connectors 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
12 3 45
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
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NI 5673E modules can be placed in PXI Express peripheral slots or PXI Express Hybrid
peripheral slots.
6. Touch any metal part of the chassis to discharge static electricity.
7. Ensure that the ejector handle is in the unlatched (downward) position.
8. Place the module edges into the module guides at the top and bottom of the chassis. Slide
the device into the slot until it is fully inserted.
Figure 3. Module Installation
2
3
NI PXIe-1075
1
1. Chassis
2. Hardware Module
3. Ejector Handle in Down (Unlatched) Position
9. Latch the module in place by pulling up on the ejector handle.
10. Secure the device 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 slot blockers to maximize cooling air flow.
12. Power on the chassis.
Related Information
Installing the Software on page 5
NI PXIe-5673E Getting Started Guide | © National Instruments | 7

Interconnecting the NI 5673E Modules
Figure 4. NI 5673E Front Panel Interconnection
50 W
IN:
5 Vp-p
MAX
OUT:
1 Vp-p
500 kHz - 6.6 GHz
REF IN/OUT
RF OUT
REF
OUT2
50 W
1 Vp-p
50 W
0.5 W
MAX
Reverse
Power
RF Signal Generator
ACCESS ACTIVE
1
3
2
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
B
B
4
1. Flexible SMA-to-SMA Cable
2. Rigid SMA-to-SMA Cable, Labeled A
3. Semi-Rigid SMA-to-SMA Cable, Labeled B
4. 50 Ω Termination Load
1. Use the Cable A center pin to connect the CH 1-/Q- connector of the NI 5450/5451 front
panel to the Q- connector of the NI 5611 front panel.
Note Ensure that the SMA cable center pins properly align with the SMA
connectors to avoid bending the cable pins or damaging the front panel
connectors on the device. If the SMA cable does not exactly align with the
8| ni.com | NI PXIe-5673E Getting Started Guide

SMA connector, bend the cable slightly by hand to align the cable and the
connector. The amount of bending should be minimal. The cables can be
damaged by excessive bending.
2. Use the Cable A center pin to connect the CH 1+/Q+ connector of the NI 5450/5451 front
panel to the Q+ connector of the NI 5611 front panel.
3. Use the Cable A center pin to connect the CH 0-/I- connector of the NI 5450/5451 front
panel to the I- connector of the NI 5611 front panel.
4. Use the Cable A center pin to connect the CH 0+/I+ connector of the NI 5450/5451 front
panel to the I+ connector of the NI 5611 front panel.
5. Use the Cable B center pin to connect the RF OUT connector of the NI 5650/5651/5652
front panel to the LO IN connector of the NI 5611 front panel.
6. Use the center pin of a flexible cable to connect the CLK IN connector of the
NI 5450/5451 front panel to the REF OUT2 connector of the NI 5650/5651/5652 front
panel.
7. Always connect the 50 Ω termination load to the LO OUT connector of the NI 5611 front
panel unless the NI 5611 module is daisy-chained to other devices.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. Power on the PXI Express chassis and controller system.
11. Verify that the ACCESS LED is illuminated on all modules. If an LED is not illuminated,
refer to the Troubleshooting section of this document.
Related Information
Configuring the NI 5673E in MAX on page 17
Direct Connections to the NI 5673E
The NI 5673E is a precision RF instrument that is sensitive to ESD and transients. Ensure you
take the following precautions when making direct connections to the NI 5673E to avoid
damaging the device.
Note Do not apply external signals to the NI 5673E. Applying external signals may
cause damage.
NI PXIe-5673E Getting Started Guide | © National Instruments | 9

• Ensure you are properly grounded when manipulating cables or antennas connected to the
NI 5673E.
• If you are using noninsulated devices, such as a noninsulated 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 5673E,
ensure no signal transients are sourced to the NI 5673E.
NI 5611 I/Q Modulator Module
The NI PXIe-5611 I/Q modulator module contains eight connectors and two multicolor LEDs.
Figure 5. NI 5611 I/Q Modulator Module Front Panel
85 MHz -
6.6 GHz
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Table 1. Device Front Panel Icon Definition
Refer to the user documentation for required maintenance measures to ensure user
safety and/or preserve the specified EMC performance.
Table 2. NI 5611 I/Q Modulator Front Panel Connectors
Connector Use
RF OUT Output for the upconverted signal at the requested RF frequency.
PLS MOD Input for the 3.3 V TTL for pulse-modulating the RF signal.
LO IN Connects to the RF OUT connector on the NI 5650/5651/5652 front panel.
This connector routes the local oscillator from the NI 5650/5651/5652 to the
NI 5611.
LO OUT Routes the local oscillator output used for combining multiple devices with one
common LO source (NI 5650/5651/5652). Attach a 50 Ω termination load to
LO OUT when the connector is not in use.
I+ Connects to the CH 0+/I+ connector on the NI 5450/5451 front panel.
This connector routes the baseband input from the NI 5450/5451 AWG module.
I- Connects to the CH 0-/I- connector on the NI 5450/5451 front panel.
This connector routes the baseband input from the NI 5450/5451 module.
Q+ Connects to the CH 1+/Q+ connector on the NI 5450/5451 front panel.
This connector routes the baseband input from the NI 5450/5451 AWG module.
Q- Connects to the CH 1-/Q- connector on the NI 5450/5451 front panel.
This connector routes the baseband input from the NI 5450/5451 AWG module.
NI PXIe-5673E Getting Started Guide | © National Instruments | 11

Table 3. NI 5611 I/Q Modulator Front Panel LEDs
LED Indications
ACCESS Indicates the basic hardware status of the NI 5611 module.
OFF—The module is not yet functional or has detected a problem with a power
rail.
AMBER—The module is being accessed. Accessed means that the device setup
registers are being written to in order to control the device.
GREEN—The module is ready to be programmed by NI-RFSG.
ACTIVE Indicates the state of the NI 5611 module.
OFF—Generation has stopped.
GREEN—The module is generating a waveform.
RED—The module has detected an error state. This LED indicates one of the
following error states:
• Reverse power protection fault—The RF OUT connector is disabled to
protect the device from the power being driven back into the RF OUT
connector.
• I/Q overvoltage protection fault—The I/Q input terminals exceed the
maximum voltage, therefore the I/Q input terminals are disabled to protect
the device.
• Thermal shutdown—The device temperature exceeds the maximum
operating temperature. The RF subsection of the device is powered off.
NI 5450/5451 AWG Module
The NI PXIe-5450/5451 AWG module contains eight connectors and two LEDs.
Note The following figure depicts the NI 5450 module front panel, although both
the NI 5450 and NI 5451 module front panels contain the same connectors and
LEDs.
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Figure 6. NI 5450 AWG Module Front Panel
Table 4. Device Front Panel Icon Definition
Refer to the user documentation for required maintenance measures to ensure user
safety and/or preserve the specified EMC performance.
NI PXIe-5673E Getting Started Guide | © National Instruments | 13

Table 5. NI 5450/5451 AWG Module Front Panel Connectors
Connector Use
CLK IN Accepts a Reference Clock from an external source that can frequency lock the
Sample Clock timebase to the external Reference Clock. The signal input to this
connector can also be used as a Sample Clock source.
CLK OUT Connects to the REF IN/OUT connector on the NI 5650/5651/5652 front panel.
This connector provides a clock signal that can be shared by other devices.
PFI 0 Accepts a trigger from an external source that can start or step through
waveform generation or can route signals from several clock, event, and trigger
sources.
This connector can connect to the CLK OUT connector on an additional
NI 5450/5451 front panel.
PFI 1 Accepts a trigger from an external source that can start or step through
waveform generation or can route signals from several clock, event, and trigger
sources.
CH 0+/I+ Connects to the I+ connector on the NI 5611 front panel.
This connector provides differential waveform output.
CH 0-/I- Connects to the I- connector on the NI 5611 front panel.
This connector provides differential waveform output.
CH 1+/Q+ Connects to the Q+ connector on the NI 5611 front panel.
This connector provides differential waveform output.
CH 1-/Q- Connects to the Q- connector on the NI 5611 front panel.
This connector provides differential waveform output.
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Table 6. NI 5450/5451 AWG Module Front Panel LEDs
LED Indications
ACCESS Indicates the basic hardware status of the module.
OFF—The module is not yet functional or has detected a problem with a power
rail.
AMBER—The module is being accessed. Accessed means that the device setup
registers are being written to in order to control the device or load waveforms.
GREEN—The module is ready to be programmed by NI-RFSG.
ACTIVE Indicates the state of the module.
OFF—The module is not armed or triggered.
AMBER—The module is armed and waiting for a Start Trigger.
GREEN—The module has received a Start Trigger and is generating a waveform.
RED—The module has detected an error state; this state may indicate a PLL lock
failure or a thermal shutdown condition.
NI 5650/5651/5652 RF Signal Generator Module
The NI 5650/5651/5652 RF signal generator module contains three connectors and two
multicolor LEDs.
Note The following figure depicts the NI 5652 module front panel, although each
NI 5650/5651/5652 module front panel contains the same connectors and LEDs.
NI PXIe-5673E Getting Started Guide | © National Instruments | 15

Figure 7. NI 5652 RF Signal Generator Module Front Panel
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
Table 7. Device Front Panel Icon Definitions
Refer to the user documentation for required maintenance measures to ensure user
safety and/or preserve the specified EMC performance.
If this device has been in use, it may exceed safe handling temperatures and cause
burns. Allow the device to cool before removing it from the chassis.
16 | ni.com | NI PXIe-5673E Getting Started Guide

Table 8. NI 5650/5651/5652 RF Signal Generator Module Front Panel Connectors
Connector Use
RF OUT Output terminal for the RF signal at the requested frequency and power level.
RF IN/OUT Routes a frequency reference signal to or from the RF signal generator.
This connector can be configured as an external frequency reference input or
as an output for the onboard 10 MHz Reference Clock.
REF OUT2 Routes a frequency reference signal from the RF signal generator.
Table 9. NI 5650/5651/5652 RF Signal Generator Module Front Panel LEDs
LED Indications
ACCESS Indicates the basic hardware status of the module.
OFF—The module is not yet functional or has detected a problem with a PXI
Express power rail.
AMBER—The module is being accessed. Accessed means that the device setup
registers are being written to in order to control the device.
GREEN—The module is ready to be programmed by NI-RFSG.
ACTIVE Indicates the state of the module.
OFF—The module is not yet generating a signal.
AMBER—The module phase-locked loops (PLLs) are attempting to lock.
GREEN—The module is generating a signal; applicable PLLs are locked.
RED—The module has detected an error state; this state may indicate a PLL lock
failure or a thermal shutdown condition.
Configuring the NI 5673E in MAX
Use Measurement & Automation Explorer (MAX) to configure your National Instruments
hardware. MAX informs other programs about which devices reside in the system and how
they are configured. MAX is automatically installed with NI-RFSG.
1. Launch MAX.
NI PXIe-5673E Getting Started Guide | © National Instruments | 17

2. In the configuration tree, double-click Devices and Interfaces to see the list of installed
devices.
Note If you are using the NI 5673E with the LabVIEW Real-Time Module,
expand Remote Systems. Find your target IP address or name, expand it, and
then expand Devices and Interfaces.
Installed devices appear under the name of their associated chassis.
3. Expand your Chassis tree item.
MAX lists all devices installed in the chassis. Your default device names may vary.
Note If you do not see your device listed, press <F5> to refresh the list of
installed devices. If the device is still not listed, power off the system, ensure
the device is correctly installed, and restart.
4. Record the device identifier MAX assigns to the hardware. Use this identifier when
programming the NI 5673E.
5. Associate the hardware modules that comprise your device.
a) Select the NI 5611 that is identified as not configured in the configuration tree.
b) In the Associated Devices section, select the appropriate module from each system
component drop-down listbox.
For the NI 5673E, you must associate the NI 5611 I/Q modulator module with the
NI 5450/5451 AWG module and the NI 5650/5651/5652 LO source module.
c) Click Save in the MAX toolbar.
Note Module associations may be lost when you move the modules to
different chassis slots.
6. Self-test the device modules by selecting the modules in the configuration tree, and
clicking Self-Test in the MAX toolbar. Repeat this step for all modules in your NI 5673E
system.
The MAX self-test performs a basic verification of hardware resources.
Related Information
Interconnecting the NI 5673E Modules on page 8
Refer to the NI RF Signal Generators Help for information about renaming devices and about
configuring and using an external LO.
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Programming the NI 5673E
You can generate signals interactively using the NI-RFSG Soft Front Panel (SFP) or you can
use the NI-RFSG instrument driver to program your device in the supported ADE of your
choice.
Table 10. NI 5673E Programming Options
Application
Programming
Interface (API)
Location Description
NI-RFSG SFP Available from the Start
menu at Start»All
Programs»National
Instruments»NI-RFSG»
NI-RFSG Soft Front
Panel.
NI-RFSG SFP controls, generates, and
presents data similar to stand-alone RF
vector signal generators. NI-RFSG SFP
operates on the PC, so it provides
additional processing, storage, and display
capabilities.
NI-RFSG
Instrument Driver
LabVIEW—Available on
the LabVIEW Functions
palette at Measurement
I/O»NI-RFSG.
NI-RFSG configures and operates the
device hardware, performs waveform
programming and generation, and
performs basic modulation tasks using
LabVIEW VIs or LabWindows/CVI
functions. After you associate the modules
of the NI 5673E in MAX, NI-RFSG
operates the modules as a single
instrument.
LabWindows/CVI—
Available at Program
Files»IVI Foundation»
IVI»Drivers»niRFSG.
Microsoft Visual C/C++ Add all required include and library files
to your project to create an NI-RFSG
application in Microsoft Visual C/C++.
Related Information
For detailed instructions about how to generate signals in a specific ADE, refer to the Getting
Started section of the NI RF Signal Generators Help.
Refer to the Creating an Application with Microsoft Visual C and C++ topic of the NI RF
Signal Generators Help to manually add all required include and library files to your project.
NI-RFSG Examples
Examples demonstrate the functionality of the device and serve as programming models and
building blocks for your own applications. The NI Example Finder is a utility available for
some ADEs that organizes examples into categories and allows you to easily browse and
search installed examples. You can see descriptions and compatible hardware models for each
example or see all the examples compatible with one particular hardware model.
NI PXIe-5673E Getting Started Guide | © National Instruments | 19

You can locate LabVIEW or LabWindows/CVI examples with the NI Example Finder. Within
LabVIEW or LabWindows/CVI, select Help»Find Examples and navigate to Hardware
Input and Output»Modular Instruments.
Generating a Signal Using the NI-RFSG Soft Front
Panel
To verify your device configuration, use the NI-RFSG Soft Front Panel (SFP) in MAX to
generate a simple signal.
1. Within MAX, select the NI 5611 module in the configuration tree.
2. Select Soft Front Panel from the MAX toolbar.
The NI-RFSG SFP launches.
3. Within the NI-RFSG SFP, specify a frequency and a power level for signal generation.
Caution Clicking RF On/Off generates a signal from the RF OUT connector
on the NI 5611 front panel. Disconnect any equipment that can be damaged by
the test signal prior to clicking the RF On/Off button on the NI-RFSG SFP.
4. Click RF On/Off to begin signal generation.
Note Refer to the Troubleshooting section of this document if an
ACTIVE LED does not turn on or if the NI-RFSG SFP generates an error.
During signal generation, the ACTIVE LED on each of the NI 5673E hardware modules
illuminates.
5. Click RF On/Off to stop signal generation.
Building a Basic NI-RFSG Application
You can build a basic NI-RFSG application in LabVIEW for generating continuous sine wave
signals.
Adding the Core NI-RFSG VIs to a Blank VI
Create a new application that includes the core NI-RFSG VIs.
1. Launch LabVIEW.
2. To create a blank VI, select File»New VI.
3. Display the block diagram by selecting Window»Show Block Diagram.
Tip Activate the LabVIEW context help by selecting Help»Show Context
Help.
4. Right-click the VI block diagram to launch the Functions palette.
5. Navigate to the NI-RFSG VIs on the NI-RFSG palette.
Tip You can use the Search button on the Functions palette to find the NI-
RFSG palette.
6. Add the core NI-RFSG VIs from the NI-RFSG palette to the block diagram, and wire the
VIs together as shown in the following figure.
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