NI PXIe-5832 User manual

GETTING STARTED GUIDE
PXIe-5832
44 GHz, 1 GHz Bandwidth, mmWave PXI Vector Signal Transceiver
Note Before you begin, install and configure your chassis and controller.
This document explains how to install, configure, and test the PXIe-5832. The PXIe-5832 is a
half-duplex RF communications instrument with up to 1 GHz of instantaneous bandwidth,
designed for stimulus/response test applications. You can program the PXIe-5832 instrument
using RFmx or NI-RFSA and NI-RFSG driver software.
The PXIe-5832 IF only instrument configuration comprises the following modules:
• PXIe-5820 Vector Signal Transceiver
• PXIe-3623 Vector Signal Up/Down Converter
The PXIe-5832 IF and mmWave instrument configuration comprises the following modules:
• PXIe-5820 Vector Signal Transceiver
• PXIe-3623 Vector Signal Up/Down Converter
• PXIe-5653 RF Analog Signal Generator (LO source)
• One or two mmRH-5582 mmWave Radio Heads
There is no single instrument labeled "PXIe-5832."
Contents
Verifying the System Requirements..........................................................................................2
Unpacking the Kit..................................................................................................................... 2
Verifying the Kit Contents................................................................................................ 2
Preparing the Environment....................................................................................................... 4
Choosing and Installing the Software....................................................................................... 6
Software Options...............................................................................................................6
Installing the Software...................................................................................................... 6
Installing the PXIe-5832........................................................................................................... 7
Interconnecting the PXIe-5832 Modules.......................................................................... 9
Connecting mmWave Radio Heads................................................................................ 12
Configuring the PXIe-5832 in MAX...................................................................................... 15
Self-Calibration.......................................................................................................................16
Performing a Self-Calibration Using NI-RFSA..............................................................17
Locating the Software and Examples......................................................................................18
Software Locations......................................................................................................... 18
Programming Examples Locations................................................................................. 20
Making a First Measurement.................................................................................................. 21

Troubleshooting...................................................................................................................... 22
What Should I Do if the PXIe-3623 Does Not Appear in MAX?.................................. 22
Why Is the ACCESS LED Off When the Chassis Is On?...............................................22
What Should I Do if the PXIe-5832 Fails the Self-Test?................................................23
What Should I Do if the Instrument Does Not Initialize?...............................................23
Hardware Connectors and Indicators......................................................................................24
PXIe-5820 Front Panel and LEDs.................................................................................. 24
PXIe-3623 Front Panel and LEDs.................................................................................. 28
PXIe-5653 Front Panel and LEDs.................................................................................. 31
mmRH-5582 Front Panel, Back Panel, and LEDs..........................................................33
Where to Go Next................................................................................................................... 37
NI Services..............................................................................................................................37
Verifying the System Requirements
To use the PXIe-5832, your system must meet certain requirements. For more information
about minimum system requirements, recommended system, and supported application
development environments (ADEs), refer to the readme, which is installed or available at
ni.com/manuals.
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.
Verifying the Kit Contents
The kit contents for the PXIe-5832 varies by your instrument configuration.
2| ni.com | PXIe-5832 Getting Started Guide

Table 1. Kit Contents by Configuration
Configuration Included Items
Intermediate frequency (IF) only
instrument
• Modules:
– PXIe-5820
– PXIe-3623
• Cables:
– SMA (m)-to-SMA (m) cable, 304.8 mm
– MMCX (m)-to-MMCX (m), 87 mm
– MMPX (m)-to-MMPX (m) cable, 40 mm (x8)
– MMPX (m)-to-SMA (m) cable, 152 mm (x2)
IF and mmWave instrument, which
includes one mmWave radio head
with one of the following port
configurations:
• Direct TRX Ports (0-1)
• Switched TRX Ports (0-7),
Direct TRX Port (8)
• Switched TRX Ports (0-15)
• Modules:
– PXIe-5820
– PXIe-3623
– PXIe-5653
– mmRH-5582
• Cables:
– SMA (m)-to-SMA (m) cable, 304.8 mm
– SMA (m)-to-SMA (m) cable, 1 m (x3)
– MMCX (m)-to-MMCX (m) cable, 87 mm
– MMPX (m)-to-MMPX (m) cable, 40 mm (x8)
– MMPX (m)-to-SMA (m) cable, 152 mm (x2)
– Mini HDMI-to-Mini HDMI cable
• AC power supply adapter for mmRH-5582
PXIe-5832 Getting Started Guide | © National Instruments Corporation | 3

Table 1. Kit Contents by Configuration (Continued)
Configuration Included Items
IF and mmWave instrument, which
includes two mmWave radio heads,
each with one of the following port
configurations:
• Direct TRX Ports (0-1)
• Switched TRX Ports (0-7),
Direct TRX Port (8)
• Switched TRX Ports (0-15)
• Modules:
– PXIe-5820
– PXIe-3623
– PXIe-5653
– mmRH-5582 (x2)
• Cables:
– SMA (m)-to-SMA (m) cable, 304.8 mm
– SMA (m)-to-SMA (m) cable, 1 m (x6)
– MMCX (m)-to-MMCX (m) cable, 87 mm
– MMPX (m)-to-MMPX (m) cable, 40 mm (x8)
– MMPX (m)-to-SMA (m) cable, 152 mm (x2)
– 1.85 mm (m)-to-1.85 mm (m) cable, 200 mm
– Mini HDMI-to-Mini HDMI cable (x2)
• AC power supply adapter for mmRH-5582 (x2)
Other Equipment
There are required items not included in your kit that you need to install or operate the
PXIe-5832. Your application may require additional items not included in your kit to install or
operate your hardware.
Required Items
• A PXI Express chassis and chassis documentation. To ensure specifications are valid, NI
recommends using the PXIe-1095 Chassis or PXIe-1092 Chassis for your hardware. 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 0.9 N · m (8 lb · in.) calibrated torque wrench, 5/16 in. (NI part number 751120-01).
Preparing the Environment
Ensure that the environment you are using the PXIe-5832 in meets the following
specifications.
Operating ambient temperature 0 °C to 45 °C
Operating relative humidity 10% to 90%, noncondensing (IEC 60068-2-56)
4| ni.com | PXIe-5832 Getting Started Guide

Maximum altitude 2,000 m (800 mbar) (at 25 °C ambient
temperature)
Pollution Degree 2
Indoor use only.
Notice Clean the hardware with a soft, nonmetallic brush or lint free cloth. Make
sure that the hardware is completely dry and free from contaminants before returning
it to service.
Note Refer to the PXIe-5832 Specifications at ni.com/manuals for complete
specifications.
PXIe-5832 Getting Started Guide | © National Instruments Corporation | 5

Choosing and Installing the Software
Software Options
NI provides three software options for programming the PXIe-5832—RFmx, NI-RFSA and
NI-RFSG instrument driver software.
Table 2. PXIe-5832 Software Options
Software
Option
Description Use Case
RFmx Provides a single-handle instrument
driver with built-in measurements.
You can use instrument driver
FPGA extensions to customize the
device FPGA using precompiled
bitfiles.
Use RFmx SpecAn to perform spectral
measurements.
Use RFmx Demod to perform
modulation quality measurements, such
as EVM.
Use RFmx personalities to perform
physical layer analysis on supported
communications and connectivity
signals.
NI-RFSA and
NI-RFSG
instrument
driver
The NI-RFSA and NI-RFSG APIs
each provide a fixed API for
interacting with your hardware.
NI-RFSA and NI-RFSG provide
standard IVI-based functionality
needed for most vector signal
analyzer and vector signal
generator applications.
You can use NI-RFSA and
NI-RFSG instrument driver FPGA
extensions to customize the device
FPGA using precompiled bitfiles.
Use NI-RFSA to create custom
measurements or applications that
require I/Q data.
Use NI-RFSG to generate continuous
wave (CW) or modulated waveforms.
Use NI-RFSA and NI-RFSG with the
NI Modulation Toolkit to develop
software-defined radio transmitters and
receivers.
Use NI-RFSG with the NI Modulation
Toolkit to create and generate
modulated signals to test receivers.
Related Information
Refer to the RFmx SpecAn Help, the RFmx Demod Help, the NI RF Vector Signal Analyzers
Help, or the NI RF Signal Generators Help for more information about using the RFmx, NI-
RFSA, and NI-RFSG instrument driver FPGA extensions.
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™.
6| ni.com | PXIe-5832 Getting Started Guide

2. Download the driver software installer from ni.com/downloads or install the driver
software from the physical media included with your product.
NI Package Manager downloads with the driver software to handle the installation. Refer
to the NI Package Manager Manual for more information about installing, removing, and
upgrading NI software using NI Package Manager.
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 prompts you to restart,
shut down, or restart later.
Installing the PXIe-5832
Notice To prevent damage to the PXIe-5832 caused by ESD or contamination,
handle the module using the edges or the metal bracket.
You must install the software 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 device can cool itself effectively.
To use the included cables, you must install the PXIe-5820 immediately to the left of the
PXIe-3623. If your kit included the PXIe-5653 to use as an LO source, you must install the
PXIe-5653 immediately to the right of the PXIe-3623.
Complete the following steps for each module in your instrument configuration.
1. Ensure the AC power source is connected to the chassis before installing the module.
The AC power cord grounds the chassis and protects it from electrical damage while you
install the module.
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 covers 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.
PXIe-5832 Getting Started Guide | © National Instruments Corporation | 7

Figure 1. 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
The modules that comprise the PXIe-5832 can be placed in PXI Express peripheral slots,
PXI Express hybrid peripheral slots, or PXI Express system timing slots.
6. Touch any metal part of the chassis to discharge static electricity.
7. Ensure that the ejector handle is in the downward (unlatched) position.
8. Place the module edges into the module guides at the top and bottom of the chassis. Slide
the module into the slot until it is fully inserted.
Figure 2. Module Installation
2
3
NI PXIe-1075
1
1. Chassis
2. Hardware Module
3. Ejector Handle in Downward (Unlatched) Position
9. Latch the module in place by pulling up on the ejector handle.
10. Secure the module 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.
8| ni.com | PXIe-5832 Getting Started Guide

11. Cover all empty slots using either filler panels (standard or EMC) or slot blockers with
filler panels, depending on your application.
Note For more information about installing slot blockers and filler panels, go
to ni.com/r/pxiblocker.
12. Power on the chassis.
Related Information
Installing the Software on page 6
Interconnecting the PXIe-5832 Modules
Take the following considerations into account when interconnecting the PXI Express modules
that comprise the PXIe-5832.
• Inspect all RF connectors before attaching mating cables. Clean with dry compressed air,
if necessary, to remove any contaminants that may be present.
• Position RF cables with instrument connectors to ensure center pins are straight and
aligned before mating.
• Press MMPX and MMCX connectors until they noticeably snap into place.
• For all threaded RF connectors (SMA, SMA 27 GHz, and 2.4 mm), engage and finger-
tighten the connector nuts. The connector nuts should thread easily without binding, but if
not, ensure the connector is straight and that center pins have not been damaged.
• Carefully complete tightening all threaded RF connectors to 0.9 N · m (8 lb · in) using an
appropriate torque wrench (not included) or torque screwdriver and driver bit. Tighten
only until the wrench clicks.
Notice Incorrect torque at SMA connections can damage device connectors and
degrade signal fidelity.
Connecting the PXIe-5820 and PXIe-3623
Complete the following steps for the baseband signal connections and Reference Clock
connection, as shown in the following figure.
PXIe-5832 Getting Started Guide | © National Instruments Corporation | 9

Figure 3. PXIe-5832 Equipment Setup (IF Only)
PXIe-3623
Vector Signal Up/Down Converter
5–21 GHz
LO2
LO1
AUX 1
LO1 0
mmWave
LO1 1
mmWave
REF
IN
OUT
IN
OUT
AUX 0
IF OUT
mmWave
IF IN
mmWave
DIO
ALL COAXIAL
PORTS 50 Ω
IF IN/OUT
0
1
0
1
0
1
IN
OUT
ACCESS ACTIVE
ESD
SENSITIVE
I/Q
IN
100 Ω
DIFF
I+
I–
Q+
Q–
I/Q
OUT
100 Ω
DIFF
I+
I–
Q+
Q–
NI PXIe-5820
Vector Signal Transceiver
Baseband IQ, 1.25 GS/s
REF
OUT
I/QOUT
PFI 0
DIO
REF
IN
I+
I–
Q+
Q–
ACCESS ACTIVE
ESD
SENSITIVE
50 Ω
100 Ω DIFF
I/QIN
I+
I–
Q+
Q–
100 Ω DIFF
50 Ω
1. MMPX (m)-to-MMPX (m) Cable, 40 mm
2. MMCX (m)-to-MMCX (m) Cable, 87 mm
1. Complete the following baseband signal cable connections between the PXIe-5820 and
PXIe-3623 front panels using the included eight 40 mm MMPX (m)-to-MMPX (m)
cables for transmit and receive I/Q signals.
Table 3. Baseband Signal Cable Connections
PXIe-5820 Connector PXIe-3623 Connector
I/Q OUT I+ I/Q IN I+
I/Q OUT I- I/Q IN I-
I/Q OUT Q+ I/Q IN Q+
I/Q OUT Q- I/Q IN Q-
I/Q IN I+ I/Q OUT I+
I/Q IN I- I/Q OUT I-
10 | ni.com | PXIe-5832 Getting Started Guide

Table 3. Baseband Signal Cable Connections (Continued)
PXIe-5820 Connector PXIe-3623 Connector
I/Q IN Q+ I/Q OUT Q+
I/Q IN Q- I/Q OUT Q-
2. Use the 87 mm MMCX (m)-to-MMCX (m) cable to connect the PXIe-5820 REF IN front
panel connector to the PXIe-3623 REF OUT front panel connector.
This completes the Reference Clock connection.
Connecting the PXIe-5653 LO Source
If you purchased the IF and mmWave instrument configuration, complete the following steps
to connect the PXIe-5653 as an LO source, as shown in the following figure.
Skip this section if your configuration does not include the PXIe-5653.
Figure 4. PXIe-5832 with PXIe-5653 Equipment Setup
PXIe-3623
Vector Signal Up/Down Converter
5–21 GHz
LO2
LO1
AUX 1
LO1 0
mmWave
LO1 1
mmWave
REF
IN
OUT
IN
OUT
AUX 0
IF OUT
mmWave
IF IN
mmWave
DIO
ALL COAXIAL
PORTS 50 Ω
IF IN/OUT
0
1
0
1
0
1
IN
OUT
ACCESS ACTIVE
ESD
SENSITIVE
I/Q
IN
100 Ω
DIFF
I+
I–
Q+
Q–
I/Q
OUT
100 Ω
DIFF
I+
I–
Q+
Q–
ESD
SENSITIVE
ACCESS ACTIVE
LO3
800 MHz
OUT
LO2
4 GHz
LO1
3.2 GHz - 8.3 GHz
OUT
ALL PORTS
50 Ω
NI PXIe-5653
Synthesizer
REF IN
10 MHz
.5 V p-p MAX
REF OUT
10 MHz
1.5 V p-p MAX
REF OUT
100 MHz
1.5 V p-p MAX
NI PXIe-5820
Vector Signal Transceiver
Baseband IQ, 1.25 GS/s
REF
OUT
I/QOUT
PFI 0
DIO
REF
IN
I+
I–
Q+
Q–
ACCESS ACTIVE
ESD
SENSITIVE
50 Ω
100 Ω DIFF
I/QIN
I+
I–
Q+
Q–
100 Ω DIFF
50 Ω
1
1. MMPX (m)-to-SMA (m) Cable, 152 mm
1. Use one of the 152 mm MMPX (m)-to-SMA (m) cables to connect the PXIe-3623 REF
IN front panel connector to the PXIe-5653 REF OUT (10 MHz) front panel connector.
PXIe-5832 Getting Started Guide | © National Instruments Corporation | 11

2. Use the other 152 mm MMPX (m)-to-SMA (m) cable to connect the PXIe-3623 LO1 IN
front panel connector to the PXIe-5653 LO1 OUT front panel connector.
Related Information
Refer to the PXIe-5832 section of the NI RF Vector Signal Transceivers Help for more
information about how to make connections using an external clock.
Connecting mmWave Radio Heads
Depending on the hardware configuration you purchased, complete this section to connect
either one or two mmRH-5582 mmWave Radio Heads to the PXIe-5832.
Skip this section if your configuration does not include a mmWave radio head.
Recommended Torque
Ensure that connectors are torqued to the appropriate level when connecting mmWave radio
heads to the system.
Table 4. Recommended Connector Torque
Connector Type Torque
2.4 mm 0.9 N ∙ m (8 lb ∙ in)
SMA 27 GHz 0.9 N ∙ m (8 lb ∙ in)
Mini HDMI 0.34 N ∙ m (3 lb ∙ in), maximum
Power connector jack 0.34 N ∙ m (3 lb ∙ in), maximum
Connecting One mmWave Radio Head to the PXIe-5832
Complete the following steps to connect one mmRH-5582 mmWave Radio Head to the
PXIe-5832, as shown in the following figure.
12 | ni.com | PXIe-5832 Getting Started Guide

Figure 5. Equipment Setup with One mmWave Radio Head (Power Adapter and Cables
Not Shown)
IF IN
LO IN
IF OUT
12 V
5.0A MAX
+–
ACCESS ACTIVE
PS TEMP FANS
PXIe-1095
18
17
16
15
14
13
12
11
10
9 8
7
HHHHH
6
5
4
3
2
1
NI PXIe-8880
Embedded Controller
GPIB DRIVE
PWR OK /
FAULT
USER1
USER2
10/100
/1000
ACT/
LINK
10/100
/1000
ACT/
LINK
TRIG
RESET
1
2
DP
PXIe-3623
VectorSignal Up/Down Converter
5–21 GHz
LO2
LO1
AUX 1
LO1 0
mmWave
LO1 1
mmWave
REF
IN
OUT
IN
OUT
AUX 0
IF OUT
mmWave
IF IN
mmWave
DIO
ALL COAXIAL
PORTS50 Ω
IF IN/OUT
0
1
0
1
0
1
IN
OUT
ACCESS ACTIVE
ESD
SENSITIVE
I/Q
IN
100 Ω
DIFF
I+
I–
Q+
Q–
I/Q
OUT
100 Ω
DIFF
I+
I–
Q+
Q–
ESD
SENSITIVE
ACCESS ACTIVE
LO3
800 MHz
OUT
LO2
4GHz
LO1
3.2GHz - 8.3 GHz
OUT
ALLPORTS
50Ω
NI PXIe-5653
Synthesizer
REF IN
10MHz
.5V p-p MAX
REF OUT
10MHz
1.5V p-p MAX
REF OUT
100MHz
1.5V p-p MAX
NI PXIe-5820
VectorSignal Transceiver
Baseband IQ,1.25 GS/s
REF
OUT
I/QOUT
PFI 0
DIO
REF
IN
I+
I–
Q+
Q–
ACCESS ACTIVE
ESD
SENSITIVE
50Ω
100Ω DIFF
I/QIN
I+
I–
Q+
Q–
100Ω DIFF
50Ω
DIO
OUT
2
1
1. SMA (m)-to-SMA (m) Cable, 1 m
2. Mini-HDMI-to-Mini-HDMI Cable
1. Use one of the included 1 m SMA (m)-to-SMA (m) cables to connect the mmRH-5582 IF
OUT connector to the PXIe-3623 IF IN mmWave 0 front panel connector.
2. Use another 1 m SMA (m)-to-SMA (m) cable to connect the mmRH-5582 LO IN
connector to the PXIe-3623 LO1 0 mmWave front panel connector.
3. Use another 1 m SMA (m)-to-SMA (m) cable to connect the mmRH-5582 IF IN
connector to the PXIe-3623 IF OUT mmWave 0 front panel connector.
4. Use the Mini-HDMI-to-Mini-HDMI cable to connect the mmRH-5582 DIO IN connector
to the PXIe-3623 DIO front panel connector. Insert the jackscrew and finger-tighten the
jackscrew to the PXIe-3623 front panel.
5. Connect the AC power supply adapter to the mmRH-5582 power input. Finger-tighten
the locking screws on the power supply connector to the mmRH-5582 using a small flat
blade screwdriver.
6. Connect the mmWave radio head to power by connecting the AC power cable to the
power input on the adapter and connecting the other end to a wall socket.
Connecting Two mmWave Radio Heads to the PXIe-5832
Prior to starting this procedure, connect the first mmWave radio head to your PXIe-5832 as
directed in the Connecting One mmWave Radio Head to the PXIe-5832 section.
PXIe-5832 Getting Started Guide | © National Instruments Corporation | 13

Complete the following steps to connect a second mmRH-5582, as shown in the following
figure.
Figure 6. Equipment Setup with Two mmWave Radio Heads (Power Adapter and
Cables Not Shown)
IF IN
LO IN
IF OUT
12 V
5.0A MAX
+–
ACCESS ACTIVE
IF IN
DIO
OUT
LO IN
IF OUT
12 V
5.0A MAX
+–
ACCESS ACTIVE
PS TEMP FANS
PXIe-1095
18
17
16
15
14
13
12
11
10
9 8
7
HHHHH
6
5
4
3
2
1
NI PXIe-8880
Embedded Controller
GPIB DRIVE
PWR OK /
FAULT
USER1
USER2
10/100
/1000
ACT/
LINK
10/100
/1000
ACT/
LINK
TRIG
RESET
1
2
DP
PXIe-3623
VectorSignal Up/Down Converter
5–21 GHz
LO2
LO1
AUX 1
LO1 0
mmWave
LO1 1
mmWave
REF
IN
OUT
IN
OUT
AUX 0
IF OUT
mmWave
IF IN
mmWave
DIO
ALL COAXIAL
PORTS50 Ω
IF IN/OUT
0
1
0
1
0
1
IN
OUT
ACCESS ACTIVE
ESD
SENSITIVE
I/Q
IN
100 Ω
DIFF
I+
I–
Q+
Q–
I/Q
OUT
100 Ω
DIFF
I+
I–
Q+
Q–
ESD
SENSITIVE
ACCESS ACTIVE
LO3
800 MHz
OUT
LO2
4GHz
LO1
3.2GHz - 8.3 GHz
OUT
ALLPORTS
50Ω
NI PXIe-5653
Synthesizer
REF IN
10MHz
.5V p-p MAX
REF OUT
10MHz
1.5V p-p MAX
REF OUT
100MHz
1.5V p-p MAX
NI PXIe-5820
VectorSignal Transceiver
Baseband IQ,1.25 GS/s
REF
OUT
I/QOUT
PFI 0
DIO
REF
IN
I+
I–
Q+
Q–
ACCESS ACTIVE
ESD
SENSITIVE
50Ω
100Ω DIFF
I/QIN
I+
I–
Q+
Q–
100Ω DIFF
50Ω
2
1
1. SMA (m)-to-SMA (m) Cable, 1 m
2. Mini-HDMI-to-Mini-HDMI Cable
1. Use one of the included 1 m SMA (m)-to-SMA (m) cables to connect the mmRH-5582 IF
OUT connector to the PXIe-3623 IF IN mmWave 1 front panel connector.
2. Use another 1 m SMA (m)-to-SMA (m) cable to connect the mmRH-5582 LO IN
connector to the PXIe-3623 LO1 1 mmWave front panel connector.
3. Use another 1 m SMA (m)-to-SMA (m) cable to connect the mmRH-5582 IF IN
connector to the PXIe-3623 IF OUT mmWave 1 front panel connector.
4. Use the Mini-HDMI-to-Mini-HDMI cable to connect the first mmRH-5582 DIO OUT
back panel connector to the second mmRH-5582 DIO IN back panel connector. Finger-
tighten the jackscrews to secure the Mini-HDMI-to-Mini-HDMI cable.
The connection is daisy chained on the back panel of the mmRH-5582.
5. Connect the AC power supply adapter to the mmRH-5582 power input. Finger-tighten
the locking screws on the power supply connector to the mmRH-5582 using a small flat
blade screwdriver.
14 | ni.com | PXIe-5832 Getting Started Guide

Direct Connections to the PXIe-5832
The PXIe-5832 is a precision RF instrument that is sensitive to ESD and transients. Ensure
you are making proper direct connections to the PXIe-5832 to avoid damaging the hardware.
Notice Apply external signals only while the hardware is powered on. Applying
external signals while the hardware is powered off may cause damage.
• Ensure you are properly grounded when manipulating cables or antennas connected to the
instrument.
• If you are using noninsulated devices, such as an 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
PXIe-5832, ensure that the device cannot generate signal transients greater than the RF
and DC specifications of the PXIe-5832.
Configuring the PXIe-5832 in MAX
Use Measurement & Automation Explorer (MAX) to configure your NI hardware. MAX
informs other programs about which NI hardware products are in the system and how they are
configured. MAX is automatically installed with NI-RFSA, NI-RFSG, and RFmx.
1. Launch MAX.
2. In the configuration tree, expand Devices and Interfaces to see the list of installed NI
hardware.
Installed modules appear under the name of their associated chassis.
3. Expand your Chassis tree item.
MAX lists all modules installed in the chassis. Your default names may vary.
Note If you do not see your module listed, press <F5> to refresh the list of
installed modules. If the module is still not listed, power off the system, ensure
the module is correctly installed, and restart.
4. Record the identifier MAX assigns to the PXIe-3623. Use this identifier when
programming the PXIe-5832.
5. Associate the hardware modules that comprise your instrument.
a) Select the PXIe-3623 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.
Select the PXIe-5820 from the Baseband list. If you are using the PXIe-5653 as an
LO source, select the PXIe-5653 from the LO1 (mmWave LO) list.
Note If you connected a mmRH-5582 mmWave Radio Head to the
system, the mmRH-5582 automatically appears as connected in MAX
when you expand the PXIe-3623 configuration tree item.
PXIe-5832 Getting Started Guide | © National Instruments Corporation | 15

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 hardware by selecting the item in the configuration tree and clicking Self-
Test in the MAX toolbar. Repeat this step for all modules in your PXIe-5832 system.
The MAX self-test performs a basic verification of hardware resources.
Related Information
Troubleshooting on page 22
If an issue persists after you complete a troubleshooting procedure, contact NI technical
support or visit ni.com/support.
Interconnecting the PXIe-5832 Modules on page 9
Self-Calibration
Self-calibration adjusts the PXIe-5832 for variations in the module environment using onboard
power detectors.
PXIe-5832 modules are externally calibrated at the factory; however, you should perform a
self-calibration in any of the following situations:
• After first installing and interconnecting your PXIe-5832 instrument
• After any module in the chassis is installed, uninstalled, or moved
• After inter-module cabling has been changed, reconnected, or repositioned
• After changing controllers, computers, or reinstalling the driver software
• When the system is in an environment where the ambient temperature varies or the
module temperature has drifted more than ±5 °C from the temperature at the last self-
calibration
• To periodically adjust for small performance drifts that occur with product aging
Note To ensure specifications before you use the instrument or perform self-
calibration, power on the PXI Express chassis and mmWave radio heads, if
applicable; set the chassis fan speeds to AUTO or HIGH, depending on the chassis;
wait for the operating system to completely load; and then allow the instrument to
warm up for 30 minutes.
Note Ensure that any connected external hardware is in an idle state and not
transmitting during self-calibration. It is not recommended to perform self-
calibration while connected in direct loopback configurations.
Note For the best image rejection and LO leakage performance, it is recommended
that you run Self Cal or Self Cal Range for only the image rejection and LO leakage
portion if the temperature changes beyond ±1 °C.
16 | ni.com | PXIe-5832 Getting Started Guide

Performing a Self-Calibration Using NI-RFSA
NI recommends you perform the self-calibration using the NI-RFSA example when you self-
calibrate the module.
1. Select Start»All Programs»National Instruments»LabVIEW to launch LabVIEW.
2. Launch the Example Finder and navigate to the example.
a) Select Hardware Input and Output»Modular Instruments»NI-RFSA»Utilities»
RFSA Self Calibration.
b) Open the example.
3. Complete the following steps to configure the example:
a) Select the device identifier assigned to the PXIe-3623 in MAX in the [Resource
Name] drop-down menu.
b) Set Clock Source to OnboardClock.
c) Set Self Calibration Step Operations to Perform All Self Calibration Steps.
4. Run the VI.
PXIe-5832 Getting Started Guide | © National Instruments Corporation | 17

Locating the Software and Examples
Software Locations
Table 5. Location of PXIe-5832 Software Options
Software
Option
ADE Location
RFmx LabVIEW Available on the LabVIEW Functions palette at
Measurement I/O»NI-RFmx.
LabWindows/CVI RFmx functions are available from the
LabWindows/CVI Library menu at Library»RFmx
SpecAn Library and Library»RFmx Demod
Library.
Microsoft Visual C/C++ Use the header files located in the <NIDir>\Shared
\ExternalCompilerSupport\C\include
directory and import library files located in one of the
following directories:
• Windows 10 (32-bit)/8.1 (32-bit)/7 (32-bit)-
<NIDir>\Shared
\ExternalCompilerSupport\C\include
• Windows 10 (64-bit)/8.1 (64-bit)/7 (64-bit) :
– 32-bit installation-<NIDir>\Shared
\ExternalCompilerSupport\C
\lib32\msvc
– 64-bit installation-<NIDir>\Shared
\ExternalCompilerSupport\C
\lib64\msvc
where <NIDir> is one of the following locations:
• Windows 10 (32-bit)/8.1 (32-bit)/7 (32-bit)-
Program Files\National Instruments
• Windows 10 (64-bit)/8.1 (64-bit)/7 (64-bit)-
Program Files (x86)\National
Instruments
Microsoft .NET For the location of .NET class libraries, refer to the
installed RFmx readme.
18 | ni.com | PXIe-5832 Getting Started Guide

Table 5. Location of PXIe-5832 Software Options (Continued)
Software
Option
ADE Location
NI-RFSA LabVIEW Available on the LabVIEW Functions palette at
Measurement I/O»NI-RFSA.
LabWindows/CVI Available in the <IVIROOTDIR32>\Drivers\niRFSA
directory, where <IVIROOTDIR32> is one of the
following locations:
• Windows 10 (32-bit)/8.1 (32-bit)/7 (32-bit)-
Program Files\IVI Foundation\IVI
• Windows 10 (64-bit)/8.1 (64-bit)/7 (64-bit)-
Program Files (x86)\IVI Foundation
\IVI
Microsoft Visual C/C++ Use the header files located in the <IVIROOTDIR32>
\Include directory and import library files located in
the <IVIROOTDIR32>\Lib directory, where
<IVIROOTDIR32> is one of the following directories:
• Windows 10 (32-bit)/8.1 (32-bit)/7 (32-bit)-
Program Files\IVI Foundation\IVI
• Windows 10 (64-bit)/8.1 (64-bit)/7 (64-bit)-
Program Files (x86)\IVI Foundation
\IVI
Microsoft .NET Use the NI-RFSA .NET class library by adding a
reference to
NationalInstruments.ModularInstruments.
NIRfsa.Fx40 or
NationalInstruments.ModularInstruments.
NIRfsa.Fx45 and any dependent class libraries from
within the Solution Explorer in Visual Studio.
PXIe-5832 Getting Started Guide | © National Instruments Corporation | 19

Table 5. Location of PXIe-5832 Software Options (Continued)
Software
Option
ADE Location
NI-RFSG LabVIEW Available on the LabVIEW Functions palette at
Measurement I/O»NI-RFSG.
LabWindows/CVI Available in the <IVIROOTDIR32>\Drivers\niRFSG
directory, where <IVIROOTDIR32> is one of the
following locations:
• Windows 10 (32-bit)/8.1 (32-bit)/7 (32-bit)-
Program Files\IVI Foundation\IVI
• Windows 10 (64-bit)/8.1 (64-bit)/7 (64-bit)-
Program Files (x86)\IVI Foundation
\IVI
Microsoft Visual C/C++ Use the header files located in the <IVIROOTDIR32>
\Include directory and import library files located in
the <IVIROOTDIR32>\Lib directory, where
<IVIROOTDIR32> is one of the following directories:
• Windows 10 (32-bit)/8.1 (32-bit)/7 (32-bit)-
Program Files\IVI Foundation\IVI
• Windows 10 (64-bit)/8.1 (64-bit)/7 (64-bit)-
Program Files (x86)\IVI Foundation
\IVI
Microsoft .NET Use the NI-RFSG .NET class library by adding a
reference to
NationalInstruments.ModularInstruments.
NIRfsg.Fx40 or
NationalInstruments.ModularInstruments.
NIRfsg.Fx45 and any dependent class libraries from
within the Solution Explorer in Visual Studio.
Programming Examples Locations
Using the NI Example Finder
If you are using RFmx, NI-RFSA, or NI-RFSG with LabVIEW or LabWindows/CVI, use the
NI Example Finder to locate programming examples.
1. Launch LabVIEW or LabWindows/CVI.
2. Select Help»Find Examples to open the NI Example Finder.
20 | ni.com | PXIe-5832 Getting Started Guide