NI PXIe-5840 User manual

GETTING STARTED GUIDE
PXIe-5840
6 GHz Reconfigurable RF Vector Signal Transceiver with 1 GHz
Bandwidth
Note Before you begin, install and configure your chassis and controller.
This document explains how to install, configure, and test the PXIe-5840. The PXIe-5840 is
an RF vector signal transceiver (VST) and ships with the following software options, which
you use to program the device.
• NI-RFmx driver software
• NI-RFSA and NI-RFSG driver software
Caution The protection provided by this equipment may be impaired if it is used
in a manner not described in the documentation.
Contents
Electromagnetic Compatibility Guidelines...............................................................................2
Verifying the System Requirements..........................................................................................2
Unpacking the Kit..................................................................................................................... 2
Preparing the Environment....................................................................................................... 3
Verifying the Kit Contents........................................................................................................ 4
Other Equipment............................................................................................................... 4
Choosing and Installing the Software....................................................................................... 5
Software Options...............................................................................................................5
Installing the Software...................................................................................................... 5
Installing the PXIe-5840........................................................................................................... 6
Direct Connections to the PXIe-5840............................................................................... 8
Hardware Front Panel Connectors and Indicators............................................................ 9
Configuring the Hardware in MAX........................................................................................ 12
Self-Calibration.......................................................................................................................12
Performing a Device Self-Calibration Using the NI-RFSA or NI-RFSG SFP............... 13
Locating the Software and Examples......................................................................................14
Software Locations......................................................................................................... 14
Programming Examples Locations................................................................................. 16
Making a First Measurement.................................................................................................. 17
Troubleshooting...................................................................................................................... 18
What Should I Do if the PXIe-5840 Doesn't Appear in MAX?......................................18
Why Is the ACCESS LED Off When the Chassis Is On?...............................................18

Where to Go Next................................................................................................................... 19
Worldwide Support and Services............................................................................................ 19
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, operate this product only with
cables less than 3 meters in length.
Verifying the System Requirements
To use the PXIe-5840, 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 available on the 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.
1. Touch the antistatic package to a metal part of the computer chassis.
2. Remove the device from the package and inspect the device for loose components or any
other sign of damage.
Caution Never touch the exposed pins of connectors.
Note Do not install a device if it appears damaged in any way.
2| ni.com | PXIe-5840 Getting Started Guide

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 PXIe-5840 in meets the following
specifications.
Operating ambient temperature 0 °C to 45 °C
Operating relative humidity 10% to 90%, noncondensing (IEC 60068-2-56)
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 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-5840 Specifications at ni.com/manuals for complete
specifications.
PXIe-5840 Getting Started Guide | © National Instruments | 3

Verifying the Kit Contents
Figure 1. PXIe-5840 Kit Contents
12
46 75
3
NIPXIe-5840
VectorSignal Transceiver
9kHz – 6 GHz, 1 GHz BW
PFI0
DIO
REF
OUT
REF
IN
RFIN
+33dBm MAX
50
Ω
RFOUT
ReversePower
+33dBm MAX
ACCESS ACTIVE
LOOUT
50Ω
LOOUT
50Ω
LOIN
+15dBm MAX
50Ω
LOIN
+15dBm MAX
50Ω
50Ω
50Ω
ESD
SENSITIVE
1. PXIe-5840 Module
2. Screwdriver, Part Number 772006-01
3. SMA Driver Bit, Part Number 780895-01
4. Driver Software DVD
5. Read Me First: Safety and Electromagnetic
Compatibility
6. Maintain Forced-Air Cooling Note to Users
7. PXIe-5840 Getting Started Guide
Other Equipment
There are several required items not included in your device kit that you need to operate the
PXIe-5840. Your application may require additional items not included in your kit to install or
operate your device.
Required Items
• A PXI Express chassis and chassis documentation. For more information about
compatible chassis options, visit ni.com/info and enter the Info Code pxiechassis.
• A PXI Express embedded controller or PC with MXI controller system that meets the
system requirements specified in this guide and chassis documentation.
Optional Items
• PXI Chassis Slot Blocker kit (NI part number 199198-01)
• SMA (m)-to-SMA (m) cables
• SMA (m)-to-MMPX (m) cables
• MMPX (m)-to-MMPX (m) cables
• OCuLink x4, 1 m cable1
1Using an OCuLink x4 cable supplied by another manufacturer is not recommended.
4| ni.com | PXIe-5840 Getting Started Guide

Choosing and Installing the Software
Software Options
NI provides three software options for programming the PXIe-5840—NI-RFmx, NI-RFSA
and NI-RFSG instrument driver software.
Table 1. PXIe-5840 Software Options
Software
Option
Description Use Case
NI-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 NI-RFmx SpecAn to perform
spectral measurements.
Use NI-RFmx Demod to perform
modulation quality measurements, such
as EVM.
Use NI-RFmx personalities to perform
physical layer analysis on supported
cellular signals.
NI-RFSA and
NI-RFSG
instrument
driver
The NI-RFSA and NI-RFSG APIs
each provide a fixed API for
interacting with your PXIe-5840
device.
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 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 NI-RFmx SpecAn Help, the NI-RFmx Demod Help, the NI RF Vector Signal
Analyzers Help, or the NI RF Signal Generators Help for more information about using the
NI-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 NI LabVIEW.
PXIe-5840 Getting Started Guide | © National Instruments | 5

2. (Recommended) Install the latest service pack for LabVIEW and any LabVIEW modules
you are using.
3. 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.
4. Follow the instructions in the installation prompts.
Note Windows users may see access and security messages during
installation. Accept the prompts to complete the installation.
Note The default installation installs NI-RFmx, NI-RFSA, and NI-RFSG.
5. When the installer completes, select Restart in the dialog box that prompts you to restart,
shut down, or restart later.
Installing the PXIe-5840
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 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.
This document is also available at ni.com/manuals.
The PXIe-5840 is a two-slot module with two backplane connectors. The module must be
installed into two adjacent chassis slots.
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. If the chassis has multiple fan speed settings, ensure the fans are set to the highest setting.
Note Inadequate air circulation could cause the temperature inside the chassis
to rise above the optimal operating temperature for the device, potentially
causing thermal shutdown, shorter lifespans, or improper performance.
5. Position the chassis so that inlet and outlet vents are not obstructed.
6. Remove the black plastic covers from all the captive screws on the module front panel.
7. Identify two adjacent PXI Express-compatible slots in the chassis. The following figure
shows the symbols that indicate the slot types.
6| ni.com | PXIe-5840 Getting Started Guide

Figure 2. Chassis Compatibility Symbols
NI PXIe-1062Q
1
2
3
4
5
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 PXIe-5840 can be placed in PXI Express peripheral slots, PXI Express Hybrid
peripheral slots, or PXI Express system timing slots.
8. Touch any metal part of the chassis to discharge static electricity.
9. Ensure that the ejector handle is in the unlatched (downward) position.
10. Hold the module by the edges and slide it into the empty compatible slots. Ensure the
base engages with the guides in the chassis.
Figure 3. PXIe-5840 Module Installation
1
2
3
ESD
SENSITIVE
NIPXIe-5646R
VectorSignal Transceiver
65MHz - 6.0 GHz, 200 MHz BW
1. PXI Express Chassis
2. PXIe-5840 Module
3. Ejector Handle in Unlatched (Downward) Position
11. Latch the module in place by pulling up on the ejector handle.
12. 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.
PXIe-5840 Getting Started Guide | © National Instruments | 7

13. Cover all empty slots with filler panels or use slot blockers to maximize cooling air flow.
Note Proper airflow is critical to device operation.
14. Power on the chassis.
Direct Connections to the PXIe-5840
The PXIe-5840 is a precision RF instrument that is sensitive to ESD and transients. Ensure
you take the following precautions when making direct connections to the PXIe-5840 to avoid
damaging the device.
Caution Apply external signals only while the PXIe-5840 is powered on.
Applying external signals while the device is powered off may cause damage.
• Ensure you are properly grounded when manipulating cables or antennas connected to the
PXIe-5840 RF IN connector.
• If you are using nonisolated devices, such as a nonisolated 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-5840 RF IN connector, ensure that the device cannot generate signal transients
greater than the RF and DC specifications of the PXIe-5840 RF IN connector.
8| ni.com | PXIe-5840 Getting Started Guide

Hardware Front Panel Connectors and Indicators
Figure 4. PXIe-5840 Front Panel
NI PXIe-5840
Vector Signal Transceiver
9 kHz – 6 GHz, 1 GHz BW
PFI 0
DIO
REF
OUT
REF
IN
ESD
SENSITIVE
RF IN
+33 dBm MAX
50 Ω
RF OUT
Reverse Power
+33 dBm MAX
50 Ω
LO OUT
50 Ω
LO OUT
50 Ω
LO IN
+15 dBm MAX
50 Ω
LO IN
+15 dBm MAX
50 Ω
50 Ω
50 Ω
PXIe-5840 Getting Started Guide | © National Instruments | 9

Caution Apply external signals only while the PXIe-5840 is powered on.
Applying external signals while the device is powered off may cause damage.
Table 2. 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.
The signal pins of this product's input/output ports can be damaged if subjected to
ESD. To prevent damage, employ industry-standard ESD prevention measures during
installation, maintenance, and operation.
Table 3. PXIe-5840 General Front Panel Connectors
Connector Use Connector Type
REF IN Input terminal that allows for the use of an external 10 MHz
Reference Clock.
MMPX (f)
REF OUT Output terminal that can export a 10 MHz Reference Clock
or the 156.25 MHz Data Clock.
MMPX (f)
PFI 0 Programmable-function digital I/O (DIO) connector for use
with triggers or events.
MMPX (f)
DIO Multi-signal DIO connector that provides access to FPGA
multi-gigabit transceivers (MGTs) and general purpose
LVCMOS signals.
Nano-Pitch
Caution The DIO connector is not an OCuLink interface. Do not connect the DIO
connector on the PXIe-5840 to the OCuLink interface of another device. NI is not
liable for any damage resulting from such signal connections.
Table 4. PXIe-5840 RF Front Panel Connectors
Connector Use Connector Type
RF OUT RF OUT Output terminal for RF signals. SMA (f)
LO IN Input terminal that allows for the use of an external
local oscillator (LO) for RF OUT.
MMPX (f)
LO OUT Output terminal for exporting the RF OUT LO
source.
MMPX (f)
10 | ni.com | PXIe-5840 Getting Started Guide

Table 4. PXIe-5840 RF Front Panel Connectors (Continued)
Connector Use Connector Type
RF IN LO IN Input terminal that allows the use of an external LO
for RF IN.
MMPX (f)
LO OUT Output terminal for exporting the RF IN LO source. MMPX (f)
RF OUT Input terminal for RF signals. SMA (f)
Table 5. PXIe-5840 Front Panel LEDs
LED Indications
ACCESS Indicates the basic hardware status of the device.
Off—The device is not yet functional or has detected a problem with a PXI
Express power rail.
Amber—The device is being accessed. Accessed means that you are writing to the
device setup registers to control the device, reading from the device to monitor the
device status, or transferring data to/from the device.
Green—The device is controllable through the software.
ACTIVE Off—The device is idle.
Solid green—The device is generating a waveform.
Dim amber—The device is waiting for an acquisition Reference Trigger.
Solid amber—The device is acquiring a waveform.
Solid red—The device has detected an error. The LED remains red until the error
condition is removed.
Note The indicators are listed in increasing order of priority. For
example, if you are generating a waveform using NI-RFSG and
waiting on an acquisition Reference Trigger in NI-RFSA, the LED is
dim amber.
Related Information
Refer to the PXIe-5840 Specifications for more information about front panel connectors and
LEDs.
PXIe-5840 Getting Started Guide | © National Instruments | 11

Configuring the Hardware in MAX
Use Measurement & Automation Explorer (MAX) to configure your NI hardware. MAX
informs other programs about which devices reside in the system and how they are configured.
MAX is automatically installed with NI-RFSA and NI-RFSG.
1. Launch MAX by navigating to Start»All Programs»National Instruments»NI MAX or
by clicking the NI MAX desktop icon.
2. In the Configuration pane, expand Devices and Interfaces to see the list of installed
devices. Installed devices appear under the name of their associated chassis.
3. Expand your Chassis tree item.
MAX lists all devices installed in the chassis. PXIe-5840 devices appear as NI-RIO
devices in the list. Your default device names may vary.
Note If you do not see your hardware listed, refer to the Troubleshooting
section of this document.
4. Record the device identifier MAX assigns to the hardware. Use this identifier when
programming the PXIe-5840.
Caution When you install, uninstall, or move an NI-RIO device in your
system, resource identification of your NI-RIO devices may change. Whenever
any of these changes occur, verify resource identification of all your NI-RIO
devices in MAX, and, if necessary, make changes to your software and
documentation.
Self-Calibration
Self-calibration adjusts the PXIe-5840 for variations in the module environment using an
onboard high-precision calibration tone.
The PXIe-5840 modules are externally calibrated at the factory; however, you should perform
a self-calibration in any of the following situations:
• After first installing the PXIe-5840 into your chassis
• After any module in the chassis is installed, uninstalled, or moved
• 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 Allow the module to warm up for 30 minutes after the PXI Express chassis
has powered on and the operating system has completely loaded before you use the
module or perform self-calibration.
12 | ni.com | PXIe-5840 Getting Started Guide

Performing a Device Self-Calibration Using the NI-
RFSA or NI-RFSG SFP
NI recommends you perform the self-calibration using the NI-RFSA or NI-RFSG Soft Front
Panel (SFP). The NI-RFSA and NI-RFSG SFPs perform the same self-calibration, so it is not
necessary to use both SFPs when you self-calibrate the module.
1. Launch the NI-RFSA or NI-RFSG Soft Front Panel by navigating to Start»All
Programs»National Instruments»<Driver>»<Driver> Soft Front Panel.
2. Click Device/System»Calibration»Self Calibration.
3. Click OK to run the self-calibration.
Related Information
Refer to the NI RF Vector Signal Transceivers Help for more information about self-
calibration and self-calibrating in text-based languages.
PXIe-5840 Getting Started Guide | © National Instruments | 13

Locating the Software and Examples
Software Locations
Table 6. Location of PXIe-5840 Software Options
Software
Option
ADE Location
NI-RFmx LabVIEW Available on the LabVIEW Functions palette at
Measurement I/O»NI-RFmx.
LabWindows/CVI NI-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 NI-RFmx readme.
14 | ni.com | PXIe-5840 Getting Started Guide

Table 6. Location of PXIe-5840 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 To use the .NET API, you must install the .NET class
libraries. For download and installed file locations,
visit ni.com/info and enter Info Code
NETAPIdriversupport.
PXIe-5840 Getting Started Guide | © National Instruments | 15

Table 6. Location of PXIe-5840 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 To use the .NET API, you must install the .NET class
libraries. For download and installed file locations,
visit ni.com/info and enter Info Code
NETAPIdriversupport.
Programming Examples Locations
Using the NI Example Finder
If you're using NI-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.
3. Navigate to Hardware Input and Output»Modular Instruments.
4. Open the example that best matches your application requirements.
16 | ni.com | PXIe-5840 Getting Started Guide

Using Microsoft Visual C/C++
If you're using NI-RFmx or NI-RFSA with Microsoft Visual C/C++, locate examples in the
following directories.
Table 7. Location of Microsoft Visual C/C++ Programming Examples
Software Option Examples Location
NI-RFmx <NIDocDir>\RFmx\Demod\Examples
<NIDocDir>\RFmx\SpecAn\Examples
where <NIDocDir> is the Users\Public\Public Documents
\National Instruments directory.
NI-RFSA <NIDocDir>\NI-RFSA\examples
where <NIDocDir> is the Users\Public\Public Documents
\National Instruments directory.
Making a First Measurement
You can verify proper installation and configuration of your device by making a measurement
using the NI-RFSG and NI-RFSA SFPs.
1. Connect the RF IN port to the RF OUT port using an SMA (m)-to-SMA (m) cable.
2. Select Start»All Programs»National Instruments»NI-RFSG»NI-RFSG Soft Front
Panel to launch the NI-RFSG Soft Front Panel.
3. Select the device identifier assigned to the PXIe-5840 in MAX in the Device drop-down
menu.
4. Click the RF On/Off button to generate a 1 GHz continuous wave (CW) tone RF signal
at the RF output terminal of your device.
5. Select Start»All Programs»National Instruments»NI-RFSA»NI-RFSA Soft Front
Panel to launch the NI-RFSA Soft Front Panel.
6. Select the device identifier assigned to the PXIe-5840 in MAX in the Device drop-down
menu.
7. Verify that the NI-RFSA Soft Front Panel is receiving the CW tone.
8. Close the NI-RFSA Soft Front Panel and NI-RFSG Soft Front Panel.
Related Information
Refer to the NI-RFSA Soft Front Panel Help for more information about using the NI-RFSA
Soft Front Panel.
Refer to the NI-RFSG Soft Front Panel Help for more information about using the NI-RFSG
Soft Front Panel.
PXIe-5840 Getting Started Guide | © National Instruments | 17

Troubleshooting
If an issue persists after you complete a troubleshooting procedure, contact NI technical
support or visit ni.com/support.
What Should I Do if the PXIe-5840 Doesn't Appear in
MAX?
1. In the MAX configuration tree, expand Devices and Interfaces.
2. Expand the Chassis tree to see the list of installed hardware, and press <F5> to refresh
the list.
3. If the module is still not listed, power off the system, ensure that all hardware is correctly
installed, and restart the system.
4. Navigate to the Device Manager.
Operating System Description
Windows 10 Select Start»Control Panel»Device Manager.
Windows 8.1 Right-click the Start button, and select Device Manager.
Windows 7 Select Start»Control Panel»Device Manager.
5. If you are using a PXI controller, verify that a National Instruments entry appears in the
system device list. If error conditions appear in the list, right-click the PXIe-5840 and NI-
RIO FPGA Device nodes and select Update Driver. If you are using an MXI controller,
right-click PCI-to-PCI Bridge, and select Properties from the shortcut menu to verify
that the bridge is enabled.
6. Restart your computer.
Why Is the ACCESS LED Off When the Chassis Is
On?
The LEDs may not light until the device has been configured in MAX. Before proceeding,
verify that the PXIe-5840 appears in MAX.
If the module appears in MAX but the ACCESS LED fails to light after you power on the
chassis, a problem may exist with the chassis power rails, the hardware module, or the LED.
Caution Apply external signals only while the PXIe-5840 is powered on.
Applying external signals while the device is powered off may cause damage.
1. Disconnect any signals from the PXI Express module front panel.
2. Power off the PXI Express chassis.
3. Remove the module from the PXI Express chassis and inspect it for damage. Do not
reinstall a damaged device.
4. Install the module in a different PXI Express chassis slot from which you removed it.
5. Power on the PXI Express chassis.
18 | ni.com | PXIe-5840 Getting Started Guide

6. Restart your computer.
7. Verify that the device appears in MAX.
Where to Go Next
Refer to the following figure for information about other product tasks and associated
resources for those tasks.
*This item is also installed with the driver software.
The VST device information is also located in the NI RF Vector Signal Analyzer Help or the NI RF Signal Generators Help.
EXPLORE LEARN CREATE
DISCOVER
Learn LabVIEW Basics
the application development
environment (ADE)
for your application.
about hardware features
or review device
specifications.
custom applications with
an application programming
interface (API).
NI-RFmx Examples*
NI-RFSA and NI-RFSG
Examples*
ni.com/vstgettingstarted
Services
ni.com/services
NI Community
ni.com/community
Support
ni.com/support
more about your products through ni.com.
Located online at ni.com/manuals Located online at ni.com/gettingstarted
RF Solutions
ni.com/rf
NI PXIe-5840
Specifications*
NI RF Vector Signal
Transceivers Help* †
†
Tip The NI RF Vector Signal Transceivers Help, available at ni.com/manuals, is an
HTML version of a traditional user manual that includes detailed information about
RF fundamentals, device features, and programming for vector signal transceivers.
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