National Instruments PXIe-5696 User manual
GETTING STARTED GUIDE
NI PXIe-5696
250 kHz to 20 GHz Amplitude Extender
Note Before you begin, install and configure your chassis and controller.
This document explains how to install, configure, and test the NI PXIe-5696 (NI 5696) as a
20 GHz amplitude extender (AE) module to the NI PXIe-5654 (NI 5654) RF signal generator.
The NI 5696 ships with the NI-RFSG instrument driver, which you use to program the device.
Note The NI 5696 AE module is supported for use with only the NI 5654 RF
signal generator.
To access NI 5696 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 5696 has been in use, it may exceed safe handling
temperatures and cause burns. Allow the NI 5696 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................................................................................................ 3
Preparing the Environment....................................................................................................... 4
Installing the Software.............................................................................................................. 4
Installing the NI 5696............................................................................................................... 5
Direct Connections to the NI 5696................................................................................... 6
Connecting to the NI 5654................................................................................................ 7
NI 5696 Amplitude Extender Module.............................................................................. 9
Configuring the NI 5696 in MAX...........................................................................................11
Programming the NI 5696.......................................................................................................12
NI-RFSG Examples........................................................................................................ 13
Generating a Signal Using the NI-RFSG Soft Front Panel.............................................14
Building a Basic NI-RFSG Application..........................................................................14
Troubleshooting...................................................................................................................... 18
Why Is the ACCESS LED Off When the Chassis is On?...............................................18
What Should I Do if the NI 5696 Doesn't Appear in MAX?..........................................18
What Should I Do if the Module Fails the Self-Test?.....................................................19
Where to Go Next................................................................................................................... 20
Worldwide Support and Services............................................................................................ 20
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).
Verifying the System Requirements
To use the NI-RFSG instrument driver, your system must meet certain requirements.
Refer to the product readme, which is available on the driver software media or online at
ni.com/manuals, for more information about minimum system requirements,
recommended system, and supported application development environments (ADEs).
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| ni.com | NI PXIe-5696 Getting Started Guide
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.
Verifying the Kit Contents
Figure 1. NI 5696 Kit Contents
1
4 5 6 7
2 3
250kHz - 20 GHz Amplitude Extender
ALCOU
+15VDC MAX
RFIN
+15dBm
MAX
ALLPORTS
50Ω
ESD
SENSITIVE
ACCESS ACTIVE
RFOU
ReversePower
+30dBm MAX
RFAM
OUT
ATTN
+30 dBm MAX
R
R
NI PXIe-56 96
TT
1. NI PXIe-5696 Amplitude Extender Module
2. Semi-Rigid SMA-to-SMA Cable, Labeled T, Part
Number 155082A-01
3. Semi-Rigid SMB-to-SMB Cable, Part Number
157672A-05
4. Driver Software DVD
5. NI PXIe-5696 Getting Started Guide (This
Document)
6. Read Me First: Safety and Electromagnetic
Compatibility
7. Maintain Forced-Air Cooling Note to Users
NI PXIe-5696 Getting Started Guide | © National Instruments | 3
Other Equipment
There are several required items not included in your device kit that you need to install or
operate the NI 5696.
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.
• An NI PXIe-5654 RF signal generator module.
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 5696 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-5654 Specifications at ni.com/manuals for complete
NI 5696 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.
4| ni.com | NI PXIe-5696 Getting Started Guide
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 5696
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 5696 amplitude extender module in the slot
immediately to the right of the NI 5654 RF signal generator 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
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
NI 5696 modules can be placed in PXI Express peripheral slots, PXI Express hybrid
peripheral slots, or PXI Express system timing slots.
NI PXIe-5696 Getting Started Guide | © National Instruments | 5
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.
Caution It is important to completely screw the device into the slot, both for
mechanical stability and for creating a solid ground connection, which reduces
signal noise. Improperly secured devices may affect the accuracy of device
specifications.
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 4
Direct Connections to the NI 5696
The NI 5696 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 5696 to avoid
damaging the device.
Note Do not apply external signals to the NI 5696. Applying external signals may
cause damage.
6| ni.com | NI PXIe-5696 Getting Started Guide
• Ensure you are properly grounded when manipulating cables or antennas connected to the
NI 5696.
• 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 5696,
ensure no signal transients are sourced to the NI 5696.
Connecting to the NI 5654
Figure 4. NI 5654 with NI 5696 Front Panel Interconnection
250 kHz–20 GHz Signal Generator 250 kHz–20 GHz Amplitude Extender
ACCESS ACTIVE
ACCESS ACTIVE
REF IN
1–20 MHz
±10 dBm NOM
17 dBm MAX
PULSE
IN
–0.5V MIN
+5.5V MAX RF AMP
OUT
ATTN IN
+30 dBm MAX
FM IN
±1 VDC NOM
±2 VDC MAX
AM IN
±1 VDC NOM
±2 VDC MAX
ALC IN
±15 VDC MAX
ALC OUT
±15 VDC MAX
RF OUT
Reverse Power
±30 dBm MAX
RF IN
±15 dBm
MAX
RF OUT
250 kHz –
20 GHz
REF OUT
10 MHz
5 dBm ±2 dBm NOM
REF OUT 2
100 MHz
5 dBm ±2 dBm NOM
TRIG
IN/OUT
3.3V CMOS
IN/OUT
–0.5V MIN IN
5.5V MAX IN
ESD
SENSITIVE
ALL PORTS
50 Ω
ESD
SENSITIVE
ALL PORTS
50 Ω
1
2
1. Semi-Rigid SMB-to-SMB Cable
2. Semi-Rigid SMA-to-SMA Cable, Labeled T
1. Use the SMB-to-SMB cable to connect the ALC OUT connector on the NI 5696 front
panel to the ALC IN connector on the NI 5654 front panel.
2. Use Cable T to connect the RF OUT connector on the NI 5654 front panel to the RF IN
connector on the NI 5696 front panel.
NI PXIe-5696 Getting Started Guide | © National Instruments | 7
3. Hand-tighten all SMA cable ends on the SMA connectors. The cable connectors should
tighten without much torque or effort.
4. Carefully complete tightening all SMA connectors to 1 N · m using an appropriate torque
wrench or torque screwdriver and SMA driver bit (not included). 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.
5. Power on your PXI Express chassis and controller system.
6. 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 5696 in MAX on page 11
8| ni.com | NI PXIe-5696 Getting Started Guide
NI 5696 Amplitude Extender Module
The NI 5696 amplitude extender contains five connectors and two multicolor LEDs.
Figure 5. NI 5696 Amplitude Extender Module Front Panel
250 kHz–20 GHz Amplitude Extender
ACCESS ACTIVE
ALC OUT
±15 VDC MAX
RF OUT
Reverse Power
±30 dBm MAX
RF IN
±15 dBm
MAX
ESD
SENSITIVE
ALL PORTS
50 Ω
RF AMP
OUT
ATTN IN
+30 dBm MAX
Table 1. 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, turn off power to the product before connecting cables and
employ industry-standard ESD prevention measures during installation, maintenance,
and operation.
NI PXIe-5696 Getting Started Guide | © National Instruments | 9
Table 2. NI 5696 Front Panel Connectors
Connector Use
RF AMP OUT Output terminal that routes the amplified output signal to the ATTN IN
connector.
Caution Do not disconnect the cable that connects
RF AMP OUT to ATTN IN. Removing the cable from or
tampering with the RF AMP OUT or ATTN IN front panel
connectors voids the product calibration, and specifications are
no longer warranted.
ATTN IN Input terminal that connects to the RF AMP OUT connector.
Caution Do not disconnect the cable that connects
RF AMP OUT to ATTN IN. Removing the cable from or
tampering with the RF AMP OUT or ATTN IN front panel
connectors voids the product calibration, and specifications are
no longer warranted.
RF IN Input terminal that amplifies the incoming signal from the NI 5654 and
provides additional signal conditioning.
This terminal connects to the RF OUT connector of the NI 5654.
ALC OUT Output terminal that connects to the ALC IN connector of the NI 5654.
Caution Connect this output terminal to only the ALC IN
connector of the NI 5654. Do not connect this output terminal to
an external source or damage may occur.
RF OUT Output terminal for a leveled RF output signal over the specified power
range.
10 | ni.com | NI PXIe-5696 Getting Started Guide
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