National Instruments VRTS User manual

GETTING STARTED GUIDE

VRTS with 4 GHz Bandwidth

Automotive Radar Measurement and Object-Simulation System

This document explains how to install, configure, and test the Vehicle Radar Test System with

4 GHz Bandwidth.

The VRTS with 4 GHz Bandwidth and NI-VRTS instrument driver can be used to test

automotive radars at frequencies of 75 GHz to 82 GHz.

Contents

Unpacking the Kit..................................................................................................................... 1

Required Equipment................................................................................................................. 2

Verifying the System Requirements..........................................................................................2

Installing the Software.............................................................................................................. 2

Installing the Hardware.............................................................................................................3

Installing the VRTS with 4 GHz Bandwidth Modules..................................................... 3

Installing Antennas onto the mmRH-5591....................................................................... 4

Setting up the mmRH-5591.............................................................................................. 5

Cabling the VRTS with 4 GHz Bandwidth....................................................................... 5

Configuring the VRTS with 4 GHz Bandwidth in MAX..........................................................7

Programming the VRTS............................................................................................................8

NI-VRTS Instrument Driver............................................................................................. 8

NI-VRTS VIs.................................................................................................................... 8

Using the NI Example Finder........................................................................................... 8

Using your System with Software.................................................................................... 9

Removing the VRTS with 4 GHz Bandwidth Modules............................................................ 9

Module Front and Back Panels............................................................................................... 10

Where to Go Next................................................................................................................... 12

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.

Required Equipment

VRTS with 4 GHz Bandwidth configurations require a combination of the following hardware:

• PXIe-5551 Variable Delay Generator

• mmRH-5591 mmWave Radio Head and power supply

• PXIe-5841 Vector Signal Transceiver (optional)

• PXI Express Chassis

• PXI Express Controller

• Cables included in your product bundle(s)

– 0.15 m SMA-SMA cable(s), part number 763187-06

– 0.46 m SMA-SMA cable(s), part number 763187-18

– 1 m MINI HDMI-MINI HDMI cable(s), part number 143045A-01

– 0.12 m MMPX-MMPX cable(s), part number 763376-01 (optional)

The term system describes the modules and radio head assembled as described in this

document. There is no single system component labeled “VRTS with 4 GHz Bandwidth.”

Verifying the System Requirements

To use the NI-VRTS 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).

Installing the Software

You must be an Administrator to install NI software on your computer.

Ensure that you have installed the latest version of NI Package Manager. To access the

download page for NI Package Manager, visit ni.com/r/nipmdownload.

1. Install LabVIEW.

2. Install the latest NI-VRTS instrument driver.

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.

2| ni.com | VRTS with 4 GHz Bandwidth Getting Started Guide

4. If you are using a PXIe-5841, install the software described in the PXIe-5841 Getting

Started Guide.

Installing the Hardware

The Vehicle Radar Test System with 4 GHz Bandwidth is a modular system with a variety of

configuration options. This guide uses two example configurations to illustrate the hardware

installation process. Module placement and cabling varies depending on the modules that

comprise your system.

Installing the VRTS with 4 GHz Bandwidth Modules

Notice To prevent damage to the VRTS with 4 GHz Bandwidth caused by ESD or

contamination, handle the module using the edges or the metal bracket.

1. Ensure the AC power source is connected to the chassis before installing 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. Identify supported slots in the chassis.

• Place the controller in the first slot.

• Place the PXIe-5551 module(s) in the slots to the right of the controller.

• If you are using a PXIe-5841, place it in the slots to the right of the PXIe-5551

module(s).

Note PXIe-5551 and PXIe-5841 modules can be placed in PXI Express

peripheral slots, PXI Express hybrid peripheral slots, or PXI Express system

timing slots.

5. Touch any metal part of the chassis to discharge static electricity.

6. Ensure that the ejector handle is in the downward (unlatched) position.

7. 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.

8. Latch the module in place by pulling up on the ejector handle.

9. Tighten the screws on the front panel of the module.

10. Repeat steps 5 through 9 for all PXIe modules in your system.

11. Cover all empty slots using EMC filler panels or fill using slot blockers to maximize

cooling air flow, depending on your application.

VRTS with 4 GHz Bandwidth Getting Started Guide | © National Instruments | 3

Figure 1. VRTS with 4 GHz Bandwidth with One PXIe-5551, Installed Modules

LOW POWER

NI PXIe-1078

PXIe-8861

Embedded Controller

PXIe-5551

Variable Delay Generator,4 GHz BW

Pulse

ACCESS ACTIVE

10/100

/1000

ACT/

DRIVE

USER1

USER2

GPIB

FAULT

PWR OK / LINK

TRIG

RESET

RX IF2 OUT

ALL PORTS

50 Ω

+10 dBm MAX

RX IF2 IN

PFI 1

PFI 0

TX IF1 OUT

TX IF1 IN

+13 dBm MAX

REF IN

DIO

REF OUT

OBJ

2 3 4 5 H H

Figure 2. VRTS with 4 GHz Bandwidth with Two PXIe-5551 Modules and One

PXIe-5841 Module, Installed Modules

17 H

11 H H

12 H

13 14 H H

15 H

3 5 H H

STATUS PXIe-1084

PXIe-5551

VariableDelay Generator, 4 GHz BW

ACCESS ACTIVE

RX IF2 OUT

ALL PORTS

50 Ω

+10dBm MAX

RX IF2 IN

PFI 1

PFI 0

TX IF1 OUT

TX IF1 IN

+13dBm MAX

REF IN

DIO

REF OUT

OBJ

PXIe-5551

VariableDelay Generator, 4 GHz BW

ACCESS ACTIVE

RX IF2 OUT

ALL PORTS

50 Ω

+10dBm MAX

RX IF2 IN

PFI 1

PFI 0

TX IF1 OUT

TX IF1 IN

+13dBm MAX

REF IN

DIO

REF OUT

OBJ

PXIe-8861

Embedded Controller

Pulse

10/100

/1000

ACT/

DRIVE

USER1

USER2

GPIB

FAULT

PWR OK / LINK

TRIG

RESET

PXIe-5551

VariableDelay Generator, 4 GHz BW

ACCESS ACTIVE

REF

REF LO IN

LO OUT

LO IN

LO OUT

RF OUT

50 Ω

OUT

PFI 0

DIO

+33 dBm MAX

+15dBm MAX

RF IN

+33 dBm MAX

Reverse Power

Installing Antennas onto the mmRH-5591

Install antennas onto the mmRH-5591 prior to operation.

1. Locate the clips on the right and left sides of the plastic covering with integrated

microwave absorber on the front of the radio head and pry them outward.

2. Pull off the plastic covering with integrated microwave absorber.

3. Place the antenna over one of the two waveguides on the radio head.

4. Insert the four waveguide screws. Evenly tighten the screws.

5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 to attach the second antenna to the radio head.

6. Replace the plastic covering with integrated microwave absorber on the front of the radio

head.

4| ni.com | VRTS with 4 GHz Bandwidth Getting Started Guide

Setting up the mmRH-5591

1. Connect the radio head to the power source included in its kit.

2. Situate the radio head so that it is level and directly across from the radar under test.

Ensure that the distance between the radio head and radar under test is within the setup

distance range described in the VRTS with 4 GHz Bandwidth Specifications.

Cabling the VRTS with 4 GHz Bandwidth

1. Collect the cables that shipped with your VRTS modules and separate them by cable type.

2. Connect your modules and radio head as shown in the following figures.

Adhere to the following guidelines when cabling your system:

• Do not remove terminations from unused ports. If a cable connector is capped with a

termination, remove it to connect cables.

• Screws on all Mini HDMI connections must be tightened after they are connected.

• Tighten all SMA connections to 8 in-lb. to 9 in-lb.

Figure 3. VRTS with 4 GHz Bandwidth with One PXIe-5551 Connections

PXIe-8861

Embedded Controller

PXIe-5551

Variable Delay Generator, 4 GHz BW

Pulse

ACCESS ACTIVE

10/100

/1000

ACT/

DRIVE

USER1

USER2

GPIB

FAULT

PWR OK / LINK

TRIG

RESET

RX IF2 OUT

ALL PORTS

50 Ω

+10 dBm MAX

RX IF2 IN

PFI 1

PFI 0

TX IF1 OUT

TX IF1 IN

+13 dBm MAX

REF IN

DIO

REF OUT

10 MHz

TX IF1 IN TX IF2 IN RX IF1 OUTRX IF2 OUT

OBJ

REF IN

10 MHz

REF OUT

12 V 3.0A MAX

+10 dBm MAX

ACCESS

+–

ACTIVE

+10 dBm MAX

VRTS with 4 GHz Bandwidth Getting Started Guide | © National Instruments | 5

Table 1. VRTS with 4 GHz Bandwidth with One PXIe-5551 Connections

Cable Type Connection 1 Connection 2 Label in

Figure

0.46 m SMA-SMA PXIe-5551, slots 2 and 3,

TX IF1 OUT

mmRH-5591,

TX IF1 IN

PXIe-5551, slots 2 and 3,

RX IF2 IN

mmRH-5591,

RX IF2 OUT

1 m Mini HDMI-

Mini HDMI

PXIe-5551, slots 2 and 3,

DIO

mmRH-5591, DIO 3

Figure 4. VRTS with 4 GHz Bandwidth with Two PXIe-5551 Modules and One

PXIe-5841 Connections

PXIe-5551

Variable Delay Generator,4 GHz BW

ACCESS ACTIVE

RX IF2 OUT

ALL PORTS

50 Ω

+10 dBm MAX

RX IF2 IN

PFI 1

PFI 0

TX IF1 OUT

TX IF1 IN

+13 dBm MAX

REF IN

DIO

REF OUT

OBJ

PXIe-5551

Variable Delay Generator,4 GHz BW

ACCESS ACTIVE

RX IF2 OUT

ALL PORTS

50 Ω

+10 dBm MAX

RX IF2 IN

PFI 1

PFI 0

TX IF1 OUT

TX IF1 IN

+13 dBm MAX

REF IN

DIO

REF OUT

OBJ

PXIe-8861

Embedded Controller

Pulse

10/100

/1000

ACT/

DRIVE

USER1

USER2

GPIB

FAULT

PWR OK / LINK

TRIG

RESET

PXIe-5551

Variable Delay Generator,4 GHz BW

ACCESS ACTIVE

REF

REF LO IN

LO OUT

LO IN

LO OUT

RF OUT

50 Ω

OUT

PFI 0

DIO

+33 dBm MAX

+15 dBm MAX

RF IN

+33 dBm MAX

Reverse Power

10 MHz

TX IF1 IN TX IF2 IN RX IF1 OUTRX IF2 OUT

REF IN

10 MHz

REF OUT

12 V 3.0A MAX

+10 dBm MAX

ACCESS

+–

ACTIVE

+10 dBm MAX

1 2

4 5

6| ni.com | VRTS with 4 GHz Bandwidth Getting Started Guide

Table 2. VRTS with 4 GHz Bandwidth with Two PXIe-5551 Modules and One PXIe-5841

Connections

Cable Type Connection 1 Connection 2 Label in

Figure

0.15 m SMA-

SMA

PXIe-5551, slots 2 and 3,

TX IF1 IN

PXIe-5551, slots 4 and 5,

TX IF1 OUT

PXIe-5551, slots 2 and 3,

RX IF2 OUT

PXIe-5551, slots 4 and 5,

RX IF2 IN

PXIe-5551, slots 4 and 5,

RX IF2 OUT

PXIe-5841, slots 6 and 7,

RF IN

0.46 m SMA-

SMA

PXIe-5551, slots 2 and 3,

TX IF1 OUT

mmRH-5591, TX IF1 IN 4

PXIe-5551, slots 2 and 3,

RX IF2 IN

mmRH-5591,

RX IF2 OUT

PXIe-5841, slots 6 and 7,

RF OUT

mmRH-5591, TX IF2 IN 6

1 m Mini HDMI-

Mini HDMI

PXIe-5551, slots 2 and 3,

DIO

mmRH-5591, DIO 7

0.12 m MMPX-

MMPX

PXIe-5551, slots 2 and 3,

REF OUT

PXIe-5551, slots 4 and 5,

REF IN

PXIe-5551, slots 4 and 5,

REF OUT

PXIe-5841, slots 6 and 7,

REF IN

3. (Optional) Connect the controller to a monitor, as described in its Getting Started Guide.

4. Power on the chassis and controller.

Configuring the VRTS with 4 GHz Bandwidth 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-VRTS.

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.

VRTS with 4 GHz Bandwidth Getting Started Guide | © National Instruments | 7

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 hardware. Use this identifier when

programming the VRTS with 4 GHz Bandwidth.

5. Self-test the hardware by selecting the item in the configuration tree and clicking Self-

Test in the MAX toolbar.

The MAX self-test performs a basic verification of hardware resources.

Programming the VRTS

NI-VRTS Instrument Driver

The NI-VRTS instrument driver features a set of VIs and examples that exercise the

capabilities of the VRTS, including object simulation, object simulation with measurement,

and other system-specific functions.

NI-VRTS VIs

NI-VRTS includes a variety of examples and VIs for use with the VRTS with 4 GHz

Bandwidth.

Locate NI-VRTS VIs at Functions »Instrument I/O »Instrument Drivers »NI-VRTS .

Using the NI Example Finder

Use the NI Example Finder in LabVIEW to locate programming examples.

1. Launch LabVIEW.

2. Select Help » Find Examples to open the NI Example Finder.

3. In the NI Example Finder window, select the Browse tab.

4. Select the Directory Structure option button.

5. Navigate to instr » niVRTS .

6. Open the example that best matches your application requirements.

NI-VRTS includes the following examples:

•VRTS Basic Single Object Simulation.vi demonstrates how to simulate

an object.

•VRTS Basic Multiple Object Simulation.vi demonstrates how to

simulate multiple objects.

•VRTS Object Simulation and CHP Measurement.vi demonstrates how to

simultaneously simulate an object and perform a measurement.

8| ni.com | VRTS with 4 GHz Bandwidth Getting Started Guide

Using your System with Software

Beginning Object Simulation

Complete the following steps to simulate objects at frequencies within either Band 1, 76 GHz

to 80 GHz, or Band 2, 77 GHz to 81 GHz.

1. Use the NI Example Finder to locate NI-VRTS examples.

2. Select VRTS Basic Single Object Simulation or VRTS Basic Multiple Object

Simulation. Click Open.

Note Only systems containing more than one PXIe-5551 module support

multiple object simulation.

3. Follow the instructions on the VI front panel.

4. Run the VI.

5. Click STOP to conclude the simulation.

Taking a Measurement with the PXIe-5841

Complete the following steps to take measurements at frequencies within any of the supported

frequency bands.

Only systems containing a PXIe-5841 support measurement capabilities.

1. Use the NI Example Finder to locate NI-VRTS examples.

2. Select VRTS Object Simulation and CHP Measurement. Click Open.

3. Follow the instructions on the VI front panel.

4. Run the VI.

5. Click STOP to conclude the measurement.

Removing the VRTS with 4 GHz Bandwidth

Modules

To remove the VRTS with 4 GHz Bandwidth modules from a PXI Express chassis, complete

the following steps.

1. Power off the chassis.

2. Remove any cables that may be attached to the module front panels.

3. Unscrew the four bracket-retaining screws in the front panel.

4. Press the ejector handle down.

5. Slide the unit out of the chassis.

Module Front and Back Panels

Figure 5. mmRH-5591 Front Panel

mmRH-5591

76–81 GHz

Bistatic mmWave Transceiver

RX TX

Figure 6. mmRH-5591 Back Panel

10 MHz

TX IF1 IN TX IF2 IN RX IF1 OUTRX IF2 OUT

REF IN

10 MHz

REF OUT

12 V 3.0A MAX

+10 dBm MAX

ACCESS

+–

ACTIVE

+10 dBm MAX

Figure 7. PXIe-5551 Front Panel

PXIe-5551

Variable Delay Generator, 4 GHz BW

ACCESS ACTIVE

RX IF2 OUT

ALL PORTS

50 Ω

+10 dBm MAX

RX IF2 IN

PFI 1

PFI 0

TX IF1 OUT

TX IF1 IN

+13 dBm MAX

REF IN

DIO

REF OUT

OBJ

10 | ni.com | VRTS with 4 GHz Bandwidth Getting Started Guide

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