National Instruments NI - User Manual

February 2007
373308G-01
GETTING STARTED GUIDE
NI Digital Waveform
Generator/Analyzer
This document explains how to install, configure, and test a National
Instruments digital waveform generator/analyzer and how to program it
using NI-HSDIO driver software. This document applies specifically to the
following devices:
• NI PXI/PCI-6541/6542 (NI 654x)
• NI PXI/PCI-6551/6552 (NI 655x)
• NI PXI/PCI-6561/6562 (NI 656x)
For more information about features and programming, refer to the
NI Digital Waveform Generator/Analyzer Help at Start»Programs»
National Instruments»NI-HSDIO»Documentation»NI Digital
Waveform Generator/Analyzer Help.
Refer to the specifications document that ships with your device for detailed
specifications.
The most recent versions of product documentation are available at
ni.com/manuals. Visit ni.com/idnet for the latest version of NI-HSDIO
driver software.
Contents
Conventions ...............................................................................................2
1. Verifying the System Components ........................................................4
2. Unpacking ..............................................................................................4
3. Verifying the Kit Contents.....................................................................4
Documentation...................................................................................5
EMI Gasket (NI PXI-655x Only).......................................................5
4. Installing the Software ...........................................................................5
Choose and Install Your ADE ...........................................................5
Install NI-HSDIO...............................................................................5
(Optional) Install the NI Digital Waveform Editor ...........................6

National Instruments NI Specifications

General

Brand	National Instruments
Model	NI
Category	Measuring Instruments
Language	English

Summary

Conventions

1. Verifying the System Components

2. Unpacking

3. Verifying the Kit Contents

Documentation

Lists included documents such as specifications and safety notes.

EMI Gasket (NI PXI-655 x Only)

Details the EMI gasket for NI PXI-655x devices and its installation.

4. Installing the Software

Choose and Install Your ADE

Guides users in selecting and installing an Application Development Environment (ADE).

Install NI-HSDIO

Provides step-by-step instructions for installing the NI-HSDIO driver.

(Optional) Install the NI Digital Waveform Editor

Information on installing the optional NI Digital Waveform Editor.

5. Installing the Hardware

Installing a PXI Module

Step-by-step instructions for installing a PXI module into a chassis.

Installing a PCI Device

Step-by-step instructions for installing a PCI device into a computer.

6. Configuring and Testing in MAX

Using the Test Panel to Generate and Acquire Data

Guide to using the MAX test panel for basic data generation and acquisition.

7. Connecting Signals

Connecting Cables and Accessories

Details required cables and accessories for signal connection.

Using Accessories

Explains accessory options for different device types and their use.

Single-Ended Accessories

Recommends specific accessories for single-ended NI digital waveform generator/analyzers.

Differential Accessories

Describes accessories for differential NI digital waveform generator/analyzers.

8. Programming the Digital Waveform GeneratorAnalyzer

NI-HSDIO Instrument Driver

Overview of the NI-HSDIO API for device programming and control.

NI LabVIEW SignalExpress Limited Edition

Introduction to SignalExpress for configuring and acquiring data.

NI-HSDIO Examples

Instructions on accessing and utilizing NI-HSDIO programming examples.

Appendix A: Device Front Panels

NI 654 x655 x Front Panels and Connectors

Details front panel connectors and pinouts for NI 654x and 655x devices.

NI 656 x Front Panels and Connectors

Details front panel connectors and pinouts for NI 656x devices.

Appendix B: Troubleshooting

Device Front Panel ACCESS LED on PXI Module is Off

Troubleshooting steps for the ACCESS LED being off on PXI modules.

Device Does Not Appear in MAX

Steps to take if the NI device is not detected in MAX.

Device Failed the Self-Test

Troubleshooting steps for a device failing its self-test.

I Received a Thermal Shutdown Error

Procedure to re-enable a device after a thermal shutdown error.

Performance Issues Using MXI Connection

Guidance for resolving performance issues with MXI connections.

Where to Go for Support