National Instruments PXIe-5841 User Manual

GETTING STARTED GUIDE
PXIe-5841
6 GHz, 1 GHz Bandwidth, RF 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-5841. The PXIe-5841 is
an RF vector signal transceiver (VST) and ships with the following software options, which
you use to program the device.
• RFmx software
• NI-RFSA and NI-RFSG driver software
Notice The protection provided by this equipment may be impaired if it is used in
a manner not described in the documentation.
Contents
Verifying the System Requirements..........................................................................................2
Unpacking the Kit..................................................................................................................... 2
Preparing the Environment....................................................................................................... 2
Verifying the Kit Contents........................................................................................................ 3
Other Equipment............................................................................................................... 4
Choosing and Installing the Software....................................................................................... 5
Software Options...............................................................................................................5
Installing the Software...................................................................................................... 5
Installing the PXIe-5841........................................................................................................... 6
Direct Connections to the PXIe-5841............................................................................... 8
Hardware Front Panel Connectors and Indicators............................................................ 9
Configuring the Hardware in MAX........................................................................................ 11
Self-Calibration.......................................................................................................................12
Performing a Device Self-Calibration Using the NI-RFSA or NI-RFSG SFP............... 12
Locating the Software and Examples......................................................................................13
Software Locations......................................................................................................... 13
Programming Examples Locations................................................................................. 15
Making a First Measurement.................................................................................................. 16
Troubleshooting...................................................................................................................... 17
What Should I Do if the PXIe-5841 Doesn't Appear in MAX?......................................17
Why Is the ACCESS LED Off When the Chassis Is On?...............................................17
Where to Go Next................................................................................................................... 18
Worldwide Support and Services............................................................................................ 18

National Instruments PXIe-5841 Specifications

General

Category	Vector Signal Transceiver
PXI Platform	PXIe
Instantaneous Bandwidth	200 MHz
Number of Channels	2
Modulation Types	QAM, PSK
Sampling Rate	1 GS/s
Interface	PCI Express
ADC Resolution	14 bits
DAC Resolution	16 bits
Dimensions	3U PXI Express module

Summary

Verifying the System Requirements

Unpacking the Kit

Verifying the Kit Contents

Other Equipment

Choosing and Installing the Software

Software Options

Details the available software options for programming the PXIe-5841, including RFmx and NI-RFSA/NI-RFSG drivers.

Installing the Software

Instructions for installing NI software on your computer, including prerequisites like installing an ADE.

Installing the PXIe-5841

Direct Connections to the PXIe-5841

Hardware Front Panel Connectors and Indicators

Configuring the Hardware in MAX

Self-Calibration

Performing a Device Self-Calibration Using the NI-RFSA or NI-RFSG SFP

Details the steps to perform self-calibration using NI-RFSA or NI-RFSG Soft Front Panels.

Locating the Software and Examples

Software Locations

Provides information on where to find RFmx, NI-RFSA, and NI-RFSG software components across different development environments.

Programming Examples Locations

Making a First Measurement

Troubleshooting

What Should I Do if the PXIe-5841 Doesn't Appear in MAX?

Steps to troubleshoot issues where the PXIe-5841 is not detected in Measurement & Automation Explorer (MAX).

Why Is the ACCESS LED Off When the Chassis Is On?

Guidance on troubleshooting why the ACCESS LED on the PXIe-5841 might be off.

Where to Go Next

Worldwide Support and Services