National Instruments USRP-2901

GETTING STARTED GUIDE
USRP-2900/2901
USRP Software Defined Radio Device
This document explains how to install, configure, and test the following USRP devices:
• USRP-2900 Software Defined Radio Device
• USRP-2901 Software Defined Radio Device
The USRP-2900/2901 can send and receive signals for use in various communications
applications. This device ships with the NI-USRP instrument driver, which you can use to
program the device.
Contents
Verifying the System Requirements..........................................................................................2
Unpacking the Kit..................................................................................................................... 2
Verifying the Kit Contents................................................................................................ 3
Environmental Guidelines.........................................................................................................3
Environmental Characteristics.......................................................................................... 4
Installing the Software.............................................................................................................. 4
Installing the Software Using NI Package Manager.........................................................4
Installing the Software Using the Driver Download Page................................................4
Installing USRP-2900/2901 Devices........................................................................................ 5
Configuring the Device.............................................................................................................5
Confirming the USB Connection......................................................................................5
Changing the Device ID....................................................................................................6
Programming the USRP-2900/2901......................................................................................... 8
NI-USRP Instrument Driver............................................................................................. 8
NI-USRP Examples and Lessons......................................................................................8
Verifying the Device Connection (Optional).................................................................... 9
Troubleshooting...................................................................................................................... 10
Why Doesn't the USRP Device Appear in MAX?..........................................................10
Why Doesn't the USRP Device Appear in the NI-USRP Configuration Utility?...........10
Front Panels and Connectors...................................................................................................11
Direct Connections to the Device....................................................................................11
USRP-2900 Front Panel, Back Panel, and LEDs............................................................11
USRP-2901 Front Panel, Back Panel, and LEDs............................................................13
Where to Go Next................................................................................................................... 16
Worldwide Support and Services............................................................................................ 16

National Instruments USRP-2901 Specifications

General

Frequency Range	70 MHz to 6 GHz
Bandwidth	up to 56 MHz
Number of Channels	2
RX Channels	2
TX Channels	2
ADC Resolution	12-bit
Host Interface	Gigabit Ethernet
FPGA	Xilinx Spartan 6
Power Supply	12 V DC

Summary

Verifying the System Requirements

Unpacking the Kit

Procedure for safely unpacking the USRP device and its components from the antistatic package.

Installing the Software

Installing Software via NI Package Manager

Steps to install the NI-USRP instrument driver using NI Package Manager, a recommended method.

Installing Software via Driver Download Page

Alternative method to download and install the NI-USRP driver software from the NI website.

Installing USRP-29002901 Devices

Configuring the Device

Confirming the USB Connection

Changing the Device ID

Configuring Multiple Devices with USB

Programming the USRP-29002901

NI-USRP Instrument Driver

Troubleshooting

USRP Device Not Appearing in MAX

USRP Device Not Appearing in Configuration Utility

Front Panels and Connectors

Direct Connections to the Device

USRP-2900 Back Panel and LED Indicators

USRP-2901 Front Panel Description

USRP-2901 Back Panel and LED Indicators