NI PXIe-4135 - User Manual

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GETTING STARTED GUIDE

PXIe-4135

PXIe, ±200 V, ±1 A (DC)/±3 A (Pulsed), 10 fA Precision System PXI

Source Measure Unit

This document explains how to install, configure, and test the PXIe-4135. Go to ni.com/r/

downloaddcpower to download the latest NI-DCPower driver software to program the module.

Note Before you begin, install and configure your chassis and controller.

Note In this document, the PXIe-4135 (40W) and PXIe-4135 (20W) are referred to

inclusively as the PXIe-4135. The information in this document applies to all

versions of the PXIe-4135 unless otherwise specified. To determine which version of

the module you have, locate the device name in one of the following places:

• In MAX—The PXIe-4135 (40W) shows NI PXIe-4135 (40W), and the

PXIe-4135 (20W) shows as NI PXIe-4135.

• Device front panel—The PXIe-4135 (40W) shows PXIe-4135 40W System

SMU, and the PXIe-4135 (20W) shows NI PXIe-4135 Precision System SMU

on the front panel.

Contents

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

Unpacking the Kit..................................................................................................................... 2

Kit Contents.............................................................................................................................. 3

Other Equipment............................................................................................................... 3

Preparing the Environment....................................................................................................... 4

Installing the Software.............................................................................................................. 4

Installing the PXIe-4135........................................................................................................... 4

PXIe-4135 Pinout......................................................................................................................8

Accessories..............................................................................................................................10

Configuring the PXIe-4135 in MAX...................................................................................... 10

Testing the Safety Interlock.....................................................................................................11

Testing with an Application Development Environment................................................11

Testing with the NI-DCPower Soft Front Panel..............................................................11

Self-Calibrating the PXIe-4135.............................................................................................. 12

Programming the PXIe-4135.................................................................................................. 13

Need help?

Do you have a question about the NI PXIe-4135 and is the answer not in the manual?

The PXIe-4135 is a 10 fA Precision System PXI Source Measure Unit (SMU) designed for high-precision sourcing and measurement applications. It is available in two versions: a 40W model (PXIe-4135 40W System SMU) and a 20W model (NI PXIe-4135 Precision System SMU). Both versions offer a voltage range of ±200 V and a current range of ±1 A (DC) or ±3 A (Pulsed).

Function Description:

The PXIe-4135 is a PXI Express module that integrates sourcing and measurement capabilities into a single instrument. It is designed to provide precise control over voltage and current, as well as accurate measurement of these parameters. The device is compatible with PXI Express peripheral slots, PXI Express hybrid peripheral slots, or PXI Express system timing slots within a PXI Express chassis. It requires the NI-DCPower instrument driver software for programming and operation.

Important Technical Specifications:

Voltage Range: ±200 V
Current Range: ±1 A (DC) / ±3 A (Pulsed)
Precision: 10 fA
Maximum Altitude: 2,000 m (800 mbar) at 25 °C ambient temperature
Pollution Degree: 2
Operating Temperature: 0 °C to 55 °C
Storage Temperature: -40 °C to 71 °C
Operating Humidity: 10% to 90%, noncondensing
Storage Humidity: 5% to 95%, noncondensing
Safety Interlock: Supports a 3.3 V MAX safety interlock system with an acceptable AWG range of 16-24 for the safety interlock cable. The required wire strip length for the safety interlock cable is 7.5 mm (0.295 in.) minimum and 10 mm (0.394 in.) absolute maximum.
Connectors: Features triaxial connectors for Output HI, Output LO, Sense HI, Sense LO, and Guard. It also includes a Safety Interlock Input Connector and a LO/Sense LO Output Connector Assembly.
LED Indicators:
- Access Status LED (A):
  - Off: Not Powered
  - Green: Powered
  - Amber: Device is being accessed
- Voltage Status LED (B):
  - Off: Device output is disconnected from the voltage generation source through output disconnect relays. (Safety Interlock State: Either open or closed.)
  - Green: Device output is connected to the voltage generation source and <42.4 V DC is present. (Safety Interlock State: Open; only <42.4 V DC is present.)
  - Amber: Device output is connected to the voltage generation source and ≥42.4 V DC is present. High voltage may be generated by the device itself or an external device. (Safety Interlock State: Closed; instrument can output up to its maximum voltage.)
  - Red: Device has a fault or is in error due to the voltage generated or measured by the device. High voltage may be present on the device. (Safety Interlock State: Open, and instrument is programmed to output ≥42.4 V DC.)

Usage Features:

Installation: The PXIe-4135 is installed into a PXI Express chassis. Proper handling using the edges or metal bracket is recommended to prevent ESD or contamination. The AC power source must be connected to the chassis before installation. The module is secured to the chassis using front-panel mounting screws, which also improve signal quality and electromagnetic performance.
Software Control: The module is programmed using the NI-DCPower driver software. It can be configured using Measurement & Automation Explorer (MAX), which identifies the hardware and allows for self-testing.
Interactive Operation: Users can generate signals interactively using InstrumentStudio or program the device in a supported Application Development Environment (ADE) such as LabVIEW, LabWindows/CVI, or C/C++.
InstrumentStudio: This software-based soft front panel application, automatically installed with the NI-DCPower driver on a 64-bit system, allows users to monitor, control, and record measurements from supported devices. It can be launched from the Windows start menu or MAX.
Safety Interlock: The device features a safety interlock system to ensure operator safety, especially when dealing with high voltages. The safety interlock input must be wired to a test fixture that ensures operator safety. The system should be periodically tested for proper functionality, with a recommended interval of at least once per day of continuous usage.
Output Connections: Triaxial cables are used for output connections, and the LO/Sense LO connector assembly is attached to the module. For specified EMC performance, twisted, shielded pair cables (e.g., Belden 83321E) are recommended for the LO/Sense LO connector.

Maintenance Features:

Self-Test: MAX allows for a basic verification of hardware resources through a self-test function. If the module fails the self-test, troubleshooting steps include restarting the system, performing self-calibration, and reinstalling the module.
Self-Calibration: The PXIe-4135 should be self-calibrated to adjust for variations in the module environment. A complete self-calibration is recommended after the initial installation, after any module in the same chassis is installed, uninstalled, or moved, when the ambient temperature varies by more than ±5 °C from the last calibration, and within 24 hours of the previous self-calibration. A warm-up period of 30 minutes is required before self-calibration.
Troubleshooting: The manual provides guidance for common issues such as the device not appearing in MAX or the ACCESS LED being off. It directs users to check the Device Manager, reinstall software, and inspect for physical damage.
Support: NI offers support resources including documentation, downloads, troubleshooting guides, tutorials, and examples via ni.com/support. Services like calibration, repair, and replacement are available at ni.com/services. Product registration at ni.com/register ensures users receive important information updates.