Computer-Based Instruments NI 2590/2591 User Manual NI 2590/2591 User Manual November 2000 Edition Part Number 322387B-01
Worldwide Technical Support and Product Information ni.
Important Information Warranty The NI 2590 and NI 2591 switch modules and accessories are warranted against defects in materials and workmanship for a period of one year from the date of shipment, as evidenced by receipts or other documentation. National Instruments will, at its option, repair or replace equipment that proves to be defective during the warranty period. This warranty includes parts and labor.
Compliance FCC/Canada Radio Frequency Interference Compliance* Determining FCC Class The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has rules to protect wireless communications from interference. The FCC places digital electronics into two classes. These classes are known as Class A (for use in industrialcommercial locations only) or Class B (for use in residential or commercial locations). Depending on where it is operated, this product could be subject to restrictions in the FCC rules.
• • Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected. Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help. Canadian Department of Communications This Class B digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment Regulations. Cet appareil numérique de la classe B respecte toutes les exigences du Règlement sur le matériel brouilleur du Canada.
Conventions The following conventions are used in this manual: <> Angle brackets that contain numbers separated by an ellipsis represent a range of values associated with a bit or signal name—for example, DBIO<3..0>. This icon denotes a note, which alerts you to important information. This icon denotes a caution, which advises you of precautions to take to avoid injury, data loss, or a system crash. This icon denotes a warning, which advises you of precautions to take to avoid being electrically shocked.
Contents Chapter 1 Routing Signals with Your NI 2590/2591 About the NI 2590/2591 ................................................................................................1-1 Triggers............................................................................................................1-1 RF Switching Precautions..............................................................................................1-2 Contact Protection.......................................................................
Contents Appendix C Common Questions Appendix D Technical Support Resources Glossary Index NI 2590/2591 User Manual viii ni.
Routing Signals with Your NI 2590/2591 1 This manual describes the electrical and mechanical characteristics of the NI 2590, a 1 × 4, 50 Ω, 1.3 GHz multiplexer module, and the NI 2591, a 1 × 4, 50 Ω, 4.0 GHz multiplexer module, for the PXI bus. It contains information concerning their installation and operation. About the NI 2590/2591 This section summarizes the features and operation of the NI 2590/2591 switch module; refer to Chapter 2, NI 2590/2591 Operation, for more complete details.
Chapter 1 Routing Signals with Your NI 2590/2591 The external trigger input trigger is generated by another instrument or by software and causes the NI 2590/2591 to advance to the next entry in the scan list. The triggers can be routed to any of the PXI TTL triggers or to the PXI star trigger. Refer to Chapter 2, NI 2590/2591 Operation, for more information on triggers.
Chapter 1 Routing Signals with Your NI 2590/2591 Connecting Signals The front of the NI 2590 module has five “push-on” SMB connectors for signal connections. The NI 2591 has five SMA female connectors. The center connection, labeled COM, is connected in a through path to one of the other four connections depending on the software instructions sent to the switch. NI 2590 Front Connector The following diagram shows the NI 2590 front connector. Table 1-1 describes the connector signals. 2590 1×4 1.
Chapter 1 Routing Signals with Your NI 2590/2591 NI 2591 Front Connector The following diagram shows the NI 2591 front connector. Table 1-1 describes the connector signals. 2591 1×4 4 GHz Mux 0 1 C O M 2 3 Figure 1-2. NI 2591 Front Connector Table 1-1. Front Connector Signal Description Signal Name Type Description CH<0..3> Input/Output Channels—Where signals are connected to the switch module COM Input/Output Common—The common for the respective channel NI 2590/2591 User Manual 1-4 ni.
Chapter 1 Routing Signals with Your NI 2590/2591 Software Choices You have several options to choose from when programming your National Instruments switch module. You can use the NI-SWITCH driver software or National Instruments application software. NI-SWITCH Driver Software The NI-SWITCH instrument driver is an Interchangeable Virtual Instrument (IVI)-compliant instrument driver that is bundled with the module at no cost.
Chapter 1 Routing Signals with Your NI 2590/2591 Third-Party Software The NI-SWITCH instrument driver also includes support files for Microsoft Visual C++ and Microsoft Visual Basic. See the NI-SWITCH Software Readme File for version support information. Cabling and Accessory Requirements National Instruments recommends the use of cables and accessories with 50 Ω characteristic impedance with the NI 2590/2591. NI 2590/2591 User Manual 1-6 ni.
NI 2590/2591 Operation 2 This chapter contains safety instructions and a functional overview of the NI 2590/2591 switch modules. It also explains the operation of each functional unit making up the switch module. Safety Instructions Cautions Do not operate damaged equipment. The safety protection features built into this instrument can become impaired if the instrument becomes damaged in any way. If the instrument is damaged, do not use it until service-trained personnel can check its safety.
Chapter 2 NI 2590/2591 Operation Functional Overview The following block diagrams illustrate the key functional components of the NI 2590 and NI 2591 switch modules. The major components of the NI 2590/2591 are as follows: NI 2590/2591 User Manual • General-purpose high-frequency relays • Switch control circuitry • Random scanning • PXIbus interface • Triggers 2-2 ni.
Chapter 2 NI 2590/2591 Operation Front Panel CH0 CH1 COM CH2 CH3 MUX23 MUX01 MUX0123 Scan Memory Triggers Relay Control PXI Interface PXIbus Connector Figure 2-1.
Chapter 2 NI 2590/2591 Operation Front Panel CH0 CH1 COM CH2 CH3 High– Frequency Relay 4 GHz Relay Module Control Lines DECODER Scan Memory Triggers Relay Control PXI Interface PXI Bus Connector Figure 2-2. NI 2591 Module Block Diagram NI 2590/2591 User Manual 2-4 ni.
Chapter 2 NI 2590/2591 Operation Relay Operation NI 2590 Operation The NI 2590 has four channels, CH0 through CH3, any one of which can be connected to the single common channel (COM) by closing the appropriate relays. You can control the relays individually, or you can use higher-level commands to energize the correct relays to connect a channel (such as CH0) to COM.
Chapter 2 NI 2590/2591 Operation Switch Control Circuitry The switch control circuitry (SCC) is responsible for opening and closing relays on the NI 2590/2591. You can load commands for the SCC into scan memory using the driver software you received with your kit. Consult the online help or your software documentation for specific information on the appropriate commands.
Chapter 2 NI 2590/2591 Operation intervention. You can configure the switch module to process the scan list once or to continuously loop through the scan list. PXI Interface You can configure and control your NI 2590/2591 switch module through the PXI interface, taking advantage of PXI features. The NI 2590/2591 uses the PXI TTL triggers to synchronize scanning with a measurement device such as the NI 5102 (PXI) 20 MS/s oscilloscope, or the NI 5411 for PXI arbitrary waveform generator.
Chapter 2 NI 2590/2591 Operation Modes SCANADV has two modes of operation. In its default mode, the SCANADV trigger asserts for 1 µs after the relay has debounced. You can also configure the switch module for handshaking mode, in which the SCANADV trigger goes high after a relay settles, and the SCANADV trigger goes low after the external trigger input asserts. You can use this handshaking mode for multiboard scanning.
Chapter 2 NI 2590/2591 Operation it possible to wire external triggers from/to only one switch module in the system, which simplifies the wiring scheme. The NI 2590/2591 does not support triggers on the front panel connector. If the trigger signal is external to the chassis, you must use a different National Instruments switch module, such as the NI 2503, as the master switch module. Note For more information, refer to the NI-SWITCH Software User Manual.
A Specifications This appendix lists the specifications for the NI 2590/2591 switch module. These specifications are typical at 25 °C unless otherwise noted. NI 2590 Input Characteristics Number of relays.................................... 3 Common-mode voltage Channel to earth .............................. 24 VDC Maximum switching voltage AC ................................................... 24 Vrms DC ...................................................
Appendix A Specifications for NI 2590 VSWR at: < 100 MHz.......................................< 1.15 < 500 MHz.......................................< 1.35 < 1.3 GHz ........................................< 1.5 Isolation: < 500 MHz.......................................< –62 dB < 1.3 GHz ........................................< –50 dB Risetime ..................................................< 300 ps Signal delay ............................................< 3 ns Maximum RF carry power at 900 MHz ....
Appendix A Specifications for NI 2590 PXI Trigger Bus Trigger lines ........................................... 8 Star trigger.............................................. 1 Power Requirement +5 VDC Minimum (all relays opened).......... 350 mA Maximum (all relays closed) .......... 0.6 A Physical Dimensions............................................. 10 by 16 by 4 cm (3.9 by 6.3 by 1.6 in.) Weight .................................................... 240 g (8.5 oz) I/O connector........................
Appendix A Specifications for NI 2591 NI 2591 Input Characteristics Number of relays ....................................3 Common-mode voltage Channel to earth...............................30 Vrms or DC Maximum switching voltage AC....................................................30 Vrms DC....................................................30 VDC Maximum switching capacity per channel DC....................................................30 VDC at 0.33 ADC AC...........................................
Appendix A Specifications for NI 2591 Note Refer to the safety information in Chapter 2, NI 2590/2591 Operation, for important information about using your NI 2591 with high-power signals. Dynamic Characteristics Relay operate time (at 20 °C) Typical ............................................ 15 ms Relay release time (at 20 °C) Typical ............................................ 15 ms Expected life Mechanical (no load) ...................... 5 × 106 operations Electrical at maximum switching capacity.
Appendix A Specifications for NI 2591 Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) emissions .............................Refer to the document supplied with the chassis for compliance to relevant directives. EMI..................................................FCC Class A compliant Maximum altitude...................................2,000 m Certifications and Compliances CE Mark Compliance See the Declaration of Conformity sheet accompanying product. NI 2590/2591 User Manual A-6 ni.
B Servicing Your Module This appendix describes procedures for servicing your NI 2590/2591 module. Replacing the NI 2590 Relay Module The NI 2590 is constructed so that the relay module can be replaced when the relays fail. The life of the relay is nominally 105 operations when switching the maximum rated load. You can order an RF 2590 replacement relay module for your NI 2590 from National Instruments. The replacement kit contains the fully assembled module.
Appendix B Servicing Your Module Follow these instructions to replace the failed module as shown in Figure B-1. 1. Ground yourself with a grounding strap or a ground connected to your PXI chassis. Properly grounding yourself prevents damage to your PXI module from electrostatic discharge. 2. Remove the two Phillips-head screws that fasten the NI 2590 relay module board to the module carrier. 3. Remove the hex nuts and washers from the SMB connectors on the front panel. 4.
Appendix B Servicing Your Module 3 2 1 1 Hex Nuts and Washers 2 Relay Module 3 Base Card Figure B-2. RF 2591 Replacement Relay Module Follow these instructions to replace the failed module as shown in Figure B-2. 1. Ground yourself with a grounding strap or a ground connected to your PXI chassis. Properly grounding yourself prevents damage to your PXI module from electrostatic discharge. 2.
C Common Questions This appendix addresses common questions you may have while using your NI 2590/2591 switch module. What should I do if the software detects the module but the switches do not switch? Verify that the switches do not switch. Close your application program and then launch the soft front panel as described in the Set up and Test document you received with your kit. The soft front panel shows the state of each relay on the module. Try closing and opening the switches.
Appendix C Common Questions Finally, verify that your code is correct. For reference, see the examples described in the NI-SWITCH Software User Manual. The NI-Switch driver also ships with several examples in source code. Compare your algorithm to the ones in the examples. Do I need to program the switch module myself? The NI 2590/2591 comes with the NI-Switch driver software, which exports the full functionality of the module.
Technical Support Resources D Web Support National Instruments Web support is your first stop for help in solving installation, configuration, and application problems and questions. Online problem-solving and diagnostic resources include frequently asked questions, knowledge bases, product-specific troubleshooting wizards, manuals, drivers, software updates, and more. Web support is available through the Technical Support section of ni.com NI Developer Zone The NI Developer Zone at ni.
Appendix D Technical Support Resources Worldwide Support National Instruments has offices located around the world to help address your support needs. You can access our branch office Web sites from the Worldwide Offices section of ni.com. Branch office Web sites provide up-to-date contact information, support phone numbers, e-mail addresses, and current events.
Glossary Prefix Meaning Value p- pico- 10 –12 n- nano- 10 –9 µ- micro- 10 – 6 m- milli- 10 –3 M- mega- 10 6 G- giga- 10 9 Numbers and Symbols ° degrees Ω ohms % percent > greater than < less than A A amperes AC alternating current ADC amperes direct current ANSI American National Standards Institute © National Instruments Corporation G-1 NI 2590/2591 User Manual
Glossary B breakpoint a specified point in program code where the program pauses to perform some action; a breakpoint interrupt can be added to a scan list for debugging or other special needs. bus the group of conductors that interconnect individual circuitry in a computer. Typically, a bus is the expansion vehicle to which I/O or other devices are connected. Examples of PC buses are the ISA and PCI bus.
Glossary F flyback voltage the voltage spike generated the instant current stops flowing through an inductor H handshaking the use of two trigger lines between two instruments, such as a switch and a DMM, to synchronize their actions Hz hertz—the number of scans read or updates written per second I in.
Glossary R random scanning scanning the channels in a mux in any order reflective switch a switch architecture in which the unused channels are NOT terminated in the characteristic impedance of the system. The unused channels are open circuits.
Glossary V V volts varistor an electrical resistor whose resistance depends on the applied voltage VDC volts, direct current VI virtual instrument—(1) a combination of hardware and/or software elements, typically used with a PC, that has the functionality of a classic stand-alone instrument (2) a LabVIEW software module (VI), which consists of a front panel user interface and a block diagram program VSWR Voltage Standing Wave Ratio. The impedance match of the device to the overall system.
Index B E block diagrams NI 2590, 2-3 NI 2591, 2-4 environment specifications NI 2590, A-3 NI 2591, A-5 to A-6 external trigger input, 1-2, 2-7 C F cables and accessories, 1-6 certification and compliances NI 2590, A-3 NI 2591, A-6 CH<0..
Index physical specifications NI 2590, A-3 NI 2591, A-5 power requirement specifications NI 2590, A-3 NI 2591, A-5 programming. See NI-Switch instrument driver; software choices.
Index S input characteristics NI 2590, A-1 NI 2591, A-4 physical NI 2590, A-3 NI 2591, A-5 power requirement NI 2590, A-3 NI 2591, A-5 PXI bus interface, A-2 PXI trigger bus, A-3 RF performance characteristics NI 2590, A-1 to A-2 NI 2591, A-4 to A-5 switch control circuitry, 2-6 switches do not switch, C-1 system integration, by National Instruments, D-1 safety instructions, 2-1 scanner advanced trigger modes of operation, 2-8 overview, 1-1 purpose and use, 2-7 scanning common questions, C-1 to C-2 initi