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Computer-Based
Instruments
NI 2590/2591 User Manual
NI 2590/2591 User Manual
November 2000 Edition
Part Number 322387B-01
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Worldwide Technical Support and Product Information ni.com National Instruments Corporate Headquarters 11500 North Mopac Expressway Austin, Texas 78759-3504 USA Tel: 512 794 0100 Worldwide Offices Australia 03 9879 5166, Austria 0662 45 79 90 0, Belgium 02 757 00 20, Brazil 011 284 5011, Canada (Calgary) 403 274 9391, Canada (Ottawa) 613 233 5949, Canada (Québec) 514 694 8521, China (Shanghai) 021 6555 7838, China (ShenZhen) 0755 3904939, Denmark 45 76 26 00, Finland 09 725 725 11, France 01 48
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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. The media on which you receive National Instruments software are warranted not to fail t
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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 industrial- commercial 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. (In Cana
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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. European Union - Compliance to EEC Directives Reader
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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
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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...........................................................
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Contents Appendix C Common Questions Appendix D Technical Support Resources Glossary Index NI 2590/2591 User Manual viii ni.com
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1 Routing Signals with Your NI 2590/2591 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, a1 × 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. In add
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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 PXIstartrigger. Refer to Chapter 2, NI 2590/2591 Operation, for more information on triggers. RF Switching Precautions The NI 2590/2591 is a reflective switch, meaning that any channels not switched to the common channel ar
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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.
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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.com
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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. NI-SWITCH features a set of operations and attributes that exercise all
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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.com
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2 NI 2590/2591 Operation 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. If
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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: General-purpose high-frequency relays Switch control circuitry Random scanning PXIbus interface Triggers NI 2590/2591 User Manual 2-2 ni.com
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CH0 CH1 COM CH2 CH3 Chapter 2 NI 2590/2591 Operation Front Panel MUX23 MUX01 MUX0123 Scan Memory PXI Triggers Relay Control Interface PXIbus Connector Figure 2-1. NI 2590 Module Block Diagram © National Instruments Corporation 2-3 NI 2590/2591 User Manual
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CH0 CH1 COM CH2 CH3 Chapter 2 NI 2590/2591 Operation Front Panel High– Frequency Relay 4 GHz Relay Module Control Lines DECODER Scan Memory PXI Triggers Relay Control Interface PXI Bus Connector Figure 2-2. NI 2591 Module Block Diagram NI 2590/2591 User Manual 2-4 ni.com
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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. Only one channel can be connected to the common channel at any time, and it is not possible to connect one channel to another cha
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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. There are two reasons for storing the commands in memory before the SCC can process them: Both the operate and release times
