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NI RF Power Meters Getting Started Guide

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ni.com

Figure 1.  

NI USB Power Meter Installation

6. Windows Device Recognition

After you install the NI RF power meter, Windows automatically recognizes a new device. You will see 
a Windows message appear in the Windows task bar that notifies you that a new device has been 
installed. You do not need to take any further action for Windows to recognize your device.

Note

During the Windows device recognition process, Windows assigns a COM number to your 

device. You can see the COM number that was assigned to your device in Measurement & 
Automation Explorer (MAX), under 

Devices and Interfaces

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7. Connecting Signals

Connect signals to the NI RF power meter hardware front panel Type-N connector to perform common 
power measurements. You can also use the Type N-to-SMA adapter to make the signal connection.

Note

You must zero the NI RF power meter before you take power measurements, particularly when 

the device operates within the lower 20 dB dynamic range of the device. Zero the NI RF power meter 
every time you connect it to a USB port. If you make frequent low-power measurements, check the 
sensor zeroing often, and repeat as necessary. 

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PXI Chassis

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USB Cable

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STATUS LED

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USB Connector

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NI RF Power Meter

NI PXI-1042

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Summary of Contents for USB-568 RF Series

Page 1: ...Other Required Items 3 4 Installing the Software 3 5 Installing the Hardware 3 6 Windows Device Recognition 4 7 Connecting Signals 4 Connector Care and Handling 5 8 Programming the NI RF Power Meter 6 NI 568x SFP 6 NI 568x Instrument Driver 7 NI 568x Examples 7 Appendix A Front and Back Panel 7 Appendix B Where to Go for Support 8 Conventions The following conventions are used in this guide The sy...

Page 2: ...nts recommended system and supported application development environments ADEs refer to the NI 568x Readme Before installing NI 568x you can access this file on the NI 568x software CD After you install NI 568x you can access this file at Start All Programs National Instruments NI 568x Documentation 2 Unpacking Remove the NI RF power meter from the package and inspect it for loose components or an...

Page 3: ...ting system 3 Insert the NI 568x CD into the CD drive The NI 568x installer should open automatically If the installation window does not appear navigate to the CD drive double click the drive and double click setup exe 4 Follow the instructions in the installation prompts For troubleshooting information contact NI technical support or visit ni com support Windows 7 Vista Users may see access and ...

Page 4: ...ssigned to your device in Measurement Automation Explorer MAX under Devices and Interfaces 7 Connecting Signals Connect signals to the NI RF power meter hardware front panel Type N connector to perform common power measurements You can also use the Type N to SMA adapter to make the signal connection Note You must zero the NI RF power meter before you take power measurements particularly when the d...

Page 5: ...re 2 Connecting the NI RF Power Meter to an SMA Cable Connector Care and Handling The NI RF power meter is a high quality precision laboratory device and should be carefully handled Follow the precautions listed in this section when handling or connecting these devices Complying with these precautions guarantees longer component life and lower equipment downtime due to connector or device failure ...

Page 6: ... the RF components To clean the connector interfaces use only denatured alcohol as a cleaning solvent Do not use excessive amounts of alcohol as this prolongs drying time Use low pressure compressed air to remove foreign particles and to dry the connector After cleaning verify that the center pin has not been bent or damaged Tip Most cotton swabs are too large to fit in the smaller connector types...

Page 7: ...ng started and other power meter functionality You can access NI 568x examples at Start All Programs National Instruments NI 568x Examples Appendix A Front and Back Panel The NI 5680 front panel has one connector The NI 5680 back panel has one USB port and the STATUS LED Refer to Figure 3 for an illustration of both panels of the device Figure 3 NI USB 5680 Front and Back Panel The NI 5681 front p...

Page 8: ...lectromagnetic compatibility EMC and product safety You can obtain the DoC for your product by visiting ni com certification If your product supports calibration you can obtain the calibration certificate for your product at ni com calibration National Instruments corporate headquarters is located at 11500 North Mopac Expressway Austin Texas 78759 3504 National Instruments also has offices located...

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