GETTING STARTED GUIDE

NI Signal Generators
This document explains how to install, configure, and test National
Instruments signal generators for generating arbitrary and standard function
waveforms. This document applies to the NI 5401, NI 5402, NI 5404,
NI 5406, NI 5411, NI 5412, NI 5421, NI 5422, NI 5431, NI 5441, and
NI 5442 devices.
For more information about these devices, including signal generator
features and programming, refer to the NI Signal Generators Help at
Start»All Programs»National Instruments»NI-FGEN»Documentation.
This online document contains hardware information, concepts, a detailed
VI/function reference for the NI-FGEN instrument driver, and information
specific to your device. For the NI signal generator specifications, refer to the
specifications document included with each device.
For free downloads of the most current versions of documentation, visit
ni.com/manuals. For the latest version of NI-FGEN, visit ni.com/idnet.

Contents
Conventions ...............................................................................................2
1. Verifying the System Requirements ......................................................3
2. Unpacking ..............................................................................................4
3. Verifying the Kit Contents.....................................................................4
EMI Gasket ........................................................................................5
Other Required Items.........................................................................5
4. Installing the Software ...........................................................................5
5. Installing the Hardware..........................................................................6
Cooling Considerations for PXI and PCI Devices.............................6
Installing PXI Modules ......................................................................7
Uninstalling PXI Modules .........................................................8
Installing and Uninstalling PXI Express Modules.............................9
Installing PCI Devices .......................................................................10
6. Power On Your Computer or PXI Chassis ............................................11
7. Configuring and Testing in MAX..........................................................12
8. Setting up Synchronization for NI-DAQmx Devices in MAX..............14

July 2007
373313H-01
9. Generating Waveforms Interactively.....................................................15
Generating a Standard Waveform......................................................16
Generating an Arbitrary Waveform ...................................................17
Generating a Video Signal (NI 5431 Only) .......................................18
10. Generating Waveforms Programmatically ..........................................19
NI-FGEN Examples...........................................................................19
NI-FGEN Instrument Driver..............................................................19
NI Composite Video Generator (NI 5431 Only) ...............................19
11. Creating and Editing Waveforms ........................................................20
Appendix A: Front Panels..........................................................................20
NI PXI/PCI-5401 ...............................................................................21
NI PXI/PCI-5402/5406 ......................................................................23
NI PXI-5404 ......................................................................................25
NI PXI-5411/5431 .............................................................................27
NI PCI-5411/5431..............................................................................29
NI PXI/PCI-5412/5421/5422/5441....................................................30
NI PXIe-5442.....................................................................................32
Where to Go for Support ...........................................................................34

Conventions
The following conventions are used in this manual:
» The » symbol leads you through nested menu items
and dialog box options to a final action. The
sequence File»Page Setup»Options directs you to
pull down the File menu, select the Page Setup
item, and select Options from the last dialog box.
♦ The ♦ symbol indicates that the following text
applies only to a specific product, a specific
operating system, or a specific software version.
This icon denotes a tip, which alerts you to advisory
information.
This icon denotes a note, which alerts you to
important information.
This icon denotes a hot surface, which indicates
that a device may be hot. Touching the device may
result in bodily injury.

NI SIgnal Generators Getting Started Guide 2 ni.com

 This icon denotes a caution, which advises you of
precautions to take to avoid injury, data loss, or a
system crash. When this symbol is marked on the
hardware product, refer to the Read Me First:
Safety and Radio-Frequency Interference
document included with the device, for precautions
to take.
bold Bold text denotes items that you must select or click
in the software, such as menu items and dialog box
options.
italic Italic text denotes emphasis or a cross-reference.
monospace Text in this font denotes text or characters that you
should enter from the keyboard, sections of code,
programming examples, and syntax examples. This
font is also used for disk drives, paths, directories,
functions, filenames, and extensions.
monospace italic Italic text in this font denotes text that is a
placeholder for a word or value that you must
supply.
Platform Text in this font denotes a specific platform and
indicates that the text following it applies only to
that platform.
NI-DAQ mx devices The NI 5402/5404/5406/5412/5421/5422/
5441/5442 devices.
Traditional NI-DAQ The NI 5401/5411/5431 devices.
(Legacy) devices

1. Verifying the System Requirements

To use an NI signal generator with NI-FGEN, your system must meet certain
requirements. For more information on minimum system, recommended
system, and supported application development environments (ADEs), refer
to the NI-FGEN Instrument Driver Readme, which is available on the
NI-FGEN CDs.

Note After you install NI-FGEN, you can access the

NI-FGEN Instrument Driver Readme at Start»All Programs»
National Instruments»NI-FGEN»Documentation.

© National Instruments Corporation 3 NI SIgnal Generators Getting Started Guide

2. Unpacking
NI signal generators ship in an antistatic envelope to prevent electrostatic
discharge (ESD). ESD can damage several components on the device.

Caution Never touch the exposed pins of connectors.

To avoid damage when handling the device, take the following precautions:
• Ground yourself using a grounding strap or by touching a grounded
object.
• Touch the antistatic package to a metal part of your computer chassis
before removing the device from the package.
Remove the device from the envelope and inspect it for loose components or
any sign of damage. Notify NI if the device appears damaged in any way.
Do not install a damaged device into your computer.
Store the device in the antistatic envelope when not in use.

3. Verifying the Kit Contents

The following items are included in the NI signal generator kit:
❑ NI signal generator
❑ SMB-BNC cable (NI 5404/5412/5421/5422/5441/5442 only)
❑ NI-FGEN instrument driver DVD-sized case, which contains the
following items:
– NI-FGEN CDs, which include the NI Signal Generators Help
– NI Signal Generators Getting Started Guide
❑ NI Analog Waveform Editor CD. Eligible hardware kits receive an
activation license. (NI 5412/5421/5422/5441/5442 only)
❑ Other included documents:
– The specifications document for the NI signal generator
– Read Me First: Safety and Radio-Frequency Interference
– Maintain Forced-Air Cooling Note to Users (except the
NI 5401/5404/5411/5431 devices)
– Retrofitting Your PXI Module Note to Users
❑ (NI 5431 only) NI Composite Video Generator CD

NI SIgnal Generators Getting Started Guide 4 ni.com

EMI Gasket
The NI signal generator kit may also include an EMI gasket and the
Retrofitting Your PXI Module Note to Users that describes under what
conditions you should install the gasket. Refer to the Installing PXI Modules
section for more information about when you should install the gasket.

Other Required Items

In addition to the items contained in the kit, you need the following items to
install your signal generator:
❑ 1/8 in. flathead screwdriver
❑ Cables appropriate for use with your device
♦ For PXI devices
• A PXI chassis, a PXI/SCXI combination chassis,
or a PXI/CompactPCI chassis and chassis documentation
• A PXI controller or MXI bridge
♦ For PXI Express devices
• A PXI Express chassis and chassis documentation
• A PXI Express controller or a MXI-Express bridge
♦ For PCI devices
• A desktop computer with its documentation

Note If your application uses NI-TClk synchronization, you must

use a RTSI cable to connect the devices (PCI DAQmx devices
only).

4. Installing the Software

The NI-FGEN CDs, included with your device, install the instrument driver
for all NI signal generators. NI-FGEN CDs also include the FGEN Soft Front
Panel (SFP), which is an easy, interactive tool that helps you quickly begin
working with the NI signal generator.
To install NI-FGEN, complete the following steps:
1. (Optional) If you are developing an application for the NI signal
generator, install an ADE, such as LabVIEW or LabWindows™/CVI™.
2. Insert the first CD of the NI-FGEN CD set. The NI-FGEN installer
should open automatically.

Note If the installation window does not appear, navigate to the

CD drive, double-click the drive, and double-click setup.exe.

© National Instruments Corporation 5 NI SIgnal Generators Getting Started Guide

3. Follow the instructions in the installation prompts. For installation
troubleshooting information contact NI technical support or visit
ni.com/support.
(Windows Vista) Users may see access and security messages during
installation. Accept the prompts to complete the installation.
4. When the installer completes, a dialog box appears that asks if you want
to restart, shut down, or restart later. Select Restart.
5. If you are using a system running the LabVIEW Real-Time Module,
download NI-FGEN to the target using Measurement & Automation
Explorer (MAX). Refer to the Measurement & Automation Explorer
Remote Systems Help by selecting Help»Help Topics»Remote Systems
in MAX.
(NI 5431 only) Insert the NI Composite Video Generator CD into the
CD drive and follow the instructions in the installation window.

5. Installing the Hardware

Caution You must power off and unplug the computer or chassis
before installing the device.

To prevent damage to the device caused by ESD or contamination,

handle the device using the edges or the metal bracket. Refer to the
Read Me First: Safety and Radio-Frequency Interference document
for more information about handling your device.

Note You must install the NI-FGEN software before installing the
hardware.

Cooling Considerations for PXI and PCI Devices

Caution When installing an NI-DAQmx device (except the
NI 5404), follow the guidelines in the Maintain Forced-Air Cooling
Note to Users document included in the kit to ensure that the device
is cooled effectively.

Thermal Shutdown—If the device temperature rises above the maximum

operating temperature, the device shuts down and MAX or NI-FGEN
notifies you with an error message. For information about the operating
temperatures for your device, refer to the device specifications. To
re-enable the device after thermal shutdown, you must perform a hard reset,
using one of the following methods:

NI SIgnal Generators Getting Started Guide 6 ni.com

• Power off the computer or chassis that contains the device. After the
device has cooled, power on the computer or chassis and reboot the
controller, if necessary.
• Call the niFgen Reset Device VI or the niFgen_ResetDevice function.
• Perform a device reset in MAX. For more information about resetting a
device in MAX, refer to MAX Help for NI-DAQmx by navigating to
Help»Help Topics»NI-DAQmx»MAX Help for NI-DAQmx
within MAX.
Review the guidelines in the Maintain Forced-Air Cooling Note to Users
and make any necessary adjustments. The thermal shutdown error is reported
until the device has cooled to an acceptable operating temperature and has
been reset successfully.

Installing PXI Modules

To install the device in either a PXI chassis, a PXI/SCXI combination chassis,
or a PXI/CompactPCI chassis, complete the following steps:
1. Power off and unplug the PXI chassis.
2. (Optional) If you need to use the provided EMI gasket to reduce
high-frequency emissions, install it now. Refer to the Retrofitting Your
PXI Module Note to Users for more information about installing the
gasket.
3. Position the PXI chassis so that inlet and outlet vents are not obstructed.
For more information, refer to the chassis documentation.
4. Make sure that the ejector handle is in the unlatched (downward)
position.
5. Hold the PXI module by the ejector handle and slide it into an empty slot.
Make sure that the base engages with the guides in the chassis, as shown
in Figure 1.

© National Instruments Corporation 7 NI SIgnal Generators Getting Started Guide

 1

NI
PX
I-1
4 04
2

1 PXI Chassis 3 Screws

2 Ejector Handle 4 NI PXI signal generator

Figure 1. PXI Installation

6. Slide the module completely into the chassis and latch it by pulling up on
the ejector handle. Tighten the captive screws at the top and bottom of
the module front panel.

Caution Performance may suffer if both screws are not tightened

properly.

7. Verify that the PXI chassis fans are operable and free of dust and other
contaminants restricting airflow. Refer to the Cooling Considerations for
PXI and PCI Devices section for more information.
8. Plug in the PXI chassis.

Uninstalling PXI Modules

When removing PXI modules from the chassis, ensure that you are grounded
with a grounding strap or are touching a grounded metal surface. To avoid
ESD, do not touch the exposed connector pins or any exposed circuitry on
the device. When not in use, PXI devices should be stored in the original
antistatic envelope to avoid damage.

Hot Surface During operation, the metal surfaces of PXI devices

may become hot. Be careful when removing the device from the
chassis or when moving it to a different peripheral slot. When
removing the device, hold it by only the ejector handle and front
panel.

NI SIgnal Generators Getting Started Guide 8 ni.com

Installing and Uninstalling PXI Express Modules
To install a PXI Express module, follow the instructions in the Installing PXI
Modules section and install the module in a PXI Express slot of a
PXI Express chassis. Refer to the chassis documentation to determine which
slots are designated for PXI Express modules.

NI
PX
Ie-1
06
2Q

4
3

5
2

1 PXI Express Chassis 4 NI PXI Express signal generator

2 Ejector Handle 5 Chassis slot markings
3 Screws

Figure 2. PXI Express Module Installation

To uninstall a PXI Express module, follow the instructions in the

Uninstalling PXI Modules section.

© National Instruments Corporation 9 NI SIgnal Generators Getting Started Guide

Installing PCI Devices
To install the PCI device, complete the following steps:
1. Power off and unplug the PC.
2. Remove the PC cover.
3. Insert the device into an open PCI slot, as shown in Figure 3.

1 NI PCI Device 2 PCI Slot 3 Computer Chassis

Figure 3. PCI Installation

Tip To maximize airflow and extend the life of the device, leave
any adjacent PCI slots empty.

NI SIgnal Generators Getting Started Guide 10 ni.com

4. Secure the device with a screw.

Caution It is important to completely screw the device into the PCI

slot both for mechanical stability and for a solid ground connection,
which reduces electrical noise. Improperly secured devices may
affect the accuracy of device specifications.

Some computer manufacturers use a securing lever made of plastic

to secure PCI devices; such a lever is unacceptable and must be
removed. Use the screw provided in the kit to secure the device.
Otherwise, you must use a different computer chassis.

5. Verify that the computer exhaust fans are operable and free of dust
and other contaminants restricting airflow to prevent your device
from overheating. Refer to the Cooling Considerations for PXI and PCI
Devices section for more information.
6. Replace the PC cover.
7. Plug in the PC.

6. Power On Your Computer or PXI Chassis

Windows recognizes any newly installed device the first time you restart the
computer after hardware is installed. On some Windows systems, the Found
New Hardware wizard opens with a dialog box for every NI device installed.
Install the software automatically (Recommended) is selected by default.
Click Next or Yes to install the software for each device.
♦ PXI or PXI Express devices controlled using MXI—Power the PXI
chassis before you power on the PC.
♦ NI-DAQmx PCI devices—Verify that spread-spectrum clocking is
enabled in the PC BIOS. Refer to the PC user documentation for
information about how to verify this setting if it is available.

Caution Spread-spectrum clocking varies the clock signal to

spread the timing clock signal over a small frequency range.
Disabling spread-spectrum clocking may affect the accuracy
of the signal generator specifications.

© National Instruments Corporation 11 NI SIgnal Generators Getting Started Guide

7. Configuring and Testing in MAX
Complete the following steps to configure and test your device:
1. Launch MAX.
2. In the configuration pane, double click Devices and Interfaces and
expand the NI-DAQmx Devices folder.

Note If you are using a remote RT target, expand Remote

Systems, find and expand your target, and then expand Devices and
Interfaces.

♦ NI 5401/5411/5431—Expand Traditional NI-DAQ (Legacy)

Devices.

1 All signal generators except the NI 5401/5411/5431 are listed under NI-DAQmx
Devices. The NI 5401/5411/5431 are listed under Traditional NI-DAQ (Legacy)
Devices.
2 Only NI-DAQmx devices are listed under Remote Systems»Devices and
Interfaces.

NI SIgnal Generators Getting Started Guide 12 ni.com

3. Check that your device appears under Devices and Interfaces. If your
device does not appear, press <F5> to refresh the view in MAX. If the
device is still not recognized, refer to ni.com/support.

Note If you are using a MXI interface to control a PXI or

PXI Express chassis and encounter performance or initialization
issues, refer to your MXI documentation to verify the system
requirements and to ensure that the MXI interface is properly
configured. Software optimization might be necessary. For MXI-3
optimization, select Start»All Programs»National Instruments
MXI-3»MXI-3 Optimization. MXI-4 and MXI-Express
optimization is performed automatically by the hardware.

4. Perform a device self-test to verify installation.

♦ NI-DAQmx Devices—Right-click the device and select Self-Test.
♦ Traditional NI-DAQ (Legacy) Devices—Right-click the device,
select Properties, and click Test Resources.
A dialog box appears and indicates whether the device passed the test.
When the self-test finishes, a message indicates either successful
verification or that an error occurred.

Note If the device does not pass the self-test, reboot your system
and repeat steps 1 through 4 in section 7. Configuring and Testing
in MAX. If the device still does not pass the self-test, visit
NI Technical Support at ni.com/support.

5. Configure the device settings.

a. Record the device number or device name assigned to the device.
You need this number when programming the device.
♦ NI-DAQmx—The assigned device name is appended to the
device in its configuration tree label. For example, after
installing the NI 5421, the device configuration tree label may
appear as NI PXI-5421: "Dev1", where Dev1 is the device
name. When developing your application, the resource name for
your device is the device name MAX assigned to the device.
You can rename NI-DAQmx devices by right-clicking the
device and selecting Rename.
♦ Traditional NI-DAQ (Legacy) Devices
(NI 5401/5411/5431)—Select the device to see its properties in
the configuration view. The device number appears in the Value
column. When developing your application, the resource name

© National Instruments Corporation 13 NI SIgnal Generators Getting Started Guide

 for your device is DAQ::n, where n is the device number MAX
assigned to your device.

Tip To avoid modifying existing applications that use a Traditional

NI-DAQ (Legacy) device number, rename the assigned NI-DAQmx
device name to the Traditional NI-DAQ (Legacy) device number
used in your application.

b. (PCI only) Right-click the NI signal generator in the list, and select
Properties.
c. (PCI only) Select the appropriate tab to set the configuration options.
The configuration options you see depend on the device.
d. Click OK to close the window.

8. Setting up Synchronization for NI-DAQmx

Devices in MAX
If you plan to share triggers or clocks for the purpose of synchronizing
NI-DAQmx devices, you must identify or configure certain components
in MAX.
Note The following steps are required for any type of
synchronization, including NI-TClk synchronization, involving
an NI-DAQmx device. For information about NI-TClk
synchronization, refer to Programming»NI-TClk
Synchronization Help in the NI Signal Generators Help.

♦ PXI devices—Identify the PXI system controller by completing the

following steps:
1. In the MAX Configuration tree under Devices and Interfaces,
right-click PXI System»Identify As and select your controller from
the list. For example, select External PC if you are using a MXI-3
or MXI-4 controller in an external PC.
2. Expand the PXI System tree and select the chassis name to identify
the chassis you are using.
♦ PXI Express devices controlled using MXI-Express—Identify the
PXI Express system controller in the MAX Configuration tree under
Devices and Interfaces by right-clicking PXI System»Identify As and
selecting External PC. Your chassis will be automatically identified.
♦ PXI Express controller—PXI Express controllers installed in a
PXI Express chassis are automatically identified in MAX.

NI SIgnal Generators Getting Started Guide 14 ni.com

♦ PCI devices—Configure the RTSI cable by completing the following
steps:
1. Connect a RTSI cable between the PCI devices to physically share
triggers or clocks.
2. In the MAX Configuration tree under Devices and Interfaces,
right-click NI-DAQmx Devices.
3. Select Create New NI-DAQmx Device»RTSI Cable.
4. To add a device to a RTSI cable, right-click on the RTSI cable name
in the Configuration tree and select Add Device to RTSI Cable.

9. Generating Waveforms Interactively

You can interactively generate arbitrary and standard function waveforms
using the FGEN SFP. NI 5431 users can use the NI Composite Video
Generator in LabVIEW to interactively generate video signals.

Figure 4. The FGEN Soft Front Panel

© National Instruments Corporation 15 NI SIgnal Generators Getting Started Guide

Generating a Standard Waveform
To generate a standard waveform using the FGEN SFP, complete the
following steps:
1. Launch the FGEN SFP from Start»All Programs» National
Instruments»NI-FGEN»FGEN Soft Front Panel.
2. Verify that the device you installed appears on the FGEN SFP display,
shown in Figure 4, or select Edit»Device Configuration (Figure 5) to
choose a different signal generator device from the drop-down listbox.

Figure 5. Device Configuration Dialog Box

3. Click the Standard Function Mode button show in the following figure:

4. Select the frequency, amplitude, offset, and type of waveform that you
want to generate.
5. Click the Run button shown in the following figure to initiate waveform
generation:

The FGEN SFP default settings instruct the signal generator to generate
a continuous sine wave at a frequency of 1 MHz, with a peak-to-peak
amplitude of 1 V into a 50 Ω load, and no offset. For more information about
the FGEN SFP, select Help»FGEN SFP Help or Help»Show Context Help.
For device-specific help, select Help»Hardware-Specific Help.

NI SIgnal Generators Getting Started Guide 16 ni.com

Generating an Arbitrary Waveform
To generate an arbitrary waveform using the FGEN SFP, complete the
following steps:

Note (NI 5401/5402/5404/5406 Devices) These devices do not

support arbitrary waveform generation.

1. Launch the FGEN SFP from Start»All Programs»

National Instruments»NI-FGEN»FGEN Soft Front Panel.
2. Verify that the device you installed appears on the FGEN SFP display,
shown in Figure 4, or select Edit»Device Configuration (Figure 5) to
choose a different signal generator device from the drop-down listbox
arrow.
3. Click the Single Arbitrary Waveform Mode button shown in the
following figure.

4. Click the Download Waveform button shown in the following figure to

download a waveform to the device onboard memory.

Select Load Waveform from disk. The Select File dialog box opens and
displays waveform example files.

Note You also can download a waveform by selecting File»Load

New Waveform. For the installation location of the example
waveforms, refer to the NI-FGEN Instrument Driver Readme.

5. Select arbMode-sine.lvm and click OK. The File Load dialog box
and Waveform Preview window launch. You can close or minimize
the Waveform Preview window.
6. In the File Load dialog box, select one of the following settings from the
Waveform drop-down listbox:
♦ NI-5411/5412/5431—sine, 16 MHz at 40 MS/s
♦ All other signal generators—sine, 40 MHz at 100 MS/s
7. Click OK.
8. Click the Run button to initiate waveform generation. To optimize the
sine wave shape, select Edit»Device Configuration, and change the
filter settings.
The FGEN SFP default settings instruct the arbitrary waveform generator to
generate a continuous sine wave, with a peak-to-peak amplitude of 1 V into
a 50 Ω load, and no offset. For more information about the FGEN SFP, select

© National Instruments Corporation 17 NI SIgnal Generators Getting Started Guide

Help»FGEN SFP Help or Help»Show Context Help. For device-specific
help, select Help»Hardware-Specific Help.

Note You can use the NI Analog Waveform Editor to create

arbitrary waveform files.

Generating a Video Signal (NI 5431 Only)

To generate a video signal using the NI Video Signal Generator Wizard,
complete the following steps:
1. Launch the NI Video Generator Wizard by selecting Start»
All Programs»National Instruments Composite Video
Generator»Video Generator Wizard.

Note To use the NI Video Generator Wizard, the LabVIEW

Run-Time Engine version 5.1.1 must be installed. You can
download this software at ni.com/softlib.nsf.

2. Complete the following steps to generate a video signal based on a

bitmap image using the factory settings:
a. Verify that the Device ID is set to the device number previously
configured in MAX.
b. Select Load BMP file and compute video data.
c. Click Browse.
d. Double-click the appropriate directory from the following choices:
• For NTSC users, double-click the 640x480 or the 1044x480
directory.
• For PAL and SECAM users, double-click the 768x576 or the
1040x576 directory.

Note For information about video data file formats, refer to the
NI Signal Generators Help.

e. Double-click any of the example .bmp files. The bitmap image file
path appears in the BMP Input File Path control box.
f. Select Use factory settings. This option applies the default video
parameters to the video signal you want to generate.
g. Select M-NTSC, Standard-PAL, or SECAM, depending on the
video format you want to generate.
h. Select Download video data file. This option downloads the binary
video data from your computer to the NI 5431 device.

NI SIgnal Generators Getting Started Guide 18 ni.com

 Note To display the .bmp file on your computer monitor, enable
Display BMP.

i. Click Finish. The Processing dialog box appears displaying the

processing status.
Based on the .bmp file you selected, the NI Video Generator Wizard
calculates either NTSC, PAL, or SECAM video data, downloads the
calculated data to the NI 5431 device, and automatically starts generating
the video signal on the VIDEO OUT connector.

10. Generating Waveforms Programmatically

You can control your signal generator programmatically with an ADE using
the supplied NI-FGEN Interchangeable Virtual Instrument (IVI) driver. You
also can run the NI-FGEN examples to demonstrate the functionality of your
device.
For more information about programming with NI-FGEN, refer to the
NI Signal Generators Help.

NI-FGEN Examples
The NI-FGEN examples demonstrate some of the functionality of the
NI signal generators that you can use or integrate into your applications.
These examples serve as interactive tools, programming models, and
building blocks for your own applications.
To search for example programs that you can use as a basis for your
first NI-FGEN program, LabVIEW and LabWindows/CVI users can use the
NI Example Finder. In LabVIEW and LabWindows/CVI, select Help»
Find Examples to launch the NI Example Finder. Examples for using
NI-FGEN with LabVIEW, LabWindows/CVI, and C are located at
Start»All Programs»National Instruments»NI-FGEN»Examples.
For the installation location of the example files, refer to the NI-FGEN
Instrument Driver Readme.

NI-FGEN Instrument Driver

The NI-FGEN API features a set of operations and attributes that exercise all
the functionality of the device, including configuration, control, and other
device-specific functions. Information about programming with NI-FGEN is
available in the NI Signal Generators Help.

© National Instruments Corporation 19 NI SIgnal Generators Getting Started Guide

NI Composite Video Generator (NI 5431 Only)
To programmatically generate video signals, use the NI Composite Video
Generator in LabVIEW. For information about programmatically generating
video signals, refer to the NI 5431 Composite Video Generator Help. Access
this help file by selecting Help»NI 5431 from the LabVIEW VI menu bar.

11. Creating and Editing Waveforms

The NI Analog Waveform Editor is an interactive software tool for creating
and editing analog waveforms. To view or edit existing waveforms, you can
open and resample data files saved in binary or ASCII file formats. Once
imported, you can view and edit your waveforms. You can also create new
waveforms by selecting from a library of more than 20 waveform primitives
or by entering mathematical expressions.

Figure 6. The NI Analog Waveform Editor

Tip The NI Analog Waveform Editor can be activated with the

serial number provided in the kits with an eligible hardware
purchase. You can also purchase the NI Analog Waveform Editor at
ni.com.

Appendix A: Front Panels

This section contains front panel connector figures and connector description
tables that describe the signal connection options for NI signal generators.

NI SIgnal Generators Getting Started Guide 20 ni.com

NI PXI/PCI-5401
The NI 5401 is a 16 MHz function generator for the PXI platform.
The NI PXI-5401 has four connectors—two BNC connectors and two SMB
connectors, as shown in Figure 7. Signal descriptions for the NI PXI-5404
are listed in Table 1. The NI PCI-5401 has four connectors—three SMB
connectors and one 50-pin digital connector, as shown in Figure 7. Signal
descriptions for the NI PCI-5401 are listed in Table 2.

NI PXI-5401
ARB
Arbitrary Function Generator
LOCK ACCESS

ARB OUT EXT TRIG

SYNC
PLL IN

PLL REF

SYNC OUT
PATTERN OUT

Figure 7. NI PXI/PCI-5401 Front Panel

© National Instruments Corporation 21 NI SIgnal Generators Getting Started Guide

 Table 1. NI PXI-5401 Front Panel Connectors

Connector Access Function

ARB OUT Output Provides the waveform output.
SYNC OUT Output Provides a TTL-level output of the waveform
being generated at the ARB OUT connector.
EXT TRIG Input Accepts a TTL-level signal that you can use to
start or step through a waveform generation.
PLL REF Input Accepts a PLL Reference clock from an external
source and can frequency lock the NI PXI-5401
Sample clock timebase to the external Reference
clock.

Table 2. NI PCI-5401 Front Panel Connectors

Connector Access Function

ARB Output Provides the waveform output.
SYNC Output Provides a TTL-level output of the waveform
being generated at the ARB OUT connector.
PLL IN Input Accepts a PLL Reference clock from an external
source and can frequency lock the NI PCI-5401
Sample clock timebase to the external Reference
clock.
PATTERN OUT Input Supplies the external trigger input to the device.
Refer to the NI Signal Generators Help for
connector pin assignments and signal descriptions.

NI SIgnal Generators Getting Started Guide 22 ni.com

NI PXI/PCI-5402/5406
The NI 5402 is a 20 MHz bandwidth,14-bit arbitrary function generator. The
NI 5406 is a 40 MHz bandwidth, 16-bit arbitrary function generator. These
devices have four BNC connectors, as shown in Figure 8. Signal descriptions
are listed in Table 3.

NI PXI-5402

ACCESS ACTIVE

CH 0
CH 0

REF
REF IN IN

SYNC OUT/
PFI 0 SYNC
OUT/
PFI 0

PFI 1
PFl 1

NI PCI-5402

Figure 8. NI PXI/PCI-5402 Front Panel (NI PXI/PCI-5406 devices are similar)

© National Instruments Corporation 23 NI SIgnal Generators Getting Started Guide

 Table 3. NI PXI/PCI-5402/5406 Front Panel Connectors

Connector Access Function

CH 0 Output Provides the waveform output.
REF IN Input Accepts a PLL Reference clock from an external
source and can frequency lock the Sample clock
timebase to the external Reference clock.
SYNC OUT/ Input/Output Provides a TTL-level output of the waveform
PFI 0 being generated on CH 0. It can also be
configured to accept a trigger from an external
source that can start or step through waveform
generation, or can route signals out from several
clock, event, and trigger sources. Refer to
the NI Signal Generators Help for signal
descriptions and routing information.
PFI 1 Input/Output Accepts a trigger from an external source that
can start or step through waveform generation, or
can route signals out from several clock, event,
and trigger sources. Refer to the NI Signal
Generators Help for signal descriptions and
routing information.

NI SIgnal Generators Getting Started Guide 24 ni.com

NI PXI-5404
The NI PXI-5404 is a 100 MHz frequency generator. The NI PXI-5404 has
five SMB connectors, as shown in Figure 9. Signal descriptions are listed in
Table 4.

NI PXI-5404
100 MHz Freq Source

ACCESS ACTIVE

SINE

CH 0

CLOCK

PFI 0

REF
OUT

REF
IN

Figure 9. NI PXI-5404 Front Panel

© National Instruments Corporation 25 NI SIgnal Generators Getting Started Guide

 Table 4. NI PXI-5404 Front Panel Connectors

Connector Access Function

SINE Output Provides a sine waveform of the desired
frequency output.
CLOCK Output Provides a TTL version of the sine waveform
being generated at the SINE connector.
PFI 0 Input/Output Accepts either a TTL signal to start waveform
generation, or provides an output to
synchronize—or trigger—other devices at
a certain time within waveform generation.
REF OUT Output Routes signals from the PXI backplane clock,
PXI trigger lines, or a divided-down version of
the internal NI 5404 clock.
REF IN Input Accepts a PLL Reference clock from an external
source and can frequency lock the NI PXI-5404
Sample clock timebase to the external Reference
clock.

NI SIgnal Generators Getting Started Guide 26 ni.com

NI PXI-5411/5431
The NI PXI-5411 is a 40 MS/s arbitrary waveform generator for the PXI
platform. The NI PXI-5431 is a video signal generator for the PXI platform.
The NI PXI-5411/5431 has six connectors—two BNC connectors,
three SMB connectors, and one 50-pin digital connector, as shown
in Figure 10. Signal descriptions are listed in Table 5.

NI PXI-5411 NI PXI-5431
Arbitrary Waveform Generator Video Generator
LOCK ACCESS LOCK ACCESS

ARB OUT EXT TRIG VIDEO OUT EXT TRIG

MARKER OUT MARKER OUT

PLL REF PLL REF

SYNC OUT SYNC OUT

DIGITAL VIDEO
PATTERN DIGITAL
PATTERN

Figure 10. NI PXI-5411/5431 Front Panel

© National Instruments Corporation 27 NI SIgnal Generators Getting Started Guide

 Table 5. NI PXI-5411/5431 Front Panel Connectors

Connector Access Function

ARB OUT/ Output Provides the waveform output.
VIDEO OUT
SYNC OUT Output Provides a TTL-level output of the waveform
being generated at the ARB OUT connector.
EXT TRIG Input Accepts a TTL-level signal that you can use to
start or step through a waveform generation.
MARKER OUT Output Sends a TTL-level signal that you can set at any
point in the waveform being generated. You can
use this signal to synchronize or trigger other
devices at a certain time within waveform
generation.
PLL REF Input Accepts a PLL Reference clock from an
external source and can frequency lock the
NI PXI-5411/5431 Sample clock timebase to the
external Reference clock. You also can use this
connector as a source of the device Sample clock
from an external device.
DIGITAL Input/Output Routes 16-bit digital pattern outputs, digital
PATTERN/ pattern clock output, marker output, external
VIDEO trigger input, and +5 V power output. Refer to
DIGITAL the NI Signal Generators Help for connector pin
PATTERN assignments and signal descriptions.

NI SIgnal Generators Getting Started Guide 28 ni.com

NI PCI-5411/5431
The NI PCI-5411 is a 40 MS/s arbitrary waveform generator. The
NI PCI-5431 is a video signal generator for the PCI platform. The
NI PCI-5411/5431 has four connectors—three SMB connectors and one
50-pin digital connector, as shown in Figure 11. Signal descriptions are listed
in Table 6.

SYNC
ARB

PLL IN
PATTERN OUT

Figure 11. NI PCI-5411/5431 Front Panel

Table 6. NI PCI-5411/5431 Front Panel Connectors

Connector Access Function

ARB Output Provides the waveform output.
SYNC Output Provides a TTL-level output of the waveform
being generated at the ARB OUT connector.
PLL IN Input Accepts a PLL Reference clock from an
external source and can frequency lock the
NI PCI-5411/5431 Sample clock timebase to the
external Reference clock.
PATTERN Input/Output Routes the 16-bit digital pattern outputs, digital
OUT pattern clock output, marker output, external
trigger input, and +5 V power output. Refer to
the NI Signal Generators Help for connector pin
assignments and signal descriptions.

© National Instruments Corporation 29 NI SIgnal Generators Getting Started Guide

NI PXI/PCI-5412/5421/5422/5441
The NI 5412 is a 100 MS/s, 20 MHz, 14-bit arbitrary waveform generator.
The NI 5421 is a 100 MS/s, 43 MHz, 16-bit arbitrary waveform generator.
The NI 5422 is a 200 MS/s, 80 MHz, 16-bit arbitrary waveform generator.
The NI 5441 is a 100 MS/s, 43 MHz, 16-bit arbitrary waveform generator
with Onboard Signal Processing (OSP). These devices have up to five
connectors—four SMB connectors and one 68-pin male VHDCI connector,
as shown in Figure 12. Signal descriptions are listed in Table 7.

NI PCI-54XX
NI PXI-54XX

ACCESS ACTIVE CLK

IN
CH 0

PFl
0
CLK
IN

PFl
1
PFI 0

PFI 1
DIGITAL DATA & CONTROL
DIGITAL DATA & CONTROL

CH
0

Figure 12. NI PXI/PCI-5421 Front Panel (NI PXI/PCI-5412/5422/5441 devices are similar)

NI SIgnal Generators Getting Started Guide 30 ni.com

 Note The Digital Data & Control connector is not available on the
NI 5412 or the NI 5421/5422 with the 8 MB memory option.

Table 7. NI PXI/PCI-5412/5421/5422/5441 Front Panel Connectors

Connector Access Function

CH 0 Output Provides the waveform output.
CLK IN Input Accepts a PLL Reference clock from an external
source and can frequency lock the Sample clock
timebase to the external Reference clock. The
signal input onto this connector can also be used
as a Sample clock source.
PFI 0 Input/Output Accepts a trigger from an external source that
can start or step through waveform generation, or
can route signals out from several clock, event,
and trigger sources. Refer to the NI Signal
Generators Help for signal descriptions and
routing information.
PFI 1 Input/Output Accepts a trigger from an external source that
can start or step through waveform generation, or
can route signals out from several clock, event,
and trigger sources. Refer to the NI Signal
Generators Help for signal descriptions and
routing information.
DIGITAL Input/Output Routes the 16-bit digital pattern outputs, digital
DATA & pattern clock output, trigger outputs, trigger
CONTROL inputs, and a clock input. Refer to the NI Signal
(DDC) Generators Help for connector pin assignments
and signal descriptions.

© National Instruments Corporation 31 NI SIgnal Generators Getting Started Guide

NI PXIe-5442
The NI 5442 is a PXI Express, 100 MS/s, 43 MHz, 16-bit arbitrary waveform
generator with Onboard Signal Processing (OSP). The NI 5442 has
four SMB connectors, as shown in Figure 13. Signal descriptions are listed
in Table 8.

NI PXIe-5442
100 MS/s AWG OSP

ACCESS ACTIVE

CH 0

CLK
IN

PFI 0

PFI 1

Figure 13. NI PXIe-5442 Front Panel

NI SIgnal Generators Getting Started Guide 32 ni.com

 Table 8. NI PXIe-5442 Front Panel Connectors
Connector Access Function
CH 0 Output Provides the waveform output.
CLK IN Input Accepts a PLL Reference clock from an external
source and can frequency lock the Sample clock
timebase to the external Reference clock. The
signal input onto this connector can also be used
as a Sample clock source.
PFI 0 Input/Output Accepts a trigger from an external source that
can start or step through waveform generation, or
can route signals out from several clock, event,
and trigger sources. Refer to the NI Signal
Generators Help for signal descriptions and
routing information.
PFI 1 Input/Output Accepts a trigger from an external source that
can start or step through waveform generation, or
can route signals out from several clock, event,
and trigger sources. Refer to the NI Signal
Generators Help for signal descriptions and
routing information.

© National Instruments Corporation 33 NI SIgnal Generators Getting Started Guide

Where to Go for Support
The National Instruments Web site is your complete resource for technical
support. At ni.com/support you have access to everything from
troubleshooting and application development self-help resources to email
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National Instruments corporate headquarters is located at

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NI SIgnal Generators Getting Started Guide 34 ni.com

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