Performing Initial Hardware Configuration

Before using the PXIe-5433, use Hardware Configuration Utility or Measurement & Automation Explorer (MAX) to perform initial hardware configuration.

Configuring the PXIe-5433 in Hardware Configuration Utility

NI recommends using Hardware Configuration Utility to perform initial hardware configuration.
  1. Open Hardware Configuration Utility.
    The PXIe-5433 should appear in the system pane automatically.
  2. Record the name Hardware Configuration Utility assigns to the PXIe-5433 or, if desired, provide a custom name to the PXIe-5433.
    Use this name when programming the PXIe-5433.
  3. Validate that your instrument is installed correctly:
    1. Select the PXIe-5433 module in the system pane and expand the Troubleshooting area of the configuration pane.
    2. Click Self-test.
    Hardware Configuration Utility reports when the hardware setup is validated.

Configuring the PXIe-5433 in MAX

Use Measurement & Automation Explorer (MAX) to configure your NI hardware. MAX informs other programs about which NI hardware products are in the system and how they are configured. MAX is automatically installed with NI-FGEN.
  1. Launch MAX.
  2. In the configuration tree, expand Devices and Interfaces to see the list of installed NI hardware.
    Installed modules appear under the name of their associated chassis.
  3. Expand your Chassis tree item.
    MAX lists all modules installed in the chassis. Your default names may vary.
    Note If you do not see your module listed, press <F5> to refresh the list of installed modules. If the module is still not listed, power off the system, ensure the module is correctly installed, and restart.
  4. Record the identifier MAX assigns to the hardware. Use this identifier when programming the PXIe-5433.
  5. Self-test the hardware by selecting the item in the configuration tree and clicking Self-Test in the MAX toolbar.
    MAX self-test performs a basic verification of hardware resources.

What Should I Do if My Hardware Doesn't Appear in Hardware Configuration Utility or MAX?

  1. Check that the ACCESS/ACC LED on the hardware is solid green.
  2. Check if the connection between the hardware and software needs to be refreshed.
    SoftwareDescription
    Hardware Configuration Utility Click the refresh button (1378).
    MAX
    1. In the MAX configuration tree, expand Devices and Interfaces.
    2. Expand the Chassis tree to see the list of installed hardware and press F5 to refresh the list.
  3. If the instrument is still not listed, power off the system, ensure that all hardware is correctly installed, and restart the system.
  4. Navigate to the Device Manager by right-clicking the Start button and selecting Device Manager.
  5. Depending on your controller type, verify Device Manager settings.
    Controller TypeDescription
    PXI controller
    1. Verify that a National Instruments entry appears in the system device list
    2. If error conditions appear in the list, right-click the module you are using in the Device Manager and select Update Driver.
    MXI controller Right-click PCI-to-PCI Bridge and select Properties from the shortcut menu to verify that the bridge is enabled.
  6. Restart your computer.

What Should I Do if the PXIe-5433 Fails the Self-Test?

  1. Call the niFgen Reset Device VI or niFgen_ResetDevice function to reset the PXIe-5433 and then perform the self-test again.
    You can also perform a self-test in Hardware Configuration Utility or MAX.
  2. Restart the system, and then perform the self-test again.
  3. Power off the chassis.
  4. Reinstall the failed module in a different slot.
  5. Power on the chassis.
  6. Perform the self-test again.