Environment

Device performance and reliability may be limited at temperatures above the specified operating range. For best performance take the following precautions:

• Ensure that the ambient temperature is within the specifications for the device and is stable (±5 °C).
• Follow standard metrology practices.
• Use a PXI or PXI Express chassis with a well-designed cooling system.

Operating NI PXI and PXI Express RF signal generators outside the specified operating temperatures can increase bias currents in the electronic components, increase noise, accelerate drifts, and decrease product life. Beyond the maximum specified operating temperatures, the device may perform differently than during factory calibration, resulting in measurement errors. Also, operating the device outside of the humidity specification (>80%, >35 °C) may cause leakages between circuit components and introduce measurement error.

To optimize cooling and ensure best performance and reliability the use the following guidelines:

• Chassis that provide multiple fan speed settings should always be run with fans set on HIGH or AUTO, if applicable to your chassis. Never set the fans to LOW or turn them off.

Note  In newer NI chassis the settings are HIGH and AUTO, in some older NI chassis the fan settings may be HI and LO.

• All empty slots in the chassis should be occupied with a slot blocker or covered with a filler panel.
• Remove and clean the inlet filters often to prevent buildup of dust and other foreign material that may restrict airflow.
• The chassis should be located such that the fan inlets and outlet vents are not obstructed. Other objects and equipment should be kept a minimum of 3 inches from the fan inlets.

For more information about forced-air cooling, refer to your chassis documentation.