Thermal Shutdown

NI-FGEN supports thermal shutdown capability for NI 5402/5406/5412/5421/5422/5441/5442 signal generators. This capability allows the signal generator to detect when it has reached a dangerously high temperature and to then power down, preventing damage to the device.

Air circulation paths, fan settings, and space allowances are several factors that can influence device temperature. To prevent thermal shutdown, follow the guidelines described in the Maintain Forced-Air Cooling Note to Users document that shipped with your device. Refer to your device specifications to find the correct operating temperature range.

In the event that the signal generator powers down, you are notified with an error message in one of the following ways:

• NI-FGEN returns an error when you use any of the VIs or functions that program the hardware or check hardware status, for example, the niFgen Commit VI or the niFgen_commit function and the niFgen Self Cal VI or the niFgen_SelfCal function.
• Measurement & Automation Explorer (MAX) returns an error message if you run a self-test on your device after it exceeds the thermal shutdown temperature.

To re-enable your device after thermal shutdown, use one of the following methods:

• Power down the computer or chassis that contains the signal generator.

  OR

• Call the niFgen Reset Device VI or the niFgen_ResetDevice function or perform a device reset in MAX. For more information about resetting a device in MAX, select Help»Help Topics»NI-DAQmx»MAX Help for NI-DAQmx within MAX.

Review the guidelines in the Maintain Forced-Air Cooling Note to Users document that shipped with the product and make any necessary adjustments to ensure that the digitizer is cooled effectively. The thermal shutdown error continues to be reported until the device is successfully reset.