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F
Fieldbus
TM
OUNDATION
Getting Started with Your USB-8486 and
the NI-FBUS
Software for Windows
TM
USB-8486 for Windows
June 2010
372798B-01

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  • Page 1 Fieldbus OUNDATION Getting Started with Your USB-8486 and the NI-FBUS Software for Windows USB-8486 for Windows June 2010 372798B-01...
  • Page 2 Thailand 662 278 6777, Turkey 90 212 279 3031, United Kingdom 44 (0) 1635 523545 For further support information, refer to the Technical Support and Professional Services appendix. To comment on National Instruments documentation, refer to the National Instruments Web site at and enter ni.com/info the Info Code feedback ©...
  • Page 3 Instruments Corporation. National Instruments respects the intellectual property of others, and we ask our users to do the same. NI software is protected by copyright and other intellectual property laws. Where NI software may be used to reproduce software or other materials belonging to others, you may use NI software only to reproduce materials that you may reproduce in accordance with the terms of any applicable license or other legal restriction.
  • Page 4 Operation of this hardware in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference. Users are required to correct the interference at their own expense or cease operation of the hardware. Changes or modifications not expressly approved by National Instruments could void the user’s right to operate the hardware under the local regulatory rules.
  • Page 5: Table Of Contents

    Changing or Deleting Existing Interface Information........2-5 Importing Device Descriptions ..................2-6 Chapter 3 Starting the NIFB Process Beginning to Use Your NI-FBUS Software ..............3-1 Appendix A Specifications Appendix B Pinout Information Appendix C Troubleshooting and Common Questions © National Instruments Corporation USB-8486 for Windows...
  • Page 6 Contents Appendix D Technical Support and Professional Services Glossary Index USB-8486 for Windows ni.com...
  • Page 7: About This Manual

    About This Manual This manual contains instructions on how to install and configure the National Instruments USB-8486 and the NI-FBUS software. The USB-8486 is intended for use in computers equipped with a USB port. How To Use the Manual Set OUNDATION ™...
  • Page 8: Conventions

    About This Manual Conventions The following conventions appear 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.
  • Page 9: Related Documentation

    About This Manual Related Documentation The following documents contain information that you might find helpful as you read this manual: General Fieldbus Web sites: • Fieldbus Foundation—Responsible for the definition of the OUNDATION ™ Fieldbus specification. www.fieldbus.org OUNDATION ™ •...
  • Page 10: Introduction

    Configurator software. The NI-FBUS Communications Manager software is used by the interface boards to communicate over the bus. Additionally, it provides a high-level API advanced users can use to interface with the National Instruments OUNDATION ™ Fieldbus communication stack and hardware.
  • Page 11: Choosing Configuration Software

    (necessary if you are setting up a system for the first time). Your configuration software must match the interface card your computer is using to connect to the bus. National Instruments offers the NI-FBUS OUNDATION ™ Configurator with a National Instruments F Fieldbus interface card to let you configure your Fieldbus links.
  • Page 12 Chapter 1 Introduction Table 1-1 describes the National Instruments Fieldbus software. Table 1-1. National Instruments Fieldbus Software Software Application Short Name Description File Name NI-FBUS NIFB process This must be running nifb.exe Communications for you to use the Manager USB-8486 as a...
  • Page 13: Optional Fieldbus Network Tools

    Your kit includes either the NI-FBUS Communications Manager software, the NI-FBUS Configurator software, or both. In addition, you can order LabVIEW DSC and/or Lookout from National Instruments. If you have not already done so, you also can order the NI-FBUS Configurator.
  • Page 14: Installation And Configuration

    \drivers directory. The installation program also adds information to the Windows Registry. Continue to the Installing the Hardware section to configure and install your card. © National Instruments Corporation USB-8486 for Windows...
  • Page 15: Installing The Hardware

    Chapter 2 Installation and Configuration Installing the Hardware Operate the USB-8486 only as described in operating instructions. Cautions Do not unplug the USB-8486 when the software is running. 1 Desktop PC 2 USB-8486 3 DB-9 Connector Figure 2-1. Connecting the USB-8486 to a Desktop PC USB-8486 for Windows ni.com...
  • Page 16 Hardware and Software User Manual for more information about the connectors. Launch the Interface Configuration Utility. Right-click the USB-8486 to enable. Close the Interface Configuration Utility and start the NI-FBUS Communications Manager or NI-FBUS Configurator. © National Instruments Corporation USB-8486 for Windows...
  • Page 17: Setting The Communication Parameters And Interface Name

    Complete the following steps to use the NI-FBUS Interface Configuration utility to set the Fieldbus communication parameters and interface name. Start the NI-FBUS Interface Configuration utility by selecting Start»Programs»National Instruments FBUS»Interface Configuration Utility. Select the port you want to edit, and click the Edit button.
  • Page 18: Testing The Installation

    Click the Boardx icon, where x refers to the board number of the interface you want to change or delete. Click the Edit button. You can edit the interface configuration information that you entered earlier, or click Delete to delete this interface entirely. © National Instruments Corporation USB-8486 for Windows...
  • Page 19: Importing Device Descriptions

    To do so, complete the following steps: Insert the device description disk or CD, if supplied by your Fieldbus device manufacturer, into the disk drive of the host computer. Select Start»Programs»National Instruments»NI-FBUS»Utilities» Interface Configuration Utility to run the Interface Configuration utility.
  • Page 20 Your base directory will include one folder for each different manufacturer for which you have imported device description. For example, if you OUNDATION ™ import the device description for a National Instruments F Fieldbus device, you will find a folder called . This is the 4e4943 OUNDATION ™...
  • Page 21: Starting The Nifb Process

    This is true of all interface types supported by this software. If a USB-8486 is configured as a basic device, a link master device must be present on this link before NI-FBUS will start up. © National Instruments Corporation USB-8486 for Windows...
  • Page 22: Appendix A Specifications

    Captive USB cable length ...... 2 m I/O connector USB..........Standard series A plug OUNDATION ™ Fieldbus H1 Interface ........9-pin male D-Sub Using the USB-8486 in full-speed mode reduces device performance. Galvanically isolated. © National Instruments Corporation USB-8486 for Windows...
  • Page 23 Appendix A Specifications Environment Operating Environment Ambient temperature ......0 to 55 °C Relative humidity ........10 to 90%, noncondensing (tested in accordance with IEC-60068-2-1, IEC-60068-2-2, EC-60068-2-56) Altitude ...........2,000 m Pollution Degree ........2 (IEC-60664-1:2007) Indoor use only. Storage Environment Ambient temperature ......–20 to 70 °C Relative humidity ........5 to 95%, noncondensing (tested in accordance with IEC-60068-2-1, IEC-60068-2-2,...
  • Page 24 For more information about WEEE recycling centers, National Instruments WEEE initiatives, and compliance with WEEE Directive 2002/96/EC on Waste and Electronic Equipment, visit ni.com/environment/weee National Instruments (RoHS) National Instruments RoHS ni.com/environment/rohs_china (For information about China RoHS compliance, go to ni.com/environment/rohs_china © National Instruments Corporation USB-8486 for Windows...
  • Page 25: Appendix B Pinout Information

    Fieldbus signals as specified in the Fieldbus Standard for Use in Industrial Control Systems, Part 2, ISA-S50.02.1992. 9-Pin D-SUB (DB-9) Cable Information A 2-meter cable has been included in your kit which converts the 9-pin D-SUB connector to three wire pigtails. © National Instruments Corporation USB-8486 for Windows...
  • Page 26 Appendix B Pinout Information Figure B-2. DB-9 Cable for the USB-8486 Figure B-3 shows the pinout of the 9-pin D-SUB female connector so you can make your own cable if you need a longer cable than the one provided in your kit. No Connection Data + No Connection...
  • Page 27 Ensure that the USB-8486 has not been unplugged. • If you want to use the USB-8486 again, complete the following steps. Connect the USB-8486 to an available USB port on the system. © National Instruments Corporation USB-8486 for Windows...
  • Page 28 Appendix C Troubleshooting and Common Questions Select Start»Programs»National Instruments»NI-FBUS» Utilities»Interface Configuration Utility. Right-click the USB-8486 to enable it. • If you want to use other interfaces in the system without this USB-8486, complete the following steps. Select Start»Programs»National Instruments»NI-FBUS» Utilities»Interface Configuration Utility.
  • Page 29 Uninstall, then reinstall the NI-FBUS software as described in the Installing the Software section of Chapter 2, Installation and Configuration. • For the USB-8486, removing third-party card manager software also has been known to correct such problems. © National Instruments Corporation USB-8486 for Windows...
  • Page 30 Appendix C Troubleshooting and Common Questions In the Interface Configuration Utility, I see more boards than what physically exist in the machine. Select Edit for the extra card. In the next window, select Delete. Caution Do not attempt to make unguided changes in the Windows registry. Doing so can cause many problems with your system.
  • Page 31 Close the Interface Configuration utility. 12. Use Windows Explorer to view the contents of the base directory specified in the Interface Configuration utility. The Fieldbus © National Instruments Corporation USB-8486 for Windows...
  • Page 32 Appendix C Troubleshooting and Common Questions specification defines the directory hierarchy for storing device descriptions. There is a different subdirectory for each device manufacturer. Under the base directory, you should see a directory with the number from step 6 for the first device. 13.
  • Page 33 To uninstall your NI-FBUS software, select Start»Settings»Control Panel»Add/Remove Programs. If you are only using the Communications Manager, select NI-FBUS Communications Manager to uninstall. If you are using the NI-FBUS Configurator, select NI-FBUS Configurator. © National Instruments Corporation USB-8486 for Windows...
  • Page 34 Remove the USB-8486 from the computer and close NI-FBUS Communications Manager. Connect the USB-8486 to another USB port in the system. Start the NI-FBUS Communication Manager. If the H1 Fieldbus LED still flashes red, contact National Instruments through the information provided in Appendix D, Technical Support and Professional Services.
  • Page 35 There is no power on the USB port , the USB-8486 is disabled, or an error has occurred. Solid green The USB-8486 is working in USB 2.0 full speed mode. Solid amber The USB-8486 is working in USB 2.0 high speed mode. © National Instruments Corporation USB-8486 for Windows...
  • Page 36 Appendix C Troubleshooting and Common Questions The H1 Fieldbus port on the USB-8486 has an LED to indicate the functional states of the port. Table C-3 describes each state. Table C-3. Interpretation of USB-8486 H1 Fieldbus Status LED LED State Meaning The USB-8486 has not been initialized.
  • Page 37 Technical Support and Professional Services Visit the following sections of the award-winning National Instruments Web site at for technical support and professional services: ni.com • Support—Technical support at includes the ni.com/support following resources: – Self-Help Technical Resources—For answers and solutions,...
  • Page 38 Appendix D Technical Support and Professional Services • Declaration of Conformity (DoC)—A DoC is our claim of compliance with the Council of the European Communities using the manufacturer’s declaration of conformity. This system affords the user protection for electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and product safety.
  • Page 39 Bits. Bank The combination of one FieldPoint network module and one or more terminal bases and I/O modules. Basic device A device that can communicate on the Fieldbus, but cannot become the LAS. © National Instruments Corporation USB-8486 for Windows...
  • Page 40 Glossary Block A logical software unit that makes up one named copy of a block and the associated parameters its block type specifies. The values of the parameters persist from one invocation of the block to the next. It can be a resource block, transducer block, or function block residing within a virtual field device.
  • Page 41 Fieldbus Network Address Location of a board or device on the Fieldbus; the Fieldbus node address. See Fieldbus Messaging Specification. OUNDATION ™ Fieldbus The communications network specification that the Fieldbus specification Foundation created. © National Instruments Corporation USB-8486 for Windows...
  • Page 42 The block performs some control function as its algorithm. Function blocks are the core components you control a system with. The Fieldbus Foundation defines standard sets of function blocks. There are ten function blocks for the most basic control and I/O functions. Manufacturers can define their own function blocks.
  • Page 43 Live list The list of all devices that are properly responding to the Pass Token. Lookout National Instruments Lookout is a full-featured object-based automation software system that delivers unparalleled power and ease of use in demanding industrial measurement and automation applications.
  • Page 44 PCI-FBUS, PCMCIA-FBUS, or USB-8486 interface to communicate between the board and the Fieldbus. NI-FBUS API The NI-FBUS Communications Manager. NI-FBUS Communications Software shipped with National Instruments Fieldbus interfaces that Manager lets you read and write values. It does not include configuration capabilities. NI-FBUS Configurator National Instruments Fieldbus configuration software.
  • Page 45 Device that receives a message request. Session A communication path between an application and the NI-FBUS Communications Manager. Shield Metal grounded cover used to protect a wire, component or piece of equipment from stray magnetic and/or electric fields. © National Instruments Corporation USB-8486 for Windows...
  • Page 46 Glossary Signal An extension of the IEEE 488.2 standard that defines a standard programming command set and syntax for device-specific operations. Stack A set of hardware registers or a reserved amount of memory used for calculations or to keep track of internal operations. Static library A library of functions/subroutines that you must link to your application as one of the final steps of compilation, as opposed to a...
  • Page 47 (NI resources), D-1 Declaration of Conformity (NI resources), D-2 interface device descriptions, importing, 2-6 configuration problems, device names (table), C-5 troubleshooting, C-3 diagnostic tools (NI resources), D-1 information, changing or deleting existing information, 2-5 © National Instruments Corporation USB-8486 for Windows...
  • Page 48 NI resources, D-1 uninstalling, C-7 using, 3-1 KnowledgeBase, D-1 specifications, A-1 bus interface, A-1 CE compliance, A-3 electromagnetic compatibility, A-2 National Instruments support and environment, A-2 services, D-1 management, A-3 network, optional tools, 1-4 operating, A-2 NIFB storage, A-2 problems, troubleshooting, C-2...
  • Page 49 C-4 CE compliance, A-3 electromagnetic compatibility, A-2 environment, A-2 management, A-3 Web resources, D-1 operating, A-2 WEEE management, A-3 storage, A-2 what you need to get started, 1-1 online product certification, A-3 © National Instruments Corporation USB-8486 for Windows...

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