This user guide describes how to use the National Instruments
USB-9211/9211A devices and lists the specifications.
Introduction
The NI USB-9211/9211A data acquisition device provides a USB interface
for four channels of 24-bit thermocouple inputs with integrated signal
conditioning.
The NI USB-9211 consists of two components: an NI 9211 module and a
USB-9161 carrier, as shown in Figure 1. The NI USB-9211A consists of
two components: an NI 9211 module and a USB-9162 carrier, as shown in
Figure 1.
NI 9211
USB-9161/9162
Figure 1. USB-9211/9211A Components
USB-9211/9211A
Dimensions
Figure 2 shows the USB-9211/9211A device dimensions.
Hi-Speed USB Carrier
NI USB-9162
4.751
5.521
(140.23)
(137.82)
5.426
(120.68)
Safety Guidelines
Operate the USB-9211/9211A only as described in these operating
instructions.
Note Although the NI 9211 module may have more stringent certification standards than
the USB-9211/9211A, when used with the USB-9161/9162 carrier, the combined system
may be limited. Refer to the Specifications section for more details.
4.656
(118.26)
3.469
(88.12)
Figure 2. USB-9211/9211A Series Devices in Inches (Millimeters)
0.998
(25.34)
Hot Surface This icon denotes that the component may be hot. Touching this component
may result in bodily injury.
Caution Do not disconnect I/O-side wires or connectors unless power has been switched
off or the area is known to be nonhazardous.
Caution Do not remove modules unless power has been switched off or the area is known
to be nonhazardous.
Caution The USB-9211/9211A is not certified for use in hazardous locations.
USB-9211/9211A User Guide and Specifications2ni.com
Safety Guidelines for Hazardous Voltages
If hazardous voltages are connected to the module, take the following
precautions. A hazardous voltage is a voltage greater than 42.4 V
60 VDC to earth ground.
Caution Ensure that hazardous voltage wiring is performed only by qualified personnel
adhering to local electrical standards.
Caution Do not mix hazardous voltage circuits and human-accessible circuits on the same
module.
Caution Make sure that devices and circuits connected to the module are properly
insulated from human contact.
Caution When module terminals are live with hazardous voltages, make sure that the
terminals are not accessible by using the high voltage screw terminal enclosure. Refer to
the Assembling the High Voltage Screw Terminal Backshell section for more information.
Software
Software support for your hardware depends on the carrier being used.
Refer to Table 1 for a list of software support.
or
pk
Table 1. Devices and Corresponding Components
DeviceCarrierSoftware Support
USB-9211NI 9161NI-DAQmx Base
USB-9211ANI 9162NI-DAQmx
Examples are included with each software API. Refer to the corresponding
software Getting Started Guide for more information.
NI-DAQmx Getting Started GuideAccessible from Start»All Programs»
National Instruments»NI-DAQ after install.
NI-DAQmx for USB Devices Getting Started
Guide
NI-DAQmx Base Getting Started GuideAccessible from Start»All Programs»
If your device uses NI-DAQmx Base, refer to ni.com to download the
software.
Ships with your device and, after install,
is accessible from Start»All Programs»
National Instruments»NI-DAQ.
National Instruments»NI-DAQmx
Bases»Documentation after install.
Installing the USB-9211/9211A Device
Installing the Software
Before installing the device, you must install the software you plan to use
with the device. Refer to the Software section of this manual and the
documentation included with the software for more information.
Installing the NI USB-9211/9211A in the USB-9161/9162 Carrier
The NI 9211 module and the USB-9161/9162 carrier are packaged
separately. Refer to Figure 3, while completing the following assembly
steps:
1.Make sure that no signals are connected to the NI 9211 module and the
USB cable is not connected to the device.
2.Remove the protective cover from the 15-pin DSUB connector.
USB-9211/9211A User Guide and Specifications4ni.com
3.Align the I/O module with the carrier, as shown in Figure 3.
1
1 High Voltage Screw Terminal Backshell
Figure 3. Module Installation
4.Squeeze the latches and insert the NI 9211 module into the carrier.
5.Press firmly on the connector side of the NI 9211 module until the
latches lock the module into place, as shown in Figure 4.
Figure 4. Locking Module into Place
6.Connect the USB cable to the assembled USB-9211/9211A.
Threaded inserts are located in the USB-9211/9211A for mounting it to a
panel. Refer to Figure 5 for dimensions.
85.7 mm
(3.37 in.)
72.2 mm
(2.84 in.)
Figure 5. Module Dimensions
Threaded Insert
M3 x 0.5
8.5 mm (0.34 in.) Max Depth
76.1 mm
(3.00 in.)
Connecting the USB-9211/9211A to a Computer
Plug one end of the USB cable into the USB-9211/9211A and the other end
into an available USB port on the computer.
LED Indicator
The LED indicator indicates device status.
Table 2. LED State/Device Status
LED StateDevice Status
Not litDevice not connected or in suspend.
On, not blinkingDevice connected, but no module installed.
Single-blinkOperating normally.
Double-blinkOperating normally.
Quadruple-blinkDevice error. Refer to ni.com/support.
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Wiring the USB-9211/9211A
The USB-9211/9211A has a 10-terminal, detachable high voltage screw
terminal enclosure that provides connections for four thermocouple input
channels. Each channel has a terminal to which you can connect the
positive lead of the thermocouple, TC+, and a terminal to which
you can connect the negative lead of the thermocouple, TC–. The
USB-9211/9211A also has a common terminal, COM, that is internally
connected to the isolated ground reference of the module.
Caution The high voltage screw terminal backshell must be installed when using
hazardous voltages (>42.4 V
If you are unsure which of the thermocouple leads is positive and which is
negative, check the thermocouple documentation or the thermocouple wire
spool. If you are using shielded wiring, connect one end of the shield to the
COM terminal.
, 60 VDC).
pk
Shield
Thermocouple
Figure 6. Connecting a Thermocouple Input Signal to the USB-9211/9211A
Refer to Table 3 for the terminal assignments for each channel.
Table 3. Terminal Assignments
ModuleTerminalSignal
0TC0+
1TC0–
2TC1+
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
3TC1–
4TC2+
5TC2–
6TC3+
7TC3–
8No connection
9Common (COM)
Assembling the High Voltage Screw Terminal Backshell
The high voltage screw terminal backshell must be installed when using
hazardous voltages (>42.4 V
completing the following steps:
1.Connect the leads to the screw terminal and secure with the strain
relief.
2.Finish by snapping the backshell around the connector.
, 60 VDC). Refer to Figure 7 while
pk
USB-9211/9211A User Guide and Specifications8ni.com
1
1 Strain Relief
Figure 7. High Voltage Screw Terminal Backshell
USB-9211/9211A Circuitry
The USB-9211/9211A channels share a common ground that is isolated
from the chassis and the host computer. Each channel has an impedance
between the TC+ and COM terminals and between the TC– and COM
terminals. Each channel is filtered and then sampled by a 24-bit
analog-to-digital converter (ADC). There is a current source between the
TC+ and TC– terminals. If an open thermocouple is connected to the
channel, the current source forces a full-scale voltage across the terminals.
Effects of Source Impedance on Voltage Measurement Accuracy
The resistors shown in Figure 8 produce an input impedance at the
terminals of the USB-9211/9211A.
If thermocouples are connected to the USB-9211/9211A, the gain and
offset errors resulting from the source impedance of the thermocouples are
negligible for most applications. Other voltage sources with a higher source
impedance can introduce more significant errors. For more information
about errors resulting from source impedance, refer to the Specifications
section.
Determining Temperature Measurement Accuracy and
Minimizing Errors
Temperature measurement errors depend in part on the thermocouple type,
the temperature being measured, the accuracy of the thermocouple, and the
cold-junction temperature.
Using the Autozero Channel
The USB-9211/9211A has an internal autozero channel for measuring the
offset error. If the ambient temperature of the USB-9211/9211A is less than
15 °C or more than 35 °C, use this channel to read the offset error. The
USB-9211 always has this channel enabled. Use NI-DAQmx to configure
the behavior of the autozero channel for the USB-9211A. Refer to the
NI-DAQmx Help, accessible from Start»All Programs»National
Instruments»NI-DAQ, for more information.
USB-9211/9211A User Guide and Specifications10ni.com
Measurement Accuracy for the Different Types
of Thermocouples
Figures 9, 10, 11, 12, and 13 show the typical and maximum errors for the
different thermocouple types when used with the USB-9211/9211A over
the full temperature range. The figures also show the maximum error for
the thermocouple types with the USB-9211/9211A at room temperature,
15 to 35 °C. The figures account for gain errors, offset errors, differential
and integral nonlinearity, quantization errors, noise errors, and isothermal
errors. The figures do not account for the accuracy of the thermocouple
itself.
Temperature gradients across the USB-9211/9211A terminals affect the
cold-junction temperature accuracy. Refer to the Cold-Junction
Temperature Measurement Accuracy section for more information about
temperature gradients.
6
Max over Temp Range with Autozero
Max at Room Temp Range without Autozero
Typ over Temp Range with Autozero
Max over Temp Range with Autozero
Max at Room Temp Range without Autozero
3
2
Error (°C)
1
0
–20002004006008001000
Typ over Temp Range with Autozero
Measured Temperature (°C)
Figure 10. Type E and T Errors
4
3
2
Error (°C)
1
0
–200020040060080010001200
Max over Temp Range with Autozero
Max at Room Temp Range without Autozero
Typ over Temp Range with Autozero
Measured Temperature (°C)
Figure 11. Type J and N Errors
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Error (°C)
4
3
2
1
0
–200020040060080010001200
Max over Temp Range with Autozero
Max at Room Temp Range without Autozero
Typ over Temp Range with Autozero
Measured Temperature (°C)
Figure 12. Type K Errors
6
4
Error (°C)
2
Max over Temp Range with Autozero
Max at Room Temp Range without Autozero
Typ over Temp Range with Autozero
0
–20002004006008001000 1200
Measured Temperature (°C)
Figure 13. Type R and S Errors
1400 1600
Cold-Junction Temperature Measurement Accuracy
Heat from other nearby heat sources can cause errors in thermocouple
measurements by heating up the terminals so that they are at a different
temperature than the cold-junction compensation sensor used to measure
the cold junction. The thermal gradient generated across the terminals can
cause the terminals of different channels to be at different temperatures, so
the resulting measurement creates errors not only in absolute accuracy but
also in the relative accuracy between channels.
Thermocouple wire can be a significant source of thermal gradients if it
conducts heat or cold directly to terminal junctions. To minimize these
errors, follow these guidelines:
•Use small-gauge thermocouple wire. Smaller wire transfers less heat
•Run thermocouple wiring together near the screw-terminal connector
•Avoid running thermocouple wires near hot or cold objects.
•If you connect any extension wires to thermocouple wires, use wires
Specifications
The following specifications are typical at 25 °C, unless otherwise noted.
All voltages are relative to COM unless otherwise noted.
Input Characteristics
Number of channels................................4 thermocouple channels,
Offset error from source impedance .......0.05 µVtyp,0.07µVmax per Ω
Power Requirements
Current consumption from USB.............500 mA, max
Suspend mode..................................2.5 mA, max
Bus Interface
USB specification
USB-9211........................................USB 2.0 full speed
USB-9211A .....................................USB 2.0 high speed
Physical Characteristics
If you need to clean the module, wipe it with a dry towel.
Dimensions ............................................14 cm × 8.6 cm × 2.5 cm
Weight ....................................................Approx. 350 g (12.3 oz)
Screw-terminal wiring ............................12 to 24 AWG wire with 10 mm
source impedance due to input
current
(5.51 in. × 3.37 in. × 0.99 in.)
(0.39 in.) of insulation stripped
from the end
Torque for screw terminals.....................0.5 – 0.6 N · m
(4.4 – 5.3 lb · in.)
Safety
Standards
The USB-9211/9211A is designed to meet the requirements of the
following standards of safety for electrical equipment for measurement,
control, and laboratory use:
•IEC 61010-1, EN 61010-1
•UL 61010-1
•CAN/CSA-C22.2 No. 61010-1
Note For UL and other safety certifications, refer to the product label, or visit
ni.com/certification, search by model number or product line, and click the
appropriate link in the Certification column.
USB-9211/9211A User Guide and Specifications16ni.com
Voltages
Connect only voltages that are within these limits.
Channel-to-COM ...................................±30 V max,
Measurement Category I
Measurement Category I is for measurements performed on circuits not
directly connected to the electrical distribution system referred to as
MAINS voltage. MAINS is a hazardous live electrical supply system that
powers equipment. This category is for measurements of voltages from
specially protected secondary circuits. Such voltage measurements include
signal levels, special equipment, limited-energy parts of equipment,
circuits powered by regulated low-voltage sources, and electronics.
Isolation
Channel-to-channel......................... No isolation between channels
Channel-to-earth ground
Withstand................................. 2,300 V
Continuous............................... 250 V
Measurement Category II
Measurement Category II is for measurements performed on circuits
directly connected to the electrical distribution system. This category refers
to local-level electrical distribution, such as that provided by a standard
wall outlet (for example, 115 V for U.S. or 230 V for Europe).
, 5 seconds max
rms
,
rms
Hazardous Locations
The USB-9211/9211A is not certified for use in hazardous locations.
Environmental
The USB-9211/9211A device is intended for indoor use only.
Operating temperature
(IEC 60068-2-1 and IEC 60068-2-2) ..... 0 to 60 °C
Storage temperature
(IEC 60068-2-1 and IEC 60068-2-2) ..... –40 to 85 °C
Operating humidity
(IEC 60068-2-56)................................... 10 to 90% RH, noncondensing
Storage humidity
(IEC 60068-2-56)................................... 5 to 95% RH, noncondensing
Note Refer to the Declaration of Conformity (DoC) for this product for any additional
regulatory compliance information. To obtain the DoC for this product, visit
ni.com/certification, search by model number or product line, and click the
appropriate link in the Certification column.
Calibration
You can obtain the calibration certificate for the USB-9211/9211A at
ni.com/calibration.
Calibration interval .................................1 year
USB-9211/9211A User Guide and Specifications18ni.com
Where to Go for Support
The National Instruments Web site is your complete resource for technical
support. At
troubleshooting and application development self-help resources to email
and phone assistance from NI Application Engineers.
National Instruments corporate headquarters is located at
11500 North Mopac Expressway, Austin, Texas, 78759-3504.
National Instruments also has offices located around the world to help
address your support needs. For telephone support in the United States,
create your service request at
instructions or dial 512 795 8248. For telephone support outside the United
States, contact your local branch office:
National Instruments, NI, ni.com, and LabVIEW are trademarks of National Instruments Corporation.
Refer to the Terms of Use section on ni.com/legal for more information about National
Instruments trademarks. Other product and company names mentioned herein are trademarks or trad e
names of their respective companies. For patents covering National Instruments products, refer to the
appropriate location: Help»Patents in your software, the patents.txt file on your CD, or
ni.com/patents.