National Instruments NI 9870 Specifications

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OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS AND SPECIFICATIONS

NI 9870

4-Port, RS232 Serial Module

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This document describes how to use the National Instruments 9870
and includes specifications and pin assignments for the NI 9870.
Vis it ni.com/info and enter rdsoftwareversion to determine
which software you need for the modules you are using. For
information about installing, configuring, and programming the
system, refer to the system documentation. Visit
enter

cseriesdoc for information about C Series documentation.

Note The safety guidelines and specifications in this

ni.com/info and

document are specific to the NI 9870. The other
components in the system might not meet the same safety
ratings and specifications. Refer to the documentation for
each component in the system to determine the safety
ratings and specifications for the entire system. Visit

ni.com/info and enter cseriesdoc for information

about C Series documentation.

Safety Guidelines

Operate the NI 9870 only as described in these operating
instructions.

Hot Surface This icon denotes that the component may be

hot. Touching this component may result in bodily injury.

NI 9870 Operating Instructions 2 ni.com

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Safety Guidelines for Hazardous Locations

The NI 9870 is suitable for use in Class I, Division 2, Groups A, B,
C, D, T4 hazardous locations; Class I, Zone 2, AEx nA II T4 and
Ex nA II T4 hazardous locations; and nonhazardous locations only.
Follow these guidelines if you are installing the NI 9870 in a
potentially explosive environment. Not following these guidelines
may result in serious injury or death.

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 Substitution of components may impair

suitability for Class I, Division 2.

Caution For Zone 2 applications, install the

CompactRIO system in an enclosure rated to at least
IP 54 as defined by IEC 60529 and EN 60529.

© National Instruments Corp. 3 NI 9870 Operating Instructions

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Caution For Zone 2 applications, install a protection

device between the RS232 signal cables and the NI 9870
RJ-50 jacks (ports 1–4). The device must prevent the
RS232 signal-to-signal or signal-to-COM voltage from
exceeding 35 V if there is a transient overvoltage
condition.

Caution For Zone 2 applications, install a protection

device between the external power supply and the
NI 9870 V
V

-to-COM voltage from exceeding 39 V if there is a

sup

and COM pins. The device must prevent the

sup

transient overvoltage condition.

Special Conditions for Hazardous Locations in Europe

This equipment has been evaluated as Ex nA IIC T4 equipment
under DEMKO Certificate No. 07 ATEX 0626664X. Each module
is marked II 3G and is suitable for use in Zone 2 hazardous
locations. If you are using the NI 9870 in Gas Group IIC hazardous
locations or in ambient temperatures of –40 °C ≤ Ta ≤ 70 °C, you
must use the device in an NI chassis or controller that has been
evaluated as EEx nC IIC T4, Ex nA IIC T4, or Ex nL IIC T4
equipment.

NI 9870 Operating Instructions 4 ni.com

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Special Conditions for Marine Applications

Some modules are Lloyd’s Register (LR) Type Approved for
marine applications. To verify Lloyd’s Register certification, visit

ni.com/certification and search for the LR certificate, or

look for the Lloyd’s Register mark on the module.

Caution To meet radio frequency emission requirements

for marine applications, use shielded cables and install
the system in a metal enclosure. Suppression ferrites
must be installed on power supply inputs near power
entries to modules and controllers. Power supply and
module cables must be separated on opposite sides of the
enclosure and must enter and exit through opposing
enclosure walls.

© National Instruments Corp. 5 NI 9870 Operating Instructions

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Wiring the NI 9870

DCD

NC
RI
CTS
RTS
DSR
COM
DTR
TXD
RXD

10

1

RJ50 Jack

2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

The NI 9870 has four RJ-50 receptacles that provide connections
for four RS232 devices.

Table 1. RS232 Port Pinout

*

These signals are shared by all four RJ-50 connectors on the NI 9870.

NI 9870 Operating Instructions 6 ni.com

RJ-50 Pin Signal Name

1 No Connect

2 RI

3 CTS

4 RTS

5 DSR

6 GND

7 DTR

8 TXD

9 RXD

10 DCD

*

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The cables included with your kit convert the RJ-50 pinout to the

6
7
8
9

1
2
3
4
5

standard NI pinout on a DB-9 male connector, as shown in Table 2.

Table 2. Pin Assignments for RS232 DB-9 Male Connector

Connector Pin Signal

1 DCD

2 RXD

3 TXD

4 DTR

5 GND

6 DSR

7 RTS

8 CTS

9 RI

© National Instruments Corp. 7 NI 9870 Operating Instructions

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You must connect an external power supply to the NI 9870. This

1

3

4

2

power supply provides the power for the RS232 transceivers on the
module. You can use the included female four-position pigtail to
connect to an external voltage source. Figure 1 lists the
connections between an external voltage source (of +8 V to +28 V)
and the NI 9870.

1V

SUP

2V

SUP

3 COM 4COM

Figure 1. Four-Position External Power Connector

NI 9870 Operating Instructions 8 ni.com

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Figure 2 shows the method of power connection to the NI 9870

Red (+)

Black (–)

NI P/N 198159-XX:

Female Microfit

Pigtail

V+
V–

Any 8 - 28 V

Isolated

Power Supply

module. Attach an isolated power supply to the V

and COM

sup

terminals using the included pigtail.

Figure 2. Powering the NI 9870 from an Isolated Power Source

Figure 3 shows how to use the optional y-adapter (available at

ni.com/serial) to connect power to more than one module

using the same power source. One y-adapter is needed for each

© National Instruments Corp. 9 NI 9870 Operating Instructions

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additional module. Ensure that the power supply can handle
maximum power requirements for all modules connected.

Caution All connections must be made before power is

applied.

NI P/N 198159-XX:

Female Microfit

Pigtail

Red (+)

V+
V–

Any 8 - 28 V

Isolated

Power Supply

NI P/N 198303-XX:

Male Microfit

Figure 3. Powering Multiple Modules from a Single Power Supply

NI 9870 Operating Instructions 10 ni.com

Black (–)

Y-Adapter

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NI 9870 Hardware Overview

The NI 9870 has four full-featured, independent RS232 DTE ports
that are isolated from the other modules in the system. Each port is
fully compatible with the ANSI/EIA/TIA-232 standard.

Sleep Mode (CompactRIO Only)

You can enable sleep mode for the CompactRIO system in
software. In sleep mode, the system consumes less power and may
dissipate less heat. Typically, when a system is in sleep mode, you
cannot communicate with the modules. Refer to the Specifications
section for more information about power consumption and
thermal dissipation.

Specifications

The following specifications are typical for the range –40 to 70 °C
unless otherwise noted.

Maximum baud rate..........................921.6 kbps

Maximum cable length ..................... 250 pF equivalent

© National Instruments Corp. 11 NI 9870 Operating Instructions

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Note Cable capacitance greater than 250 pF may

adversely affect the maximum baud rate and thermal
dissipation.

Maximum RS232 Receive signal
(RXD, CTS, DSR, DCD, RI)

Continuous Voltage........................... ±8 V

Note Continuous RS232 input voltages in excess of

±8 V may cause excessive thermal dissipation.

Data line ESD protection

(human body model)......................... ±15 kV

MTBF ............................................... 448,008 hours at 25 °C;

Bellcore Issue 6, Method 1,
Case 3, Limited Part Stress
Method

Note Contact NI for Bellcore MTBF specifications at

other temperatures or for MIL-HDBK-217F
specifications.

NI 9870 Operating Instructions 12 ni.com

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Power Requirements

Power consumption from chassis

Active mode ............................... 0.5 W max

Sleep mode ................................. 50 μW max

Thermal dissipation (at 70 °C)

Active mode ............................... 1.5 W max

Sleep mode ................................. 0.5 W max

Required external supply
voltage range (V

Power supply consumption from external supply V

) ......................... +8 to +28 VDC

SUP

SUP

Typical ........................................ 0.5 W

Maximum ................................... 2 W

Physical Characteristics

If you need to clean the module, wipe it with a dry towel.

Weight............................................... Approx. 154 g (5.4 oz)

© National Instruments Corp. 13 NI 9870 Operating Instructions

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Safety

Maximum Voltage

Connect only voltages that are within these limits.

RS232 Receive Signal-to-COM

(RXD, CTS, DSR, DCD, RI)............ ±25 V max,

RS232 Transmit Signal-to-COM

(TX, RTS, DTR) ...............................±13.2 V max,

V

-to-COM ...................................±28 V max,

SUP

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.

1

The maximum voltage that can be applied or output without creating a safety hazard.

NI 9870 Operating Instructions 14 ni.com

1

Measurement Category I

Measurement Category I

Measurement Category I

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Caution Do not connect to signals or use for

measurements within Measurement Categories II, III,
or IV.

Isolation Voltages

Port-to-earth ground

Continuous .................................60 VDC,

Measurement Category I up
to 5,000 m altitude

Withstand

up to 2,000 m altitude ..........1000 V

, verified by a 5 s

rms

dielectric withstand test

up to 5,000 m altitude ..........500 V

, verified by a 5 s

rms

dielectric withstand test

Hazardous Locations

U.S. (UL) .......................................... Class I, Division 2,

Groups A, B, C, D, T4;
Class I, Zone 2,
AEx nA II T4

© National Instruments Corp. 15 NI 9870 Operating Instructions

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Canada (C-UL) ................................. Class I, Division 2,

Groups A, B, C, D, T4;
Class I, Zone 2,
Ex nA II T4

Europe (DEMKO)............................. Ex nA IIC T4

Safety Standards

The NI 9870 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, CSA 61010-1

Note For UL and other safety certifications, refer to the

product label, or visit
by model number or product line, and click the
appropriate link in the Certification column.

NI 9870 Operating Instructions 16 ni.com

ni.com/certification, search

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Electromagnetic Compatibility

Emissions..........................................EN 55011 Class A at 10 m

FCC Part 15A above 1 GHz

Immunity........................................... Industrial levels per

EN 61326-1:1997 +
A2:2001, Table A.1

EMC/EMI .........................................CE, C-Tick, and FCC Part 15

(Class A) Compliant

Note For the standards applied to assess the EMC of this

product, refer to the Online Product Certification section.

Note For EMC compliance, operate this device with

shielded cabling.

CE Compliance

This product meets the essential requirements of applicable
European Directives, as amended for CE marking, as follows:

Low-Voltage Directive (safety)......... 2006/95/EC

Electromagnetic Compatibility

Directive (EMC) ............................... 2004/108/EC

© National Instruments Corp. 17 NI 9870 Operating Instructions

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Online Product Certification

Refer to the product Declaration of Conformity (DoC) for
additional regulatory compliance information. To obtain product
certifications and the DoC for this product, visit

certification

, search by module number or product line, and

ni.com/

click the appropriate link in the Certification column.

Shock and Vibration

To meet these specifications, you must panel mount the
CompactRIO system.

Operating vibration,

random (IEC 60068-2-64) ................ 5 g

Operating shock (IEC 60068-2-27).... 30 g, 11 ms half sine,

Operating vibration,

sinusoidal (IEC 60068-2-6) ..............5 g, 10 to 500 Hz

NI 9870 Operating Instructions 18 ni.com

, 10 to 500 Hz

rms

50 g, 3 ms half sine,
18 shocks at 6 orientations

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Environmental

CompactRIO modules are intended for indoor use only. For
outdoor use, mount the CompactRIO system in a suitably rated
enclosure. Refer to the installation instructions for the chassis you
are using for more information about meeting these specifications.

Operating temperature ...................... –40 to 70 °C

Storage temperature ..........................–40 to 85 °C

Ingress protection..............................IP 30

Operating humidity........................... 10 to 90% RH,

noncondensing

Storage humidity............................... 5 to 95% RH,

noncondensing

Maximum altitude............................. 2,000 m

Pollution Degree (IEC 60664)..........2

Environmental Management

NI is committed to designing and manufacturing products in an
environmentally responsible manner. NI recognizes that
eliminating certain hazardous substances from our products is
beneficial to the environment and to NI customers.

© National Instruments Corp. 19 NI 9870 Operating Instructions

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For additional environmental information, refer to the NI and the

⬉ᄤֵᙃѻક∵ᶧ᥻ࠊㅵ⧚ࡲ⊩ ˄Ё೑

RoHS

˅

Ё೑ᅶ᠋

National Instruments

ヺড়Ё೑⬉ᄤֵᙃ

ѻકЁ䰤ࠊՓ⫼ᶤѯ᳝ᆇ⠽䋼ᣛҸ

(RoHS)

DŽ݇Ѣ

National InstrumentsЁ೑RoHS

ড়㾘ᗻֵᙃˈ䇋ⱏᔩ

ni.com/environment/rohs_china

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(For information

about China RoHS compliance, go to

ni.com/

environment/rohs_china

.)

Environment Web page at

ni.com/environment. This page

contains the environmental regulations and directives with which
NI complies, as well as other environmental information not
included in this document.

Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE)

EU Customers At the end of the product life cycle,

all products must be sent to a WEEE recycling center.
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

.

weee

NI 9870 Operating Instructions 20 ni.com

ni.com/environment/

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Where to Go for Support

The National Instruments Web site is your complete resource for
technical support. At ni.com/support you have access to
everything from 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 ni.com/support
and follow the calling instructions or dial 512 795 8248. For
telephone support outside the United States, visit the Worldwide
Offices section of ni.com/niglobal to access the branch
office Web sites, which provide up-to-date contact information,
support phone numbers, email addresses, and current events.

© National Instruments Corp. 21 NI 9870 Operating Instructions

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LabVIEW, National Instruments, NI, ni.com, the National Instruments corporate logo, and the Eagle logo are
trademarks of National Instruments Corporation. Refer to the Trademark Information at
for other National Instruments trademarks. Other product and company names mentioned herein are trademarks or
trade names of their respective companies. For patents covering National Instruments products/technology, refer
to the appropriate location: Help»Patents in your software, the
National Instruments Patent Notice at

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how to obtain relevant HTS codes, ECCNs, and other import/export data.

© 2007–2011 National Instruments Corp. All rights reserved.

ni.com/patents. Refer to the Export Compliance Information at

patents.txt file on your media, or the

ni.com/trademarks

372276C-01 Sep11

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Artisan Technology Group is your source for quality

new and certied-used/pre-owned equipment

• FAST SHIPPING AND

DELIVERY

• TENS OF THOUSANDS OF
IN-STOCK ITEMS

• EQUIPMENT DEMOS

• HUNDREDS OF
MANUFACTURERS

SUPPORTED

• LEASING/MONTHLY
RENTALS

• ITAR CERTIFIED
SECURE ASSET SOLUTIONS

SERVICE CENTER REPAIRS

Experienced engineers and technicians on staff
at our full-service, in-house repair center

Instra

Remotely inspect equipment before purchasing with
our interactive website at www.instraview.com

Contact us: (888) 88-SOURCE | [e-mail] | www.artisantg.com

SM

REMOTE INSPECTION

View

WE BUY USED EQUIPMENT

Sell your excess, underutilized, and idle used equipment
We also offer credit for buy-backs and trade-ins

www.artisantg.com/WeBuyEquipment

LOOKING FOR MORE INFORMATION?

Visit us on the web at www.artisantg.com for more
information on price quotations, drivers, technical

specications, manuals, and documentation