National Instruments NI 9212, TB-9212 Getting Started Manual

GETTING STARTED GUIDE

NI 9212 and TB-9212

8 TC, ±78 mV, 24 Bit, 95 S/s/ch Simultaneous,
Isothermal Terminal Block

This document explains how to connect to the NI 9212 using the
TB-9212.

Note Before you begin, complete the software and

hardware installation procedures in your chassis
documentation.

Note The guidelines in this document are specific to

the NI 9212. The other components in the system might
not meet the same safety ratings. Refer to the
documentation for each component in the system to
determine the safety and EMC ratings for the entire
system.

Safety Guidelines

Operate the NI 9212 only as described in this document.

Caution Do not operate the NI 9212 in a manner not

specified in this document. Product misuse can result in
a hazard. You can compromise the safety protection
built into the product if the product is damaged in any
way. If the product is damaged, return it to NI for
repair.

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Hazardous Voltage This icon denotes a warning

advising you to take precautions to avoid electrical
shock.

Safety Guidelines for Hazardous Voltages

If hazardous voltages are connected to the device, take the
following precautions. A hazardous voltage is a voltage greater
than 42.4 Vpk voltage or 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 Ensure that devices and circuits connected to

the module are properly insulated from human contact.

Caution When module terminals are hazardous

voltage LIVE (>42.4 Vpk/60 VDC), you must ensure
that devices and circuits connected to the module are
properly insulated from human contact. You must use
the TB-9212 included with the NI 9212 to ensure that
the terminals are not accessible.

NI 9212 Getting Started Guide | © National Instruments | 3

Note The TB-9212 contains a plastic insert to prevent

accidental wire contact with the metal enclosure.

Safety Voltages

Connect only voltages that are within the following limits:

Channel-to-channel isolation

Up to 2,000 m altitude

Continuous 250 Vrms, Measurement

Category II

Withstand 1,500 Vrms, verified by a 5 s

dielectric test

Up to 5,000 m altitude

Continuous 60 VDC, Measurement

Category I

Withstand 1,000 Vrms, verified by a 5 s

dielectric test

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Channel-to-earth ground isolation

Up to 2,000 m altitude

Continuous 250 Vrms, Measurement

Category II

Withstand 3,000 Vrms, verified by a 5 s

dielectric test

Up to 5,000 m altitude

Continuous 60 VDC, Measurement

Category I

Withstand 1,000 Vrms , verified by a 5 s

dielectric test

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.

NI 9212 Getting Started Guide | © National Instruments | 5

Caution If using in Division 2 or Zone 2 hazardous

locations applications, do not connect the NI 9212 and
TB-9212 to signals or use for measurements within
Measurement Categories II, III, or IV.

Note Measurement Categories CAT I and CAT O are

equivalent. These test and measurement circuits are not
intended for direct connection to the MAINS building
installations of Measurement Categories CAT II,
CAT III, or CAT IV.

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.

Caution Do not connect the NI 9212 and TB-9212 to

signals or use for measurements within Measurement
Categories III or IV.

Safety Guidelines for Hazardous Locations

The NI 9212 is suitable for use in Class I, Division 2, Groups A,
B, C, D, T4 hazardous locations; Class I, Zone 2, AEx nA IIC T4

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and Ex nA IIC T4 hazardous locations; and nonhazardous
locations only. Follow these guidelines if you are installing the
NI 9212 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 Division 2 and Zone 2 applications,

install the system in an enclosure rated to at least IP54
as defined by IEC/EN 60079-15.

Caution For Division 2 and Zone 2 applications,

connected signals must be within the following limits.

Capacitance 0.2 µF maximum

NI 9212 Getting Started Guide | © National Instruments | 7

Special Conditions for Hazardous Locations Use in
Europe and Internationally

The NI 9212 has been evaluated as Ex nA IIC T4 Gc equipment
under DEMKO Certificate No. 12 ATEX 1202658X and is
IECEx UL 14.0089X certified. Each NI 9212 is marked II 3G
and is suitable for use in Zone 2 hazardous locations, in ambient
temperatures of -40 °C ≤ Ta ≤ 70 °C. If you are using the NI 9212
in Gas Group IIC hazardous locations, you must use the device in
an NI chassis that has been evaluated as Ex nC IIC T4, Ex IIC
T4, Ex nA IIC T4, or Ex nL IIC T4 equipment.

Caution You must make sure that transient

disturbances do not exceed 140% of the rated voltage.

Caution The system shall only be used in an area of

not more than Pollution Degree 2, as defined in
IEC 60664-1.

Caution The system shall be mounted in an

ATEX/IECEx-certified enclosure with a minimum
ingress protection rating of at least IP54 as defined in
IEC/EN 60079-15.

8 | ni.com | NI 9212 Getting Started Guide

Caution The enclosure must have a door or cover

accessible only by the use of a tool.

Electromagnetic Compatibility Guidelines

This product was tested and complies with the regulatory
requirements and limits for electromagnetic compatibility (EMC)
stated in the product specifications. These requirements and
limits provide reasonable protection against harmful interference
when the product is operated in the intended operational
electromagnetic environment.

This product is intended for use in industrial locations. However,
harmful interference may occur in some installations, when the
product is connected to a peripheral device or test object, or if the
product is used in residential or commercial areas. To minimize
interference with radio and television reception and prevent
unacceptable performance degradation, install and use this
product in strict accordance with the instructions in the product
documentation.

Furthermore, any changes or modifications to the product not
expressly approved by National Instruments could void your
authority to operate it under your local regulatory rules.

NI 9212 Getting Started Guide | © National Instruments | 9

Caution To ensure the specified EMC performance,

operate this product only with shielded cables and
accessories.

Special Conditions for Marine Applications

Some products are Lloyd’s Register (LR) Type Approved for
marine (shipboard) applications. To verify Lloyd’s Register
certification for a product, visit ni.com/certification and search
for the LR certificate, or look for the Lloyd’s Register mark on
the product.

Caution In order to meet the EMC requirements for

marine applications, install the product in a shielded
enclosure with shielded and/or filtered power and
input/output ports. In addition, take precautions when
designing, selecting, and installing measurement probes
and cables to ensure that the desired EMC performance
is attained.

10 | ni.com | NI 9212 Getting Started Guide

Preparing the Environment

Ensure that the environment in which you are using the NI 9212
meets the following specifications.

Operating temperature
(IEC 60068-2-1, IEC 60068-2-2)

-40 °C to 70 °C

Operating humidity
(IEC 60068-2-78)

10% RH to 90% RH,
noncondensing

Pollution Degree 2

Maximum altitude 5,000 m

Indoor use only.

Note Refer to the device datasheet on ni.com/manuals

for complete specifications.

NI 9212 Getting Started Guide | © National Instruments | 11

TB-9212 Pinout

TC4+
TC4-

TC0+
TC0-

TC5+
TC5-

TC1+
TC1-

TC6+
TC6-

TC2+
TC2-

TC7+
TC7-

TC3+
TC3-

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Table 1. Signal Descriptions

Signal Description

TC+ Positive thermocouple connection

TC- Negative thermocouple connection

Thermocouple Connections

Thermocouple

TC-

TC+

Shield

TB-9212

NI 9212

Ground

Lug

NI 9212 Getting Started Guide | © National Instruments | 13

NI 9212 Connection Guidelines

• Make sure that devices you connect to the NI 9212 are
compatible with the module specifications.

• The shield grounding methodology can vary depending on
the application.

• Refer to your thermocouple documentation or the
thermocouple wire spool to determine which wire is the
positive lead and which wire is the negative lead.

Minimizing Thermal Gradients

Changes in the ambient air temperature near the front connector
or a thermocouple wire conducting heat directly to terminal
junctions can cause thermal gradients. Observe the following
guidelines to minimize thermal gradients and improve the system
accuracy.

• Use small-gauge thermocouple wire. Smaller wire transfers
less heat to or from the terminal junction.

• Run thermocouple wiring together near the TB-9212 to keep
the wires at the same temperature.

• Avoid running thermocouple wires near hot or cold objects.

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• Minimize adjacent heat sources and air flow across the
terminals.

• Keep the ambient temperature as stable as possible.

• Make sure the NI 9212 terminals are facing forward or
upward.

• Keep the NI 9212 in a stable and consistent orientation.

• Allow the thermal gradients to settle after a change in system
power or in ambient temperature. A change in system power
can happen when the system powers on, the system comes
out of sleep mode, or you insert/remove modules.

• If possible, use the foam pad in the TB-9212 opening to
restrict airflow around the terminals.

Wiring the TB-9212

What to Use

• TB-9212

• 0.05 mm2 to 0.5 mm2 (30 AWG to 20 AWG) wire with

5.1 mm (0.2 in.) of the inner insulation stripped and 51 mm
(2.0 in.) of the outer insulation stripped

• Zip tie

• Screwdriver

NI 9212 Getting Started Guide | © National Instruments | 15

What to Do

2

3

4

1

16 | ni.com | NI 9212 Getting Started Guide

1. Loosen the captive screws on the TB-9212 and remove the
top cover and foam pad.

2. Insert the stripped end of the wire fully into the appropriate
terminal and tighten the screw for the terminal. Make sure no
exposed wire extends past the screw terminal.

3. Route the wire through the TB-9212 opening, remove slack
from the wiring, and secure the wires using a zip tie.

4. Replace the foam pad in the TB-9212 opening, reinstall the
top cover, and tighten the captive screws.

NI 9212 Getting Started Guide | © National Instruments | 17

Where to Go Next

CompactRIO

NI CompactDAQ

Located at ni.com/manuals

RELATED INFORMATION

C Series Documentation
& Resources

ni.com/info cseriesdoc

Services

ni.com/services

Installs with the software

NI 9212 Datasheet

NI-RIO Help

LabVIEW FPGA Help

NI 9212 Datasheet

NI-DAQmx Help

LabVIEW Help

18 | ni.com | NI 9212 Getting Started Guide

Worldwide Support and Services

The NI website 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.

Visit ni.com/services for NI Factory Installation Services, repairs,
extended warranty, and other services.

Visit ni.com/register to register your NI product. Product
registration facilitates technical support and ensures that you
receive important information updates from NI.

A Declaration of Conformity (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. You can obtain the DoC for your product by
visiting ni.com/certification. If your product supports calibration,
you can obtain the calibration certificate for your product at

ni.com/calibration.

NI 9212 Getting Started Guide | © National Instruments | 19

NI corporate headquarters is located at
11500 North Mopac Expressway, Austin, Texas, 78759-3504. NI
also has offices located around the world. For telephone support
in the United States, create your service request at ni.com/support
or dial 1 866 ASK MYNI (275 6964). For telephone support
outside the United States, visit the Worldwide Offices section of

ni.com/niglobal to access the branch office websites, which

provide up-to-date contact information, support phone numbers,
email addresses, and current events.

Refer to the NI Trademarks and Logo Guidelines at ni.com/trademarks for information on NI
trademarks. Other product and company names mentioned herein are trademarks or trade names
of their respective companies. For patents covering NI products/technology, refer to the
appropriate location: Help»Patents in your software, the patents.txt file on your media, or the
National Instruments Patent Notice at ni.com/patents. You can find information about end-user
license agreements (EULAs) and third-party legal notices in the readme file for your NI product.
Refer to the Export Compliance Information at ni.com/legal/export-compliance for the NI
global trade compliance policy and how to obtain relevant HTS codes, ECCNs, and other import/
export data. NI MAKES NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES AS TO THE ACCURACY OF
THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN AND SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY ERRORS.
U.S. Government Customers: The data contained in this manual was developed at private
expense and is subject to the applicable limited rights and restricted data rights as set forth in FAR

52.227-14, DFAR 252.227-7014, and DFAR 252.227-7015.

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374358B-01 Apr16