NI 9206, 9205 Getting Started Manual

GETTING STARTED GUIDE

NI 9206

16 AI Differential/32 AI Single-Ended, ±200 mV
to ±10 V, 16 Bit, 250 kS/s Aggregate, Fuel-Cell
Measurements

This document explains how to connect to the NI 9206.

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 9206. 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 9206 only as described in this document.

Caution This icon denotes a caution, which advises

you to consult documentation where this symbol is
marked.

Caution Do not operate the NI 9206 in a manner not

specified in this document. Product misuse can result in
a hazard. You can compromise the safety protection

2 | ni.com | NI 9206 Getting Started Guide

built into the product if the product is damaged in any
way. If the product is damaged, return it to NI for
repair.

Hazardous Voltage This icon denotes a warning

advising you to take precautions to avoid electrical
shock with the NI 9206.

Safety Voltages

Connect only voltages that are within the following limits:

Maximum voltage

1

AI, PFI0, and D0 to
COM

±30 V DC

Isolation Voltages

Channel-to-channel None

1

The maximum voltage that can be applied or output between AI and COM
without creating a safety hazard.

NI 9206 Getting Started Guide | © National Instruments | 3

Channel-to-earth ground

Continuous

U.S. (UL
61010-1)

600 V DC, Measurement
Category I

Europe (IEC
61010-1)

400 V DC, Measurement
Category I

Withstand 2,500 V PK, verified by a 5 s

dielectric withstand 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.

Caution Do not connect the NI 9206 to signals or use

for measurements within Measurement Categories II,
III, or IV.

4 | ni.com | NI 9206 Getting Started Guide

Note Measurement Categories CAT I and CAT O are

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

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

NI 9206 Getting Started Guide | © National Instruments | 5

the NI 9941 backshell kit to ensure that the terminals
are not accessible.

Caution In addition to attaching the connector

backshell to the NI 9206, you must install the entire
system in a UL Listed, suitably rated NEMA or IP
enclosure for safe use.

6 | ni.com | NI 9206 Getting Started Guide

Figure 1. NI 9206 in a Suitably UL Rated NEMA or IP Enclosure

1

2

1. Suitably rated NEMA or IP enclosure that requires tool access

2. NI 9206 with NI 9941 connector backshell installed

Safety Guidelines for Hazardous Locations

The NI 9206 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
Gc and Ex nA IIC T4 Gc hazardous locations; and nonhazardous

NI 9206 Getting Started Guide | © National Instruments | 7

locations only. Follow these guidelines if you are installing the
NI 9206 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, or Zone 2.

Caution The system must be installed in an enclosure

certified for the intended hazardous (classified)
location, having a tool secured cover/door, where a
minimum protection of at least IP54 is provided.

Special Conditions for Hazardous Locations Use
in Europe and Internationally

The NI 9206 has been evaluated as Ex nA IIC T4 Gc equipment
under DEMKO 03 ATEX 0324020X and is IECEx UL 14.0089X

8 | ni.com | NI 9206 Getting Started Guide

certified. Each NI 9206 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 9206 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 Transient protection shall be provided that is

set at a level not exceeding 140% of the peak rated
voltage value of 85 V at the supply terminals to the
equipment.

Caution The system shall only be used in an area of

not more than Pollution Degree 2, as defined in
IEC/EN 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.

Caution The enclosure must have a door or cover

accessible only by the use of a tool.

NI 9206 Getting Started Guide | © National Instruments | 9

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.

10 | ni.com | NI 9206 Getting Started Guide

Caution To ensure the specified EMC performance,

operate this product only with shielded cables and
accessories.

Caution To ensure the specified EMC performance,

the length of all I/O cables must be no longer than 30 m
(100 ft).

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.

NI 9206 Getting Started Guide | © National Instruments | 11

Preparing the Environment

Ensure that the environment in which you are using the NI 9206
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 2,000 m

Indoor use only.

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

for complete specifications.

12 | ni.com | NI 9206 Getting Started Guide

NI 9206 Pinout

AI0
AI1

AI3

AI5

AI7

AI17

AI19

AI21

AI23

DO0

AI2

AI4

AI6

AI16

AI18

AI20

AI22

COM

AI9

AI8

AI10

AI12

AI14

AI24

AI26

AI28

AI30

AISENSE

AI11

AI13

AI15

AI25

AI27

AI29

AI31

PFI0

1

2

3
4

5

6

7

8

9
10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21
22

23

24

25

26

27
28

29

30

31

32

33

34

35

36

NI 9206 Getting Started Guide | © National Instruments | 13

Table 1. Signal Descriptions

Signal Description

AI Analog input signal connection

AISENSE Reference connection for NRSE measurements

COM Common reference connection to isolated ground

DO Digital output signal connection

PFI Programmable function interface, digital input signal

connection

Signals

You can connect single-ended or differential signals to the
NI 9206. Use a differential measurement configuration to attain
more accurate measurements and less noise. The following table
shows the signal pairs that are valid for differential connection
configurations with the NI 9206.

14 | ni.com | NI 9206 Getting Started Guide

Table 2. Differential Pairs

Channel AI + AI-

0 AI0 AI8

1 AI1 AI9

2 AI2 AI10

3 AI3 AI11

4 AI4 AI12

5 AI5 AI13

6 AI6 AI14

7 AI7 AI15

16 AI16 AI24

17 AI17 AI25

18 AI18 AI26

NI 9206 Getting Started Guide | © National Instruments | 15

Table 2. Differential Pairs (Continued)

Channel AI + AI-

19 AI19 AI27

20 AI20 AI28

21 AI21 AI29

22 AI22 AI30

23 AI23 AI31

16 | ni.com | NI 9206 Getting Started Guide

Connecting Floating Differential Signals

You can connect floating differential signals to the NI 9206.

Figure 2. Connecting Floating Differential Signals to the NI 9206

NI 9206

MUX

ADC

PGIA

V

cm

AI0 (CH0+)

AI8 (CH0–)

–

–

AI1 (CH1+)

AI9 (CH1–)

COM

V

1

V

2

+

+
–

–

To connect floating differential signals to the NI 9206, you must
connect the negative signal to COM through a 1 MΩ resistor to
keep the voltage within the maximum working voltage. If the
voltage source is outside the maximum working voltage, the
NI 9206 does not read data accurately.

NI 9206 Getting Started Guide | © National Instruments | 17

Connecting Grounded Differential Signals

You can connect grounded differential signals to the NI 9206.

Figure 3. Connecting Grounded Differential Signals to the NI 9206

NI 9206

MUX

ADC

PGIA

V

cm

AI0 (CH0+)

AI8 (CH0–)

AI1 (CH1+)

AI9 (CH1–)

COM

V

1

V

2

–

–

+

+

In a differential configuration, the NI 9206 rejects the common­mode noise voltage during the measurement of V1. To connect
grounded differential signals to the NI 9206, you must also
connect the signal reference to COM.

18 | ni.com | NI 9206 Getting Started Guide

Connecting RSE Voltage Signals

You can connect referenced single-ended (RSE) signals to the
NI 9206.

Figure 4. Connecting RSE Voltage Signals

NI 9206

MUX

PGIA

ADC

V

1

V

2

COM

AI1

AI0

–

–

+

+

In an RSE configuration, the NI 9206 measures each channel
with respect to COM. To connect RSE signals to the NI 9206,
you must connect the voltage ground signal to COM to keep the
maximum working voltage in the specified range.

Note If you leave COM unconnected, the signals float

outside the working input range of the NI 9206. This

NI 9206 Getting Started Guide | © National Instruments | 19

may result in unreliable measurements because there is
no way to ensure that the input signal is within 10 V of
COM.

Connecting NRSE Voltage Signals

You can connect non-referenced single-ended (NRSE) signals to
the NI 9206.

Figure 5. Connecting an RSE Voltage Signal to the NI 9206

NI 9206

MUX

PGIA

ADC

V

1

V

2

COM

AI1

AISENSE

AI0

+

+
–

–

In an NRSE configuration, the NI 9206 measures each channel
with respect to AISENSE. An NRSE configuration provides

20 | ni.com | NI 9206 Getting Started Guide

remote sense for the negative input of the PGIA that is shared by
all channels and also provides improved noise rejection compared
to an RSE connection.

Connecting Fuel Cell Devices

You can connect a fuel cell device to the NI 9206.

Figure 6. Connecting a Fuel Cell Device to the NI 9206

NI 9206

AI23+
AI23–

+
–

AI16+
AI16–

+
–

AI7+
AI7–

+
–

AI0+
AI0–

+
–

Cell n + 15

Cell n + 8

Cell

n + 7

Cell n

10 V max

10 V max

COM

Up to 600 VDC/400 VDC
of common-mode voltage

Isolated

Interface to

Backplane

Each channel
configured
for ±1V
or ±5 V input

NI 9206 Getting Started Guide | © National Instruments | 21

NI 9206 Connection Guidelines

• Make sure that devices you connect to the NI 9206 are
compatible with the module specifications.

• You must use 2-wire ferrules to create a secure connection
when connecting more than one wire to a single terminal on
the NI 9206.

• Push the wire into the terminal when using a solid wire or a
stranded wire with a ferrule.

• Open the terminal by pressing the push button when using
stranded wire without a ferrule.

Connecting to a Spring-Terminal Connector

What to Use

• NI 9206 spring-terminal connector

• 0.08 mm2 to 1.0 mm2 (28 AWG to 18 AWG) copper
conductor wire with 7 mm (0.28 in.) of insulation stripped
from the end

• Flathead screwdriver with a 2.3 mm x 1.0 mm (0.09 in. x

0.04 in.) blade, included with the NI 9206

22 | ni.com | NI 9206 Getting Started Guide

What to Do

Complete the following steps to connect wires to the spring­terminal connector.

1 2 3

1. Insert the screwdriver into a spring clamp activation slot to
open the corresponding connector terminal.

2. Press a wire into the open connector terminal.

NI 9206 Getting Started Guide | © National Instruments | 23

3. Remove the screwdriver from the activation slot to clamp the
wire into place.

High-Vibration Application Connections

If your application is subject to high vibration, NI recommends
that you use the NI 9941 backshell kit to protect connections to
the NI 9206.

24 | ni.com | NI 9206 Getting Started Guide

Where to Go Next

CompactRIO

NI CompactDAQ

RELATED INFORMATION

Software Support
& Related Documentation

ni.com/info softwareversion

Services

ni.com/services

NI 9206 Datasheet

NI-RIO Help

LabVIEW FPGA Help

NI 9206 Datasheet

NI-DAQmx Help

LabVIEW Help

Installs with the software

Located at ni.com/manuals

NI 9206 Getting Started Guide | © National Instruments | 25

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.

26 | ni.com | NI 9206 Getting Started Guide

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.

NI 9206 Getting Started Guide | © National Instruments | 27

Information is subject to change without notice. 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.

© 2006—2017 National Instruments. All rights reserved.

374231E-01 June 22, 2017