NI 9476 Getting Started Manual

GETTING STARTED GUIDE

NI 9476

36 V, 32-Channel (Sourcing Output), 500 µs
C Series Digital Module

This document explains how to connect to the NI 9476. In this
document, the NI 9476 with spring terminal and the NI 9476 with
DSUB are referred to inclusively as the NI 9476.

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 9476. 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 9476 only as described in this document.

Caution This icon denotes a caution, which advises

you to consult documentation where this symbol is
marked.

2 | ni.com | NI 9476 Getting Started Guide

Caution Do not operate the NI 9476 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.

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 All wiring must be insulated for the highest

voltage used.

Caution Do not mix hazardous voltage circuits and

human-accessible circuits on the same module.

NI 9476 Getting Started Guide | © National Instruments | 3

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.

NI 9476 with Spring Terminal Safety Voltages

Connect only voltages that are within the following limits.

V

sup

-to-COM 40 V DC maximum

DO V

COM

≤ V

DO

≤ V

sup

Isolation

Channel-to-channel None

Channel-to-earth ground

Continuous 250 V RMS,

Measurement Category II

Withstand up to
5,000 m

3,000 V RMS, verified by a 5 s
dielectric withstand test

4 | ni.com | NI 9476 Getting Started Guide

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 9476 with spring

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

NI 9476 with DSUB Safety Voltages

Connect only voltages that are within the following limits.

V

sup

-to-COM 40 V DC maximum

DO V

COM

≤ V

DO

≤ V

sup

Isolation

Channel-to-channel None

NI 9476 Getting Started Guide | © National Instruments | 5

Channel-to-earth ground

Continuous 60 V DC,

Measurement Category 1

Withstand up to
2,000 m

1,000 V RMS, 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 9476 with DSUB 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 for
other circuits not intended for direct connection to the

6 | ni.com | NI 9476 Getting Started Guide

MAINS building installations of Measurement
Categories CAT II, CAT III, or CAT IV.

Safety Guidelines for Hazardous Locations

The NI 9476 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
locations only. Follow these guidelines if you are installing the
NI 9476 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)

NI 9476 Getting Started Guide | © National Instruments | 7

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 9476 with spring terminal has been evaluated as Ex nA
IIC T4 Gc equipment under DEMKO 12 ATEX 1202658X and is
IECEx UL 14.0089X certified. The NI 9476 with DSUB has been
evaluated as Ex nA IIC T4 Gc equipment under DEMKO 03
ATEX 0324020X and is IECEx UL 14.0089X certified. Each
NI 9476 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 9476 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.

8 | ni.com | NI 9476 Getting Started Guide

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.

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

NI 9476 Getting Started Guide | © National Instruments | 9

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.

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 9476 Getting Started Guide

Preparing the Environment

Ensure that the environment in which you are using the NI 9476
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

NI 9476 with spring
terminal

5,000 m

NI 9476 with DSUB 2,000 m

Indoor use only.

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

for complete specifications.

NI 9476 Getting Started Guide | © National Instruments | 11

NI 9476 Pinout

DO16
DO17
DO18
DO19
DO20
DO21
DO22
DO23
Vsup
Vsup
DO24
DO25
DO26
DO27
DO28
DO29
DO30
DO31

DO0
DO1
DO2
DO3
DO4
DO5
DO6
DO7
Vsup
Vsup
DO8
DO9
DO10
DO11
DO12
DO13
DO14
DO15
COM

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

DO0
DO1

DO3

DO5

DO7

DO9

DO11

DO13

DO15

COM

DO2

DO4

DO6

DO8

DO10

DO12

DO14

COM

DO17

DO16

DO18

DO20

DO22

DO24

DO26

DO28

DO30

Vsup

DO19

DO21

DO23

DO25

DO27

DO29

DO31

Vsup

20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8

9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19

12 | ni.com | NI 9476 Getting Started Guide

Table 1. Signal Descriptions

Signal Description

COM Common reference connection

DO Digital output signal connection

V

sup

Voltage supply input connection

Connecting a Device

Connect the device to DO and COM, and connect the external
power supply to V

sup

and COM.

NI 9476 Getting Started Guide | © National Instruments | 13

NI 9476

+

_

COM

Vsup

Device

DO

External

Power

Supply

Common

Mode

Voltage

Note When DO is off, DO is not connected to COM.

For devices with large source impedances, you must
use a pull-down resistor between DO and COM. Visit

ni.com/info and enter the Info Code

CSeriesDOPulseGen for more information.

Connecting an External Power Supply

You must connect an external power supply with a 6 V DC to
36 V DC voltage range to the NI 9476. This power supply
provides the current for the devices you connect to the module.
You can connect only one external voltage supply to the NI 9476.

14 | ni.com | NI 9476 Getting Started Guide

1. Connect the positive lead of the power supply to V

sup

.

2. Connect the negative lead of the power supply to COM.

Caution Do not remove or insert modules if the

external power supply connected to the V

sup

and COM

pins is powered on.

Connection Guidelines

• Make sure that devices you connect to the NI 9476 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 9476.

• For the NI 9476 with spring terminal, push the wire into the
terminal when using a solid wire or a stranded wire with a
ferrule.

• For the NI 9476 with spring terminal, open the terminal by
pressing the push button when using stranded wire without a
ferrule.

• For CAT II measurements, you must use a power supply with
isolated DC outputs.

NI 9476 Getting Started Guide | © National Instruments | 15

Overvoltage Protection

The NI 9476 provides overvoltage protection between any two
inputs.

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

for more information about overvoltage protection.

High-Vibration Application Connections

If your application is subject to high vibration, NI recommends
that you use the NI 9940 backshell kit to protect connections to
the NI 9476 with spring terminal.

I/O Protection

The NI 9476 is protected against overcurrent, inrush, and short­circuit conditions in accordance with IEC 61131-2.

Each channel on the NI 9476 has circuitry that protects it from
voltage and current surges resulting from short circuits.

Caution The NI 9476 can be damaged under

overvoltage and reverse bias voltage conditions. Check

16 | ni.com | NI 9476 Getting Started Guide

the voltage specifications for all devices that you
connect to the NI 9476.

Excessive current through a DO pin causes the channel to go into
an overcurrent state. In an overcurrent state, the channel cycles
off and on until the short circuit is removed or the current returns
to an acceptably low level.

Each channel has a status line that indicates in software whether
the channel is in an overcurrent state.

Protecting the Module from Flyback Voltages

Install an external flyback diode if the NI 9476 is switching an
inductive or energy-storing device such as a solenoid, motor, or
relay, and the device does not have flyback protection.

NI 9476 Getting Started Guide | © National Instruments | 17

External

Power

Supply

NI 9476

+

_

COM

Vsup

Inductive

Device

DO

Flyback

Diode

Increasing Current Drive

Each channel has a continuous output current of 250 mA. If you
want to increase the output current to a device, you can connect
any number of channels together in parallel. For example, if you
want to drive 1 A of current, connect DO<0..3> in parallel. You
must turn all parallel channels on and off simultaneously so that
the current on any single channel cannot exceed the 250 mA
rating.

18 | ni.com | NI 9476 Getting Started Guide

NI 9476

250 mA

250 mA

250 mA

250 mA

DO3

DO1

DO0

DO2

1 A

+

_

Device

COM

External

Power

Supply

Vsup

NI 9476 Getting Started Guide | © National Instruments | 19

Where to Go Next

CompactRIO

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 9476 Datasheet

NI-RIO Help

LabVIEW FPGA Help

NI 9476 Datasheet

NI-DAQmx Help

LabVIEW Help

20 | ni.com | NI 9476 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 9476 Getting Started Guide | © National Instruments | 21

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.

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.

© 2015—2017 National Instruments. All rights reserved.

373964H-01 April 28, 2017