DATASHEET

NI 9265 Datasheet
4-Channel, 0 mA to 20 mA, 16-Bit Analog Output Module

• 4 channels, 100 kS/s per channel simultaneously analog

output
• 0 mA to 20 mA output range, 16-bit resolution
• Open-loop detection with interrupt, 0.0 mA power-on
• 250 Vrms, CAT II bank isolation
• 10-position screw-terminal or 10-position spring-terminal
connectors available
• -40 °C to 70 °C operating range, 5 g vibration, 50 g shock

The NI 9265 is a 4-channel, 0 mA to 20 mA, 100 kS/s simultaneously updating C Series

analog output module for any CompactDAQ or CompactRIO chassis. It is ideal for interfacing
and controlling industrial current-driven actuators at high rates. The module has built-in
open-loop detection, which generates an interrupt in software when an open loop is detected as
well as zeroing outputs to ensure safety and avoid driving actuators at system power-on. The
NI 9265 requires a 9 V to 36 V external power supply and includes a channel-to-earth ground
double isolation barrier for safety and noise immunity.

NI C Series Overview

NI provides more than 100 C Series modules for measurement, control, and communication
applications. C Series modules can connect to any sensor or bus and allow for high-accuracy
measurements that meet the demands of advanced data acquisition and control applications.
• Measurement-specific signal conditioning that connects to an array of sensors and signals
• Isolation options such as bank-to-bank, channel-to-channel, and channel-to-earth ground
• -40 °C to 70 °C temperature range to meet a variety of application and environmental
needs
• Hot-swappable
The majority of C Series modules are supported in both CompactRIO and CompactDAQ
platforms and you can move modules from one platform to the other with no modification.

CompactRIO
CompactRIO combines an open-embedded architecture
with small size, extreme ruggedness, and C Series
modules in a platform powered by the NI LabVIEW
reconfigurable I/O (RIO) architecture. Each system
contains an FPGA for custom timing, triggering, and
processing with a wide array of available modular I/O to
meet any embedded application requirement.

CompactDAQ
CompactDAQ is a portable, rugged data acquisition platform
that integrates connectivity, data acquisition, and signal
conditioning into modular I/O for directly interfacing to any
sensor or signal. Using CompactDAQ with LabVIEW, you
can easily customize how you acquire, analyze, visualize,
and manage your measurement data.

Software
LabVIEW Professional Development System for Windows

• Use advanced software tools for large project development

• Generate code automatically using DAQ Assistant and Instrument
I/O Assistant
• Use advanced measurement analysis and digital signal processing
• Take advantage of open connectivity with DLLs, ActiveX,
and .NET objects
• Build DLLs, executables, and MSI installers

2 | ni.com | NI 9265 Datasheet

 NI LabVIEW FPGA Module

• Design FPGA applications for NI RIO hardware

• Program with the same graphical environment used for desktop and
real-time applications
• Execute control algorithms with loop rates up to 300 MHz
• Implement custom timing and triggering logic, digital protocols, and
DSP algorithms
• Incorporate existing HDL code and third-party IP including Xilinx IP
generator functions
• Purchase as part of the LabVIEW Embedded Control and Monitoring
Suite

NI LabVIEW Real-Time Module

• Design deterministic real-time applications with LabVIEW

graphical programming
• Download to dedicated NI or third-party hardware for reliable
execution and a wide selection of I/O
• Take advantage of built-in PID control, signal processing, and
analysis functions
• Automatically take advantage of multicore CPUs or set
processor affinity manually
• Take advantage of real-time OS, development and debugging
support, and board support
• Purchase individually or as part of a LabVIEW suite

Circuitry
Each AO channel has a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) that produces a current signal. Each
channel also has overvoltage and short-circuit protection.
Figure 1. NI 9265 Circuitry
COM Vsup

DC/DC

Isolated DAC

Protection AO

COM
NI 9265

NI 9265 Datasheet | © National Instruments | 3

NI 9265 Specifications
The following specifications are typical for the range -40 °C to 70 °C unless otherwise noted.
All voltages are relative to COM unless otherwise noted.

Caution To ensure the specified EMC performance, operate this product only with
shielded cables and accessories.

Caution Do not operate the NI 9265 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.

Output Characteristics
Number of channels 4 analog output channels
DAC resolution 16 bits
Type of DAC String
Power-on output state 0
Startup current 0.0 mA
Power-down current 0.0 mA
Full-scale output current
Minimum 20.1 mA
Typical 20.6 mA
Maximum 21.0 mA
Output range 0 mA to 20 mA
Compliance voltage 12 VDC maximum
Maximum load 600 Ω

Table 1. Accuracy
Measurement Conditions Percent of Reading Percent of Range1
(Gain Error) (Offset Error)

Calibrated, typical (25 °C, ±5 °C) 0.11% 0.19%

Calibrated, maximum (-40 °C to 70 °C) 0.25% 0.4%

1 Range equals 0 mA to 20.6 mA.

4 | ni.com | NI 9265 Datasheet

 Table 1. Accuracy (Continued)
Measurement Conditions Percent of Reading Percent of Range1
(Gain Error) (Offset Error)

Uncalibrated2, typical (25 °C, ±5 °C) 0.35% 1.4%

Uncalibrated, maximum (-40 °C to 70 °C) 0.85% 2.5%

Stability
Gain drift 30 ppm/°C
Offset drift 45 ppm/°C
External power supply voltage range (Vsup) 9 VDC to 36 VDC
Protection (AO, Vsup)
Overvoltage ±40 V
Short-circuit Indefinitely

Table 2. Update Time

Number of Channels Update Time for R Series Update Time for Any Other
Expansion Chassis Chassis

One 3.5 μs 3 μs

Two 6.5 μs 5 μs

Three 9 μs 7.5 μs

Four 12 μs 9.5 μs

Noise 600 nArms

Crosstalk -90 dB
Settling time (to 1 LSB)
Full-scale step 10 μs
1 mA step 5 μs
Glitch energy Unmeasurable
Monotonicity 16 bits
DNL 1 LSB maximum

1 Range equals 0 mA to 20.6 mA.

2 Uncalibrated accuracy refers to the accuracy achieved when acquiring data in raw or unscaled
modes and in which calibration constants that are stored in the module are not applied to the data.

NI 9265 Datasheet | © National Instruments | 5

INL ±16 LSB
MTBF 1,014,487 hours at 25 °C; Bellcore Issue 6,
Method 1, Case 3, Limited Part Stress Method

Power Requirements
Power consumption from chassis
Active mode 230 mW maximum
Sleep mode 25 μW maximum
Thermal dissipation (at 70 °C)
Active mode 1.5 W maximum
Sleep mode 10 mW maximum
Power consumption from external power supply
Active mode 1.4 W maximum
Sleep mode 10 mW

Physical Characteristics
Screw-terminal wiring
Gauge 0.2 mm2 to 2.5 mm2 (26 AWG to 14 AWG)
copper conductor wire
Wire strip length 13 mm (0.51 in.) of insulation stripped from
the end
Temperature rating 90 °C minimum
Torque for screw terminals 0.5 N · m to 0.6 N · m
(4.4 lb · in. to 5.3 lb · in.)
Wires per screw terminal One wire per screw terminal; two wires per
screw terminal using a 2-wire ferrule
Spring-terminal wiring
Gauge 0.2 mm2 to 2.5 mm2 (30 AWG to 12 AWG)
copper conductor wire
Wire strip length 10 mm (0.39 in.) of insulation stripped from
the end
Temperature rating 90 °C minimum
Wires per spring terminal One wire per spring terminal; two wires per
spring terminal using a 2-wire ferrule

6 | ni.com | NI 9265 Datasheet

Connector securement
Securement type Screw flanges provided
Torque for screw flanges 0.2 N · m (1.80 lb · in.)

Safety Voltages
Connect only voltages that are within the following limits.
Channel-to-COM or Vsup-to-COM ±40 V maximum3

Isolation Voltages
Channel-to-channel None
Channel-to-earth ground, Vsup-to-earth ground, or COM-to-earth ground
Continuous
up to 2,000 m altitude 250 Vrms, Measurement Category II
up to 5,000 m altitude 60 VDC, Measurement Category I
Withstand
up to 2,000 m altitude 2,300 Vrms, verified by a 5 s dielectric
withstand test
up to 5,000 m altitude 1,000 Vrms, 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.

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.

Note Do not connect the NI 9265 to signals or use for measurements within
Measurement Categories III or IV.

3 The maximum voltage that can be applied between any channel or Vsup terminal and a COM
terminal without damaging the module or other devices.

NI 9265 Datasheet | © National Instruments | 7

Hazardous Locations
U.S. (UL) Class I, Division 2, Groups A, B, C, D, T4;
Class I, Zone 2, AEx nA IIC T4
Canada (C-UL) Class I, Division 2, Groups A, B, C, D, T4;
Class I, Zone 2, Ex nA IIC T4
Europe (ATEX) and International (IECEx) Ex nA IIC T4 Gc

Safety and Hazardous Locations Standards

This product is designed to meet the requirements of the following electrical equipment safety
standards for measurement, control, and laboratory use:
• IEC 61010-1, EN 61010-1
• UL 61010-1, CSA 61010-1
• EN 60079-0:2012, EN 60079-15:2010
• IEC 60079-0: Ed 6, IEC 60079-15; Ed 4
• UL 60079-0; Ed 5, UL 60079-15; Ed 3
• CSA 60079-0:2011, CSA 60079-15:2012

Note For UL and other safety certifications, refer to the product label or the Online
Product Certification section.

Electromagnetic Compatibility
This product meets the requirements of the following EMC standards for electrical equipment
for measurement, control, and laboratory use:
• EN 61326-1 (IEC 61326-1): Class A emissions; Industrial immunity
• EN 55011 (CISPR 11): Group 1, Class A emissions
• CE, C-Tick, ICES, and FCC Part 15; Class A emissions

Caution To ensure the specified EMC performance, operate this product only with
shielded cables and accessories.

CE Compliance
This product meets the essential requirements of applicable European Directives, as follows:
• 2014/35/EU; Low-Voltage Directive (safety)
• 2014/30/EU; Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive (EMC)
• 94/9/EC; Potentially Explosive Atmospheres (ATEX)

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 ni.com/

8 | ni.com | NI 9265 Datasheet

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

Shock and Vibration

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

Operating vibration
Random (IEC 60068-2-64) 5 grms, 10 Hz to 500 Hz
Sinusoidal (IEC 60068-2-6) 5 g, 10 Hz to 500 Hz
Operating shock (IEC 60068-2-27) 30 g, 11 ms half sine; 50 g, 3 ms half sine;
18 shocks at 6 orientations

Environmental
Refer to the manual for the chassis you are using for more information about meeting these
specifications.

Operating temperature -40 °C to 70 °C

(IEC 60068-2-1, IEC 60068-2-2)
Storage temperature -40 °C to 85 °C
(IEC 60068-2-1, IEC 60068-2-2)
Ingress protection IP40
Operating humidity (IEC 60068-2-78) 10% RH to 90% RH, noncondensing
Storage humidity (IEC 60068-2-78) 5% RH to 95% RH, noncondensing
Pollution Degree 2
Maximum altitude 2,000 m

Indoor use only.

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.
For additional environmental information, refer to the Minimize Our Environmental Impact
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 NI products must be
disposed of according to local laws and regulations. For more information about
how to recycle NI products in your region, visit ni.com/environment/weee.

NI 9265 Datasheet | © National Instruments | 9

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