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Ordering Information | Detailed Specifications | Pinouts/Front Panel Connections

For user manuals and dimensional drawings, visit the product page resources tab on ni.com.

Last Revised: 2014-09-24 23:07:52.0

NI 9234
±5 V, IEPE and AC/DC Analog Input, 51.2 kS/s/ch, 4 Ch Module

51.2 kS/s per channel maximum sampling rate; ±5 V input Software-selectable IEPE signal conditioning (0 mA or 2 mA)
24-bit resolution; 102 dB dynamic range; anti-aliasing filters Transducer Electronic Data Sheet smart sensor compatibility
Software-selectable AC/DC coupling; AC-coupled (0.5 Hz) -40 °C to 70 °C operating, 5 g vibration, 50 g shock

Overview
The NI 9234 is a 4-channel C Series dynamic signal acquisition module for making high-accuracy audio frequency measurements from integrated electronic piezoelectric (IEPE)
and non-IEPE sensors with NI CompactDAQ or CompactRIO systems. The NI 9234 delivers 102 dB of dynamic range and incorporates software-selectable AC/DC coupling and
IEPE signal conditioning for accelerometers and microphones. The four input channels simultaneously digitize signals at rates up to 51.2 kHz per channel with built-in anti-aliasing
filters that automatically adjust to your sampling rate.

Recommended Software
NI sound and vibration analysis software, including the NI Sound and Vibration Measurement Suite and the NI Sound and Vibration Toolkit, provides signal processing
functionality for performing audio measurements, fractional-octave analysis, frequency analysis, transient analysis, and order tracking. NI analysis software features NI Sound and
Vibration Assistant interactive software for quickly acquiring, analyzing, and logging acoustic, noise, and vibration data. With a configuration-based, flexible measurement library
and open-analysis capability, the Sound and Vibration Assistant is designed for quick data capture through a unique software-based measurement approach to create customized
applications.

Recommended Accessories
None

Box Contents
-1 NI 9234 C Series module
-1 NI 9234 Operating Instructions and Specifications manual

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Comparison Tables

Product Name Signal Ranges Channels Sample Rate Simultaneous Resolution Excitation Isolation Connectivity

NI 9232 ±30 V 3 differential 102.4 kS/s/ch Yes 24-Bit 4 mA 60 VDC Ch-Earth Screw Terminal

NI 9234 ±5 V 4 differential 51.2 kS/s/ch Yes 24-Bit 2 mA None BNC

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Application and Technology

NI C Series Overview

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NI C Series modules are designed to provide high-accuracy measurements to meet the demands of advanced DAQ and control applications. Each module contains
measurement-specific signal conditioning to connect to an array of sensors and signals, bank and channel-to-channel isolation options, and support for wide temperature ranges
to meet a variety of application and environmental needs all in a single rugged package. You can choose from more than 100 C Series modules for measurement, control, and
communication to connect your applications to any sensor on any bus.

Most C Series I/O modules work with both the NI CompactDAQ and CompactRIO platforms. The modules are identical, and you can move them from one platform to the other
with no modification.

NI CompactRIO Platform

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

Configure Your Complete NI CompactRIO System

NI CompactDAQ Platform

NI CompactDAQ is a portable, rugged data acquisition platform that integrates connectivity and signal conditioning into modular I/O to directly interface with any sensor or signal.
Using NI CompactDAQ with LabVIEW, you can easily customize how you acquire, analyze, present, and manage your measurement data. From research to development to
validation, NI provides programmable software, high-accuracy measurements, and local technical support to help ensure you meet your exact measurement application
requirements.

Configure Your Complete NI CompactDAQ System

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Ordering Information

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For a complete list of accessories, visit the product page on ni.com.

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Software Recommendations
LabVIEW Professional Advanced software tools for large project NI LabVIEW FPGA Module Design FPGA applications for NI
Development System for development reconfigurable I/O (RIO) hardware targets
Windows Automatic code generation using DAQ Program with the same graphical
Assistant and Instrument I/O Assistant environment used for desktop and real-time
applications
Tight integration with a wide range of
hardware Execute control algorithms with loop rates up
to 300 MHz
Advanced measurement analysis and digital
signal processing Implement custom timing and triggering logic,
digital protocols, and DSP algorithms
Open connectivity with DLLs, ActiveX, and
.NET objects Incorporate existing HDL code and third-party
IP including Xilinx CORE Generator functions
Capability to build DLLs, executables, and
MSI installers Included in the LabVIEW Embedded Control
and Monitoring Suite

NI LabVIEW Real-Time Design deterministic real-time applications NI Sound and Vibration Minimize development time with ready-to-run
Module with LabVIEW graphical programming Measurement Suite application examples
Download to dedicated NI or third-party Get started quickly with application example
hardware for reliable execution and a wide projects
selection of I/O Build custom DAQ systems faster than ever
Take advantage of built-in PID control, signal with DAQ configuration XControl
processing, and analysis functions
Avoid the expense of verification with NI
Automatically take advantage of multicore ANSI- and IEC-compliant octave and
CPUs or set processor affinity manually sound-quality analysis
Includes real-time OS, development and Decrease test time with parallel processing
debugging support, and board support
Purchase individually or as part of a
LabVIEW suite

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Support and Services

System Assurance Programs
NI system assurance programs are designed to make it even easier for you to own an NI system. These programs include configuration and deployment services for your NI PXI,
CompactRIO, or Compact FieldPoint system. The NI Basic System Assurance Program provides a simple integration test and ensures that your system is delivered completely
assembled in one box. When you configure your system with the NI Standard System Assurance Program, you can select from available NI system driver sets and application
development environments to create customized, reorderable software configurations. Your system arrives fully assembled and tested in one box with your software preinstalled.
When you order your system with the standard program, you also receive system-specific documentation including a bill of materials, an integration test report, a recommended
maintenance plan, and frequently asked question documents. Finally, the standard program reduces the total cost of owning an NI system by providing three years of warranty
coverage and calibration service. Use the online product advisors at ni.com/advisor to find a system assurance program to meet your needs.

Calibration
NI measurement hardware is calibrated to ensure measurement accuracy and verify that the device meets its published specifications. To ensure the ongoing accuracy of your
measurement hardware, NI offers basic or detailed recalibration service that provides ongoing ISO 9001 audit compliance and confidence in your measurements. To learn more
about NI calibration services or to locate a qualified service center near you, contact your local sales office or visit ni.com/calibration.

Technical Support
Get answers to your technical questions using the following National Instruments resources.
Support - Visit ni.com/support to access the NI KnowledgeBase, example programs, and tutorials or to contact our applications engineers who are located in NI sales
offices around the world and speak the local language.
Discussion Forums - Visit forums.ni.com for a diverse set of discussion boards on topics you care about.
Online Community - Visit community.ni.com to find, contribute, or collaborate on customer-contributed technical content with users like you.

Repair
While you may never need your hardware repaired, NI understands that unexpected events may lead to necessary repairs. NI offers repair services performed by highly trained
technicians who quickly return your device with the guarantee that it will perform to factory specifications. For more information, visit ni.com/repair.

Training and Certifications

The NI training and certification program delivers the fastest, most certain route to increased proficiency and productivity using NI software and hardware. Training builds the skills
to more efficiently develop robust, maintainable applications, while certification validates your knowledge and ability.

Classroom training in cities worldwide - the most comprehensive hands-on training taught by engineers.
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 Classroom training in cities worldwide - the most comprehensive hands-on training taught by engineers.
On-site training at your facility - an excellent option to train multiple employees at the same time.
Online instructor-led training - lower-cost, remote training if classroom or on-site courses are not possible.
Course kits - lowest-cost, self-paced training that you can use as reference guides.
Training memberships and training credits - to buy now and schedule training later.
Visit ni.com/training for more information.

Extended Warranty
NI offers options for extending the standard product warranty to meet the life-cycle requirements of your project. In addition, because NI understands that your requirements may
change, the extended warranty is flexible in length and easily renewed. For more information, visit ni.com/warranty.

OEM
NI offers design-in consulting and product integration assistance if you need NI products for OEM applications. For information about special pricing and services for OEM
customers, visit ni.com/oem.

Alliance
Our Professional Services Team is comprised of NI applications engineers, NI Consulting Services, and a worldwide National Instruments Alliance Partner program of more than
700 independent consultants and integrators. Services range from start-up assistance to turnkey system integration. Visit ni.com/alliance.

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

Input Characteristics

Number of channels 4 analog input channels

ADC resolution 24 bits

Type of ADC Delta-Sigma (with analog prefiltering)

Sampling mode Simultaneous

Type of TEDS supported IEEE 1451.4 TEDS Class I

Internal master timebase (ƒM )

Frequency 13.1072 MHz

Accuracy ±50 ppm max

Data rate range (ƒs ) using internal master timebase

Minimum 1.652 kS/s

Maximum 51.2 kS/s

Data rate range (ƒs ) using external master timebase

Minimum 0.391 kS/s

Maximum 52.734 kS/s

Data rates 1 (ƒs )

Input coupling AC/DC (software-selectable)

AC cutoff frequency

–3 dB 0.5 Hz

–0.1 dB 4.6 Hz max

AC cutoff frequency response

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Input range ±5 V

AC voltage full-scale range

Minimum ±5 Vpk

Typical ±5.1 Vpk

Maximum ±5.2 Vpk

Common-mode voltage range (AI– to earth ground) ±2 V max

IEPE excitation current (software-selectable on/off)

Minimum 2.0 mA

Typical 2.1 mA

Power-on glitch 90 μA for 10 μs

IEPE compliance voltage 19 V max

If you are using an IEPE sensor, use the following equation to make sure your configuration meets the IEPE compliance voltage range.

(Vcommon-mode + Vbias ± Vfull-scale ) must be 0 to 19, where Vcommon-mode is the common-mode voltage applied to the NI 9234, Vbias is the bias voltage of the IEPE sensor, and V

full-scale
is the full-scale voltage of the IEPE sensor.

Overvoltage protection (with respect to chassis ground)

For a signal source connected to AI+ and AI– ±30 V

For a low-impedance source connected to AI+ and AI– –6 to 30 V

Input delay 38.4/ƒs + 3.2 μs

Accuracy 2

Measurement Conditions Percent of Reading (Gain Error) Percent of Range 3 (Offset Error)

Calibrated max (–40 to 70 °C) 0.34%, ±0.03 dB ±0.14%, 7.1 mV

Calibrated typ (25 °C ±5 °C) 0.05%, ±0.005 dB ±0.006%, 0.3 mV

Uncalibrated max (–40 to 70 °C) 1.9%, ±0.16 dB ±0.27%, 13.9 mV

Uncalibrated typ (25 °C ±5 °C) 0.48%, ±0.04 dB ±0.04%, 2.3 mV

Gain drift

Typical 0.14 mdB/°C (16 ppm/°C)

Maximum 0.45 mdB/°C (52 ppm/°C)

Offset drift

Typical 19.2 μV/°C

Maximum 118 μV/°C

Channel-to-channel matching

Gain

Typical 0.01 dB

Maximum 0.04 dB

Phase (ƒin in kHz) ƒin · 0.045° + 0.04 max

Passband

Frequency 0.45 · ƒs

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 Flatness (ƒs = 51.2 kS/s) ±40 mdB (pk-to-pk max)

Phase nonlinearity (ƒs = 51.2 kS/s) ±0.45° max

Stopband

Frequency 0.55 · ƒs

Rejection 100 dB

Alias-free bandwidth 0.45 · ƒs

Oversample rate 64 · ƒs

Crosstalk (1 kHz) –110 dB

CMRR (ƒin ≤ 1 kHz)

Minimum 40 dB

Typical 47 dB

SFDR (ƒin = 1 kHz, – 60 dBFS) 120 dB

Idle channel noise and noise density

Idle Channel 51.2 kS/s 25.6 kS/s 2.048 kS/s

Noise 97 dBFS 99 dBFS 103 dBFS

50 μVrms 40 μVrms 25 μVrms

Noise density 310 nV/√Hz 350 nV/√Hz 780 nV/√Hz

Input impedance

Differential 305 kΩ

AI– (shield) to chassis ground 50 Ω

Total harmonic distortion (THD)

Input Amplitude 1 kHz 8 kHz

–1 dBFS –95 dB –87 dB

–20 dBFS –95 dB –80 dB

Intermodulation distortion (–1 dBFS)

DIN 250 Hz/8 kHz, 4:1 amplitude ratio –80 dB

CCIF 11 kHz/12 kHz, 1:1 amplitude ratio –93 dB

MTBF 390,362 hours at 25 °C; Bellcore Issue 2, Method 1, Case 3, Limited Part Stress Method

Note Contact NI for Bellcore MTBF specifications at other temperatures or for MIL-HDBK-217F specifications.

Power Requirements

Power consumption from chassis

Active mode 900 mW max

Sleep mode 25 μW max

Thermal dissipation (at 70 °C)

Active mode 930 mW max

Sleep mode 25 μW max

Physical Characteristics

Weight 173 g (6.1 oz)

Safety

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

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 Safety Voltages
Connect only voltages that are within the following limits.
Channel-to-earth ground ±30 V max, Measurement Category I

Isolation

Channel-to-channel None

Channel-to-earth ground None

Measurement Category I is for measurements performed on circuits not directly connected to the electrical distribution system referred to as MAINS 4 voltage. 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 9234 to signals or use for measurements within Measurement Categories II, III, or IV.

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 (DEMKO) Ex nA IIC T4

Safety Standards

This product 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 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 (IEC 61326): Class A emissions; Basic immunity

EN 55011 (CISPR 11): Group 1, Class A emissions
AS/NZS CISPR 11: Group 1, Class A emissions
FCC 47 CFR Part 15B: Class A emissions
ICES-001: Class A emissions

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 cables.

CE Compliance

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

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

2004/108/EC; Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive (EMC)

Note For the standards applied to assess the EMC of this product, refer to the Online Product Certification section.

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/certification, search by module 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 to 500 Hz

Sinusoidal (IEC 60068-2-6) 5 g, 10 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

National Instruments C Series modules are intended for indoor use only but may be used outdoors if installed in a suitable enclosure. Refer to the manual for the chassis you are
using for more information about meeting these specifications.
Operating temperature (IEC 60068-2-1, IEC 60068-2-2) –40 to 70 °C

Storage temperature (IEC 60068-2-1, IEC 60068-2-2) –40 to 85 °C

Ingress protection IP 40

Operating humidity (IEC 60068-2-56) 10 to 90% RH, noncondensing

Storage humidity (IEC 60068-2-56) 5 to 95% RH, noncondensing

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Maximum altitude 2,000 m

Pollution Degree (IEC 60664) 2

Environmental Management

National Instruments is committed to designing and manufacturing products in an environmentally responsible manner. NI recognizes that eliminating certain hazardous
substances from our products is beneficial not only to the environment but also to NI customers.

For additional environmental information, refer to the NI and the 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 their life cycle, all products must be sent to a WEEE recycling center. For more information about WEEE recycling centers and National
Instruments WEEE initiatives, visit ni.com/environment/weee.htm.

Calibration

You can obtain the calibration certificate for this device at ni.com/calibration.
Calibration interval 1 year

1
The data rate must remain within the appropriate data range. Refer to the Understanding NI 9234 Data Rates section of NI 9234 Operating Instructions and Specifications for
more information.
2
Refer to the NI 9234 Circuitry section of the NI 9234 Operating Instructions and Specifications for information regarding grounded signal sources and measurement accuracy.
3
Range = 5.1 Vpk
4
MAINS is defined as the (hazardous live) electrical supply system to which equipment is designed to be connected for the purpose of powering the equipment. Suitably rated
measuring circuits may be connected to the MAINS for measuring purposes.

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Pinouts/Front Panel Connections

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names listed are trademarks or trade names of their respective companies. A National Instruments Alliance Partner is a business entity independent from National Instruments and has no agency, partnership, or
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