C Series Digital Output and Relay Modules

Overview

High-performance digital output and switching modules for National

Instruments CompactRIO embedded systems, R Series expansion

chassis, and NI CompactDAQ systems provide extended voltage ranges

and high current-switching capacity for direct control of a wide array of

industrial and automotive actuators. Each module features an integrated

connector junction box with screw-terminal or cable options for flexible,

low-cost signal wiring. All modules feature the NI CompactRIO Extreme

Industrial Certifications and Ratings.

System Compatibility

You can use NI C Series modules interchangeably in CompactRIO and

NI CompactDAQ chassis. Many of the advanced timing features

described apply only to CompactRIO reconfigurable I/O systems and not

to NI CompactDAQ.

Advanced Features

When used in CompactRIO, C Series digital output modules connect

directly to reconfigurable I/O (RIO) FPGA hardware to create high-

performance embedded systems. The reconfigurable FPGA hardware

within CompactRIO provides a variety of options for timing, triggering,

synchronization, digital waveform generation, or digital communication.

For instance, with CompactRIO you can implement a circuit to generate

pulse-width modulation (PWM) outputs for controlling motors, heaters,

or fans, as well as perform pulse code modulation encoding (PCME) for

wireless telemetry applications.

Key Features

• High-performance digital output switching for any CompactRIO embedded

system, R Series expansion chassis, or NI CompactDAQ system

• Screw-terminal, strain relief, high-voltage, cable, solder-cup

backshell, and other connectivity options

• Channel-to-earth ground double-isolation barrier for safety

and noise immunity

• NI CompactRIO Extreme Industrial Certifications and Ratings

information on module availability, example programs, application notes,

and other developer tools.

Typical certifications – Actual specifications vary from product to

• High- and low-speed high-voltage digital outputs

(up to 60 V), 5 V/TTL, SPST (Form A) electromechanical

relay outputs or solid-state relay outputs

• Up to 32 channels per module; up to 256 channels

per 8-slot chassis

• Down to 100 ns output rate for ultrahigh-speed control,

pulse-width modulation (PWM), or digital communication

• Externally powered with high current-switching capacity

(up to 20 A per module) for direct control of a wide array

of industrial actuators

• Short-circuit-proof outputs available to protect from

damage caused by current surges

NI 940x, NI 947x, NI 948x

NEW!

Compatibility

Product

CompactRIO NI CompactDAQ

Logic

Channels Sink/Source I/O Delay Time

Signal Levels

Output Current per Channel Isolation

Connector Options

NI 9401





5 V/TTL

8

Sink/Source

100 ns

5 V

2 mA



D-Sub

NI 9403





5 V/TTL

32

Sink/Source

7 µs

5 V

2 mA



D-Sub

NI 9472





High Voltage

8

Source

100 µs

6 to 30 V

750 mA



Screw Terminal, D-Sub

NI 9474





High Voltage

8

Source

1 µs

5 to 30 V

1 A



Screw Terminal

NI 9476





High Voltage

32

Source

500 µs

6 to 36 V

250 mA



D-Sub

NI 9477





High Voltage

32

Sink

8 µs

5 to 60 V

625 mA



D-Sub

NI 9481





Form A

4

Sink/Source

10 ms

60 VDC, 250 VAC

2 A (30 VDC)



Screw Terminal

NI 9485





SSR

8

Sink/Source

9 ms

60 VDC, 30 VAC

750 mA



Screw Terminal

Table 1. C Series Digital Output and Relay Module Selection Guide

North American

Hazardous Locations