Support for hundreds of nodes to help you create a reliable network to monitor your assets or environment Ability to target and program the NI 9792 with NI LabVIEW Real-Time for embedded data analysis, logging, and visualization 533 MHz Freescale MPC8347 real-time processor, 2 GB onboard storage for local data logging, and 256 MB DDR2 RAM Integrated Web (HTTP) and file (FTP) server for remote data access and visualization NI-WSN software that provides easy network configuration, drag-and-drop LabVIEW programming, and support for logging, alarming, and Web-based data visualization 2.4 GHz, IEEE 802.15.4 radio to communicate with distributed WSN measurement nodes and dual 10/100 Mbit/s Ethernet port for flexible connectivity to other network devices, such as databases or cell modems

Redundant 9 to 35 VDC power input Industrial ratings: -40 to 70 ºC operating temperature, 50 g shock, 5 g vibration Up to 300 m outdoor range with line of sight Each gateway supports up to 36 measurement nodes in a mesh configuration Support for 14 gateways in the same location, using noncompeting wireless channels

Overview

The National Instruments wireless sensor network (WSN) platform delivers low-power measurement nodes that offer industrial certifications, reliable networking, and optional weatherproof outdoor enclosures for long-term, remote monitoring applications.

The NI 9792 programmable WSN gateway manages the wireless network of distributed WSN measurement nodes and can communicate with other hardware through a variety of open communication standards such as TCP/IP, Modbus, and serial. This high-performance controller features a 2.4 GHz IEEE 802.15.4 radio to communicate with up to 36 distributed NI WSN measurement nodes (in a mesh configuration). The NI 9792 also features dual Ethernet ports to provide flexible connectivity to other devices in your measurement system, such as enterprise-level networks, cellular modems, or wired I/O systems. In addition, the controller offers a built-in Web server so that you can host measurement data for remote visualization from within a Web browser. With this flexibility, you can create complete wired and wireless measurement and control solutions that meet the unique needs of your application, as seen in Figure 1.

With graphical NI LabVIEW software, you can easily configure your network, collect measurement data, trigger alarms through SMS or e-mail, and even view monitoring data within a web browser. With the LabVIEW Real-Time Module, you can deploy embedded applications to run on the NI 9792 to perform local processing, data hosting, and communication with other devices through serial or Ethernet. With the LabVIEW Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) Module, you can customize the behavior of programmable NI WSN measurement nodes. Use this module to optimize node behavior for your application: customize sample and transmission rates, perform onboard analysis or data reduction, respond to digital value changes, perform local control of DIO lines, and even store data to flash memory.

Requirements and Compatibility

Software Compatibility LabVIEW LabVIEW Real-Time Module

Application and Technology

Local Programming for Embedded Monitoring, Analysis and Data Storage

By combining the NI LabVIEW Real-Time Module with the NI 9792 programmable WSN gateway, you can deploy embedded applications to collect, process, and host data from your wireless measurements. With 2 GB of onboard storage, the gateway is well-suited for embedded data-logging applications for which you need to aggregate data from distributed wireless measurement nodes and/or wired I/O systems. The NI 9792 also features a Hi-Speed USB host port to which you can connect external USB-based storage media for embedded logging applications requiring more data storage. In addition, the NI 9792 incorporates a fault-tolerant file system that provides increased reliability for data logging.

System and Network Architectures

NI wireless sensor networks are ideally suited for long-term remote monitoring applications focusing on subjects such as the environment, water quality, structural health, energy quality and consumption, transportation, and machine condition. NI WSN measurement nodes can withstand outdoor and industrial environments and reliably monitor assets or surroundings to provide enhanced visibility into the overall health of your systems or processes.

The NI wireless sensor network system is built on a low-power, reliable IEEE 802.15.4 network. The WSN gateway coordinates the wireless network, performing functions such as device authentication, message buffering, and network topology administration. The NI 9792 gateway does not need to be connected to a host controller because it can operate headlessly while running deployed LabVIEW Real-Time applications.

Figure 1. NI WSN systems provide flexible connectivity to other devices in your application.

The 9 to 30 VDC externally powered gateway offers -40 to 70 °C operating temperatures, 50 g shock ratings, and a compact form factor. Up to 36 measurement nodes can communicate with a single gateway, and each gateway can operate on any of 14 wireless communication channels to increase network size and ensure coexistence with other wireless devices. This allows a full WSN system to scale to over 2,000 analog channels (14 gateways X 36 nodes per gateway X 4 analog channels per node).

The gateway, routers, and end nodes work together to form a mesh network. Measurement nodes can operate as routers or end nodes, providing the flexibility to extend the range of your sensor network. When nodes are configured as routers, they can repeat messages from end nodes and extend network range while acquiring measurement data. 

Software Overview

With NI-WSN software, you can easily configure your sensor network and quickly extract measurement data from your wireless sensor network with the LabVIEW graphical development environment.

NI WSN measurement nodes configured with a gateway are automatically added to your LabVIEW project, giving you instant access to their I/O and properties. Simply drag and drop I/O variables from a LabVIEW project to a LabVIEW block diagram for data extraction, analysis, and presentation. Using the drag-and-drop LabVIEW variables, you can monitor the analog and digital channels as well as other node attributes such as link quality, battery voltage, and whether a node is configured as a router or end node. Because of these properties, you can intelligently maintain your network and choose the best locations for your measurement nodes. The LabVIEW project interface also offers access to node property configuration utilities. You can modify node sample intervals, define the analog and digital channel parameters, and provide aliases.

Figure 2. NI WSN System in the LabVIEW Project

 

Simply drag and drop I/O variables from the LabVIEW project to a LabVIEW block diagram for data extraction, logging, analysis, and presentation.

Figure 3. Extracting NI WSN Measurement Data Using LabVIEW

LabVIEW delivers a common development environment for all of your monitoring and control applications as well as rapid programming, easy network configuration, and open connectivity to a variety of third-party instruments and systems. And with a multitude of LabVIEW add-ons, you can visualize data in a Web browser, conduct advanced data processing and analysis, or perform integrated event detection and alarming

Gateway Programming (LabVIEW Real-Time)

The LabVIEW Real-Time Module helps you use LabVIEW graphical programming to create applications that run on embedded hardware targets such as the NI 9792. You can use most of the built-in math and signal processing algorithms that come with LabVIEW in your real-time applications, and add embedded data logging and communication. In addition, you can run textual math scripts on your real-time system with the optional LabVIEW MathScript RT Module. Developing real-time programs in LabVIEW is nearly identical to developing standard LabVIEW applications for your PC. Your embedded, real-time program can provide the following capabilities:

• Remote configuration, data access, alarms, and notifications using the onboard Web server
• Open communication through TCP/IP, Modbus, serial, shared variables, and Web services
• Third-party connectivity to other WSN gateways/vendors
• Remote communication through e-mail and FTP protocols
• Watchdog functions to automatically restart some hardware targets if your program stops running

Node Programming (LabVIEW WSN)

NI recommends the programmable versions of both nodes and gateways. You can customize the behavior of programmable NI WSN measurement nodes with the LabVIEW WSN Module. Use this module to perform custom analysis, extend battery life, and embed local decision making on NI WSN measurement nodes.

With the LabVIEW WSN Module, you can significantly increase the battery life of your NI WSN measurement nodes while increasing performance and flexibility. By default, a node transmits every acquired value back to the gateway at the specified sample interval; however, in many applications, it is sufficient to simply monitor a given input for a threshold crossing or average values over a period of time. In these applications, powering the radio to transmit every acquired sample uses excessive power and reduces battery life. With LabVIEW WSN, you can add intelligence to the node to transmit data only when required. Additionally, you can monitor battery voltage and network status as well as modify the sample interval of the node to optimize behavior for specific operating conditions.

This also helps you achieve higher sample rates by customizing how the node acquires and transmits data. Exact sample rates depend on how many channels you are sampling, the analysis performed on each sample, and how many samples are transmitted back to the host, but programmable WSN nodes can achieve faster sample rates than those noted in the specifications. Refer to the LabVIEW WSN benchmarks white paper on NI Developer Zone for more information on increasing sample rates.

Using a subset of LabVIEW analysis functions and floating-point math operations, you can preprocess data acquired by NI WSN measurement nodes. A variety of analog and digital sensors can interface directly with these nodes, and you can use LabVIEW WSN to scale and convert raw sensor data into meaningful engineering units before transmitting.

With LabVIEW WSN, you can also embed intelligence on NI WSN measurement nodes, so decisions can be made autonomously without transmitting the stimulus and response to and from a host computer or embedded controller. You can use the digital output lines on an NI WSN measurement node to actuate relays and perform simple on/off control. For example, a programmed node can turn on a fan when a temperature threshold is exceeded, which reduces response time and increases reliability by removing the need for host interaction.

Mechanical Information

The NI 9792 gateway measures approximately 3.5 by 3.3 by 3.75 in. (L by W by H). The front of the gateway features power, status, activity, and user LEDs, along with a DIP switch bank to perform actions such as IP address reset and SAFE mode configuration. Redundant power supply connections and dual Ethernet ports complement the RS232 port and Hi-Speed USB port, each of which provides strain relief. The back of the device offers DIN-rail and panel mount plate screw holes in addition to a grounding screw on the bottom of the device. Consult the NI 9792 user guide for detailed mechanical information.

Figure 4. NI 9792 External Features

WSN Accessories

NI WSN accessories feature options for gateway and measurement node mounting as well as a weatherproof enclosure for outdoor use of the measurement nodes and gateways. 

Please view the WSN accessories data sheet for a complete list of WSN mounting accessories, outdoor enclosures, backshell kits, and power supplies.

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.
• 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.

Detailed Specifications

These specifications are typical at 25 °C unless otherwise noted. For the NI WSN-32xx specifications, refer to the device user guides.
Wireless Characteristics
Radio mode		IEEE 802.15.4
RF data rate		250 kbits/s
Frequency band 1		ISM 2.4 GHz (2400 MHz to 2483.5 MHz)
Channels 2		11–24
TX power

Modulation type		DSSS (O-QPSK)
Receiver sensitivity		–102 dBm
Antenna
Connector		Female RP-SMA connector
VSWR		MAX 2.0
Impedance		50 Ω
Directivity		Omni
Nominal gain		1.5 dBi
Network Interface
Ethernet port 1		10BaseT and 100BaseTX Ethernet
Ethernet port 2		10BaseT and 100BaseTX Ethernet
Compatibility		IEEE 802.3
Communication rates
Ethernet port 1		10 Mbps, 100 Mbps, auto-negotiated
Ethernet port 2		10 Mbps, 100 Mbps, auto-negotiated
Maximum cabling distance		100 m/segment
RS-232 DTE Serial Port
Baud rate		300–230, 400 bps
Data bits		5, 6, 7, 8
Stop bits		1, 1.5, 2
Parity		Odd, even, mark, space, none
Flow control		RTS/CTS, XON/XOFF, DTR/DSR, none
USB Port
Maximum data rate		480 Mb/s
Maximum current		500 mA
Memory
Non-volatile		2 GB
Use the following formula to determine the minimum life span in years of the nonvolatile memory: Memory life span in years = Amount of memory in NI 9792 (MB) × 100,000/365 days]/[file size (MB) × write rate (per day)]
DRAM		256 MB
Internal Real-Time Clock
Accuracy		200 ppm; 35 ppm at 25 °C
Integrated Voltage Input Monitor
The integrated voltage input monitor under reports the voltage at the power connector by up to 400 mV because of voltage drops across internal circuits.
Power Requirements
Caution You must use a UL Listed ITE power supply marked LPS with the NI 9792. The power supply must also meet any safety and compliance requirements for the country of use.
Recommended power supply		15 W secondary, 35 VDC max
Power consumption		9.5 W
Maximum power consumption		15 W
Voltage requirement
On powerup		9 to 35 V
After powerup		6 to 35 V
Note For EMC compliance, operate this device with shielded cables. The NI 9792 is guaranteed to power up when 9 V is applied to V and C. After power up, it can operate on as little as 6 V.
Physical Characteristics
If you need to clean the NI 9792, wipe it with a dry towel.
Screw-terminal wiring		12–18 AWG shielded copper conductor wire with 10 mm (0.39 in.) of insulation stripped from the end
Torque for screw terminals		0.5 to 0.6 N · m (4.4 to 5.3 lb · in.)
Weight		Approx. 833 g (29.4 oz)
Weight with antenna		Approx. 842 g (29.7 oz)
Dimensions		Refer to the NI 9792 WSN Real-Time Gateway User Guide and Specifications for device dimensions.
Safety Standards
Note For UL and other safety certifications, refer to the product label, or go to ni.com/certification, search by model number or product line, and click the appropriate link in the Certification column. The NI 9792 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 EN 50371, 60215, & FCC 1.1310 Radiation Exposure Limits
Hazardous Locations
U.S. (UL)		Class I, Division 2, Groups A, B, C, D, T4; Class I, Zone 2, AEx nC 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 nL IIC T4
Note For UL and other safety certifications, refer to the product label, or go to ni.com/certification, search by model number or product line, and click the appropriate link in the Certification column.
Safety Voltages
Connect only voltages that are within these limits.
V terminal to C terminal		35 V max, Measurement Category I
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 system to signals or use for measurements within Measurement Categories II, III, or IV.
RF Safety Warning
This equipment complies with FCC radiation exposure limits set for uncontrolled equipment and meets the FCC radio frequency (RF) Exposure Guidelines in Supplement C to OET65. This product generates and radiates radio frequency energy. To comply with the radio frequency radiation exposure guidelines in an uncontrolled environment, this equipment should be installed and operated with at least 20 cm between the radiator and the person’s body (excluding extremities: hands, wrists, feet, and legs).
Electromagnetic Compatibility
Caution Electromagnetic interference can adversely affect--- the measurement accuracy of this product. The input/output terminals of this device are not protected for electromagnetic interference. As a result, this device may experience reduced measurement accuracy or other temporary performance degradation when connected cables are routed in an environment with radiated or conducted radio frequency electromagnetic interference. To limit radiated emissions and to ensure that this device functions within specifications in its operational electromagnetic environment, take precautions when designing, selecting, and installing measurement probes and cables. This product is designed to meet the requirements of the following standards of EMC for electrical equipment for measurement, control, and laboratory use: EN 61326-1-2 (IEC 61326-1-2): 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 access the EMC of this product, refer to the Online Product Certification section. Note For EMC compliance, operate this product according to the documentation.
CE Compliance
This product meets the essential requirements of applicable European Directives as follows: 2006/95/EC; Low-Voltage Directive (safety) 2004/108/EC; Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive (EMC)
Regulatory Information
United States
This product generates and radiates radio frequency energy. To comply with the radio frequency radiation exposure guidelines in an uncontrolled environment, this equipment must be installed and operated while maintaining a minimum body-to-antenna distance of 20 cm. This product complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to these two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. This product does not contain any user serviceable components. Any unauthorized product changes or modifications will invalidate the warranty and all applicable regulatory certifications and approvals.
Canada
This product complies with Industry Canada RSS-210. Cet appareil est conforme aux norme RSS210 d’Industrie Canada.
Europe—EU Declaration of Conformity
Marking by the above CE symbol on the label indicates compliance with the Essential Requirements of the R&TTE Directive of the European Union (1999/5/EC). This equipment meets the following conformance standards: EN 301489-01, EN300 328, EN301 489-17, EN60950.
Europe – Restrictions for Use of 2.4 GHz Frequencies in European Community Countries

Japan

The certified radio equipment is embedded in this device. 本機器には認証済み無線設備が内蔵されています

Singapore

Taiwan R.O.C.

EU Regulatory Statements

Online Product Certification
To obtain product certifications and the DoC for this product, visit ni.com/certification, search by model number or product line, and click the appropriate link in the Certification column.
Shock and Vibration
To meet these specifications for shock and vibration, you must panel mount or wall mount the WSN system, affix ferrules to the ends of all terminal wires, install a strain relief on the power cable, and install tie wraps on the Ethernet and power cables. You can order the NI 9979, a strain-relief kit for the power cable, from National Instruments. The kit is NI part number 196939-01.
Operating vibration, random (IEC 60068-2-64)		5 grms, 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
Operating vibration, sinusoidal (IEC 60068-2-6)		5 g, 10 to 500 Hz
Environmental
The NI 9792 device is intended for indoor use only.
Operating temperature (IEC-60068-2-1 and IEC-60068-2-2)		–40 to 70 °C
Storage temperature (IEC-60068-2-1 and 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
Maximum altitude		2,000 m
Pollution Degree (IEC 60664)		2
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 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 the product life cycle, all products must be sent to a WEEE recycling center. For more information about WEEE recycling centers, National Instruments WEEE initiatives, and compliance with WEEE Directive 2002/96/EC on Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment, visit ni.com/environment/weee.htm.
Battery Replacement and Disposal
Battery Directive This device contains a long-life coin cell battery. If you need to replace it, use the Return Material Authorization (RMA) process or contact an authorized National Instruments service representative. For more information about compliance with the EU Battery Directive 2006/66/EC about Batteries and Accumulators and Waste Batteries and Accumulators, visit ni.com/environment/batterydirective.

Pinouts/Front Panel Connections

NI 9792 RS-232 Serial Port

DB-9 Pin Descriptions Pin Signal 1 DCD 2 RXD 3 TXD 4 DTR 5 GND 6 DSR 7 RTS 8 CTS 9 RI