Support for hundreds of nodes to help you create a reliable network to monitor your assets or environment NI-WSN software that provides easy network configuration, drag-and-drop LabVIEW programming, and support for logging, alarming, and Web-based data visualization Low-power operation, up to 3-year battery life 2.4 GHz, IEEE 802.15.4 radio that provides up to 300 m outdoor range	Four analog input channels per measurement node Bidirectional digital channels; configurable for input, sinking output, or sourcing output (2 to 4 DIO channels per node) Industrial ratings: -40 to 70 °C operating temperature and 50 g shock, 5 g vibration

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 measurement nodes have direct sensor connectivity and a 2.4 GHz radio to wirelessly transmit data to a WSN gateway. Each measurement node offers four analog input channels and two to four digital I/O channels that you can configure for input, sinking output, or sourcing output. 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.

Comparison Tables

Model	Signal Type(s)	Analog Input Channels	Resolution (bits)	Minimum Sample Interval (seconds)	Input Range(s)	DIO Channels	DIO Voltage Range (V)	Maximum DIO Sourcing (aggregate)	Additional Features
NI WSN-3202	Voltage	4	16	1	±10, ±5, ±2, ±0.5 V	4 (sinking or sourcing)	5 to 30	1 A	12 V, 20 mA sensor power output
NI WSN-3212	Thermocouple, Voltage	4	24	2	±73 mV	4 (sinking or sourcing)	5 to 30	500 mA	Support for J, K, R, S, T, N, B, E thermocouple types
NI WSN-3226	Voltage, Resistance/RTD	4	20	1	±10 V, 400 Ω, 4 kΩ, 100 kΩ	2 (sinking or sourcing)	5 to 30	1 A	12 V, 50 mA sensor power output, 50/60 Hz rejection, battery backup support

Application and Technology

Power

You can power the NI WSN measurement nodes with four 1.5 V AA alkaline battery cells, delivering three-year battery-powered operation at a one-minute sample interval. The NI WSN-3226 also supports 1.5 V AA lithium cells. Each node features an external power port, so you can provide line power or use other forms of power such as solar or vibration energy harvesting. The WSN-3226 supports battery backup, meaning you can connect both external and battery power; the node defaults to external power and automatically switches to battery power in the event the external power drops below a voltage threshold. The external power input should be used to power NI WSN nodes operating in router mode, which is a feature that you can enable in software to set up a self-healing mesh network of nodes. Router nodes increase density, distance, and redundancy in your wireless network.

Each node offers bidirectional digital I/O channels for input, sinking output, or sourcing output. You must use an external power supply to provide sourcing output through the digital I/O channels, with a maximum total current output (aggregate on all channels) of 500 mA on the NI WSN-3212 and 1 A on the NI WSN-3202 and WSN-3226. The WSN-3202 and WSN-3226 also feature a 12 V sensor power output line that you can use to drive external sensors. 

Wireless and Mesh Networking 

The measurement nodes and gateways communicate wirelessly using 2.4 GHz radios and the reliable NI-WSN protocol based on IEEE 802.15.4. The network accommodates up to 36 nodes per gateway, with access to 14 nonoverlapping wireless channels, so you can reliably configure fourteen 36-node networks (2,016 analog channels) in the same vicinity without sharing any wireless bandwidth. Each radio delivers an outdoor range of up to 300 m with line of sight, and up to 100 m indoors, performing reliably even in high EMI environments.

Gateways, 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 or density 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.  

When a node powers up, it scans for available networks, locates either a gateway or router node, and attempts to join. When the node joins the network, it downloads the latest configuration from the gateway and begins its normal operation of acquiring measurement data, controlling digital I/O, and transmitting data back to the gateway for processing, alarming, and visualization.

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 1. LabVIEW Project and NI WSN

 

Figure 2. Extracting NI WSN Measurement Data Using LabVIEW and I/O Variables

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.

NI WSN Applications and Architectures

NI wireless sensor networks are ideally suited for long-term remote monitoring applications that focus 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 WSN platform can function as a simple, stand-alone wireless monitoring system, or be combined with other hardware components to achieve a complete wired and wireless measurement and control system. Through LabVIEW, you can combine NI wireless sensor network devices with other NI platforms to customize and enhance your measurement capabilities. You can complement your NI WSN with embedded NI CompactRIO systems, vision systems, or even human machine interfaces (HMIs) to create a fully integrated solution that meets the unique needs of your application.

Figure 3. Customize and enhance your NI WSN system.

 

Mechanical Information

The measurement node housing measures 5 by 3.3 by 1.5 in. (H by W by D), with the external antenna extending 4.25 in., resulting in a total height of 9.25 in. You can unscrew the faceplate of the measurement node to reveal the battery compartment, which holds four AA batteries and a reset button for manual reboots. Consult the user guide for detailed mechanical information.

Figure 4. Measurement Node External Features

Figure 5. Outdoor Enclosure With NI WSN Measurement Node (not included)

 

Accessories

NI WSN accessories include options for gateway and measurement node mounting as well as weatherproof enclosures for outdoor use of the measurement nodes and gateways. Available mounting accessories offer options to panel mount and DIN-rail mount WSN measurement nodes and gateways. The NI WSN-3281 magnetic panel mount kit provides easy setup and takedown on virtually any metal surface. For high shock and vibration applications, NI recommends a panel mounting configuration rather than DIN rail.

The NI WSN-3291 is an outdoor, weatherproof enclosure for NI WSN measurement nodes. The enclosure features two I/O glands for routing power or sensor cables and is shipped with four I/O gland inserts and two I/O gland plugs so you can customize the glands for your application. The WSN-3291 offers an IP65 (Ingress Protection) rating to protect NI WSN measurement nodes for long-term, outdoor deployment.

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

The following specifications are typical for the range –40 to 70 °C unless otherwise noted. For the gateway specifications, refer to the gateway documentation.
Analog Input
Number of channels		4 single-ended channels
ADC resolution		16 bits
DNL		No missing codes guaranteed
INL		Refer to the Absolute Accuracies Formulas section
Minimum sample interval		1 second
Input coupling		DC
Nominal input ranges		±10 V, ±5 V, ±2 V, ±0.5 V
Minimum over range		4%
Input impedance (at DC)
Powered on		>1 GΩ
Powered off/overload		10 kΩ
Input bias current		3 nA
Crosstalk (at 1 KHz)
Adjacent channels		>100 dB
Non-adjacent channels		>100 dB
Analog bandwidth		7 kHz
Overvoltage protection		±30 V (one channel only)
AI Absolute Accuracy Tables and Formulas
The values in the following tables are based on calibrated scaling coefficients, which are stored in the onboard EEPROM.

Absolute Accuracy Formulas
AbsoluteAccuracy = Reading · GainError + Range · OffsetError + NoiseUncertainty     GainError = ResidualGainError + GainTempco · TempChangeFromLastCal     OffsetError = ResidualOffsetError + OffsetTempco · TempChangeFromLastCal + INL_Error     NoiseUncertainty = (3 · RandomNoise) /  for a coverage factor of 3 σ and averaging 100 points. Absolute accuracy at full scale on the analog input channels is determined using the following assumptions:     TempChangeFromLastCal = 45 °C     NumberofReadings = 100     CoverageFactor = 3 σ For example, on the 10 V range, the absolute accuracy at full scale is as follows:     GainError = 10 V · (102 ppm + 31 ppm · 45) = 14.97 mV     OffsetError = 10 V · (164 ppm + 22 ppm · 45 + 100ppm) = 12.54 mV     NoiseUncertainty = 3 · 342 μV/1000.5=0.103 mV     AbsoluteAccuracy = 27.61 mV
Sensor Power
Voltage
Typical (10 mA)		12.6 V
Minimum		11.5 V
Maximum		13.35 V
Output Current		17 mA maximum at –40 to 70 °C, 20 mA maximum at 25 °C
Delay from sensor power active to measurement		0 ms, 25 ms, 100 ms, 200 ms, always ON
Digital I/O
Number of channels		4 bi-directional, individually settable
Modes (configurable per channel)		Drive High Only, Drive Low Only, Drive High and Low, and Tristate
Power-on output state		High Impedance, Tristate
DIO power supply voltage range (VDIO_PWR)		5 to 30 V
Digital Output
Total DIO current (all channels)		1 A maximum
Output current (one channel)		0.5 A maximum
Output voltage
Sourcing		VDIO PWR –0.5 V –(0.9 Ω × IOUT) minimum
Sinking		0.9 Ω × IOUT maximum
Protection
Voltage		30 VDC maximum
Reversed voltage		30 VDC maximum
Short circuit
Trip current		0.57 A minimum 3.5 A maximum
Trip time		2.5 s at 5 A typical at 25 °C
Switching time
Sinking, 10 KΩ pull-up		15 µs
Sourcing, 10 KΩ pull-down		3.5 ms
Digital Input (Tristate Mode)
Input voltage range		0 to 30 V
Digital input logic levels
High level input voltage		1.7 to 30 V
Low level input voltage		0 to 0.45 V
Input current (0 to 30 V)		–160 µA to 400 µA, maximum
Contact to ground detection
Contact close resistance (to ground)		<2.5 KΩ
Contact open resistance (to ground)		>40 KΩ
Contact capacitance		<20 nF
Node Resources for LabVIEW WSN
User flash size		248 Kbytes
Number of flash erase cycles per sector		100,000
Wireless Characteristics
Radio mode		IEEE 802.15.4
RF data rate		250 kbit/s
Frequency band 1		ISM 2.4 GHz (2400 MHz to 2483.5 MHz)
Channels 2		11–24
TX power
Americas		+17 db (50 mW)
International		+10 db (10 mW)
Range
Americas		Up to 300 m
International		Up to 150 m
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
Power Requirements
Caution Use the NI WSN-3202 with a 24 VDC, UL Listed, limited power source (LPS) supply. The power supply must bear the UL Listed and LPS Marks. The power supply must also meet any safety and compliance requirements for the country of use.
Battery Power
The battery power specifications are typical at 25 °C. Do not use rechargeable batteries.
Internal battery
Type		4 AA, alkaline only
Voltage range		3.6–7.5 V
Power consumption 3
60 second sample interval		0.5 mW at 6 V
1 second sample interval		13.3 mW at 6 V
Battery life 3
60 second sample interval		Up to 3 years
1 second sample interval		Up to 1 month
External Power
External power		9 to 30 V
Power input mating connector		2-position mini-combicon, Phoenix Contact part number: 1714977
Power consumption
End node mode
60 second sample interval		16 mW at 24 V
1 second sample interval		33 mW at 24 V
Router mode 4		300 mW at 24 V
Physical Characteristics
Screw-terminal wiring		14 to 24 AWG wire
Torque for screw terminals		0.2 to 0.25 N · m
Dimensions		Refer to the NI WSN-3202 Device Dimensions figure in the NI WSN-3202 User Guide and Specifications for device dimensions
Weight		Approximately 242 g (8.5 oz)
Weight with antenna		Approximately 256 g (9 oz)
Antenna Dimensions
Not attached		+5.71 mm (+0.225 in.)
Attached, fully extended		+108.7 mm (+4.28 in.)
Note Refer to the Dimensions section of the NI WSN-3202 User Guide and Specifications for device dimensions with the antenna attached.
Safety Standards
If you need to clean the device, wipe it with a dry towel. The NI WSN-3202 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 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		30 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).
Environmental
The NI WSN-3202 is intended for indoor use only. For outdoor use, mount the system in a suitably rated enclosure.
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
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
Shock and Vibration
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
Electromagnetic Compatibility
This product is designed to meet the requirements of the following standards of EMC for electrical equipment for measurement, control, and laboratory use: EN 61326-2-1 (IEC 61326-2-1): Class A emissions; Industrial immunity EN 55011 (CISPER 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 Caution Operate this product with shielded cables and accessories. Note For EMC certification and additional information, refer to the product label or the Online Product Certification section.
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 (EMC) Directive 1999/5/EC; Radio and Telecommunications Terminal Equipment (R&TTE) Directive
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 model number or product line, and click the appropriate link in the Certification column.
EU Regulatory Statements

Pinouts/Front Panel Connections

NI WSN-3202 Connector Pinout