National Instruments offers a variety of accessory options for the NI 9237 C Series high-speed strain and bridge measurement module. This module uses a high-density 10-pin RJ50 connector for each channel. The RJ50 connector is similar to the RJ45 connectors found on network cables except that it uses one more pair of signal wires for a total of 10. Using a network cable with the NI 9237 is not recommended because it could damage the extra pins on the module connector.
Half- or Full-Bridge Completion The bridge completion is built into the module so you need only connectivity accessories. The NI 9949 is a female RJ50 to 10-pin screw terminal adapter. The NI 9949 kit contains four adapters, one for each channel. Purchase this kit with RJ50 cables for the easiest way to connect to the NI 9237. NI offers 2 m RJ50 cables (quantity 4) and 10 m cables (quantity 1).
Quarter-Bridge Completion The NI 9944 and NI 9945 are quarter-bridge completion accessories for 120 and 350 Ω quarter-bridge sensors. These accessories are similar to the NI 9949 in that they are RJ50 female on one end and screw terminals on the other end. Use these accessories with RJ50 cables. NI offers 2 m cables (quantity 4) and 10 m cables (quantity 1).
Alternate Connectivity Options The RJ50 is a standard connector and cable type, which means you can purchase RJ50 connectors from other vendors or even crimp and assemble your own custom-length cables with the proper tools. In addition, National Instruments offers cables that are RJ50 male connectors on one end and split signal wires (also known as pigtails) on the other end. NI offers 2 m cables (quantity 4) and 10 m cables (quantity 1), which you can use for custom wiring to a bridge-based sensor.
External Excitation The NI 9237 provides excitation of up to 10 V for bridge-based sensors. To use external excitation, you can wire into the module through the analog bridge input terminal. This is a specialty 4-pin connector. One of these connectors is shipped with the module, but you may purchase spares through the NI 9942 4-position connector kit (quantity 2).
