To use the NI 9401 , you need all items in the diagram below. Select Option 1 if you already own a C Series System, or Option 2 if you do not already own a chassis, controller, or software.
Roll over the icons below to learn why you need each item in the system
C Series System
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1 Terminal Block
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NI 9401
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Chassis
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PC/Controller
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Software
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NI 9401 and Accessories Only
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Since your device does not have direct signal connectivity, you need a terminal block to act as an interface between your sensors/signals and your device. A terminal block provides easy access to the inputs and outputs of your hardware.
The chassis provides rugged, modular housing for your controller (if using CompactRIO) and C Series modules. A high-performance backplane in the chassis contains the system's data, timing, and triggering buses.
The controller runs your application and interfaces with your C Series modules. If you are using the NI CompactDAQ platform, then a Personal Computer (PC) will act as the controller of your system. However, if the CompactRIO platform is used then an embedded real-time controller will be used instead.
You need software to interface with your hardware and to collect, analyze, present, and store your measurements. This device is compatible with a different programming languages depending on the platform used. If you are using the NI CompactDAQ platform then this device is compatible with LabVIEW, C/C++, Visual Basic, and .NET. However, if the CompactRIO platform is used then this device requires the LabVIEW FPGA Module (sold separately), the LabVIEW Real-Time Module (sold separately) and NI-RIO driver software (included with the hardware).
