National Instruments WSN-3230 User manual

USER GUIDE AND SPECIFICATIONS
NI WSN-3230/3231
NI Wireless Sensor Network RS-232/RS-485 Serial Interface Nodes
This user guide describes how to use the NI WSN-3230/3231 RS-232/RS-485 interface serial nodes and
lists their specifications. Figure 1 shows the NI WSN system components. The NI WSN-3230 is a low
power wireless node with one RS-232 port. The NI WSN-3231 is a low power wireless node with one
RS-485 port. These nodes work with other NI WSN-32xx nodes and gateways to form a wireless sensor
network.
Figure 1. NI WSN System Components
The NI WSN system receives and analyzes distributed sensor data through one or more NI WSN
gateways, up to 36 NI WSN nodes per gateway, and multiple PCs.
When you connect the NI WSN gateway, you can use a separate host PC running Windows, or a
NI CompactRIO chassis running NI LabVIEW Real-Time, to display measurement results, status
information, and to change the NI WSN gateway and NI WSN-3230/3231 device settings.
1 NI WSN-32xx Nodes
2 NI 9792 WSN Real-Time Programmable Gateway
3 NI WSN-9791 Ethernet Gateway
4 NI CompactRIO Chassis
5 NI 9795 WSN C Series Gateway
6 PC Running NI Software
6
2
1
1
3
Or
Or
4
5

NI WSN-3230/3231 User Guide and Specifications 2 ni.com
Dimensions
Figure 2 shows the NI WSN-3230/3231 device dimensions.
Figure 2. NI WSN-3230/3231 Device Dimensions
Safety Guidelines
Operate the NI WSN-3230/3231 device only as described in this user guide.
Hot Surface This icon denotes that the component may be hot. Touching this component may result
in bodily injury.
NI WSN Safety Information
The following section contains important safety information that you must follow when installing and
using NI WSN products.
Caution Do not operate the NI WSN product in a manner not specified in the user manual or
operating instructions. Product misuse can result in a hazard. You can compromise the safety
protection built into the product if the product is damaged in any way. If the product is damaged,
return it to National Instruments for repair.
Caution Do not substitute parts or modify the NI WSN product. Use the product only with the
devices, accessories, and cables specified in the installation instructions.
Caution Do not operate NI WSN products in an explosive atmosphere or where there may be
flammable gases or fumes.
124 mm
(4.88 in.)
86.4 mm
(3.40 in.)
42.4 mm
(1.67 in.) 50.8 mm
(2.00 in.)
25.40 mm
(1.00 in.)
55.9 mm
(2.20 in.)
235 mm
(9.25 in.)

©National Instruments Corporation 3 NI WSN-3230/3231 User Guide and Specifications
Caution If you need to clean a NI WSN product, wipe it with a dry towel. The product must be
completely dry and free from contaminants before you return it to service.
Caution Operate the product indoors only at or below Pollution Degree 2. Pollution is foreign matter
in a solid, liquid, or gaseous state that can reduce dielectric strength or surface resistivity.
Caution You must insulate signal connections for the maximum voltage for which the NI WSN
product is rated. Do not exceed the maximum ratings for the product. Do not install wiring while the
product is live with electrical signals. Do not remove or add connector blocks when power is
connected to the NI WSN system. Avoid contact between your body and the connector block signal
wiring when hot-swapping devices.
Caution To comply with safety regulations, use only recommended batteries with this product.
Refer to the Battery Power section for the recommended battery types.
Safety Guidelines for Hazardous Locations
The NI WSN-3230/3231 is suitable for use in Class I, Division 2, Groups A, B, C, D, T4 hazardous
locations; Class I, Zone 2, AEx nC IIC T4 and Ex nL IIC T4 hazardous locations; and nonhazardous
locations only. Follow these guidelines if you are installing the NI WSN-3230/3231 in a potentially
explosive environment. Not following these guidelines may result in serious injury or death.
Caution Observe the battery manufacturers’ operating temperature ratings listed in the Battery
operating temperature range specification section.
Caution Do not disconnect the power supply wires and connectors from the device unless power has
been switched off.
Caution Do not install or remove the device unless power has been switched off.
Caution Substitution of components may impair suitability for Class I, Division 2.
Caution For Zone 2 applications, install the WSN system in an enclosure rated to at least IP 54 as
defined by IEC 60529 and EN 60529.
Special Conditions for Hazardous Locations Use in Europe
The NI WSN-3230/3231 has been evaluated as Ex nA nL IIC T4 equipment under DEMKO Certificate
No. 07 ATEX 0626664X. Each module is marked II 3G and is suitable for use in Zone 2 hazardous
locations, in ambient temperatures of –40 °C ≤Ta ≤70 °C.
Electromagnetic Compatibility Guidelines
This product was tested and complies with the regulatory requirements and limits for electromagnetic
compatibility (EMC) as stated in the product specifications. These requirements and limits are designed
to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the product is operated in its
intended operational electromagnetic environment.
This product is intended for use in industrial locations. There is no guarantee that harmful interference
will not occur in a particular installation, when the product is connected to a test object, or if the product
is used in residential areas. To minimize the potential for the product to cause interference to radio and
television reception or to experience unacceptable performance degradation, install and use this product
in strict accordance with the instructions in the product documentation.
Furthermore, any changes or modifications to the product not expressly approved by National
Instruments could void your authority to operate it under your local regulatory rules.

NI WSN-3230/3231 User Guide and Specifications 4 ni.com
The following statements contain important EMC information needed before installing and using this
product:
Caution To ensure the specified EMC performance, product installation requires either special
considerations or user-installed, add-on devices. See the product installation instructions for further
information.
Caution To ensure the specified EMC performance, operate this product only with shielded cables
and accessories.
Caution To ensure the specified EMC performance, operate this product with a DGND terminal on
the I/O connector tied to earth ground or use the NI recommended external power supply
(NI part number 780703-01) or equivalent.
Caution The inputs/outputs of this product can be damaged if subjected to Electrostatic Discharge
(ESD). To prevent damage, industry-standard ESD prevention measures must be employed during
installation, maintenance, and operation.
Caution This product may become more sensitive to electromagnetic disturbances in the operational
environment when test leads are attached or when connected to a test object.
Related Documentation
Check ni.com/manuals for the most recent documentation. For a complete list of documentation
related to the NI WSN system, refer to ni.com/info and enter rdwsnrd or refer to ni.com/info and
enter wsnsoftware.
In addition to this guide, the following documents may be useful when configuring your NI WSN
system:
• The getting started guide for your NI WSN gateway
•The user guide and specifications for your NI WSN node(s)
•Configuring WSN in MAX, available from Start»All Programs»National Instruments»NI-WSN
•LabVIEW Help for WSN Devices, available in LabVIEW from Help»LV Help»WSN Devices
Help
•NI-WSN Readme, available on the software installation disc included with your gateway
Training Courses
If you need more help getting started developing an application with NI products, NI offers training
courses. To enroll in a course or obtain a detailed course outline, refer to ni.com/training.
Technical Support on the Web
For additional support, refer to ni.com/support or zone.ni.com.
Software Overview
Note Refer to the NI WSN Readme, available on the software installation disc included with your
gateway, for NI software application version support.
The NI-WSN software is supported by Windows 7/Vista/XP and contains the following components:
• NI Measurement & Automation Explorer (NI MAX)
• NI-WSN

©National Instruments Corporation 5 NI WSN-3230/3231 User Guide and Specifications
NI-WSN software and NI MAX manage the low-level communications and hardware configurations,
simplifying programmatic access to I/O channels. The NI-WSN software is downloadable from
ni.com/drivers and on the software installation disc included with your NI WSN gateway. Using
your Web browser, go to ni.com/support and select Drivers and Updates»Distributed I/O»
Wireless Sensor Networks, and then select the latest version of NI-WSN software. If you are using
other software, refer to the accompanying installation instructions.
What You Need to Get Started
To set up and use NI LabVIEW with the NI WSN-3230/3231 device, you need the following:
•NIWSNgateway
• NI WSN-3230/3231 device(s) with a 5–30 V power supply or four alkaline or lithium AA 1.5 V
batteries for each node. Refer to the Battery Power section for recommended battery types.
• Mounting hardware (DIN rail, panel-mount, or rack mount accessory)
• Ethernet cable/connection
• 1/8 in. flathead and number 2 Phillips screwdrivers
• NI-WSN 1.3 or later
• Host PC running Windows 7/Vista/XP
• NI LabVIEW 2011 (32-bit) or later
• NI LabVIEW WSN Module 2011 or later
•(NI 9792 WSN Real-Time Gateway Only) NI LabVIEW (32-bit) Real-Time Module
•(NI 9795 WSN C Series Gateway Only) NI-RIO 4.0 and NI LabVIEW (32-bit) Real-Time Module
• Related hardware and software documentation
For more information about NI-WSN software versions, go to ni.com/info and enter wsnsoftware.
Unpack the Device and Install the Antenna
Remove the device from the package and inspect the device. Contact NI if the device appears damaged.
Do not install a damaged device.
Caution The device is static sensitive. Always properly ground yourself and the equipment when
handling or connecting to the device.
Caution An electrostatic discharge (ESD) to the antenna connector when the product is operating
may cause interference or disruption of the wireless signal. To prevent ESD, do not attempt to remove
the antenna while the product is operating or ensure that you employ industry-standard ESD
prevention measures.
Caution The antenna must be attached to the NI WSN device in order for the NI WSN device to
function correctly.

NI WSN-3230/3231 User Guide and Specifications 6 ni.com
To attach the antenna, align the antenna with the mount and screw it on, as shown in Figure 3.
Figure 3. Attach the Antenna to the Device
Mounting the NI WSN-3230/3231 Device
You can mount the NI WSN-3230/3231 on a panel or on a 35 mm DIN rail. For kit accessory ordering
information, refer to the NI WSN product page accessory section at ni.com. Before using any of these
mounting methods, remove and save the serial number sticker located on the back of the
NI WSN-3230/3231 device for future use when configuring your device in the software. For the
NI WSN-3230/3231 device dimensions, refer to Figure 2.
Caution Your installation must allow 50.8 mm (2 in.) of clearance in front of the device for common
connector cabling, such as the 18-terminal detachable screw terminal connector.
Attaching the NI WSN-3282 DIN Rail (Optional)
You can mount the NI WSN-3230/3231 on a standard 35 mm DIN rail using a NI WSN-3282 DIN rail
clip, NI part number 781074-01. Complete the following steps to mount the NI WSN-3230/3231 on a
DIN rail:
Caution Power off the device before mounting it to the DIN rail.
Note Use thread-forming screws to permanently affix the DIN rail clip to the device. Unscrewing
and reinstalling the thread-forming screws will produce a compromised connection between the DIN
rail clip and the device.
1. Fasten the DIN rail clip to the NI WSN-3230/3231 using a number 2 Phillips screwdriver and the
four 8-32 ×5/16 in. thread-forming screws that shipped with the DIN rail clip(s). Figure 4 shows
how to fasten the DIN rail clip to the NI WSN-3230/3231.
Caution Do not use screws longer than 5/16 in. to fasten the DIN rail clip to the
NI WSN-3230/3231.
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©National Instruments Corporation 7 NI WSN-3230/3231 User Guide and Specifications
Figure 4. NI WSN-3230/3231 Device DIN Rail Installation
2. Insert one edge of the DIN rail into the deeper opening of the DIN rail clip, as shown in Figure 5.
Figure 5. DIN Rail Clip Installation
3. Press down firmly on the NI WSN-3230/3231 to compress the spring until the clip locks into place
on the DIN rail.
1 DIN Rail Clip (Without Device) 2 DIN Rail
2
1

NI WSN-3230/3231 User Guide and Specifications 8 ni.com
Using a Panel Mount Accessory
The NI WSN-3280/3281 panel mount accessories, part numbers 780999-01 and 781073-01, each
include a retention clip and knob and integrated strain relief for power and I/O wires. You can use the
NI WSN-3280 panel mount accessory to attach the NI WSN-3230/3231 device to a panel or other flat
surface. The NI WSN-3281 panel mount accessory also includes a magnetic mount for attaching the
NI WSN-3230/3231 device to metallic surfaces. Figure 6 shows the NI WSN-3230/3231 panel
mounting dimensions.
Figure 6. NI WSN-3230/3231 Device Panel Mount Dimensions
78.74 mm
(3.100 in.)
4.5 mm
(5× Ø.177 in.)
44.02 mm
(1.733 in.)
183.79 mm
(7.236 in.)
55.88 mm
(2.200 in.)
13.97 mm
(0.550 in.)
25.40 mm
(1.000 in.)
25.40 mm
(1.000 in.)
53.34 mm
(2.100 in.)

©National Instruments Corporation 9 NI WSN-3230/3231 User Guide and Specifications
Figure 7. Panel Mount Accessory
Refer to Figure 7 while completing the following steps to mount the NI WSN-3230/3231 on a panel:
1. (NI WSN-3280) Bolt or screw the panel mount accessory to a panel using five 8-32 or M4 screws.
(NI WSN-3281) Attach the panel mount accessory using the integrated magnet.
2. Slide the NI WSN-3230/3231 device into the panel mount accessory, as shown in Figure 7.
3. Slide the retention clip down and tighten the panel mount knob to secure the NI WSN-3230/3231
device, as shown in Figure 8.
4. (Optional) Secure any I/O signal or power supply cabling to the panel mount accessory using a
zip-tie and the integrated strain relief slots.
1 Retention Knob
2 Retention Clip
3 Mounting Hole
4 Integrated Mounting Pin
5 Power and I/O Strain Relief
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1
5
4
2
3
5

NI WSN-3230/3231 User Guide and Specifications 10 ni.com
Figure 8. Slide Retention Clip Down and Tighten Panel Mount Knob
Using the Integrated Panel Mount Slots
You can also mount the NI WSN-3230/3231 to a panel using the integrated panel mount slots, as shown
in Figure 9.
1. Attach three number 8 or M4 pan head screws in the mounting panel, leaving 0.1 in. space under
the head of each screw. Refer to Figure 2 for the correct hole pattern and dimensions.
2. Slide the NI WSN-3230/3231 device onto the panel.
Note In this configuration, the NI WSN-3230/3231 is held in place only by the weight of the device
and the friction of the screw attachment. Use the DIN rail clip or panel mount accessories in high
vibration environments.
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©National Instruments Corporation 11 NI WSN-3230/3231 User Guide and Specifications
Figure 9. Integrated Panel Mount Slots
Caution Disconnect power before removing the device from the panel.
Setting Up the NI WSN-3230/3231 Device
The following sections discuss setting up the NI WSN-3230/3231 for use.
Installing the Software
For more information about NI-WSN software, go to ni.com/info and enter wsnsoftware.
You must be an administrator to install NI software and devices on your computer. Before connecting
the hardware, install the following software in the following order:
1. NI LabVIEW 2011 or later
2. NI LabVIEW Real-Time Module 2011 or later (required for NI 9795 and NI 9792 support)
3. NI-RIO 4.0 or later (required for NI 9795 support)
4. NI LabVIEW WSN Module 2011 or later, which installs NI-WSN 1.3 or later (required) and
NI MAX (required)
5. NI-WSN 1.3 or later (includes NI MAX)
Tip NI-WSN 1.3 or later and NI MAX are also included on the software installation disc included
with your NI WSN gateway and are also available for download at ni.com/support.
Note After installation of NI-WSN, the NI Wireless Sensor Network Getting Started Guide is
available from Start»All Programs»National Instruments»NI-WSN.

NI WSN-3230/3231 User Guide and Specifications 12 ni.com
Powering the NI WSN-3230/3231 Device
The NI WSN-3230/3231 device can be powered by either an external power supply or four AA alkaline
or lithium batteries. Refer to the Specifications section for details about the input power and battery
requirements.
If both battery and external power are connected, the NI WSN-3230/3231 functions from the external
power input. The device is designed to provide battery backup in the event of loss of external power and
automatically switches to battery power when external power is lost.
Installing Batteries
To install batteries in the NI WSN-3230/3231 device, complete the following steps:
Caution The device is static sensitive. Always properly ground yourself and the equipment when
handling or connecting to the device.
1. Loosen the battery compartment retention screw and remove the compartment cover, as shown in
Figure 10.
Figure 10. NI WSN-3230/3231 Battery Compartment
Caution Using the incorrect battery type creates an explosion risk. Do not use rechargeable
batteries. Refer to the Battery Replacement and Disposal section for information about how to
dispose of used batteries.
Note When using the NI WSN-3230/3231 device on battery power, you should configure the device
as an end node so that it sleeps most of the time. Running a device configured in router mode from
battery power greatly reduces the battery life. The device ships from the factory configured as an end
node. For more information about how to switch the node from an end node to router mode, refer to
Configuring WSN in MAX, available from Start»All Programs»National Instruments»NI-WSN.
2. Install four AA alkaline or lithium batteries in the device, making sure to install them with the correct
polarity. Figure 12 shows the battery polarity markings inside the device battery compartment.
3. Reinstall the battery compartment cover and tighten the retention screw.
1 Battery Retention Screw
1

©National Instruments Corporation 13 NI WSN-3230/3231 User Guide and Specifications
Connecting External Power to the NI WSN-3230/3231 Device
Caution To ensure that specified EMC performance, do not connect the power input to a DC mains
supply or to any supply requiring a connecting cable longer than 30 m (100 ft.). A DC mains supply
is a local DC electricity supply network in the infrastructure of a certain site or building.
To connect an external power supply to the NI WSN-3230/3231, complete the following steps:
1. Remove the 2-position mini-combicon plug from the device. Loosen the retaining screws if
necessary.
Figure 11. 2-Position Mini-Combicon Plug
2. Connect the external power supply positive lead to the V terminal.
3. Connect the negative (common) lead to the C terminal.
4. Reinstall the 2-position mini-combicon plug in the device and tighten the retaining screws.
Caution You must use a UL Listed ITE power supply marked LPS with the NI WSN-3230/3231.
The power supply must also meet any safety and compliance requirements for the country of use.

NI WSN-3230/3231 User Guide and Specifications 14 ni.com
Device Interface
Figure 12 shows the NI WSN-3230/3231 device interface.
Figure 12. NI WSN-3230/3231 Node Interface
1 Antenna
2 WSN Connect Button
3 Signal Strength/Status LEDs
4 User LED
5 Battery Slots/Polarity Indicators
6 I/O Connector
7 Reset Button
8Pro2 Port (Reserved for Future Use)
9 5–30 V External Power Input
1
3
4
6
7
9
2
5
8

©National Instruments Corporation 15 NI WSN-3230/3231 User Guide and Specifications
Signal Strength/Status LED Indicators
The NI WSN-3230/3231 has four signal strength/status LED indicators, which flash twice before
displaying signal strength information. Table 1 shows the status and signal strength LED patterns.
Table 1. Signal Strength and Status LED State/Node Status
LED Indication
Mode LED State LED Pattern Device Status
Signal Strength—
LEDS 1–4 blink
twice and then
display the signal
strength for three
seconds
LED 1–4 OFF Low Signal
LED 1 ON,
LED 2–4 OFF
Poor
LED 1–2 ON,
LED 3–4 OFF
Fair
LED 1–3 ON,
LED 4 OFF
Good
LED 1–4 ON Excellent
Status Indication Each LED 1–4
blinking in
succession
Searching for a network
LED 1, 4 and 2, 3
alternate blinking
Updating firmware
LED 1–4
continuously
blinking
Error. Reboot device. If problem
persists, reset device to factory
default settings. Go to ni.com/
support for additional
troubleshooting steps.
1234
1234
1234
1234
1234
12341234
1234
1234
12341234
12341234

©National Instruments Corporation 16 NI WSN-3230/3231 User Guide and Specifications
WSN Connect Button
Note Refer to your NI WSN gateway documentation for detailed instructions about how to connect
a NI WSN-3230/3231 to the NI WSN gateway.
The NI WSN-3230/3231 is equipped with a WSN connect button, as shown in Figure 12. The button
controls network connection and the LEDs, which display connection status.
Pressing the WSN connect button results in the device responses shown in Table 2.
Reset Button
The NI WSN-3230/3231 is equipped with a reset button as shown in Figure 12.
Pressing the reset button results in the following device responses:
• When pressed for fewer than 5 seconds, the device reboots with the current configuration.
• When pressed for 5 seconds or more, the device reboots into Factory Default Mode, which returns
the device user configuration to the factory-set defaults
Using the NI WSN-3230/3231 Device
The NI WSN-3230/3231 is a programmable interface to serial sensors, laboratory instruments,
industrial devices and embedded circuits. These nodes can interrogate and control serial devices and
share data over an NI wireless sensor network. By programming your node with the NI LabVIEW WSN
Module, you can create a high-performance and power-managed device interface that optimizes traffic
on your wireless connection and the battery life of your node. You can send and receive serial traffic,
parse and process strings, and selectively send data wirelessly back to your host system.
The sample interval of the node and how the node interacts with serial sensors is determined by the
NI LabVIEW WSN Module application running on the node. The node sample interval, which
determines how often the node wakes up to execute the sample case is configurable by WSN
configuration nodes or in MAX. Typically, the sample case will contain your serial transmission or
reception and any string processing or data reduction. Because of the sampling behavior of NI-WSN,
the NI WSN-3230/3231 are not intended for applications requiring a streaming, wireless serial
connection. Refer to the LabVIEW Wireless Sensor Network Module Help for more information.
RS-232 and RS-485 Compatibility
The NI WSN-3230 has one RS-232 DTE port. The port is fully compatible with the ANSI/EIA/TIA-232
standard. The NI WSN-3231 has one RS-485 DTE port. The port is fully compatible with the
ANSI/EIA/TIA-485 standard. For more information about RS-232 and RS-485, refer to the NI Serial
Hardware Specifications and Features Guide at ni.com/manuals.
Table 2. WSN Connect State/Device Status
Current Device State Duration of Button Press Result
Initial power on,
not connected
Any duration Node turns on and searches for an available network.
Connected to a
NI WSN gateway
<5 seconds Node blinks all four signal strength LEDs twice, and
then displays the signal strength as shown in Table 1.
≥5 seconds Node leaves current network and searches for a new
network.

NI WSN-3230/3231 User Guide and Specifications 17 ni.com
NI WSN-3230 RS-232 Port
Wiring the RS-232 Port
The NI WSN-3230 has one 18 position combicon screw terminal for connectivity to RS-232, DIO, and
sensor power.
Figure 13. NI WSN-3230 Pinout
1
0
2
3
4
5
6
7
9
8
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
DIO PWR
DGND
DIO 1
DGND
DIO 0
SEN PWR 12V
DGND
NC
NC
NC
NC
NC
DGND
CTS
RTS
DGND
RX
TX

NI WSN-3230/3231 User Guide and Specifications 18 ni.com
NI WSN-3231 RS-485 Port
Wiring the RS-485 Port
The NI WSN-3231 has one 18 position combicon screw terminal for connectivity to RS-485, DIO, and
sensor power.
Figure 14. NI WSN-3231 Pinout
Operating Modes
The NI WSN-3231 has two operating modes: four wire operating mode and two wire auto mode.
Four Wire Mode
In this mode, output buffers and receivers are always enabled. In this mode of operation, you have two
different pairs of transmission and reception lines and so the transmission lines (TX+ and TX–) are
always enabled for transmission and they always drive the lines. Likewise, the reception pair (RX+ and
RX–) are always ready to accept the bytes.
Two Wire Auto Mode
In this mode, the transmitter is enabled automatically when needed and disabled as soon as transmission
is finished. The receivers are disabled whenever the transmitter is enabled, to avoid the echo. This is the
recommended mode of operation for 2-wire data transmission, because you do not have to enable or
disable the transmitters manually.
Battery Considerations
The expected battery life of your NI WSN-3230 and NI WSN-3231 can vary greatly based on your
NI LabVIEW WSN program, sampling interval, length and baud rate of serial transmission, serial
cabling, temperature, and type of cells. The following graphs are provided as a reference to demonstrate
estimated battery life under common conditions. For more information, refer to ni.com/info and enter
WSNBatterylife.
1
0
2
3
4
5
6
7
9
8
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
DIO PWR
DGND
DIO 1
DGND
DIO 0
SEN PWR 12V
DGND
NC
NC
NC
NC
NC
DGND
RX-
RX+
DGND
TX-
TX

©National Instruments Corporation 19 NI WSN-3230/3231 User Guide and Specifications
Figure 15. Battery Life vs. Sampling Interval and Baud Rate1
Figure 16. Battery Life vs. Sampling Interval and Data Transmitted to the Gateway2
1 Test Conditions: 50 Bytes per serial message, 10 Values (Single Precision) sent back to Gateway per sampling interval
2 Test Conditions: 9600 Baud, 50 Bytes per Serial Message
Battery Life (Years)
4
0
0.5
1
1.5
2
2.5
3
3.5
600500400300200100
0
Sampling Interval (Seconds)
9600 Baud
4800 Baud
115200 Baud
Battery Life (Years)
0.5
1
1.5
2
2.5
3
3.5
600500400300200100
0
Sampling Interval (Seconds)
0
4
10 Values(Single Precision)
50 Characters(String)
1 Value (Single Precision)

NI WSN-3230/3231 User Guide and Specifications 20 ni.com
Figure 17. WSN-3230/1 Battery Life vs. Sample Interval at Various Transmit Intervals1
Controlling Digital Inputs and Outputs
The following sections discuss how to configure the NI WSN-3230/3231 device for different types of
input and output, and how to connect external devices to the NI WSN-3230/3231 DIO terminals.
On the 18-position combicon screw terminal connector, terminals 13–17 are the DIO section. The DIO
section has the following terminals:
•DIOx—signal terminal
• DGND—ground terminal
• DIO PWR—DIO Power positive (required when one of the DIO channels is configured for Drive
High (Sourcing) or Drive High and Low (Sinking and Sourcing) mode)
Note Use the Node Properties dialog box in the LabVIEW Project Explorer window to change
DIO settings.
The NI WSN-3230/3231 device has two bi-directional digital I/O channels. Each channel supports
eight operational modes depending on whether the channel is configured as digital output or digital
input. The NI-WSN software controls the different modes of operation by turning on and off the high
side and low side switches.
Digital Output Operational Modes
The channels support the following digital output operational modes:
•Drive High (Sourcing)
•Drive Low (Sinking)
•3V TTL Logic (Open-Collector with Pull-Up)
•Drive High and Low (Sinking and Sourcing)
1 Test Conditions: 9600 Baud, 50 bytes per Serial Message
Battery Life (Years)
0.5
1
1.5
2
2.5
3
3.5
30025020015010050
Sampling Interval (Seconds)
Tx 1 User-defined I/O
Variable Every Interval
Tx 10 User-defined I/O
Variable Every 10 Intervals
0
0
4