National Instruments USB-9211A User manual

National Instruments USB-9211 Manual
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USER GUIDE AND SPECIFICATIONS
NI USB-9211/9211A
4-Channel, 24-Bit Thermocouple Input Devices
This user guide describes how to use the National Instruments
USB-9211/9211A devices and lists the specifications.
Introduction
The NI USB-9211/9211A data acquisition device provides a USB interface
for four channels of 24-bit thermocouple inputs with integrated signal
conditioning.
The NI USB-9211 consists of two components: an NI 9211 module and an
NI USB-9161 carrier, as shown in Figure 1. The NI USB-9211A consists
of two components: an NI 9211 module and an NI USB-9162 carrier,
as shown in Figure 1.
Figure 1. NI USB-9211/9211A Components
NI 9211
NI USB-9161/9162
NI USB-9211/9211A

NI USB-9211/9211A User Guide and Specifications 2 ni.com
Dimensions
Figure 2 shows the NI USB-9211/9211A device dimensions.
Figure 2. NI USB-9211/9211A Device in Millimeters (Inches)
Safety Guidelines
Operate the NI USB-9211/9211A only as described in these operating
instructions.
Note Although the NI 9211 module may have more stringent certification standards than
the NI USB-9211/9211A, when used with the NI USB-9161/9162 carrier, the combined
system may be limited. Refer to the Specifications section for more details.
Hot Surface This icon denotes that the component may be hot. Touching this component
may result in bodily injury.
Caution Do not disconnect I/O-side wires or connectors unless power has been switched
off or the area is known to be nonhazardous.
Caution Do not remove modules unless power has been switched off or the area is known
to be nonhazardous.
Caution The NI USB-9211/9211A is not certified for use in hazardous locations.
Hi-Speed USB Carrier
NI USB-9162
140.23 mm
(5.521 in.)
137.82 mm
(5.426 in.)
120.68 mm
(4.751 in.)
118.26 mm
(4.656 in.)
88.12 mm
(3.469 in.)
25.34 mm
(0.998 in.)

©National Instruments Corporation 3 NI USB-9211/9211A User Guide and Specifications
Safety Guidelines for Hazardous Voltages
If hazardous voltages are connected to the module, take the following
precautions. A hazardous voltage is a voltage greater than 42.4 Vpk or
60 VDC to earth ground.
Caution Ensure that hazardous voltage wiring is performed only by qualified personnel
adhering to local electrical standards.
Caution Do not mix hazardous voltage circuits and human-accessible circuits on the same
module.
Caution Make sure that devices and circuits connected to the module are properly
insulated from human contact.
Caution When module terminals are live with hazardous voltages, make sure that the
terminals are not accessible by using the high voltage screw terminal enclosure. Refer to
the Assembling the High Voltage Screw Terminal Backshell section for more information.
Related Documentation
Each application software package and driver includes information about
writing applications for taking measurements and controlling measurement
devices. The following references to documents assume you have
NI-DAQmx 8.7 or later, NI-DAQmx Base 3.x, and where applicable,
version 7.1 or later of the NI application software.
NI-DAQmx for Windows
The DAQ Getting Started Guide describes how to install your NI-DAQmx
for Windows software, how to install your NI-DAQmx-supported DAQ
device, and how to confirm that your device is operating properly. Select
Start»All Programs»National Instruments»NI-DAQ»DAQ Getting
Started Guide.
The NI-DAQ Readme lists which devices are supported by this version of
NI-DAQ. Select Start»All Programs»National Instruments»NI-DAQ»
NI-DAQ Readme.
The NI-DAQmx Help contains general information about measurement
concepts, key NI-DAQmx concepts, and common applications that
are applicable to all programming environments. Select Start»
All Programs»National Instruments»NI-DAQ»NI-DAQmx Help.
Note For information about non-Windows operating system support, refer to
ni.com/info and enter BaseGSGML.

NI USB-9211/9211A User Guide and Specifications 4 ni.com
LabVIEW
If you are a new user, use the Getting Started with LabVIEW manual to
familiarize yourself with the LabVIEW graphical programming
environment and the basic LabVIEW features you use to build data
acquisition and instrument control applications. Open the Getting Started
with LabVIEW manual by selecting Start»All Programs»National
Instruments»LabVIEW»LabVIEW Manuals or by navigating to the
labview\manuals directory and opening LV_Getting_Started.pdf.
Use the LabVIEW Help, available by selecting Help»Search the
LabVIEW Help in LabVIEW, to access information about LabVIEW
programming concepts, step-by-step instructions for using LabVIEW, and
reference information about LabVIEW VIs, functions, palettes, menus, and
tools. Refer to the following locations on the Contents tab of the LabVIEW
Help for information about NI-DAQmx:
•Getting Started»Getting Started with DAQ—Includes overview
information and a tutorial to learn how to take an NI-DAQmx
measurement in LabVIEW using the DAQ Assistant.
•VI and Function Reference»Measurement I/O VIs and
Functions—Describes the LabVIEW NI-DAQmx VIs and properties.
•Taking Measurements—Contains the conceptual and how-to
information you need to acquire and analyze measurement data in
LabVIEW, including common measurements, measurement
fundamentals, NI-DAQmx key concepts, and device considerations.
LabWindows/CVI
The Data Acquisition book of the LabWindows/CVI Help contains
measurement concepts for NI-DAQmx. This book also contains Taking an
NI-DAQmx Measurement in LabWindows/CVI, which includes
step-by-step instructions about creating a measurement task using the DAQ
Assistant. In LabWindows™/CVI™, select Help»Contents, then select
Using LabWindows/CVI»Data Acquisition.
The NI-DAQmx Library book of the LabWindows/CVI Help contains
API overviews and function reference for NI-DAQmx. Select Library
Reference»NI-DAQmx Library in the LabWindows/CVI Help.
Measurement Studio
If you program your NI-DAQmx-supported device in Measurement Studio
using Visual C++, Visual C#, or Visual Basic .NET, you can interactively
create channels and tasks by launching the DAQ Assistant from MAX or
from within Visual Studio .NET. You can generate the configuration code

©National Instruments Corporation 5 NI USB-9211/9211A User Guide and Specifications
based on your task or channel in Measurement Studio. Refer to the DAQ
Assistant Help for additional information about generating code. You also
can create channels and tasks, and write your own applications in your
ADE using the NI-DAQmx API.
For help with NI-DAQmx methods and properties, refer to the NI-DAQmx
.NET Class Library or the NI-DAQmx Visual C++ Class Library included
in the NI Measurement Studio Help. For general help with programming in
Measurement Studio, refer to the NI Measurement Studio Help, which is
fully integrated with the Microsoft Visual Studio .NET help. To view
this help file in Visual Studio. NET, select Measurement Studio»
NI Measurement Studio Help.
To create an application in Visual C++, Visual C#, or Visual Basic .NET,
follow these general steps:
1. In Visual Studio .NET, select File»New»Project to launch the New
Project dialog box.
2. Find the Measurement Studio folder for the language you want to
create a program in.
3. Choose a project type. You add DAQ tasks as a part of this step.
ANSI C without NI Application Software
The NI-DAQmx Help contains API overviews and general information
about measurement concepts. Select Start»All Programs»National
Instruments»NI-DAQ»NI-DAQmx Help.
The NI-DAQmx C Reference Help describes the NI-DAQmx Library
functions, which you can use with National Instruments data acquisition
devices to develop instrumentation, acquisition, and control applications.
Select Start»All Programs»National Instruments»NI-DAQ»
NI-DAQmx C Reference Help.
.NET Languages without NI Application Software
With the Microsoft .NET Framework version 1.1 or later, you can use
NI-DAQmx to create applications using Visual C# and Visual Basic
.NET without Measurement Studio. You need Microsoft Visual Studio
.NET 2003 or Microsoft Visual Studio 2005 for the API documentation to
be installed.
The installed documentation contains the NI-DAQmx API overview,
measurement tasks and concepts, and function reference. This help is fully
integrated into the Visual Studio .NET documentation. To view the
NI-DAQmx .NET documentation, go to Start»Programs»National
Instruments»NI-DAQ»NI-DAQmx .NET Reference Help. Expand
NI Measurement Studio Help»NI Measurement Studio .NET Class

NI USB-9211/9211A User Guide and Specifications 6 ni.com
Library»Reference to view the function reference. Expand
NI Measurement Studio Help»NI Measurement Studio .NET Class
Library»Using the Measurement Studio .NET Class Libraries to view
conceptual topics for using NI-DAQmx with Visual C# and Visual Basic
.NET.
To get to the same help topics from within Visual Studio, go to Help»
Contents. Select Measurement Studio from the Filtered By drop-down
list and follow the previous instructions.
Device Documentation and Specifications
NI-DAQmx includes the Device Document Browser, which contains online
documentation for supported DAQ and SCXI devices, such as documents
describing device pinouts, features, and operation. You can find, view,
and/or print the documents for each device using the Device Document
Browser at any time by inserting the CD. After installing the Device
Document Browser, device documents are accessible from Start»
All Programs»National Instruments»NI-DAQ»Browse Device
Documentation.
Note You can download these documents at ni.com/manuals.
NI-DAQmx Base (Linux/Mac OS X/LabVIEW PDA 8.x)
The NI-DAQmx Base Getting Started Guide describes how to install your
NI-DAQmx Base software, your NI-DAQmx Base-supported DAQ device,
and how to confirm that your device is operating properly. In Windows,
select Start»All Programs»National Instruments»NI-DAQmx Base»
Documentation»Getting Started Guide.
Getting Started with NI-DAQmx Base for Linux and Mac Users describes
how to install your NI-DAQmx Base software, your NI-DAQmx
Base-supported DAQ device, and how to confirm that your device is
operating properly on your Mac/Linux machine.
The NI-DAQmx Base Readme lists which devices are supported by this
version of NI-DAQmx Base. In Windows, select Start»All Programs»
National Instruments»NI-DAQmx Base»DAQmx Base Readme.
The NI-DAQmx Base VI Reference Help contains VI reference and general
information about measurement concepts. In LabVIEW, select Help»
NI-DAQmx Base VI Reference Help.
The NI-DAQmx Base C Reference Help contains C reference and general
information about measurement concepts. In Windows, select Start»
All Programs»National Instruments»NI-DAQmx

©National Instruments Corporation 7 NI USB-9211/9211A User Guide and Specifications
Base»Documentation»
C Function Reference Help.
Note All NI-DAQmx Base documentation for Linux is installed at /usr/local/
natinst/nidaqmxbase/documentation.
Note All NI-DAQmx Base documentation for Mac OS X is installed at /Applications/
National Instruments/NI-DAQmx Base/documentation.
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.
Installing the Software
Software support for the NI USB-9211/9211A for Windows
Vista/XP/2000 is provided by NI-DAQmx or NI-DAQmx Base depending
on the software you are using. Software support for your hardware depends
on the carrier being used. Refer to Table 1 for a list of software support.
The DAQ Getting Started Guide, which you can download at ni.com/
manuals, offers NI-DAQmx users step-by-step instructions for installing
software and hardware, configuring channels and tasks, and getting started
developing an application.
Note For information about non-Windows operating system support, refer to ni.com/
info and enter BaseGSGML.
Table 1. Devices and Corresponding Components
Device Carrier Software Support
NI USB-9211 NI USB-9161 NI-DAQmx Base 2.2 and previous
NI USB-9211A NI USB-9162 NI-DAQmx or NI-DAQmx Base 3.0 and later

NI USB-9211/9211A User Guide and Specifications 8 ni.com
Installing Other Software
If you are using other software, refer to the installation instructions that
accompany your software.
Note If your device uses NI-DAQmx Base, refer to ni.com to download the software.
Example Programs
The NI-DAQmx CD contains example programs that you can use to get
started programming with the NI USB-9211A. Refer to the NI-DAQmx for
USB Devices Getting Started Guide that shipped with your device, and is
also accessible from Start»All Programs»National Instruments»
NI-DAQ,for more information.
The NI-DAQmx Base software ships with example programs you can use
to get started programming with the NI USB-9211/9211A. Refer to the
NI-DAQmx Base Getting Started Guide that shipped with your device, and
is also accessible from Start»All Programs»National Instruments»
NI-DAQmx Base»Documentation, for more information.
Installing the NI USB-9211/9211A Device
Before installing the device, you must install the software you plan to use
with the device. Refer to the Installing the Software section of this guide
and the documentation included with the software for more information.
Installing the NI 9211 in the NI USB-9161/9162 Carrier
The NI 9211 module and the NI USB-9161/9162 carrier are packaged
separately. Refer to Figure 3, while completing the following assembly
steps:
1. Make sure that no signals are connected to the NI 9211 module and the
USB cable is not connected to the device.
2. Remove the protective cover from the 15-pin D-SUB connector.

©National Instruments Corporation 9 NI USB-9211/9211A User Guide and Specifications
3. Align the I/O module with the carrier, as shown in Figure 3.
Figure 3. Module Installation
4. Squeeze the latches and insert the NI 9211 module into the carrier.
5. Press firmly on the connector side of the NI 9211 module until the
latches lock the module into place, as shown in Figure 4.
Figure 4. Locking Module into Place
1 High Voltage Screw Terminal Backshell
1

NI USB-9211/9211A User Guide and Specifications 10 ni.com
Mounting the NI USB-9211/9211A to a Panel
Threaded inserts are located in the NI USB-9211/9211A for mounting it to
a panel. Refer to Figure 5 for dimensions.
Figure 5. Module Dimensions in Millimeters (Inches)
Connecting the NI USB-9211/9211A to a Computer
Plug one end of the USB cable into the NI USB-9211/9211A and the other
end into an available USB port on the computer.
LED Indicator
The NI USB-9211/9211A device has a green LED next to the USB
connector. The LED indicator indicates device status, as listed in Table 2.
When the device is connected to a USB port, the LED blinks steadily to
indicate that the device is initialized and is receiving power from the
connection.
If the LED is not blinking, it may mean that the device is not initialized or
the computer is in standby mode. In order for the device to be recognized,
the device must be connected to a computer that has
NI-DAQmx/NI-DAQmx Base installed on it. If your device is not blinking,
make sure your computer has the latest version of
NI-DAQmx/NI-DAQmx Base installed on it, and the computer is not in
standby mode.
72.2 mm
(2.84 in.)
85.7 mm
(3.37 in.)
76.1 mm
(3.00 in.)
Threaded Insert
M3 x 0.58.5 mm (0.34 in.)
Max Depth

©National Instruments Corporation 11 NI USB-9211/9211A User Guide and Specifications
Wiring the NI USB-9211/9211A Device
Caution A high voltage screw terminal backshell must be installed when using hazardous
voltages (>42.4 Vpk, 60 VDC).
Note The NI 9932 10-terminal, detachable, high voltage, screw-terminal backshell
accessory works with the NI USB-9211/9211A and is available from ni.com. For more
information about installing the backshell, refer to the Assembling the High Voltage Screw
Terminal Backshell section.
The screw terminal provides connections for four thermocouple input
channels. Each channel has a terminal to which you can connect the
positive lead of the thermocouple, TC+, and a terminal to which
you can connect the negative lead of the thermocouple, TC–. The
NI USB-9211/9211A also has a common terminal, COM, that is internally
connected to the isolated ground reference of the module.
If you are unsure which of the thermocouple leads is positive and which is
negative, check the thermocouple documentation or the thermocouple wire
spool. If you are using shielded wiring, connect one end of the shield to the
COM terminal.
Table 2. LED State/Device Status
LED State Device Status
Not lit Device not connected or in suspend.
On, not blinking Device connected, but no module installed.
Single-blink Operating normally.
Double-blink Operating normally.
Quadruple-blink Device error. Refer to ni.com/support.

NI USB-9211/9211A User Guide and Specifications 12 ni.com
Figure 6. Connecting a Thermocouple Input Signal to the NI USB-9211/9211A
Refer to Table 3 for the terminal assignments for each channel.
Table 3. Terminal Assignments
Module Terminal Signal
0TC0+
1TC0–
2TC1+
3TC1–
4TC2+
5TC2–
6TC3+
7TC3–
8No connection
9Common (COM)
TC–
TC+
Shield
NI USB-9211/9211A
COM
Thermocouple
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

©National Instruments Corporation 13 NI USB-9211/9211A User Guide and Specifications
Assembling the High Voltage Screw Terminal Backshell
The NI 9932 high voltage screw terminal backshell must be installed when
using hazardous voltages (>42.4 Vpk, 60 VDC). Refer to Figure 7 while
completing the following steps to assemble the backshell:
1. Connect the leads to the screw terminal and secure with the strain
relief.
2. Finish by snapping the backshell around the connector.
Figure 7. High Voltage Screw Terminal Backshell
Figure 8. Assembled High Voltage Screw Terminal Backshell
1 Strain Relief
1

NI USB-9211/9211A User Guide and Specifications 14 ni.com
NI USB-9211/9211A Circuitry
The NI USB-9211/9211A channels share a common ground that is isolated
from the chassis and the host computer. Each channel has an impedance
between the TC+and COM terminals and between the TC– and COM
terminals. Each channel is filtered and then sampled by a 24-bit
analog-to-digital converter (ADC). There is a current source between the
TC+ and TC– terminals. If an open thermocouple is connected to the
channel, the current source forces a full-scale voltage across the terminals.
Effects of Source Impedance on Voltage Measurement Accuracy
The resistors shown in Figure 9 produce an input impedance at the
terminals of the NI USB-9211/9211A.
Figure 9. Input Circuitry for One Channel
If thermocouples are connected to the NI USB-9211/9211A, the gain and
offset errors resulting from the source impedance of the thermocouples are
negligible for most applications. Other voltage sources with a higher source
impedance can introduce more significant errors. For more information
about errors resulting from source impedance, refer to the Specifications
section.
Determining Temperature Measurement Accuracy and
Minimizing Errors
Temperature measurement errors depend in part on the thermocouple type,
the temperature being measured, the accuracy of the thermocouple, and the
cold-junction temperature.
TC+
TC–
COM
NI USB-9211/9211A
Open
Thermocouple
Detection
Current
Filtered
Differential
Amplifier
Input
Impedance
Isolated
ADC

©National Instruments Corporation 15 NI USB-9211/9211A User Guide and Specifications
Using the Autozero Channel
The NI USB-9211/9211A has an internal autozero channel for measuring
the offset error. If the ambient temperature of the NI USB-9211/9211A is
less than 15 °C or more than 35 °C, use this channel to read the offset error.
The NI USB-9211 always has this channel enabled. Use NI-DAQmx to
configure the behavior of the autozero channel for the NI USB-9211A.
Refer to the LabVIEW Help for 8.0 or later, accessible from Start»All
Programs»National Instruments»LabVIEW 8.5»LabVIEW Help, and
search for Auto Zero Mode for more information.
Measurement Accuracy for the Different Types
of Thermocouples
Figures 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14 show the typical and maximum errors for the
different thermocouple types when used with the NI USB-9211/9211A
over the full temperature range. The figures also show the maximum error
for the thermocouple types with the NI USB-9211/9211A at room
temperature, 15 to 35 °C. The figures account for gain errors, offset errors,
differential and integral nonlinearity, quantization errors, noise errors, and
isothermal errors. The figures do not account for the accuracy of the
thermocouple itself.
Temperature gradients across the NI USB-9211/9211A terminals affect
the cold-junction temperature accuracy. Refer to the Cold-Junction
Temperature Measurement Accuracy section for more information
about temperature gradients.

NI USB-9211/9211A User Guide and Specifications 16 ni.com
Figure 10. Type B Errors
Figure 11. Type E and T Errors
200 400 600 800 1200 1600 1800
0
2
4
6
Max over Temp Range with Autozero
Error (°C)
1000 1400
Measured Temperature (°C)
Max at Room Temp Range without Autozero
Typ over Temp Range with Autozero
–200 0 200 400 600 800 1000
0
2
3
4
Error (°C)
Measured Temperature (°C)
1
Max over Temp Range with Autozero
Max at Room Temp Range without Autozero
Typ over Temp Range with Autozero

©National Instruments Corporation 17 NI USB-9211/9211A User Guide and Specifications
Figure 12. Type J and N Errors
Figure 13. Type K Errors
–200 0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200
0
1
2
3
4
Error (°C)
Measured Temperature (°C)
Max over Temp Range with Autozero
Max at Room Temp Range without Autozero
Typ over Temp Range with Autozero
–200 0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200
0
1
2
3
4
Error (°C)
Measured Temperature (°C)
Max over Temp Range with Autozero
Max at Room Temp Range without Autozero
Typ over Temp Range with Autozero

NI USB-9211/9211A User Guide and Specifications 18 ni.com
Figure 14. Type R and S Errors
Cold-Junction Temperature Measurement Accuracy
Heat from other nearby heat sources can cause errors in thermocouple
measurements by heating up the terminals so that they are at a different
temperature than the cold-junction compensation sensor used to measure
the cold junction. The thermal gradient generated across the terminals can
cause the terminals of different channels to be at different temperatures, so
the resulting measurement creates errors not only in absolute accuracy but
also in the relative accuracy between channels.
Minimizing Thermal Gradients
Thermocouple wire can be a significant source of thermal gradients if it
conducts heat or cold directly to terminal junctions. To minimize these
errors, follow these guidelines:
• Use small-gauge thermocouple wire. Smaller wire transfers less heat
to or from the measuring junction.
• Run thermocouple wiring together near the screw-terminal connector
to keep the wires at the same temperature.
• Avoid running thermocouple wires near hot or cold objects.
• If you connect any extension wires to thermocouple wires, use wires
made of the same conductive material.
–200 0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200
0
2
4
6
Error (°C)
1400 1600
Measured Temperature (°C)
Max over Temp Range with Autozero
Max at Room Temp Range without Autozero
Typ over Temp Range with Autozero

©National Instruments Corporation 19 NI USB-9211/9211A User Guide and Specifications
Specifications
The following specifications are typical at 25 °C, unless otherwise noted.
All voltages are relative to COM unless otherwise noted.
Input Characteristics
Number of channels ............................... 4 thermocouple channels,
1 internal autozero channel,
1 internal cold-junction
compensation channel
ADC resolution ...................................... 24 bits
Type of ADC.......................................... Delta-sigma
Input range ............................................. ±80 mV (not software selectable)
Common-mode range
Channel-to-COM ............................ ±1.5 V
Common-to-earth ground ............... ±250 V
Common-mode rejection ratio (0 to 60 Hz)
Channel-to-common ....................... 95 dB
Common-to-earth ground ............... >170 dB
Temperature measurement ranges ......... Works over temperature
ranges defined by NIST
(J, K, R, S, T, N, E, and
B thermocouple types)
Cold-junction compensation sensor accuracy
0 to 60 °C ........................................ 0.6 °C (1.1 °F) typ,
1.3 °C (2.3 °F) max
Conversion time ..................................... 70 ms per channel;
420 ms total for all channels
including the autozero and
cold-junction channels