National Instruments FieldPoint cFP-1808 User manual

cFP-1808

Quick Start Guide
Compact FieldPoint cFP-1808
What You Need to Get Set Up
1. Mount the cFP-1808
You can mount the cFP-1808 on a panel or in a standard 19 in. rack. Before using
either of these mounting methods, record the serial number from the back of the
cFP-1808.
Each set of mounting instructions in this document includes an instruction to
connect the protective earth (PE) ground terminal on the cFP-1808 to the system
safety ground. The PE ground terminal has the following symbol stamped beside
it: . Connect the PE ground terminal to the system safety ground using 14 AWG
• cFP-1808 Network Interface
• Mounting hardware (DIN rail,
panel-mount, or rack-mount
accessory)
• I/O module(s)
• Connector blocks and/or cables
• Ethernet or serial cable
• 11–30 VDC power supply
• Accessories: Ethernet cable,
number 2 Phillips screwdriver
• PC running Windows
• FieldPoint software 4.1.2 or later
™

cFP-1808 Quick Start Guide 2 ni.com
(1.6 mm) wire with a ring lug. Use the 5/16 in. panhead screw shipped with the
backplane to secure the ring lug to the PE ground terminal.
Caution Keep in mind these requirements for space and cabling
clearance:
• Allow at least 51 mm (2 in.) all around the cFP-1808 for air
circulation.
• Allow 38 mm (1.5 in.) below and 51 mm (2 in.) above the I/O
modules.
127 mm
(5.00 in.)
441 mm
(17.36 in.)

© National Instruments Corporation 3 cFP-1808 Quick Start Guide
Caution If you are using UL Recognized I/O modules with the Compact
FieldPoint system, you must install the entire system in a suitably rated,
UL Listed NEMA or IP enclosure. Refer to the Compact FieldPoint
Safety Information section for more information.
Cooling
Outline
51 mm
(2.00 in.)
88 mm (3.46 in.)
69 mm
(2.72 in.)
76 mm
(3.00 in.)
Cabling
Clearance
441 mm
(17.36 in.) Cooling
Outline
51 mm
(2.00 in.)

cFP-1808 Quick Start Guide 4 ni.com
Caution NI recommends that you use one of the mounting systems
described in this document. If you decide to use a custom mounting
solution, make sure that the screws you use are short enough to fit in the
holes in the backplane. The screw holes are 5 mm (0.2 in.) deep.
104.78 mm
(4.1 in.)
63.50 mm
(2.5 in.)
22.23 mm
(0.9 in.)
33.15 mm
(1.3 in.)
129.54 mm
(5.1 in.)
311.40 mm
(12.3 in.)
387.60 mm
(15.3 in.)
407.80 mm
(16.1 in.)
127.00 mm
(5.0 in.)
440.94 mm
(17.4 in.)

© National Instruments Corporation 5 cFP-1808 Quick Start Guide
Mounting the Backplane on a Panel
1. Fasten the panel-mount plates to the back of the cFP-1808 using a number 2
Phillips screwdriver and the 8-32 ×
5/16 in. countersunk screws shipped with
the kit.
Caution Do not use screws longer than 5/16 in. to fasten the
panel-mount plates to the backplane.

cFP-1808 Quick Start Guide 6 ni.com
2. Bolt or screw the panel-mount accessory to a panel.
3. Connect the PE ground terminal on the cFP-1808 to safety ground.
Caution Disconnect power before removing the backplane from the
panel.
457 mm (18 in.)
127 mm
(5 in.)
476 mm (18.7 in.)
102 mm
(4 in.)

© National Instruments Corporation 7 cFP-1808 Quick Start Guide
2. Install I/O Modules on the Backplane
1. Align the captive screws on the
I/O module with the holes on the
backplane.
2. Press firmly to seat the I/O
module on the backplane.
3. Using a number 2 Phillips
screwdriver with a shank of at
least 64 mm (2.5 in.) length,
tighten the captive screws to
1.1 N · m (10 lb · in.) of torque.
4. Repeat this procedure to install
additional I/O modules on the
backplane.
3. Install Connector Blocks on the Backplane
In order to connect I/O modules to input signals or to external loads, you need to
install a cFP-CB-xconnector block or other connectivity accessory for each I/O
module on the backplane. Use the connector socket to the right of each I/O module
socket.
Caution Do not insert or remove connector blocks or other connectivity
accessories while power is applied to them.

cFP-1808 Quick Start Guide 8 ni.com
1. Wire field devices as described in the I/O
module and connector block operating
instructions.
Caution Hazardous voltage wiring
should be performed by qualified
personnel and in accordance with
local electrical standards.
2. Align the captive screws on the connector
block with the holes on the backplane.
3. Press firmly to seat the connector block on
the backplane.
4. Using a number 2 Phillips screwdriver with a shank of at least 64 mm (2.5 in.)
length, tighten thecaptive screws to 1.1 N · m (10 lb · in.) of torque.
5. Repeat this procedure to install additional connector blocks on the backplane.
4. Connect the cFP-1808 to Your Network
You can connect the cFP-1808 to an Ethernet network, an RS-232 network, or
both.
Connecting the cFP-1808 to an Ethernet Network
In order to use the cFP-1808 on an Ethernet network, you must first configure the
cFP-1808 using MAX.
Connect the cFP-1808 to an Ethernet network using the RJ-45 Ethernet port on the
controller. Use a standard Category 5 Ethernet cable to connect the cFP-1808 to

© National Instruments Corporation 9 cFP-1808 Quick Start Guide
an Ethernet hub, or use an Ethernet crossover cable to connect the controller
directly to a computer. Refer to Cabling in the Specifications section for pinouts
of the two types of Ethernet cable.
If the host PC is already configured on a network, you must configure the
cFP-1808 on the same network. If neither is connected to a network, you can
connect the two directly using a crossover cable.
In order for you to configure the cFP-1808, it must reside on the same subnet as
the host PC.
Caution To prevent data loss and to maintain the integrity of your
Ethernet installation, do not use a cable longer than 100 m. If you are
using a 100 Mbps Ethernet, National Instruments recommends using a
Category 5 shielded twisted-pair Ethernet cable.
Connecting the cFP-1808 to an RS-232 Serial Network
In order to use the cFP-1808 on a serial network, you must first connect it to a host
computer and configure it using MAX. Connect the RS-232 port of the cFP-1808
to the RS-232 port of the host computer. Use a 9-pin D-SUB male-to-female
straight-through cable. Do not use a null modem cable (usually female-to-female).
DIP switches 3–5 set the baud rate. Table 1 shows the switch positions and the
corresponding network baud rates.
Note The preconfigured setting of 115.2 kbps provides the fastest
performance, and you do not need to change this setting unless you
experience communication problems.

cFP-1808 Quick Start Guide 10 ni.com
Table 1. DIP Switch Positions and Corresponding Serial Baud Rates
DIP Switches 3–5 Serial Baud Rate DIP Switches 3–5 Serial Baud Rate
300 2,400
1,200 9,600
12345
ON
12345
ON
12345
ON
12345
ON

© National Instruments Corporation 11 cFP-1808 Quick Start Guide
The switch settings determine the baud rate when the cFP-1808 is powered on. If
you change the switch settings while the cFP-1808 is on, you must turn it off, then
on again, to apply the new settings and change the baud rate.
The serial interface on the cFP-1808 always uses the following parameters: 1 start
bit, 8 data bits, 1 stop bit, and no parity.
19,200 57,600
38,400 115,200
Table 1. DIP Switch Positions and Corresponding Serial Baud Rates (Continued)
DIP Switches 3–5 Serial Baud Rate DIP Switches 3–5 Serial Baud Rate
12345
ON
12345
ON
12345
ON
12345
ON

cFP-1808 Quick Start Guide 12 ni.com
RS-232 specifies a maximum cabling distance of 50 ft, but improvements in line
drivers and cabling technology often allow you to design your network beyond the
recommendations of the specification.
The RS-232 connector is a 9-pin female D-SUB connector. Figure 1 shows the
pinout.
Figure 1. RS-232 Connector Pinout for the cFP-1808
The cFP-1808 does not use RS-232 hardware handshaking, but it asserts the RTS
and DSR signals for host computers or software that may require these signals. A
host computer that does not use these signals does not need to connect to them.
GND NC RX TX
NC
RTS
NC
DSR
NC
54321
9876
NC = Not Connected
GND = Ground
RX = Recieve
TX = Transmit
RTS = Request to Send
DSR = Data Set Ready
Legend:

© National Instruments Corporation 13 cFP-1808 Quick Start Guide
5. Wire Power to the cFP-1808
Each cFP-1808 on your network requires an 11–30 VDC power supply. Refer to
the Compact FieldPoint Safety Information section before powering up the
cFP-1808.
1. Connect the positive lead of the power supply to
one of the V terminals and the negative lead to
one of the C terminals.
a. Use 14–22 AWG power wires.
b. Strip 5–6 mm (0.2–0.24 in.) of insulation
from the ends of the power wires.
c. Tighten the terminal screws to 0.25 N · m
(2.2 lb · in.) of torque.
d. Refer to the operating instructions for the
power requirements of each I/O module.
2. Use a separate power supply for each module
that needs external power.
Caution Cascading power defeats
isolation between the cascaded modules.
C
V

cFP-1808 Quick Start Guide 14 ni.com
6. Power Up the cFP-1808
Check the DIP switches on the controller, making sure that the RESET IP switch
and CONSOLE OUT switches are in the OFF position. Plug in each power supply
to the Compact FieldPoint system. The cFP-1808 runs a power-on self test
(POST), during which the POWER and STATUS LEDs are steadily lit. After
about three seconds, the STATUS LED begins flashing steadily if there is an
Ethernet cable connected to the Ethernet port. The cFP-1808 is ready to be
configured.
DIP Switches Functions
1 .............................IP RESET
2 .............................CONSOLE OUT
3, 4, 5 .....................BAUD RATE
If you have already assigned an IP address to the cFP-1808, the STATUS LED
turns off. The total boot time for a configured system is 10–15 seconds.
If the STATUS LED does not light up as described here, refer to the cFP-1808
User Manual at
d :\docs\Network Modules, where d is the letter of your
CD-ROM drive.
If the CONSOLE OUT switch is in the ON position, the cFP-1808 sends status
information to the host PC through the serial port. This status information includes
the version number of the firmware installed on the cFP-1808 and the network
configuration of the cFP-1808. To see this information, turn on the CONSOLE
OUT switch and reboot the cFP-1808. If you are using Windows XP, select
12345
ON

© National Instruments Corporation 15 cFP-1808 Quick Start Guide
Start»Programs»Accessories»Communications»Hyper Terminal to launch
the Windows terminal program. Make sure that the serial settings in Hyper
Terminal match the settings configured on the cFP-1808. For more information
about using CONSOLE OUT to troubleshoot or check status, refer to the
cFP-1808 User Manual.
When the CONSOLE OUT switch is in the ON position, the cFP-1808 does not
use the serial communication protocol and you cannot communicate with
FieldPoint I/O over the serial port.
7. Install Software on the Host PC
1. Install the software packages you plan to use, such as LabVIEW, the
LabVIEW Real-Time Module, Measurement Studio, VI Logger, or
LabWindows™/CVI™, before you install the FieldPoint software. The
FieldPoint software installation installs the LabVIEW VIs and examples and
the LabWindows/CVI instrument driver only if it finds the corresponding
development software installed.
2. Close all other applications.
3. Insert the National Instruments FieldPoint Software CD into the CD-ROM
drive on your computer.
4. Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the installation.
Note If the setup does not launch automatically, select Start»Run from
Windows, enter
d :\setup, where d is the letter of your CD-ROM drive,
and select OK.

cFP-1808 Quick Start Guide 16 ni.com
8. Configure the cFP-1808
Launch Measurement & Automation Explorer (MAX) to configure the cFP-1808.
For information about configuring the cFP-1808 in software, refer to the
Measurement & Automation Explorer Help for FieldPoint (Start»Programs»
National Instruments»FieldPoint»FieldPoint Help).
Compact FieldPoint Safety Information
The following section contains important safety information that you must follow
when installing and using Compact FieldPoint products.
Do not operate Compact FieldPoint products in a manner not specified in the user
manual or operating instructions. Misuse of the product 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.
Do not substitute parts or modify Compact FieldPoint products. Use the products
only with the modules, accessories, and cables specified in the installation
instructions.
You must connect the protective earth (PE) ground terminal on the cFP-1808 to the
system safety ground. The backplane PE ground terminal has the following
symbol stamped beside it: . Connect the backplane PE ground terminal to the
system safety ground using 14 AWG (1.6 mm) wire with a ring lug. Use the
5/16 in. panhead screw shipped with the backplane to secure the ring lug to the
backplane PE ground terminal.

© National Instruments Corporation 17 cFP-1808 Quick Start Guide
Do not operate Compact FieldPoint products in an explosive atmosphere or where
there may be flammable gases or fumes. If you need to operate Compact
FieldPoint products in such an environment, the Compact FieldPoint products
must be in a suitably rated enclosure.
If you need to clean a Compact FieldPoint product, use a soft nonmetallic brush.
The product must be completely dry and free from contaminants before you return
it to service.
Operate the product 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. The following is a description of pollution degrees:
• Pollution Degree 1 means no pollution or only dry, nonconductive pollution
occurs. The pollution has no influence.
• Pollution Degree 2 means that only nonconductive pollution occurs in most
cases. Occasionally, however, a temporary conductivity caused by
condensation must be expected.
• Pollution Degree 3 means that conductive pollution occurs, or dry,
nonconductive pollution occurs which becomes conductive due to
condensation.
Caution You must insulate signal connections for the maximum voltage
for which the Compact FieldPoint 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 Compact FieldPoint system.
Avoid contact between your body and the connector block signal wiring
when hot-swapping modules.

cFP-1808 Quick Start Guide 18 ni.com
Operate Compact FieldPoint products at or below the measurement category1
marked on the hardware label. Measurement circuits are subjected to working
voltages2and transient stresses (overvoltage) from the circuit to which they are
connected during measurement or test. Measurement categories establish standard
impulse withstand voltage levels that commonly occur in electrical distribution
systems. The following is a description of measurement categories:
• Measurement Category I is for measurements performed on circuits not
directly connected to the electrical distribution system referred to as MAINS3
voltage. 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.
• Measurement Category II is for measurements performed on circuits directly
connected to the electrical distribution system. This category refers to
local-level electrical distribution, such as that provided by a standard wall
outlet (for example, 115 V for U.S. or 230 V for Europe). Examples of
Measurement Category II are measurements performed on household
appliances, portable tools, and similar products.
• Measurement Category III is for measurements performed in the building
installation at the distribution level. This category refers to measurements on
1 Measurement categories are defined in electrical safety standard IEC 61010-1.
2 Working voltage is the highest rms value of an AC or DC voltage that can occur across any particular
insulation.
3 MAINS is defined as a hazardous live electrical supply system that powers equipment. Suitably rated
measuring circuits may be connected to the MAINS for measuring purposes.