National Instruments USB-9265 User manual

USER GUIDE AND SPECIFICATIONS
NI USB-9265
4-Channel, 0–20 mA, 16-Bit Analog Current Output Module
This user guide describes how to use the National Instruments USB-9265
and lists the device specifications.
Introduction
The NI USB-9265 consists of two components: an NI 9265 module and an
NI USB-9162 carrier, as shown in Figure 1.
Figure 1. NI USB-9265 Components
NI 9265
NI USB-9162
NI USB-9265
Hi-SPeed USB Carrier
NI USB-9162
Hi-Speed USB Carrier
NI USB-9162

NI USB-9265 User Guide and Specifications 2 ni.com
Dimensions
Figure 2 shows the NI USB-9265 device dimensions.
Figure 2. NI USB-9265 Device Dimensions in Millimeters (Inches)
Safety Guidelines
Operate the NI USB-9265 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.
Safety Guidelines for Hazardous Voltages
A hazardous voltage is a voltage greater than 42.4 Vpk or 60 VDC to earth
ground. If hazardous voltages are connected to the module, take the
following precautions.
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.
Hi-Speed USB Carrier
NI USB-9162
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-9265 User Guide and Specifications
Caution When module terminals are hazardous voltage LIVE (>42.4 Vpk/60 VDC), you
must ensure that devices and circuits connected to the module are properly insulated from
human contact. You must use the NI 9932 connector backshell kit, illustrated in Figure 3
to ensure that the terminals are not accessible.
Figure 3. NI 9932 Connector Backshell
Related Documentation
Each application software package and driver includes information about
writing applications for taking measurements and controlling measurement
devices. Check ni.com/manuals for the most recent hardware
documentation, and refer to Table 1 for a list of locations for driver and
application software documentation. The following document location
references assume you have NI-DAQmx 8.9 or later, and where applicable,
version 7.1 or later of the NI application software.

NI USB-9265 User Guide and Specifications 4 ni.com
Table 1. Related Documentation
Software Document/Description Location/Topic
NI-DAQmx for Windows DAQ Getting Started
Guide—describes how to install
the NI-DAQmx for Windows
software, your NI-DAQmx
supported DAQ device, and how
to confirm that your device is
operating properly.
Start»All Programs»
National Instruments»
NI-DAQ»DAQ Getting
Started Guide
NI-DAQ Readme—lists which
devices are supported by this
version of NI-DAQmx.
Start»All Programs»
National Instruments»
NI-DAQ»NI-DAQ Readme
NI-DAQmx Help—contains
general information about
measurement concepts, key
NI-DAQmx concepts, and
common applications that are
applicable to all programming
environments.
Start»All Programs»
National Instruments»
NI-DAQ»NI-DAQmx Help
LabVIEW Getting Started with
LabVIEW—describes the
LabVIEW graphical programming
environment and the basic
LabVIEW features you use to
build data acquisition and
instrument control application.
Start»All Programs»
National Instruments»
LabVIEW»LabVIEW
Manuals or navigate to the
labview\manuals directory
and open
LV_Getting_Started.pdf
LabVIEW Help—provides
information about LabVIEW
programming concepts,
step-by-step instructions for
using LabVIEW, and reference
information about LabVIEW VIs,
functions, palettes, menus, and
tools.
Help»Search the LabVIEW
Help

©National Instruments Corporation 5 NI USB-9265 User Guide and Specifications
LabVIEW Help Topics Specific to NI-DAQmx
Location Description
From the Contents tab,
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.
From the Contents tab,VI
and Function Reference»
Measurement I/O VIs
and Functions
Describes the LabVIEW NI-DAQmx VIs and properties.
From the Contents tab,
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™LabWindows/CVI Help
Data Acquisition book—contains
NI-DAQmx measurement concepts
and step-by-step instructions about
creating a measurement task using
the DAQ Assistant.
Help»Contents, then select
Using LabWindows/CVI»
Data Acquisition»Taking an
NI-DAQmx Measurement in
LabWindows/CVI
LabWindows/CVI Help
NI-DAQmx Library
book—contains NI-DAQmx API
overviews and function reference.
LibraryReference»
NI-DAQmx Library
Measurement Studio/
Microsoft Visual
Studio .NET
Microsoft Visual Studio .NET
Help/NI Measurement Studio
Help—contains NI-DAQmx
methods and properties.
Measurement Studio»
NI Measurement Studio Help
and select NI-DAQmx .NET
Class Library or NI-DAQmx
Visual C++ Class Library
ANSI C without
NI Application Software
NI-DAQmx Help Start»All Programs»
National Instruments»
NI-DAQ»NI-DAQmx Help
NI-DAQmx C Reference
Help—describes the NI-DAQmx
Library functions.
Start»All Programs»
National Instruments»
NI-DAQ»NI-DAQmx C
Reference Help
Table 1. Related Documentation (Continued)
Software Document/Description Location/Topic

NI USB-9265 User Guide and Specifications 6 ni.com
Device Documentation and Specifications
Check ni.com/manuals for the most recent device and software
documentation. If you do not have Web access, NI-DAQmx includes a
Documentation CD that includes documentation available when
NI-DAQmx released.
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.
.NET Languages without
NI Application Software*
NI-DAQmx .NET Help—contains
conceptual topics for using
NI-DAQmx with Visual C# and
Visual Basic .NET.
Start»All Programs»
National Instruments»
NI-DAQ»NI-DAQmx .NET
Reference Help. Expand
NI Measurement Studio
Help»NI Measurement
Studio .NET Class 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
Visual Studio .NET
Help—contains conceptual topics
for using NI-DAQmx with Visual
C# and Visual Basic .NET.
Help»Contents. Select
Measurement Studio from the
Filtered By drop-down list and
follow the location instructions
for the NI-DAQmx .NET Help.
*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.
Table 1. Related Documentation (Continued)
Software Document/Description Location/Topic

©National Instruments Corporation 7 NI USB-9265 User Guide and Specifications
Installing the Software
Software support for the NI USB-9265 for Windows Vista/XP is provided
by NI-DAQmx. 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.
Installing Other Software
If you are using other software, refer to the installation instructions that
accompany your software.
Example Programs
The NI-DAQmx media contains example programs that you can use to get
started programming with the NI USB-9265. 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.
Mounting the NI USB-9265 to a Panel
Threaded inserts are located in the NI USB-9162 for mounting it to a panel.
Mount the USB-9162 carrier before inserting the NI 9265. Refer to
Figure 4 for dimensions.
Figure 4. Module Mounting Dimensions In Millimeters (Inches)
72.2 mm
(2.84 in.)
85.7 mm
(3.37 in.)
76.1 mm
(3.00 in.)
Threaded Insert
M3 x 0.5
8.5 mm (0.34 in.) Max Depth

NI USB-9265 User Guide and Specifications 8 ni.com
Installing the NI USB-9265 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 9265 into the NI USB-9162 Carrier
The NI 9265 C Series module and NI USB-9162 carrier are packaged
separately. Refer to Figure 5 while completing the following assembly
steps:
1. Make sure that no signals are connected to the NI 9265 module,
and the USB cable is not attached to the USB-9162 carrier.
2. Remove the protective cover from the 15-pin D-SUB connector.
3. Align the I/O module with the carrier, as shown in Figure 5.
Figure 5. Module Installation
4. Squeeze the latches and insert the NI 9265 module into the
NI USB-9162 carrier.

©National Instruments Corporation 9 NI USB-9265 User Guide and Specifications
5. Press firmly on the connector side of the NI 9265 module until the
latches lock the module into place, as shown in Figure 6.
Figure 6. Locking Module into Place
Connecting the NI USB-9265 to a Computer
Plug one end of the USB cable into the NI USB-9265 and the other end into
an available USB port on the computer. 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.
LED Indicator
The NI USB-9265 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 installed
on it. If your device is not blinking, make sure your computer has the latest
version of NI-DAQmx installed on it, and the computer is not in standby
mode.
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.

NI USB-9265 User Guide and Specifications 10 ni.com
Wiring the NI USB-9265 Device
The NI 9265 has a 10-terminal, detachable screw-terminal connector that
provides connections for four analog output channels.
Caution A high voltage screw terminal backshell must be installed when using hazardous
voltages (>42.4 Vpk, 60 VDC).
You must use 2-wire ferrules to create a secure connection when
connecting more than one wire to a single terminal on the NI USB-9265.
Figure 7. NI USB-9265 Terminal Assignments
The NI USB-9265 has four analog output channels, AO. Each channel has
a common terminal, COM, that is internally connected to the isolated
ground reference of the module. The USB-9265 also has a terminal for an
external power supply, Vsup, and an external power supply common
terminal, Power Supply COM.
Each AO channel has a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) that produces
a current signal. Each channel also has overvoltage and short-circuit
protection. Refer to the Specifications section for more information about
the overvoltage and short-circuit protection. Refer to Figure 8 for an
illustration of the output circuitry for one channel of the NI USB-9265.
Double-blink Operating normally.
Quadruple-blink Device error. Refer to ni.com/support.
Table 2. LED State/Device Status (Continued)
LED State Device Status
AO0
COM0
AO1
COM1
AO2
COM2
AO3
COM3
Vsup
Power Supply COM
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

©National Instruments Corporation 11 NI USB-9265 User Guide and Specifications
You can connect a load to each channel of the NI USB-9265. Connect the
positive lead of the load to the AO terminal. Connect the ground of the load
to the corresponding COM terminal. Refer to Figure 8 for an illustration of
how to connect a load to the NI USB-9265.
Figure 8. Connecting a Load to the NI USB-9265
Note You must use 2-wire ferrules to create a secure connection when connecting more
than one wire to a single terminal on the NI USB-9265.
You must connect an external power supply to the NI USB-9265. This
power supply provides the current for the devices you connect to the
module. Connect the positive lead of the power supply to the supply
terminal, Vsup, and the negative lead of the power supply to Power Supply
COM.
When the module powers on, the channels output the startup current. Refer
to the Specifications section for more information about startup current.
Refer to the software help for information about configuring startup output
states in software. Visit ni.com/info and enter cseriesdoc for
information about C Series documentation.
AO
COM
NI USB-9265
Isolated DAC
Exte
r nal
Power Supply
+
_
Vsup
Power
Supply
COM
Load
Protection
DC/DC

NI USB-9265 User Guide and Specifications 12 ni.com
Wiring for High-Vibration Applications
If an application is subject to high vibration, National Instruments
recommends that you either use ferrules to terminate wires to the
detachable screw-terminal connector or use the NI 9932 backshell kit to
protect the connections. Refer to Figure 9 for an illustration of using
ferrules. Refer to Figure 3 for an illustration of the NI 9932 connector
backshell.
Figure 9. 10-Terminal Detachable Screw-Terminal Connector with Ferrule
Specifications
The following specifications are typical for the range –40 to 70 °C unless
otherwise noted. All voltages are relative to COM unless otherwise noted.
Output Characteristics
Number of channels................................4 analog output channels
DAC resolution.......................................16 bits
Type of DAC ..........................................String
Power-on output state .............................0
Startup current ........................................0.0 mA
Power-down current ...............................0.0 mA
Full-scale output current
Minimum .........................................20.1 mA
Typical.............................................20.6 mA
Maximum ........................................21.0 mA

©National Instruments Corporation 13 NI USB-9265 User Guide and Specifications
Output range........................................... 0 to 20 mA
Compliance voltage................................ 12 VDC max
Maximum load ....................................... 600 Ω
Accuracy
Stability
Gain drift......................................... 30 ppm/°C
Offset drift....................................... 45 ppm/°C
External power supply
voltage range (Vsup)................................ 9–36 VDC
Protection (AO, Vsup)
Overvoltage..................................... ±40 V
Short-circuit .................................... Indefinitely
Noise ...................................................... 600 nArms
Crosstalk................................................. –90 dB
Settling time (to 1 LSB)
Full-scale step ................................. 10 μs
1 mA step ........................................ 5 μs
Glitch energy.......................................... Unmeasurable
Monotonicity.......................................... 16 bits
DNL ....................................................... 1 LSB max
INL ......................................................... ±16 LSB
Measurement Conditions
Percent of
Reading
(Gain Error)
Percent of
Range*
(Offset Error)
Calibrated, typ (25 °C, ±5 °C) 0.11% 0.19%
Calibrated, max (–40 to 70 °C) 0.25% 0.4%
Uncalibrated, typ (25 °C, ±5 °C) 0.35% 1.4%
Uncalibrated, max (–40 to 70 °C) 0.85% 2.5%
* Range equals 0 to 20.6 mA

NI USB-9265 User Guide and Specifications 14 ni.com
Power Requirements
Current consumption from USB.............230 mW max
Suspend mode..................................2.5 mA, max
Bus Interface
USB specification ...................................USB 2.0 Hi-Speed
Physical Characteristics
Screw-terminal wiring ............................12 to 24 AWG copper conductor
wire with 10 mm (0.39 in.) of
insulation stripped from the end
Ferrules ...................................................0.25 mm2to 2.5 mm2
Torque for screw terminals.....................0.5 to 0.6 N · m (4.4 to 5.3 lb · in.)
Weight ....................................................236 g (8.4 oz)
Safety
If you need to clean the module, wipe it with a dry towel.
Maximum Voltage1
Connect only voltages that are within the following limits.
Channel-to-COM or Vsup-to-COM .........±40 V max
Isolation Voltages
Channel-to-channel.................................No isolation between channels
Channel-to-earth ground, Vsup-to-earth ground,
or COM-to-earth ground
Continuous.......................................250 Vrms,
Measurement Category II
Withstand.........................................2,300 Vrms, verified by a 5 s
dielectric withstand test
Measurement Category II is for measurements performed on circuits
directly connected to the electrical distribution system. This category refers
1 The maximum voltage that can be applied between any channel or Vsup terminal and a COM terminal without damaging the
module or other devices.

©National Instruments Corporation 15 NI USB-9265 User Guide and Specifications
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.
Caution Do not connect the NI USB-9265 to signals or use for measurements within
Measurement Categories III or IV.
Safety Standards
This product is designed to meet the requirements of the following
standards of safety for electrical equipment for measurement, control,
and laboratory use:
• IEC 61010-1, EN 61010-1
• UL 61010-1, CSA 61010-1
Note For UL and other safety certifications, refer to the product label or visit
ni.com/certification, search by module number or product line, and click the
appropriate link in the Certification column.
Environmental
National Instruments C Series modules are intended for indoor use only but
may be used outdoors if installed in a suitable enclosure.
Operating temperature
(IEC 60068-2-1, IEC 60068-2-2)........... –40 to 70 °C
Storage temperature
(IEC 60068-2-1, IEC 60068-2-2)........... –40 to 85 °C
Ingress protection................................... IP 40
Operating humidity
(IEC 60068-2-56)................................... 10 to 90% RH, noncondensing
Storage humidity
(IEC 60068-2-56)................................... 5 to 95% RH, noncondensing
Maximum altitude .................................. 2,000 m
Pollution Degree (IEC 60664) ............... 2

NI USB-9265 User Guide and Specifications 16 ni.com
Electromagnetic Compatibility
This product meets the requirements of the following EMC standards for
electrical equipment for measurement, control, and laboratory use:
• EN 61326 (IEC 61326): Class A emissions; Basic immunity
• EN 55011 (CISPR 11): Group 1, Class A emissions
• AS/NZS CISPR 11: Group 1, Class A emissions
• FCC 47 CFR Part 15B: Class A emissions
• ICES-001: Class A emissions
Note For the standards applied to assess the EMC of this product, refer to the Online
Product Certification section.
Note For EMC compliance, operate this device with shielded cabling.
CE Compliance
This product meets the essential requirements of applicable European
Directives as follows:
• 2006/95/EC; Low-Voltage Directive (safety)
• 2004/108/EC; Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive (EMC)
Online Product Certification
Refer to the product Declaration of Conformity (DoC) for additional
regulatory compliance information. To obtain product certifications and
the DoC for this product, visit ni.com/certification, search by model
number or product line, and click the appropriate link in the Certification
column.
Environmental Management
National Instruments is committed to designing and manufacturing
products in an environmentally responsible manner. NI recognizes that
eliminating certain hazardous substances from our products is beneficial
not only to the environment but also to NI customers.
For additional environmental information, refer to the NI and the
Environment Web page at ni.com/environment. This page contains the
environmental regulations and directives with which NI complies, as well
as other environmental information not included in this document.

©National Instruments Corporation 17 NI USB-9265 User Guide and Specifications
Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE)
EU Customers At the end of their life cycle, all products must be sent to a WEEE recycling
center. For more information about WEEE recycling centers and National Instruments
WEEE initiatives, visit ni.com/environment/weee.htm.
Calibration
You can obtain the calibration certificate and information about calibration
services for the NI 9265 at ni.com/calibration.
Calibration interval ................................ 1 year
Where to Go for Support
The National Instruments Web site is your complete resource for technical
support. At ni.com/support you have access to everything from
troubleshooting and application development self-help resources to email
and phone assistance from NI Application Engineers.
National Instruments corporate headquarters is located at
11500 North Mopac Expressway, Austin, Texas, 78759-3504.
National Instruments also has offices located around the world to help
address your support needs. For telephone support in the United States,
create your service request at ni.com/support and follow the calling
instructions or dial 512 795 8248. For telephone support outside the United
States, contact your local branch office:
Australia 1800 300 800, Austria 43 662 457990-0,
Belgium 32 (0) 2 757 0020, Brazil 55 11 3262 3599,
Canada 800 433 3488, China 86 21 5050 9800,
Czech Republic 420 224 235 774, Denmark 45 45 76 26 00,
Finland 358 (0) 9 725 72511, France 01 57 66 24 24,
Germany 49 89 7413130, India 91 80 41190000, Israel 972 3 6393737,
Italy 39 02 41309277, Japan 0120-527196, Korea 82 02 3451 3400,
Lebanon 961 (0) 1 33 28 28, Malaysia 1800 887710,
Mexico 01 800 010 0793, Netherlands 31 (0) 348 433 466,
New Zealand 0800 553 322, Norway 47 (0) 66 90 76 60,
Poland 48 22 328 90 10, Portugal 351 210 311 210,
Russia 7 495 783 6851, Singapore 1800 226 5886,
Slovenia 386 3 425 42 00, South Africa 27 0 11 805 8197,
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