NI cRIO-905 Series User manual

GETTING STARTED GUIDE
cRIO-905x
Embedded CompactRIO Controller with Real-Time Processor and
Reconfigurable FPGA
This document describes how to begin using the cRIO-905x.
In this document, the cRIO-9053, cRIO-9054, cRIO-9055, cRIO-9056, cRIO-9057, and
cRIO-9058 are referred to collectively as cRIO-905x.
Note Refer to the device Safety, Environmental, and Regulatory Information
document, shipped with your cRIO-905x controller and available on ni.com/
manuals, for important safety and environmental specifications necessary when
setting up your device.
Unpacking the Kit
Notice To prevent electrostatic discharge (ESD) from damaging the device, ground
yourself using a grounding strap or by holding a grounded object, such as your
computer chassis.
1. Touch the antistatic package to a metal part of the computer chassis.
2. Remove the device from the package and inspect the device for loose components or any
other sign of damage.
Notice Never touch the exposed pins of connectors.
Note Do not install a device if it appears damaged in any way.
3. Unpack any other items and documentation from the kit.

Store the device in the antistatic package when the device is not in use.
What You Need to Get Started
Verify that the following items are included in the cRIO-905x controller kit.
Figure 1. cRIO-905xKit Contents
13 4
68
5
7
2
1. Controller (4-Slot or 8-Slot)
2. USB Type-A Male to USB Type-C Male Cable
3. Power Connector (Ships connected on Front
Panel)
4. Ferrite
5. SD Association MicroSD Card Cover (Ships
Connected on Front Panel)
6. Screwdriver
7. Driver Media
8. Documentation
Required Components
• Host Computer
• C Series Modules
• Power Supply
Installing Software on the Host Computer
If you do not currently have any NI software installed on your host computer, see the Install
Software section for details on required software and in which order to install it. If you have
some NI software already installed, see the Software Compatibility Resources section for
resources to check the compatibility of your software with your controller.
Install Software
Before using the cRIO-905x, you must install the following application software and device
drivers on the host computer in the order shown.
Refer to the "Choosing Your Programming Mode" section of the cRIO-905x User Manual to
determine the programming modes you wish to use.
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Sequence Software Corresponding Programming
Mode
1 LabVIEW 2018 or later
2 LabVIEW Real-Time Module 2018 or later
3 LabVIEW FPGA Module 2018 or later1LabVIEW FPGA Mode
4 NI CompactRIO Device Drivers 18.1 or
later2
Real-Time Mode
Real-Time Scan (IO Variables)
Mode
Note If you do not have the software media included with your hardware or do not
have a media drive, go to ni.com/downloads to download the required software.
After installing the software, you must activate it using NI License Manager.
Software Compatibility Resources
For more information about installing the correct versions of software, visit ni.com/info and
enter the Info Code swsupport.
For tips on resolving software compatibility issues with CompactRIO systems, visit ni.com/
info and enter the Info Code swcompatibility.
Note If you try to install software that already exists on your host computer, the
installer will show nothing installed.
1LabVIEW FPGA Module is not required when using Real-Time or Real-Time Scan (IO Variables)
program modes. To program the user-accessible FPGA on the cRIO-905x or deploy C Series
modules in the LabVIEW FPGA program mode, LabVIEW FPGA Module is required.
2NI CompactRIO Device Drivers 18.1 and later include NI-DAQmx driver software. To deploy
C Series modules installed in the cRIO-905x in Real-Time (NI-DAQmx) mode, ensure that NI-
DAQmx is selected during installation. To deploy C Series modules installed in the cRIO-905x in
Real-Time Scan (IO Variables) mode, ensure that NI Scan Engine is selected during installation.
cRIO-905x Getting Started Guide | © National Instruments | 3

Installing the C Series Modules
Complete the following steps to install a C Series module.
3
2
2
1
1
1. Verify that power is not connected to the I/O connector(s) on the C Series module and the
cRIO-905x.
Note If the system is in a nonhazardous location, the cRIO-905x can be
powered on when you install modules.
2. Press the latches on the C Series module.
3. Align the C Series module with a slot and seat it in the slot until the latches lock in place.
Connecting the cRIO-905x
The cRIO-905x has the following connectors, LEDs, and buttons. For a full description of all
front panel features, see the cRIO-905x User Manual.
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Figure 2. cRIO-905xFront Panel
2
3
4
6
8 9
1
7
5
1. LEDs
2. USB 2.0 Type-C Device Port with Console Out
3. USB 3.1 Type-C Host
4. PFI 0
5. RESET Button
6. Power Connector
7. Grounding Screw
8. MicroSD Card Removable Storage
9. RJ-45 Gigabit Ethernet Ports
Note The cRIO-905x may have 1 Ethernet port or 2 Ethernet ports depending on
the model.
Connecting the Controller to Ground
You must connect the cRIO-905x grounding terminal to the grounding electrode system of the
facility.
What to Use
• Ring lug
• Wire, 1.3 mm2 (16 AWG) or larger
• Screwdriver, Phillips #2
What to Do
Complete the following steps to ground the cRIO-905x.
1. Attach the ring lug to the wire.
2. Remove the grounding screw from the grounding terminal on the cRIO-905x.
cRIO-905x Getting Started Guide | © National Instruments | 5

3. Attach the ring lug to the grounding terminal.
4. Tighten the grounding screw to 0.5 N · m (4.4 lb · in.) of torque.
5. Attach the other end of the wire to the chassis safety ground using a method that is
appropriate for your application.
Notice If you use shielded cabling to connect to a C Series module with a plastic
connector, you must attach the cable shield to the chassis grounding terminal using
1.3 mm2 (16 AWG) or larger wire. Attach a ring lug to the wire and attach the wire
to the chassis grounding terminal. Solder the other end of the wire to the cable
shield. Use shorter wire for better EMC performance.
For more information about ground connections, visit ni.com/info and enter the Info Code
emcground.
Connecting the Controller to Power
The cRIO-905x requires a 9 V to 30 V DC external power supply. The cRIO-905x filters and
regulates the supplied power and provides power for the C Series modules.
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The POWER LED on the cRIO-905x indicates if the power input is in use, as shown in the
following table.
Table 1. POWER LED Indicators
LED Color LED Pattern Indication
Green Solid The cRIO-905x is powered on and the connected power supply is
adequate.
— Off The cRIO-905x is off.
Notice Do not connect the power connector to a DC mains supply or to any supply
that requires a connecting cable longer than 3 m (10 ft). A DC mains supply is a
local DC electricity supply network in the infrastructure of a site or building.
What to Use
• Ferrite (included in kit)
• Screwdriver, 2.54 mm (0.10 in.) flathead
• Power supply, 9 V to 30 V, 60 W minimum
NI recommends the power supplies listed in the following table for the cRIO-905x.
Table 2. NI Power Supplies
Power Supply Part Number
NI PS-15 Industrial Power Supply
(24 VDC, 5 A, 100 VAC to 120 VAC/200 VAC to 240 VAC input)
781093-01
NI PS-10 Desktop Power Supply
(24 VDC, 5 A, 100 VAC to 120 VAC/200 VAC to 240 VAC input)
782698-01
What to Do
Complete the following steps to connect a power supply to the cRIO-905x.
1. Ensure that your power supply is powered off.
2. Install the ferrite (National Instruments part number 711849-01, included in the shipping
kit) on the negative and positive leads of the power supply, as shown in the following
figure.
cRIO-905x Getting Started Guide | © National Instruments | 7

Figure 3. Installing a Ferrite on the Power Leads
1
2
1. Pass the leads through the ferrite twice, leaving 50 mm to 75 mm (2 in. to 3 in.) between the ferrite and
the end of the leads.
2. Close the ferrite around the leads.
3. Remove the power connector from the cRIO-905x.
4. Connect the power supply to the power connector, as shown in the following figure.
Figure 4. cRIO-905xPower Connections
Power Connector
C
V
Power Supply
+
–
5. Tighten the terminal screws on the power connector to 0.20 N · m to 0.25 N · m
(1.8 lb · in to 2.2 lb · in) of torque.
6. Install the power connector on the front panel of the cRIO-905x.
7. Tighten the power connector screw flanges to 0.20 N · m to 0.25 N · m
(1.8 lb · in to 2.2 lb · in) of torque.
8. Power on the primary power supply.
When you power on the cRIO-905x for the first time, the device boots into safe mode.
The POWER LED illuminates, the STATUS LED illuminates briefly, and then the
STATUS LED blinks twice every few seconds, indicating the controller does not yet have
software installed.
Connecting the Controller to the Host Computer
Complete the following steps to connect the cRIO-905x to the host computer using the USB
Type-C Device Port with Console Out.
1. Power on the host computer.
2. Connect the cRIO-905x to the host computer using the USB-Type-C-to-USB-Type-A
cable (included in kit), inserting the USB Type-C connector into the USB Type-C Device
Port with Console Out. Connect the other end of the USB cable (Type-A) to the host
computer.
The device driver software automatically detects the cRIO-905x. Select Configure and
install software to this device.
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If the device driver software does not detect the cRIO-905x, verify that you installed the
appropriate NI software in the correct order on the host computer as described in
Installing Software on the Host Computer.
Discovering the Controller in MAX
Complete the following steps to find the cRIO-905x controller in MAX.
1. Launch MAX on the host computer.
2. Expand Remote Systems in the configuration tree and locate your system.
3. Select your target.
Tip MAX lists the system under the model number followed by the serial
number, such as NI-cRIO-9057-01CEEDD8 by default.
cRIO-905x Getting Started Guide | © National Instruments | 9

Setting a System Password
Complete the following steps to set a system password.
1. In MAX, click the Log In button on the toolbar.
2. Enter admin in the User name field.
3. Leave the Password field blank.
Note There is no default password for the cRIO-905x, so you must leave the
password field blank when logging in until you set a system password.
4. Click the OK button.
5. Click the Set Permissions button in the toolbar.
The NI Web-Based Configuration and Monitoring utility opens in your default browser
and is where you set the password. If you have not installed Microsoft Silverlight,
NI Web-based Configuration & Monitoring prompts you to do so.
6. Click the Login button and enter admin in the User name field.
7. Leave the Password field blank if you have not changed the default password, or enter
the current password.
8. Double-click admin in the list of users under the Users tab.
9. Click Change Password.
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10. Enter and re-enter a new password.
11. Click OK.
12. Click Save.
13. Click OK to confirm you are changing the password.
Notice NI cannot recover lost system passwords. If you forget the password,
you must contact NI and reformat the controller.
14. Close the NI Web-Based Configuration and Monitoring utility.
Installing Software on the Controller
Complete the following steps to install software on the cRIO-905x.
1. In MAX, expand your system under Remote Systems.
2. Right-click Software.
3. Select Add/Remove Software to launch the LabVIEW Real-Time Software Wizard.
Tip You must log in to install software on the cRIO-905x. The default
username for the cRIO-905x is admin. There is no default password for the
cRIO-905x. To set a password for your system, refer to Setting a System
Password.
4. Select the recommended software set for your LabVIEW and NI-RIO Device Drivers
versions.
5. Click Next.
6. Select any additional software from the list of software add-ons, if needed.
Tip You can use this wizard at any time to install additional software.
Note LabVIEW FPGA Module is required to run your modules in the
LabVIEW FPGA programming mode. NI Scan Engine is required to run your
modules in the Real-Time Scan (IO Variables) programming mode.
cRIO-905x Getting Started Guide | © National Instruments | 11

7. Click Next.
8. Verify that the summary of software to install is correct.
9. Click Next to start the installation.
10. Click Finish when the installation is complete.
Testing Your Controller in MAX
Complete the following steps to run a test panel in Measurement & Automation Explorer
(MAX) to confirm that your cRIO-905x is communicating with your system.
Note MAX test panels are only available for systems running NI-DAQmx driver
software with supported C Series modules installed, and with modules deployed in
the Real-Time (NI-DAQmx) programming mode. For additional information, refer
to Installing Software on the Host Computer and "Choosing Your Programming
Mode" in the cRIO-905x User Manual .
1. Launch MAX.
2. Locate and select your cRIO-905x system in the My System tree. If your module and the
software are functioning correctly, the System Settings for your module will show a status
of Connected - Running.
Note If your cRIO-905x has a single Ethernet port, only one Ethernet IP
address is populated in the system settings.
If your cRIO-905x is present but the status is Connected – Safe Mode (No
Software Installed), complete the procedure to install software on the cRIO-905x
in Installing Software on the Controller.
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3. Wire the C Series module as indicated in the C Series module documentation.
4. Right-click any module and select Test Panels, or select Test Panels from the main
configuration window options.
Note If the module you select is not deployed in Real-Time (NI-DAQmx)
mode, you will be prompted to switch modes to view the test panel.
5. Configure the measurement settings and click Start.
cRIO-905x Getting Started Guide | © National Instruments | 13

Changing Module Programming Modes in MAX
Complete the following steps to deploy your C Series module in a new program mode in
MAX.
1. Launch MAX on the host computer.
2. Expand Remote Systems in the configuration tree and locate your cRIO-905x system.
3. Select the C Series module you wish to program.
4. In the Settings pane, choose the Program Mode you wish to deploy the module in from
the drop-down menu.
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5. Click Save.
The module is deployed in the program mode. Notice the module icon changes to
represent the program mode.
1. Real-Time Mode
2. Real-Time Scan (IO Variables) Mode
3. LabVIEW FPGA Mode
cRIO-905x Getting Started Guide | © National Instruments | 15

Troubleshooting the Controller
The cRIO-905xis Not Communicating with the
Network
Use this topic to troubleshoot possible reasons your cRIO-905x is not communicating with the
network.
• Ensure that the USB Device connection between the cRIO-905x and the host computer
and the Ethernet connections between the host computer and the router are secure.
• Configure the IP and other network settings by completing the following steps.
1. Use a USB-Type-C-to-USB-Type-A cable (included in the kit) to connect the
cRIO-905x USB Type-C Device Port with Console Out to a host computer. The USB
driver creates a virtual network interface card and assigns an IP address to the
cRIO-905x in the format of 172.22.11.x.
2. In MAX, expand your system under Remote Systems.
Tip If you do not see the cRIO-905x under Remote Systems, use the
Troubleshoot Remote System Discovery utility to walk through
troubleshooting steps.
3. Select the Network Settings tab to configure the IP and other network settings.
4. (Optional) Use the RJ-45 Ethernet port 0 or port 1 to reconnect the cRIO-905x to the
host computer. The cRIO-905x attempts to initiate a DHCP network connection at
power up.
Note If the cRIO-905x cannot obtain an IP address, it connects to the
network with a link-local IP address with the form 169.254.x.x. The host
computer communicates with the cRIO-905x over a standard Ethernet
connection.
• Ensure that you have the correct version of NI CompactRIO Device Drivers installed on
the host computer. Visit ni.com/info and enter the Info Code swsupport for the
minimum supported versions of LabVIEW and NI CompactRIO Device Drivers.
Tip If you have recently upgraded LabVIEW, you must reinstall NI
CompactRIO Device Drivers.
• Ensure that the NI USBLAN adapter is recognized in the Device Manager. Select Start»
Control Panel»Device Manager»Network adapters»National Instruments»USBLAN
adapter. If the USBLAN adapter is not recognized, you must reinstall
NI CompactRIO Device Drivers.
Note For Windows 10, you may need to search for the Control Panel as it not
always available from the Start Menu.
• Temporarily disable any network firewalls or other security software.
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Verify the System IP Configuration
Complete the following steps to verify the system IP configuration of your cRIO-905x
1. Put the cRIO-905x in safe mode and enable the Console Out feature of the USB Type-C
Device Port with Console Out by holding the RESET button down for 5 seconds.
The STATUS LED starts blinking three times every few seconds.
2. Use the USB Type-C Device Port with Console Out terminal to read the IP address.
Note Refer to the cRIO-905x User Manual for more information about port
configuration.
3. Set a new DHCP connection by holding the RESET button down for 5 seconds. The
STATUS LED repeats the same behavior from Step 1.
If the cRIO-905x fails to set a new DHCP address, it assigns itself a link-local IP address.
If the DHCP connection is successful and appropriate for your application, skip to Step 6.
4. In MAX, expand your system under Remote Systems.
5. Select the Network Settings tab to configure the IP and other network settings.
6. Reboot the cRIO-905x by pressing the RESET button.
Configure the Windows Firewall
Use this topic to configure the firewall in Windows to ensure you cRIO-905x can
communicate with the network.
• Use the Troubleshoot Remote System Discovery tool to configure the firewall.
1. In MAX, right click Remote Systems and select Troubleshoot Remote System
Discovery.
2. Follow the steps in the tool.
• Add an exception for MAX to your network firewall or other security software by
completing the following steps:
1. Select Start»Control Panel»Windows Firewall»Allow a program through
Windows Firewall.
Note For Windows 10, you may need to search for the Control Panel as
it not always available from the Start Menu.
2. Click Allow another program.
3. Select Measurement & Automation.
4. Click Add.
5. Click OK.
• Ensure that UDP port 44525 is open to communication on the host computer. If you are
using an intelligent switch on the network, ensure that it is not disabling UDP port 44525.
System Reset
The following figure shows the reset behavior of the cRIO-905x.
cRIO-905x Getting Started Guide | © National Instruments | 17

Figure 5. Reset Button Behavior
Press and hold RESET button for ≥5 s
Press and hold RESET button for < 5 s
Run Mode
Safe Mode
Press and hold RESET button for < 5 s
Press and hold RESET button for ≥5 s
Press and hold
RESET button for ≥5 s
Press and hold
RESET button for < 5 s
• Console Out enabled
• Network settings reset
• RT Startup App disabled
• FPGA Startup App disabled
• Console Out enabled
• RT Startup App disabled
• FPGA Startup App disabled
Safe Mode
STATUS LED Indicators
The following table describes the STATUS LED indicators.
Table 3. STATUS LED Indicators
LED Pattern Indication
Blinks twice and
pauses
The cRIO-905x is in safe mode. Software is not installed, which is the
factory default state, or software has been improperly installed on the
cRIO-905x.
An error can occur when an attempt to upgrade the software is
interrupted. Reinstall software on the cRIO-905x. Refer to Installing
Software on the Controller for information about installing software
on the cRIO-905x.
Blinks three times
and pauses
The cRIO-905x is in user-directed safe mode, or the cRIO-905x is in
install mode to indicate that software is currently being installed.
This pattern may also indicate that the user has forced the cRIO-905x
to boot into safe mode by pressing the reset button for longer than five
seconds or by enabling safe mode in MAX. Refer to the Measurement
& Automation Explorer (MAX) Help for information about safe mode.
Blinks four times
and pauses
The cRIO-905x is in safe mode. The software has crashed twice
without rebooting or cycling power between crashes.
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Table 3. STATUS LED Indicators (Continued)
LED Pattern Indication
Continuously blinks The cRIO-905x has not booted into NI Linux Real-Time. The
cRIO-905x either booted into an unsupported operating system, was
interrupted during the boot process, or detected an unrecoverable
software error.
On momentarily The cRIO-905x is booting. No action required.
Off The cRIO-905x is in run mode. Software is installed and the operating
system is running.
Using the cRIO-905xin LabVIEW
Visit the following topics for information on how to create a new LabVIEW Project
configured with the cRIO-905x, and how to deploy the C Series module in the Real-Time,
Real-Time Scan (IO Variables), or LabVIEW FPGA programming modes.
Using the
cRIO-905x in
LabVIEW
Programming Modes:
• Real-Time
• Real-Time Scan (IO
Variables)
1. Adding the cRIO-905x to a
LabVIEW Project
2. Deploying Your C Series Module in
a Programming Mode in LabVIEW
Using the
cRIO-905x in
LabVIEW FPGA
(Requires
LabVIEW FPGA
Module)
Programming Modes:
• Real-Time
• Real-Time Scan (IO
Variables)
• LabVIEW FPGA
1. Adding the cRIO-905x to a
LabVIEW FPGA Project
2. Deploying Your C Series Module in
a Programming Mode in LabVIEW
FPGA
Adding the cRIO-905xto a LabVIEW Project
Complete the following steps to create a new LabVIEW project configured with the
cRIO-905x controller.
You can use LabVIEW to program in Real-Time (NI-DAQmx) or Real-Time Scan (IO
Variables) modes. For applications using advanced functionality that require programming the
FPGA, LabVIEW FPGA Module is required to deploy C Series modules in the LabVIEW
FPGA programming mode. Refer to the Adding the cRIO-905x to a LabVIEW FPGA Project
for more information.
Refer to "Choosing Your Programming Mode" in the cRIO-905x User Manual to determine
which programming modes are right for your application.
cRIO-905x Getting Started Guide | © National Instruments | 19

1. To create a new LabVIEW project, launch LabVIEW and click Create Project.
2. Select Blank Project from the Create Project dialog and click Finish.
3. To add your system to the project, right-click the top of the project tree and select
New»Targets and Devices to launch the Add Targets and Devices discovery dialog.
4. In the Add Targets and Devices dialog, expand the Real-Time CompactRIO folder,
select your system, and click OK.
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