USER GUIDE AND SPECIFICATIONS NI USB-9481 4-Channel SPST Relay Device This user guide describes how to use the National Instruments USB-9481 and lists the device specifications. Introduction The NI USB-9481 provides a USB interface for four channels of single-pole single-throw (SPST) form A relays. The NI USB-9481 consists of two components: an NI 9481 module and an NI USB-9162 carrier, as shown in Figure 1. NI 9481 H i-S pe N d IU U S S B B -9 16 C 2 a e NI USB-9162 rr ie r Pe e i-S H N d IU U S S B B -9 16 C 2 a rr ie r NI USB-9481 Figure 1. NI USB-9481 Components Dimensions Figure 2 shows the NI USB-9481 device dimensions. Hi-Speed USB Carrier NI USB-9162 140.23 mm (5.521 in.) 120.68 mm (4.751 in.) 137.82 mm (5.426 in.) 118.26 mm (4.656 in.) 88.12 mm (3.469 in.) 25.34 mm (0.998 in.) Figure 2. NI USB-9481 Device in Millimeters (Inches) Safety Guidelines Operate the NI USB-9481 only as described in these operating instructions. Although the NI 9481 module may have more stringent certification standards than the NI USB-9481, when used with the NI USB-9162 carrier, the combined system may be limited. Refer to the Specifications section for more details. Note Hot Surface This icon denotes that the component may be hot. Touching this component may result in bodily injury. Do not disconnect I/O-side wires or connectors unless power has been switched off or the area is known to be nonhazardous. Caution Caution Do not remove modules unless power has been switched off or the area is known to be nonhazardous. Caution The NI USB-9481 is not certified for use in hazardous locations. NI USB-9481 User Guide and Specifications 2 ni.com 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. Ensure that hazardous voltage wiring is performed only by qualified personnel adhering to local electrical standards. Caution Caution Do not mix hazardous voltage circuits and human-accessible circuits on the same module. Make sure that devices and circuits connected to the module are properly insulated from human contact. Caution Caution When module terminals are live with hazardous voltages, make sure that the terminals are not accessible by using the high voltage screw terminal backshell. 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, 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, 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. © National Instruments Corporation 3 NI USB-9481 User Guide and Specifications 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 NI USB-9481 User Guide and Specifications 4 ni.com 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 © National Instruments Corporation 5 NI USB-9481 User Guide and Specifications 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, SCXI, and switch devices, such as help files describing device pinouts, features, and operation, and PDF files of the printed device documents. 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 also download these documents at ni.com/manuals. 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-9481 for Windows 2000/XP/Vista 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. NI USB-9481 User Guide and Specifications 6 ni.com Example Programs The NI-DAQmx CD contains example programs that you can use to get started programming with the NI USB-9481. 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. Installing the NI USB-9481 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 9481 Device into the NI USB-9162 Carrier The NI 9481 module and NI USB-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 9481 module and the USB cable is not connected to the device. 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 3. 1 1 High Voltage Screw Terminal Backshell Figure 3. Module Installation 4. © National Instruments Corporation Squeeze the latches and insert the NI 9481 module into the NI USB-9162 carrier. 7 NI USB-9481 User Guide and Specifications 5. Press firmly on the connector side of the NI 9481 module until the latches lock the module into place, as shown in Figure 4. Figure 4. Locking Module into Place Mounting the NI USB-9481 to a Panel Threaded inserts are located in the NI USB-9481 for mounting it to a panel. Refer to Figure 5 for dimensions. 85.7 mm (3.37 in.) 72.2 mm (2.84 in.) Threaded Insert M3 x 0.5 8.5 mm (0.34 in.) Max Depth 76.1 mm (3.00 in.) Figure 5. Module Dimensions In Millimeters (Inches) NI USB-9481 User Guide and Specifications 8 ni.com Connecting the NI USB-9481 to a Computer Plug one end of the USB cable into the NI USB-9481 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-9481 device has a green LED next to the USB connector. The LED indicator indicates device status, as listed in Table 1. 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 1. 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. Wiring the NI USB-9481 Device The NI USB-9481 has a 10-terminal, detachable high voltage screw-terminal enclosure that provides connections for four electromechanical relay channels. A high voltage screw terminal backshell must be installed when using hazardous voltages (>42.4 Vpk, 60 VDC). Caution Note The NI 9932 10-terminal, detachable, high voltage, screw-terminal backshell accessory works with the NI USB-9481 and is available from ni.com. For more information about installing the backshell, refer to the Assembling the High Voltage Screw Terminal Backshell section. © National Instruments Corporation 9 NI USB-9481 User Guide and Specifications Each channel has two interchangeable terminals, CHa and CHb. Each channel has an LED that indicates the state of that channel. Refer to Table 2 for the terminal assignments for each channel. Table 2. Terminal Assignments Module Terminal Signal 0 CH0a 1 CH0b 2 CH1a 3 CH1b 3 4 CH2a 4 5 5 CH2b 6 CH3a 7 CH3b 8 No connection 9 No connection 0 3 0 1 2 6 7 8 9 Connecting Loads to the NI USB-9481 You can connect loads to the NI USB-9481. Connect the load to one of the leads of the power source. Connect either the CHa or the CHb terminal to the load and the other terminal to the other lead of the power source. Figure 6 shows a possible configuration. CHa + or Load CHb – AC NI USB-9481 Figure 6. Connecting a Load to the NI USB-9481 NI USB-9481 User Guide and Specifications 10 ni.com When you write an ON command to a channel, the terminal that is connected to the load drives current or applies voltage to the load. When you write an OFF command to a channel, the terminal does not drive current or apply voltage to the load. The channel LED turns on and off to indicate the state of the channel. Assembling the High Voltage Screw Terminal Backshell The 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. 1 1 Strain Relief Figure 7. High Voltage Screw Terminal Backshell Figure 8. Assembled High Voltage Screw Terminal Backshell © National Instruments Corporation 11 NI USB-9481 User Guide and Specifications Specifications The following specifications are typical for the range 0 to 60 °C unless otherwise noted. Output Characteristics Number of channels................................4 Relay type ...............................................Single-pole single-throw (SPST), Form A Switching capacity (resistive load) Switching voltage ............................60 VDC max, 250 Vrms max Switching current (per channel) One channel ON .......................4 A max at 30 VDC, 1 A max at 60 VDC, 4 A max at 250 Vrms All channels ON .......................2 A max at 30 VDC, 1 A max at 60 VDC, 2 A max at 250 Vrms On resistance...........................................50 mΩ typ Switching rate .........................................1 operation per second Relay open time ......................................5 ms max Relay close time......................................10 ms max Relay bounce time ..................................3 ms typ Off state leakage .....................................10 μA max Expected life cycles Mechanical (no load).......................20,000,000 typ Electrical (connecting to load).........100,000 typ Power Requirements Current consumption from USB.............500 mA, max Suspend mode..................................2.5 mA, max Bus Interface USB specification ...................................USB 2.0 Hi-Speed NI USB-9481 User Guide and Specifications 12 ni.com Physical Characteristics Dimensions ............................................ 12.1 cm × 8.6 cm × 2.5 cm (4.75 in. × 3.37 in. × 0.99 in.) Weight .................................................... Approx. 250 g (8.8 oz) Screw terminal wiring................................12 to 24 AWG copper conductor wire with 10 mm (0.39 in.) of insulation stripped from the end Torque for screw terminals .......................0.5 – 0.6 N · m (4.4 – 5.3 lb – in.) Safety If you need to clean the module, wipe it with a dry towel. Safety Voltages Connect only voltages that are within these limits. CHa-to-CHb ........................................... 250 Vrms max, Measurement Category II 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). Do not connect to signals or use for measurements within Measurement Categories III or IV. Safety Isolation Channel-to-channel ................................ 250 Vrms Channel-to-earth ground Continuous ...................................... 250 Vrms Withstand ........................................ 2,300 Vrms, 5 seconds max 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 © National Instruments Corporation 13 NI USB-9481 User Guide and Specifications Note For UL and other safety certifications, refer to the product label or visit ni.com/certification, search by model number or product line, and click the appropriate link in the Certification column. Hazardous Locations The NI USB-9481 is not certified for use in hazardous locations. Environmental The NI USB-9481 device is intended for indoor use only. Operating temperature ............................0 to 60 °C Storage temperature ................................–40 to 85 °C Humidity .................................................10 to 90% RH, noncondensing Maximum altitude...................................2,000 m Pollution Degree (IEC 60664) ................2 Electromagnetic Compatibility This product is designed to meet the requirements of the following standards of EMC for electrical equipment for measurement, control, and laboratory use: Note • EN 61326 EMC requirements; Minimum Immunity • EN 55011 Emissions; Group 1, Class A • CE, C-Tick, ICES, and FCC Part 15 Emissions; Class A For EMC compliance, operate this device with double-shielded cables. CE Compliance This product meets the essential requirements of applicable European Directives, as amended for CE marking, as follows: • 2006/95/EC; Low-Voltage Directive (safety) • 2004/108/EC; Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive (EMC) Refer to the Declaration of Conformity (DoC) for this product for any additional regulatory compliance information. To obtain the DoC for this product, visit ni.com/certification, search by module number or product line, and click the appropriate link in the Certification column. Note NI USB-9481 User Guide and Specifications 14 ni.com 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. 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