Assemble Your NI CompactRIO System

A CompactRIO system consists of four main components: (1) a real-time controller, (2) a reconfigurable FPGA-based chassis, (3) C Series I/O modules, and (4) software. Your first step in setting up your CompactRIO system was installing NI LabVIEW, the LabVIEW FPGA Module, the LabVIEW Real-Time Module, and the NI-RIO driver on your development PC. This tutorial walks you through the assembly and connections necessary to begin configuring the network and other software settings on your CompactRIO system. You receive step-by-step instructions on the following:

1. Connecting the chassis and controller
2. Installing C Series modules
3. Connecting Ethernet and power

Connecting the Chassis and Controller

CompactRIO currently comes in two form factors: (1) integrated controller and chassis and (2) modular. If you have an integrated controller and chassis system (NI cRIO-907x or cRIO-908x), then you can skip this section.  For all other CompactRIO systems, follow the steps below:

1. Ensure that there is no power connected to the controller.
2. Align the controller and the chassis as shown in the figure above.
3. Slide the controller onto the chassis connector. Press firmly to ensure the chassis connector and controller connector are mated.
4. Using a number 2 Phillips screwdriver, tighten the two captive screws on the front of the controller to 1.3 Nm (11.5 in-lbs) of torque.

Installing C Series Modules

Complete the following steps to install a C Series I/O module in the chassis:

1. Make sure that no I/O side power is connected to the module. Because C Series modules are hot swappable, if the system is in a nonhazardous location, the chassis power can be on when you install modules.
2. Align the C Series module with a module slot (4) in the chassis as shown above. The module slots are labeled 1 to 8, left to right.
3. Squeeze the latches and insert the module into the module slot.
4. Press firmly on the connector side of the C Series module until the latches lock the module into place.
5. Repeat these steps to install additional I/O modules.

Connecting Ethernet and Power

CompactRIO systems use Ethernet for almost all communication and configuration back to the development or host PC. To connect to an Ethernet network (hub or router), use a standard Category (CAT-5) or better shielded, twisted-pair Ethernet cable, or use an Ethernet crossover cable to connect the chassis directly to your computer.

Before wiring power:

Ensure that your DIP switches are in the OFF position. All DIP switches are in the OFF position when the chassis is shipped from National Instruments. If your model of CompactRIO does not have physical DIP switches, the default software state is OFF for these settings.

The controller has one layer of reverse-voltage protection. Complete the following steps to connect a power supply to the controller:

1. Ensure the power supply is not energized (in other words, plugged into a power source) before connecting any wires.
2. Remove the COMBICON power connector from the front of your CompactRIO system by loosening the two captive screws that hold it in place.
3. Connect the positive lead of the power supply to the V1 or V2 terminal and the negative lead to one of the C terminals on the power connector that was shipped with your CompactRIO system.  Tighten the leads in the connector by turning the captive screws on the side of the connector and ensure the wires are snugly in place.
4. Re-attach the COMBICON connector to your CompactRIO system.