NI-9204 Getting Started

Connector Types

The NI-9204 has more than one connector type: NI-9204 with spring terminal and NI-9204 with DSUB. Unless the connector type is specified, NI-9204 refers to all connector types.

NI-9204 Block Diagram

The NI-9204 channels share a common ground (COM) that is isolated from other modules in the system. All channels share a programmable gain instrumentation amplifier and are multiplexed to an ADC. Each channel also has ±30 V overvoltage protection.



NI-9204 with Push-in Style Spring Terminal (Black/Orange Connector) Pinout



Table 1. Signal Descriptions
Signal Description
AI Analog input signal connection
AISENSE Reference connection for NRSE measurements
COM Common reference connection to isolated ground
PFI Programmable function interface, digital input signal connection
RSVD Reserved connection; do not connect any signal

NI-9204 with DSUB Pinout



Table 2. Signal Descriptions
Signal Description
AI Analog input signal connection
AISENSE Reference connection for NRSE measurements
COM Common reference connection to isolated ground
PFI Programmable function interface, digital input signal connection
RSVD Reserved connection; do not connect any signal

NI-9204 Signals

You can connect single-ended or differential signals to the NI-9204; use a differential measurement configuration to attain more accurate measurements and less noise. Specific signal pairs are valid for differential connections.

The following table shows the signal pairs that are valid for differential connection configurations with the NI-9204.

Table 3. NI-9204 Differential Pairs
Channel AI+ AI-
0 AI0 AI8
1 AI1 AI9
2 AI2 AI10
3 AI3 AI11
4 AI4 AI12
5 AI5 AI13
6 AI6 AI14
7 AI7 AI15

Connecting Grounded Differential Signals

You can connect grounded differential signals to the NI-9204.



In a differential configuration, the NI-9204 rejects the common-mode noise voltage during the measurement of V1. To connect grounded differential signals to the NI-9204, you must also connect the signal reference to COM.

Connecting Floating Differential Signals

You can connect floating differential signals to the NI-9204.



To connect floating differential signals to the NI-9204, you must connect the negative signal to COM through a 1 MΩ resistor to keep the voltage within the maximum working voltage. If the voltage source is outside the maximum working voltage, the NI-9204 does not read data accurately.

Connecting RSE Voltage Signals

You can connect referenced single-ended (RSE) signals to the NI-9204.



In an RSE configuration, the NI-9204 measures each channel with respect to COM. To connect RSE signals to the NI-9204, you must connect the voltage ground signal to COM to keep the maximum working voltage in the specified range.

Note If you leave COM unconnected, the signals float outside the working input range of the NI-9204. This may result in unreliable measurements because there is no way to ensure that the input signal is within 10 V of COM.

Connecting NRSE Voltage Signals

You can connect non-referenced single-ended (NRSE) signals to the NI-9204.



In an NRSE configuration, the NI-9204 measures each channel with respect to AISENSE. An NRSE configuration provides remote sense for the negative input of the PGIA that is shared by all channels and also provides improved noise rejection compared to an RSE connection.

Connecting Wires to the NI-9204 with Push-in Style Spring Terminal (Black/Orange Connector)

What to Use

  • NI-9204 with push-in style spring terminal (black/orange connector)
  • 0.13 mm2 to 1.5 mm2 (26 AWG to 16 AWG) copper conductor wire with 10 mm (0.394 in.) of insulation stripped from the end
  • Ferrules (optional)

What to Do

Refer to the following table for how to insert a wire into a terminal depending on what type of wire you are using or if you are using a ferrule.
OptionDescription
When using a solid wire or stranded wire with a ferrule Push the wire into the terminal when using a solid wire or stranded wire with a ferrule
When using a stranded wire without a ferrule Press the push button and then push the wire into the terminal
Note You must use 2-wire ferrules to create a secure connection when connecting more than one wire to a single terminal.

High-Vibration Application Connections

If your application is subject to high vibration, NI recommends that you use the NI-9940 backshell kit to protect connections to the NI-9204 with spring terminal.