Build and deploy real-time applications with signal-conditioned I/O modules using an integrated software toolchain.
Configure a custom system Download the brochureNI CompactRIO systems provide high-performance processing capabilities, sensor-specific conditioned I/O, and a closely integrated software toolchain that make them ideal for Industrial Internet of Things, monitoring, and control applications. The real-time processor offers reliable, predictable behavior, while the FPGA excels at smaller tasks that require high-speed logic and precise timing.
Flexible Development Options
Long-Term Data Acquisition
Combined DAQ and Control
Open, Secure Platform
CompactRIO hardware provides an industrial control and monitoring solution using sensor- or protocol-specific, conditioned I/O modules with real-time capabilities.
Best for
Real-time processing needs
Industrial monitoring and control applications
Long-term testing in the field
CompactRIO systems feature a controller with a processor running a Linux Real-Time OS and a chassis that contains a user-programmable FPGA. These systems support industrial I/O modules from both NI and third-party vendors.
Chassis
The CompactRIO chassis is the center of the integrated system architecture. It is directly connected to the I/O for high-performance access to the I/O circuitry of each module and timing, triggering, and synchronization. Because each module is connected directly to the FPGA rather than through a bus, you experience almost no control latency for system response compared to other controller architectures.
Controller
The CompactRIO Controller is a high-performance controller that features rugged design, industry-standard certifications, integrated vision and motion, industrial communication, and human-machine interface capabilities. It contains a processor that reliably and deterministically executes LabVIEW Real-Time applications and offers multirate control, execution tracing, onboard data logging, and peripheral communication. The CompactRIO Controller comes integrated with a CompactRIO Chassis.
Modules
I/O modules contain isolation, conversion circuitry, signal conditioning, and built-in connectivity for direct connection to industrial sensors/actuators. By offering a variety of wiring options and integrating the connector junction box into the modules, the CompactRIO system significantly reduces space requirements and field-wiring costs. You can choose from more than 70 NI C Series I/O modules for CompactRIO to connect to almost any sensor or actuator.
Software
Overcome traditional heterogeneous architecture programming challenges with NI Linux Real-Time, the LabVIEW FPGA Module, and the NI-DAQmx driver. With this combination, you can develop your system faster by programming both the processor and user-programmable FPGA with a single, intuitive software toolchain. Focus on solving problems, not low-level programming tasks, with integrated user-friendly software that reduces risk, enhances productivity, and eliminates the need to create and maintain I/O drivers, OSs, and other middleware.
From the moment you unbox your hardware to deployment and lifecycle maintenance, we are here to help you get started quickly and operate efficiently.
Overcome your challenges with:
Repair services
Lifecycle services
Configuration
Calibration
NI Partner Viewpoint Systems helped a manufacturer of electric motors and mechanical power transmission equipment replace a specialized torque meter based on obsolete electronics.
You should consider using CompactRIO when your application requires more than basic automation or data acquisition, particularly when you need deterministic real-time control, high-speed measurements, custom signal processing, or operation in demanding environments. CompactRIO is often a strong choice for machine control, industrial monitoring, condition monitoring, hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing, and edge computing applications because it combines a real-time processor, a user-programmable FPGA, and modular, sensor-specific I/O in a single platform. It can be especially valuable when timing precision, synchronization, reliability, and flexibility are critical requirements that may be difficult to achieve with conventional PLCs or PC-based systems alone.
Depending on the controller, software, and communication modules used, CompactRIO can support common industrial and networking standards such as Modbus, OPC UA, EtherCAT, CAN, CANopen, and Ethernet-based communication, as well as other protocols used for industrial automation and monitoring. This flexibility allows engineers to connect CompactRIO to PLCs, SCADA systems, distributed devices, motion controllers, and enterprise networks while maintaining the real-time control and data acquisition capabilities required for demanding applications.
CompactRIO supports multiple programming approaches, giving engineers flexibility based on their experience and application requirements. It is commonly programmed using NI LabVIEW, which can be used to develop applications for the real-time processor and FPGA, but many CompactRIO controllers also support languages such as Python, C, and C++ through NI Linux Real-Time. This allows developers to combine graphical and text-based programming techniques as needed. The platform's software ecosystem enables engineers to create applications ranging from data acquisition and monitoring systems to advanced control and signal processing solutions, while taking advantage of the real-time and FPGA capabilities that distinguish CompactRIO from traditional embedded controllers.
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