Critical Security Update

To help protect your systems, customers using NI driver software 2026 Q2 or earlier should visit ni.com/ni-pal-update and follow the recommended actions.

Home Support Documentation Supplemental

Design Templates for CompactRIO Custom I/O Module PCB Design

Updated Oct 27, 2025

Overview

Correct component placement is one of the most critical aspects of the successful design of any Printed Circuit Board (PCB). This is especially true in the design of a custom I/O module for CompactRIO. The PCB must adhere to very specific size restrictions, and the 15-pin D-Sub Connector must also be placed correctly in order to provide a clean interface between the module and the backplane. Furthermore, if external I/O signals are to be used, the connectors must be placed appropriately in order to be able to utilize National Instrument's prefabricated module housings.

Contents

CompactRIO module templates are included in the Board Outline database in the NI Ultiboard PCB layout tools to save time during the board layout phase. The following document  provides a set of printed circuit board templates that can be used with many layout software products.

In each of the designs, the recommended board dimensions are used, and the correct footprint for the 15-pin D-Sub connector is properly placed.

 

Back to top

Basic C Series Module Printed Circuit Board Design

The following layout includes the minimum components that must be present in any CompactRIO module PCB.

CompactRIO module PCB
 

 

Back to top

4 BNC Inputs C Series Module Printed Circuit Board Design


The following layout includes the minimum components that must be present in any CompactRIO module PCB as well as the correct footprint and placement for 4 BNC connectors.

CompactRIO module PCB as well as the correct footprint and placement for 4 BNC connectors

 

 

Back to top

10 Input Screw Terminal Connector C Series Module Printed Circuit Board Design


The following layout includes the minimum components that must be present in any CompactRIO module PCB as well as the correct footprint and placement for a 10 input screw terminal connector.

CompactRIO module PCB as well as the correct footprint and placement for a 10 input screw terminal connector


 

Back to top

25 Pin DSub Connector C Series Module Printed Circuit Board Design


The following layout includes the minimum components that must be present in any CompactRIO module PCB as well as the correct footprint and placement for a 25-pin D-sub input connector.

CompactRIO module PCB as well as the correct footprint and placement for a 25-pin D-sub input connector
 

 

Back to top

Additional Resources

  1. Information on custom module development for CompactRIO
  2. Learn more about Multisim and Ultiboard. See  Multisim and Ultiboard application notes and tutorials.
  3. CompactRIO Third-Party Products, Reference Designs and NI Single-Board RIO Resources

 

Back to top

Was this information helpful?

Yes

No