DATASHEET

NI 9208
16-Channel, ±20 mA, 24-Bit Analog Input Module

• 16 channels, current inputs,

500 S/s
• High-resolution mode with
50/60 Hz rejection; Vsup
pins for external power
routing (2 A/30 V max)
• ±20 mA, 24-bit resolution
• 250 Vrms, CAT II, channel-
to-earth isolation (spring
terminal); 60 VDC, CAT I,
channel-to-earth isolation
(DSUB)
• DSUB or spring-terminal
connectivity
• -40 °C to 70 °C operating
range, 5 g vibration, 50 g
shock

The NI 9208 current input C Series module has 16 channels of ±20 mA input with built-in
50/60 Hz rejection for noise rejection.
The NI 9208 has a standard 37-pin DSUB connection for use with available cables and
connector blocks, or the NI 9937 DSUB connector kit. The NI 9937 contains a DSUB to screw
terminal accessory as well as a protective shell. With this kit, you can create a custom cable
that plugs directly into the module, eliminating the need for a separate terminal block.

• NI 9208
Kit Contents
• NI 9208 Getting Started Guide

• NI 9940 Backshell Connector Kit (Spring Terminal)

Accessories
• NI 9923 Screw-Terminal Block (DSUB)
NI C Series Overview

NI provides more than 100 C Series modules for measurement, control, and communication
applications. C Series modules can connect to any sensor or bus and allow for high-accuracy
measurements that meet the demands of advanced data acquisition and control applications.
• Measurement-specific signal conditioning that connects to an array of sensors and signals
• Isolation options such as bank-to-bank, channel-to-channel, and channel-to-earth ground
• -40 °C to 70 °C temperature range to meet a variety of application and environmental
needs
• Hot-swappable
The majority of C Series modules are supported in both CompactRIO and CompactDAQ
platforms and you can move modules from one platform to the other with no modification.

CompactRIO
CompactRIO combines an open-embedded architecture
with small size, extreme ruggedness, and C Series
modules in a platform powered by the NI LabVIEW
reconfigurable I/O (RIO) architecture. Each system
contains an FPGA for custom timing, triggering, and
processing with a wide array of available modular I/O to
meet any embedded application requirement.

CompactDAQ
CompactDAQ is a portable, rugged data acquisition platform
that integrates connectivity, data acquisition, and signal
conditioning into modular I/O for directly interfacing to any
sensor or signal. Using CompactDAQ with LabVIEW, you
can easily customize how you acquire, analyze, visualize, and
manage your measurement data.

2 | ni.com | NI 9208 Datasheet

Software
LabVIEW Professional Development System for Windows

• Use advanced software tools for large project development

• Generate code automatically using DAQ Assistant and Instrument
I/O Assistant
• Use advanced measurement analysis and digital signal processing
• Take advantage of open connectivity with DLLs, ActiveX, and .NET
objects
• Build DLLs, executables, and MSI installers

NI LabVIEW FPGA Module

• Design FPGA applications for NI RIO hardware

• Program with the same graphical environment used for desktop and
real-time applications
• Execute control algorithms with loop rates up to 300 MHz
• Implement custom timing and triggering logic, digital protocols, and
DSP algorithms
• Incorporate existing HDL code and third-party IP including Xilinx IP
generator functions
• Purchase as part of the LabVIEW Embedded Control and Monitoring
Suite

NI LabVIEW Real-Time Module

• Design deterministic real-time applications with LabVIEW

graphical programming
• Download to dedicated NI or third-party hardware for reliable
execution and a wide selection of I/O
• Take advantage of built-in PID control, signal processing, and
analysis functions
• Automatically take advantage of multicore CPUs or set
processor affinity manually
• Take advantage of real-time OS, development and debugging
support, and board support
• Purchase individually or as part of a LabVIEW suite

NI 9208 Datasheet | © National Instruments | 3

Circuitry
Vsup

Vsup

AI0 Isolated
MUX Amp
ADC
AI15

R R
COM

COM
NI 9208

The input signals are scanned, amplified, conditioned, and then sampled by a single 24-bit
ADC. The module provides overvoltage protection for each channel. Only one channel can be
in an overvoltage condition at a time.

NI 9208 Specifications
The following specifications are typical for the range -40 °C to 70 °C unless otherwise noted.
All voltages are relative to COM unless otherwise noted.

Caution Do not operate the NI 9208 in a manner not specified in this document.
Product misuse can result in a hazard. You can compromise the safety protection
built into the product if the product is damaged in any way. If the product is
damaged, return it to NI for repair.

Input Characteristics
Number of channels 16 analog input channels
ADC resolution 24 bits
Type of ADC Delta-Sigma
Sampling mode Scanned
Input range
Minimum ±21.5 mA
Typical ±22 mA

4 | ni.com | NI 9208 Datasheet

Conversion time (per channel)
High-resolution mode 52 ms
High-speed mode 2 ms
Overvoltage protection, channel-to-COM ±30 V maximum on one channel at a time
Vsup pins
Current 2 A maximum
Voltage 30 V maximum
Input impedance 85 Ω

Table 1. Accuracy
Calibrated Measurement Percent of Reading Percent of Range1
Conditions (Gain Error) (Offset Error)

Maximum (-40 °C to 70 °C) ±0.76% ±0.04%

Input noise
High-resolution mode 50 nArms
High-speed mode 200 nArms
Stability
Gain drift 20 ppm/°C
Offset drift 62 nA/°C
NMRR (High-resolution mode only)
50 Hz 66 dB
60 Hz 68 dB

Power Requirements
Power consumption from chassis
Active mode 282 mW max
Sleep mode 25 μW max
Thermal dissipation (at 70 °C)
Active mode 1.29 W max
Sleep mode 0.72 W max

1 Range equals 22 mA

NI 9208 Datasheet | © National Instruments | 5

Physical Characteristics
If you need to clean the module, wipe it with a dry towel.

Tip For two-dimensional drawings and three-dimensional models of the C Series

module and connectors, visit ni.com/dimensions and search by module number.

Push-in spring-terminal wiring

Gauge 0.14 mm2 to 1.5 mm2 (26 AWG to 16 AWG)
copper conductor wire
Wire strip length 10 mm (0.394 in.) of insulation stripped from
the end
Temperature rating 90 °C minimum
Wires per spring terminal One wire per spring terminal; two wires per
spring terminal using a 2-wire ferrule
Ferrules 0.14 mm2 to 1.5 mm2
Connector securement
Securement type Screw flanges provided
Torque for screw flanges 0.2 N · m (1.80 lb · in.)
Weight
NI 9208 with spring terminal 161 g (5.7 oz)
NI 9208 with DSUB 144 g (5.1 oz)

NI 9208 with Spring Terminal Safety Voltages

Connect only voltages that are within the following limits:

Isolation
Channel-to-channel None
Channel-to-earth ground
Continuous 250 Vrms, Measurement Category II
Withstand up to 4,000 m 3,000 Vrms, verified by a 5 s dielectric
withstand test

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.

Caution Do not connect the NI 9208 to signals or use for measurements within
Measurement Categories III or IV.

6 | ni.com | NI 9208 Datasheet

NI 9208 with DSUB Safety Voltages
Connect only voltages that are within the following limits:

Isolation
Channel-to-channel None
Channel-to-earth ground
Continuous 60 VDC, Measurement Category I
Withstand up to 2,000 m 1,000 Vrms, verified by a 5 s dielectric
withstand test

Measurement Category I is for measurements performed on circuits not directly connected to

the electrical distribution system referred to as MAINS voltage. MAINS is a hazardous live
electrical supply system that powers equipment. This category is for measurements of voltages
from specially protected secondary circuits. Such voltage measurements include signal levels,
special equipment, limited-energy parts of equipment, circuits powered by regulated low-
voltage sources, and electronics.

Caution Do not connect the NI 9208 with DSUB to signals or use for
measurements within Measurement Categories II, III, or IV.

Note Measurement Categories CAT I and CAT O are equivalent. These test and
measurement circuits are not intended for direct connection to the MAINS building
installations of Measurement Categories CAT II, CAT III, or CAT IV.

Hazardous Locations
U.S. (UL) Class I, Division 2, Groups A, B, C, D, T4;
Class I, Zone 2, AEx nA IIC T4
Canada (C-UL) Class I, Division 2, Groups A, B, C, D, T4;
Class I, Zone 2, Ex nA IIC T4
Europe (ATEX) and International (IECEx) Ex nA IIC T4 Gc

Safety and Hazardous Locations Standards

This product is designed to meet the requirements of the following electrical equipment safety
standards for measurement, control, and laboratory use:
• IEC 61010-1, EN 61010-1
• UL 61010-1, CSA 61010-1
• EN 60079-0:2012, EN 60079-15:2010
• IEC 60079-0: Ed 6, IEC 60079-15; Ed 4

NI 9208 Datasheet | © National Instruments | 7

• UL 60079-0; Ed 6, UL 60079-15; Ed 4
• CSA 60079-0:2011, CSA 60079-15:2012

Note For UL and other safety certifications, refer to the product label or the Online
Product Certification section.

Electromagnetic Compatibility
This product meets the requirements of the following EMC standards for electrical equipment
for measurement, control, and laboratory use:
• EN 61326-1 (IEC 61326-1): Class A emissions; Industrial immunity
• EN 55011 (CISPR 11): Group 1, Class A emissions
• EN 55022 (CISPR 22): Class A emissions
• EN 55024 (CISPR 24): Immunity
• AS/NZS CISPR 11: Group 1, Class A emissions
• AS/NZS CISPR 22: Class A emissions
• FCC 47 CFR Part 15B: Class A emissions
• ICES-001: Class A emissions

Note In the United States (per FCC 47 CFR), Class A equipment is intended for
use in commercial, light-industrial, and heavy-industrial locations. In Europe,
Canada, Australia and New Zealand (per CISPR 11) Class A equipment is intended
for use only in heavy-industrial locations.

Note Group 1 equipment (per CISPR 11) is any industrial, scientific, or medical
equipment that does not intentionally generate radio frequency energy for the
treatment of material or inspection/analysis purposes.

Note For EMC declarations and certifications, and additional information, refer to
the Online Product Certification section.

Caution For EMC compliance, operate the NI 9208 with DSUB with shielded
cables.

CE Compliance
This product meets the essential requirements of applicable European Directives, as follows:
• 2014/35/EU; Low-Voltage Directive (safety)
• 2014/30/EU; Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive (EMC)
• 2014/34/EU; Potentially Explosive Atmospheres (ATEX)

Online Product Certification

Refer to the product Declaration of Conformity (DoC) for additional regulatory compliance
information. To obtain product certifications and the DoC for this product, visit ni.com/

8 | ni.com | NI 9208 Datasheet

certification, search by model number or product line, and click the appropriate link in the
Certification column.

Shock and Vibration

To meet these specifications, you must panel mount the system.

Operating vibration
Random (IEC 60068-2-64) 5 grms, 10 Hz to 500 Hz
Sinusoidal (IEC 60068-2-6) 5 g, 10 Hz to 500 Hz
Operating shock (IEC 60068-2-27) 30 g, 11 ms half sine; 50 g, 3 ms half sine;
18 shocks at 6 orientations

Environmental
Refer to the manual for the chassis you are using for more information about meeting these
specifications.

Operating temperature -40 °C to 70 °C

(IEC 60068-2-1, IEC 60068-2-2)
Storage temperature -40 °C to 85 °C
(IEC 60068-2-1, IEC 60068-2-2)
Ingress protection IP40
Operating humidity (IEC 60068-2-78) 10% RH to 90% RH, noncondensing
Storage humidity (IEC 60068-2-78) 5% RH to 95% RH, noncondensing
Pollution Degree 2
Maximum altitude
For NI 9208 with spring terminal 4,000 m
For NI 9208 with DSUB 2,000 m

Indoor use only.

Environmental Management
NI is committed to designing and manufacturing products in an environmentally responsible
manner. NI recognizes that eliminating certain hazardous substances from our products is
beneficial to the environment and to NI customers.
For additional environmental information, refer to the Minimize Our Environmental Impact
web page at ni.com/environment. This page contains the environmental regulations and
directives with which NI complies, as well as other environmental information not included in
this document.

NI 9208 Datasheet | © National Instruments | 9

Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE)
EU Customers At the end of the product life cycle, all NI products must be
disposed of according to local laws and regulations. For more information about
how to recycle NI products in your region, visit ni.com/environment/weee.

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中国客户 National Instruments 符合中国电子信息产品中限制使用某些有害物
质指令(RoHS)。关于 National Instruments 中国 RoHS 合规性信息，请登录
ni.com/environment/rohs_china。(For information about China RoHS
compliance, go to ni.com/environment/rohs_china.)

Calibration
You can obtain the calibration certificate and information about calibration services for the
NI 9208 at ni.com/calibration.
Calibration interval 2 years

Refer to the NI Trademarks and Logo Guidelines at ni.com/trademarks for information on NI trademarks. Other product and
company names mentioned herein are trademarks or trade names of their respective companies. For patents covering NI
products/technology, refer to the appropriate location: Help»Patents in your software, the patents.txt file on your media, or the
National Instruments Patent Notice at ni.com/patents. You can find information about end-user license agreements (EULAs)
and third-party legal notices in the readme file for your NI product. Refer to the Export Compliance Information at ni.com/
legal/export-compliance for the NI global trade compliance policy and how to obtain relevant HTS codes, ECCNs, and other
import/export data. NI MAKES NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES AS TO THE ACCURACY OF THE INFORMATION
CONTAINED HEREIN AND SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY ERRORS. U.S. Government Customers: The data contained in
this manual was developed at private expense and is subject to the applicable limited rights and restricted data rights as set forth
in FAR 52.227-14, DFAR 252.227-7014, and DFAR 252.227-7015.

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375170B-02 Sep16