Product Introduction
The NI-9235 is a C Series strain and bridge input module designed for strain gauge measurement, structural testing, load measurement, and automated data acquisition applications. It provides eight simultaneously sampled analog input channels optimized for quarter-bridge strain gauge measurements.
Featuring 24-bit resolution, integrated bridge excitation, simultaneous sampling, and compatibility with CompactRIO and CompactDAQ systems, the NI-9235 provides a compact solution for structural monitoring, mechanical testing, aerospace validation, automotive testing, and engineering research.
Product Overview
The NI-9235 belongs to the NI C Series strain and bridge measurement module family and is designed specifically for applications using quarter-bridge strain gauges.
Strain gauges produce small electrical changes that require accurate excitation, signal conditioning, and high-resolution acquisition. The NI-9235 integrates these measurement functions into a single C Series module, reducing the need for external bridge completion and signal-conditioning hardware.
With eight measurement channels and simultaneous sampling, the NI-9235 is particularly suitable for applications requiring synchronized strain measurements at multiple locations on a structure, component, machine, or test article.
Key Features
8-Channel Strain Measurement
The NI-9235 provides eight analog input channels designed for multi-channel strain gauge measurements.
- 8 strain measurement channels
- Multi-point structural measurement
- Quarter-bridge strain gauge support
- High-density strain acquisition
- Automated mechanical testing
Advantage: Allows engineers to acquire strain measurements from multiple locations using a single compact C Series module.
Quarter-Bridge Strain Gauge Support
The NI-9235 is optimized for quarter-bridge strain measurement configurations commonly used in structural and mechanical testing.
- Quarter-bridge strain measurement
- Direct strain gauge integration
- Structural deformation measurement
- Mechanical stress analysis
- Material testing applications
Advantage: Provides a dedicated measurement architecture for commonly used quarter-bridge strain gauge installations.
24-Bit Measurement Resolution
The NI-9235 uses 24-bit analog-to-digital conversion for accurate measurement of low-level bridge signals.
- 24-bit ADC resolution
- High-resolution strain measurement
- Low-level signal acquisition
- Detailed structural data
- High dynamic measurement capability
Advantage: Enables detection of small changes in strain during mechanical and structural testing.
Simultaneous Sampling
The NI-9235 provides simultaneous sampling across its measurement channels to preserve channel-to-channel timing relationships.
- Simultaneous channel acquisition
- Synchronized strain measurements
- Accurate channel timing
- Dynamic structural testing
- Multi-point event analysis
Advantage: Provides synchronized measurement data when analyzing mechanical events occurring across multiple strain gauges.
Integrated Bridge Excitation
The NI-9235 provides excitation required for bridge-based strain measurements.
- Integrated bridge excitation
- Reduced external hardware
- Simplified strain gauge installation
- Stable bridge measurements
- Integrated signal conditioning
Advantage: Simplifies strain measurement system design by integrating excitation and acquisition into the module.
Bridge Completion Support
The NI-9235 is designed to simplify quarter-bridge strain gauge measurements by providing the required measurement architecture for compatible bridge configurations.
- Quarter-bridge measurement support
- Simplified sensor connectivity
- Reduced external components
- Compact measurement architecture
- Multi-channel bridge acquisition
Advantage: Reduces the complexity associated with building multi-channel strain measurement systems.
Structural and Mechanical Testing
The NI-9235 is suitable for applications requiring synchronized strain measurements from mechanical structures and components.
- Structural load testing
- Mechanical deformation measurement
- Material characterization
- Fatigue testing
- Stress analysis
Advantage: Provides reliable measurement data for evaluating structural behavior under mechanical loading.
C Series Modular Architecture
The NI-9235 uses the NI C Series architecture for integration into modular measurement and control systems.
- CompactRIO compatibility
- CompactDAQ compatibility
- Modular I/O expansion
- Mixed-sensor measurements
- Scalable test system configuration
Advantage: Allows strain measurements to be combined with temperature, vibration, voltage, current, digital I/O, and other measurements within the same system.
NI Software Integration
The NI-9235 integrates with NI software environments for configuration, strain acquisition, analysis, visualization, and automated testing.
- NI-DAQmx support with compatible hardware
- LabVIEW integration
- NI MAX configuration
- Automated data logging
- Custom structural test applications
Advantage: Simplifies development of complete strain measurement and structural test systems.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
| Product Type | C Series Strain/Bridge Input Module |
| Input Channels | 8 Analog Input Channels |
| Primary Measurement | Strain / Bridge Measurement |
| Bridge Configuration | Quarter-Bridge |
| Resolution | 24-bit |
| Sampling Architecture | Simultaneous Sampling |
| Excitation | Integrated Bridge Excitation |
| Signal Conditioning | Integrated Strain/Bridge Signal Conditioning |
| Architecture | NI C Series |
| System Compatibility | CompactRIO and CompactDAQ |
| Primary Applications | Strain Measurement, Structural Testing and Mechanical Validation |
Software Ecosystem
The NI-9235 integrates with NI software platforms for strain acquisition, structural testing, automated measurement, and data analysis.
- NI-DAQmx: Provides hardware configuration, bridge setup, measurement acquisition, and scaling functionality with compatible hardware.
- LabVIEW: Enables development of custom strain measurement, structural monitoring, visualization, and automated test applications.
- NI MAX: Supports compatible hardware configuration, testing, and diagnostics.
- CompactDAQ: Provides modular PC-based acquisition for laboratory and structural test systems.
- CompactRIO: Enables embedded and real-time strain monitoring and control applications.
Industries
- Aerospace and Defense
- Automotive and Transportation
- Civil and Structural Engineering
- Industrial Machinery
- Mechanical Engineering
- Energy and Power
- Research Laboratories
- Manufacturing Test
Applications
Structural Testing
The NI-9235 can acquire strain measurements from multiple points on structural components during static and dynamic testing.
- Structural load testing
- Stress analysis
- Deformation measurement
- Structural validation
Automotive Testing
The NI-9235 can be integrated into automotive test systems for strain measurements on vehicle structures and mechanical components.
- Vehicle chassis testing
- Suspension component testing
- Structural durability testing
- Mechanical component validation
Aerospace Structural Validation
The module provides synchronized strain measurements for aerospace structural and component testing.
- Aircraft structural testing
- Component load measurement
- Fatigue testing
- Structural qualification
Material Testing
The NI-9235 can measure strain during mechanical material characterization and laboratory experiments.
- Tensile testing
- Compression testing
- Material deformation analysis
- Mechanical characterization
Industrial Machinery Monitoring
The module can be used to measure strain on industrial machines, mechanical assemblies, and load-bearing structures.
- Machine structural monitoring
- Mechanical load analysis
- Equipment deformation measurement
- Condition monitoring
Comparison with Similar C Series Strain Modules
| Model | Main Difference | Best Application |
|---|---|---|
| NI-9235 | 8-channel strain input module optimized for quarter-bridge strain gauge measurements. | High-density quarter-bridge strain measurement |
| NI-9236 | 8-channel C Series strain input module designed for quarter-bridge configurations with different bridge resistance requirements. | Alternative quarter-bridge strain systems |
| NI-9237 | 4-channel bridge input module supporting multiple bridge-based sensors and configurations. | Flexible strain, load cell, and bridge measurement |
| NI-9219 | Universal analog input module supporting strain, voltage, current, resistance, RTD, thermocouple, and other sensor types. | Mixed-sensor measurement systems |
Recommended Related Products
| NI-9236 | C Series strain input module for quarter-bridge strain gauge measurement applications. |
| NI-9237 | Bridge input module for strain gauges, load cells, pressure sensors, and other bridge-based transducers. |
| NI-9219 | Universal C Series input module for systems requiring multiple sensor and measurement types. |
| NI cRIO-9039 | CompactRIO controller for embedded structural monitoring, industrial measurement, and real-time control applications. |
Why Choose NI-9235?
- 8 strain measurement channels
- Designed for quarter-bridge strain gauges
- 24-bit measurement resolution
- Simultaneous sampling architecture
- Integrated bridge excitation
- High-density structural measurement capability
- CompactRIO and CompactDAQ integration
- Ideal for structural, automotive, aerospace, and mechanical testing
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the NI-9235 used for?
The NI-9235 is used for quarter-bridge strain gauge measurement, structural testing, stress analysis, material characterization, automotive testing, aerospace validation, and mechanical monitoring.
How many strain input channels does the NI-9235 provide?
The NI-9235 provides eight strain measurement channels, allowing multiple strain gauges to be monitored within a single C Series module.
What type of strain gauges does the NI-9235 support?
The NI-9235 is specifically designed for quarter-bridge strain gauge measurements. The exact compatible bridge resistance and wiring configuration should be selected according to the NI-9235 hardware specification and the strain gauge being used.
Does the NI-9235 provide simultaneous sampling?
Yes. The NI-9235 provides simultaneous sampling across its measurement channels, which is important for maintaining timing relationships during dynamic structural and mechanical testing.
Does the NI-9235 provide bridge excitation?
Yes. The NI-9235 integrates bridge excitation and signal conditioning for compatible quarter-bridge strain gauge measurements, reducing the amount of external measurement hardware required.
What is the difference between NI-9235 and NI-9237?
The NI-9235 provides eight channels and is optimized for quarter-bridge strain gauge measurements. The NI-9237 provides four channels and offers greater flexibility for different bridge configurations and bridge-based sensors, making it suitable for applications such as strain gauges, load cells, and other bridge transducers.
What is the difference between NI-9235 and NI-9236?
Both modules are designed for high-density quarter-bridge strain measurements. A key selection consideration is the bridge resistance and strain gauge configuration required by the application. Engineers should match the specific module variant to the resistance characteristics of the installed strain gauges.
Can the NI-9235 be used with CompactRIO?
Yes. The NI-9235 is a C Series module and can be used with compatible CompactRIO systems for embedded, real-time, and structural monitoring applications.
Conclusion
The NI-9235 C Series strain/bridge input module provides a high-density solution for quarter-bridge strain measurement, structural testing, mechanical validation, and automated data acquisition. With eight measurement channels, 24-bit resolution, simultaneous sampling, integrated bridge excitation, and C Series integration, the NI-9235 is well suited for demanding automotive, aerospace, industrial, and research applications.
