Product Introduction
The NI cDAQ-9135 is a high-performance CompactDAQ embedded controller that combines an Intel® quad-core processor, Windows operating system support, and four C Series module slots into a single integrated platform. Designed for industrial automation, embedded measurement, machine monitoring, laboratory testing, and automated control, the cDAQ-9135 eliminates the need for an external PC while providing reliable standalone operation.
Supporting a broad range of NI C Series I/O modules, the cDAQ-9135 allows engineers to build flexible data acquisition and control systems capable of measuring analog, digital, temperature, vibration, strain, CAN, and motion signals from one compact embedded platform.
Product Overview
The cDAQ-9135 belongs to the National Instruments CompactDAQ Controller family, integrating processing, storage, networking, and modular I/O within a single device. Unlike traditional CompactDAQ USB or Ethernet chassis, the cDAQ-9135 operates independently without requiring a host computer.
Its embedded Intel processor executes measurement, analysis, logging, and control applications locally, reducing system complexity while improving reliability for industrial and distributed measurement applications.
The controller integrates seamlessly with NI-DAQmx, LabVIEW, TestStand, NI MAX, and numerous programming languages for rapid application development.
Key Features
Embedded Intel Quad-Core Processor
The integrated processor provides powerful local computing for measurement and automation tasks.
- Intel quad-core processor
- Embedded computing
- Standalone operation
- High processing performance
- Reliable industrial platform
Advantage: Eliminates the need for an external computer while reducing overall system complexity.
Integrated 4-Slot C Series Expansion
Supports four interchangeable NI C Series modules for flexible measurement configurations.
- 4 C Series module slots
- Mixed I/O support
- Easy module replacement
- Modular architecture
- Scalable measurement platform
Advantage: Allows multiple measurement technologies to operate within one embedded controller.
Standalone Measurement and Control
Applications execute directly on the embedded controller without requiring continuous PC communication.
- Local application execution
- Embedded data logging
- Autonomous operation
- Industrial reliability
- Continuous monitoring
Advantage: Ideal for remote installations and long-term industrial monitoring.
Industrial Networking and Connectivity
Provides standard industrial communication interfaces for system integration.
- Gigabit Ethernet
- USB ports
- Display output
- Remote management
- Network connectivity
Advantage: Easily connects to enterprise networks, industrial equipment, and engineering workstations.
Comprehensive C Series Compatibility
Supports a wide variety of National Instruments C Series measurement modules.
- Analog input
- Analog output
- Digital I/O
- Temperature measurement
- Vibration acquisition
- CAN communication
- Counter modules
- Relay modules
Advantage: Supports virtually every industrial measurement requirement within one compact controller.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
| Product Type | CompactDAQ Embedded Controller |
| Processor | Intel® Quad-Core Processor |
| Operating System | Windows Embedded |
| C Series Slots | 4 |
| Compatible Modules | NI C Series Modules |
| Host Interface | Standalone Embedded Controller |
| Ethernet | Gigabit Ethernet |
| USB | USB Ports |
| Synchronization | Integrated Timing and Triggering |
| Driver | NI-DAQmx |
| Programming | LabVIEW, C/C++, C#, Python, .NET |
| Storage | Embedded Storage |
| Operating Temperature | 0 °C to 55 °C |
Software Ecosystem
The cDAQ-9135 integrates with the National Instruments software ecosystem for embedded measurement, automation, and data logging.
- NI-DAQmx – Hardware configuration and synchronized acquisition.
- LabVIEW – Embedded application development and automation.
- LabVIEW Real-Time – Deterministic real-time application development.
- NI MAX – Device configuration and diagnostics.
- TestStand – Automated validation and production testing.
- Python, C/C++, C#, and .NET – Supported through NI software APIs.
Industries
- Industrial Automation
- Machine Condition Monitoring
- Energy Systems
- Automotive Testing
- Aerospace and Defense
- Research Laboratories
- Electronics Manufacturing
- Process Control
Applications
Standalone Data Acquisition
Acquire and process measurement data without requiring a host PC.
- Industrial monitoring
- Sensor acquisition
- Embedded logging
- Remote measurements
Machine Automation
Control industrial equipment while monitoring multiple sensor channels.
- Factory automation
- Machine diagnostics
- Equipment control
- Production monitoring
Distributed Monitoring Systems
Deploy embedded measurement systems across multiple facilities.
- Remote monitoring
- Energy management
- Infrastructure monitoring
- Industrial IoT
Research and Validation
Provide reliable embedded acquisition for engineering experiments.
- Prototype validation
- Laboratory testing
- Data logging
- Scientific research
Comparison with Similar Products
| Model | Main Difference | Best Application |
|---|---|---|
| NI cDAQ-9135 | 4-slot embedded CompactDAQ controller with Intel processor. | Standalone embedded measurement |
| NI cDAQ-9136 | Higher-performance embedded controller with enhanced processor options. | Advanced embedded automation |
| NI cDAQ-9185 | Ethernet CompactDAQ chassis requiring an external host computer. | Distributed Ethernet acquisition |
| NI cDAQ-9178 | USB CompactDAQ chassis controlled by an external PC. | Desktop laboratory acquisition |
Recommended Related Products
| NI-9205 | 32-channel analog input C Series module. |
| NI-9219 | Universal analog input module supporting multiple sensor types. |
| NI-9234 | Dynamic signal acquisition module for vibration measurements. |
| NI-9401 | High-speed bidirectional digital I/O module. |
| NI-9482 | Relay output module for industrial automation. |
Why Choose cDAQ-9135?
- Integrated Intel quad-core embedded controller
- Standalone operation without an external PC
- Four modular C Series expansion slots
- Supports a wide range of sensor measurements
- Compatible with NI-DAQmx and LabVIEW
- Reliable industrial embedded platform
- Ideal for long-term monitoring and automation
- Compact, scalable, and easy to deploy
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cDAQ-9135 primarily used for?
The cDAQ-9135 is designed for standalone embedded data acquisition, industrial automation, machine monitoring, laboratory testing, and distributed measurement applications.
Does the cDAQ-9135 require an external computer?
No. The cDAQ-9135 includes an embedded Intel processor and can execute applications independently without requiring a continuously connected host PC.
Which software supports the cDAQ-9135?
The cDAQ-9135 is supported by NI-DAQmx, LabVIEW, LabVIEW Real-Time, NI MAX, TestStand, Python, C/C++, C#, and .NET development environments.
Conclusion
The NI cDAQ-9135 CompactDAQ Embedded Controller combines embedded computing, modular C Series expansion, and powerful measurement capabilities into one integrated platform. With standalone operation, flexible sensor support, and seamless compatibility with National Instruments software, it is an ideal solution for industrial automation, embedded control, machine monitoring, and advanced data acquisition applications.


