Product Introduction
The NI cDAQ-9172 is an 8-slot USB CompactDAQ chassis designed to provide a flexible and scalable platform for modular data acquisition and sensor measurements. Supporting a wide range of NI C Series I/O modules, the cDAQ-9172 enables engineers to build customized measurement systems for industrial automation, laboratory testing, structural monitoring, and embedded control applications.
With USB connectivity, integrated timing and synchronization, and compatibility with more than one hundred C Series modules, the cDAQ-9172 delivers a reliable solution for acquiring analog, digital, temperature, vibration, strain, CAN, and motion signals within a compact desktop platform.
Product Overview
The cDAQ-9172 serves as the central platform of the NI CompactDAQ system. It accommodates up to eight C Series modules simultaneously, allowing users to combine different measurement types in one chassis.
Built with integrated signal synchronization, high-speed USB communication, and automatic module detection, the cDAQ-9172 simplifies system configuration while maintaining accurate timing across multiple measurement channels. It is widely used in research laboratories, industrial monitoring, production testing, education, and machine diagnostics.
Key Features
8-Slot Modular Architecture
The chassis supports up to eight interchangeable NI C Series modules.
- Eight module slots
- Flexible measurement expansion
- Mixed I/O configurations
- Hot-swappable module installation
- Compact desktop design
Advantage: Supports multiple signal types within one synchronized acquisition platform.
High-Speed USB Connectivity
USB communication enables fast deployment and reliable data transfer between the chassis and host computer.
- USB interface
- Plug-and-play installation
- Fast data streaming
- Simple PC connectivity
- Reliable communication
Advantage: Eliminates complicated installation while providing dependable acquisition performance.
Integrated Timing and Synchronization
Built-in timing resources synchronize all installed C Series modules.
- Shared sample clocks
- Hardware triggering
- Module synchronization
- Deterministic timing
- Accurate multi-channel acquisition
Advantage: Ensures synchronized measurements across analog, digital, and specialty modules.
Broad C Series Module Compatibility
Compatible with a comprehensive range of National Instruments C Series modules.
- Analog input modules
- Analog output modules
- Digital I/O modules
- Temperature measurement modules
- Strain and bridge modules
- Vibration modules
- CAN and LIN communication modules
- Counter and encoder modules
Advantage: Easily adapts to changing measurement requirements without replacing the chassis.
Industrial Measurement Platform
Designed for demanding laboratory and industrial environments.
- Reliable operation
- Compact footprint
- Long-term stability
- Flexible deployment
- Modular expansion
Advantage: Suitable for portable testing, benchtop measurements, and automated data acquisition systems.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
| Product Type | USB CompactDAQ Chassis |
| Series | NI CompactDAQ |
| Number of Slots | 8 C Series Module Slots |
| Host Interface | USB 2.0 |
| Compatible Modules | NI C Series Modules |
| Synchronization | Integrated Timing and Triggering |
| Supported Measurements | Analog, Digital, Temperature, Strain, Vibration, CAN, Motion |
| Driver | NI-DAQmx |
| Programming | LabVIEW, LabWindows/CVI, C/C++, Python, .NET |
| Power Supply | External DC Power |
| Operating Temperature | 0 °C to 55 °C |
Software Ecosystem
The cDAQ-9172 integrates seamlessly with National Instruments software for measurement, automation, and analysis.
- NI-DAQmx – Device configuration, synchronized acquisition, and hardware management.
- LabVIEW – Graphical programming for measurement and automation applications.
- NI MAX – Hardware configuration, diagnostics, and calibration.
- FlexLogger – No-code data logging and sensor acquisition.
- DIAdem – Measurement data analysis and reporting.
- Python, C/C++, C#, and .NET – Supported through NI-DAQmx APIs.
Industries
- Industrial Automation
- Research Laboratories
- Automotive Testing
- Aerospace and Defense
- Energy Systems
- Structural Health Monitoring
- Electronics Manufacturing
- Education
Applications
Sensor Data Acquisition
Acquire data from multiple sensor types using interchangeable C Series modules.
- Voltage measurement
- Current measurement
- Temperature monitoring
- Pressure sensing
Machine Condition Monitoring
Monitor equipment health through synchronized vibration and electrical measurements.
- Vibration analysis
- Machine diagnostics
- Predictive maintenance
- Condition monitoring
Industrial Process Automation
Collect process data while controlling industrial equipment.
- Factory automation
- Process control
- Machine testing
- Production monitoring
Academic and Research Experiments
Provide a flexible measurement platform for engineering laboratories.
- Experimental research
- Data logging
- Prototype validation
- Engineering education
Comparison with Similar Products
| Model | Main Difference | Best Application |
|---|---|---|
| NI cDAQ-9172 | 8-slot USB CompactDAQ chassis supporting a wide range of C Series modules. | General-purpose modular data acquisition |
| NI cDAQ-9174 | 4-slot CompactDAQ chassis for smaller measurement systems. | Compact portable applications |
| NI cDAQ-9178 | Enhanced USB CompactDAQ chassis with higher performance and newer architecture. | High-performance modular acquisition |
| NI cDAQ-9189 | Ethernet-based CompactDAQ chassis for distributed measurement systems. | Remote and networked acquisition |
Recommended Related Products
| NI-9205 | 32-channel analog input C Series module. |
| NI-9201 | 8-channel voltage input module for general-purpose measurements. |
| NI-9219 | Universal analog input module supporting multiple sensor types. |
| NI-9234 | Dynamic signal acquisition module for vibration and sound measurements. |
| NI-9401 | High-speed bidirectional digital I/O module. |
Why Choose cDAQ-9172?
- Supports up to eight interchangeable C Series modules
- Integrated timing and synchronization
- Reliable USB plug-and-play connectivity
- Flexible mixed-signal acquisition platform
- Compatible with over 100 NI C Series modules
- Supports NI-DAQmx, LabVIEW, and FlexLogger
- Compact and scalable measurement solution
- Ideal for laboratory, industrial, and field applications
Frequently Asked Questions
What modules are compatible with the cDAQ-9172?
The cDAQ-9172 supports most National Instruments C Series modules, including analog input, analog output, digital I/O, temperature, strain, vibration, CAN, serial communication, and counter modules.
Can the cDAQ-9172 synchronize multiple C Series modules?
Yes. The chassis includes integrated timing and synchronization resources that allow multiple installed C Series modules to perform synchronized measurements using shared clocks and triggers.
Which software supports the cDAQ-9172?
The cDAQ-9172 is fully supported by NI-DAQmx, LabVIEW, NI MAX, FlexLogger, DIAdem, Python, C/C++, and .NET programming environments.
Conclusion
The NI cDAQ-9172 8-Slot USB CompactDAQ Chassis provides a flexible and scalable platform for modular data acquisition and sensor measurement. With support for a broad range of C Series modules, integrated synchronization, USB connectivity, and seamless NI software compatibility, it is an excellent choice for industrial automation, laboratory research, machine monitoring, and automated test applications.
