Product Overview
The National Instruments sbRIO-9626 is a Single-Board RIO controller for embedded measurement and control. Unlike a chassis based CompactRIO system, the sbRIO-9626 is a board level product that can be integrated directly into custom equipment, enclosures, and OEM machines. It provides processing, FPGA logic, onboard I/O, and expansion capability on one board.
The sbRIO-9626 is built on a Zynq 7000 all programmable system on chip, which combines a dual core ARM processor with FPGA fabric. The board runs a real time operating system, so control loops and acquisition tasks execute deterministically. This makes the product suitable for equipment where a general purpose computer or PLC cannot provide the required I/O flexibility or timing performance.
Processor and FPGA Resources
The ARM processor handles the real time operating system, application code, file storage, and network communication. The FPGA fabric executes custom logic at hardware speed, which supports high rate signal processing, precise pulse timing, and custom communication protocols. Work can be distributed between the two domains according to timing requirements.
Applications are developed with LabVIEW and LabVIEW FPGA. Deterministic operations such as encoder decoding, PWM generation, and fast protection interlocks are typically placed in FPGA logic, while logging, user communication, and higher level decisions run on the processor. This architecture allows a single board to serve as the control core of a machine.
Onboard I/O and Expansion
The board includes onboard analog input, analog output, and digital I/O channels, allowing direct connection to sensors, actuators, and status signals. The exact channel count, resolution, and range should be confirmed against the product specification for the specific configuration. Onboard I/O reduces the need for external signal conditioning in many applications.
An RMC expansion connector allows additional C Series I/O modules or custom boards to be attached, extending the system as requirements grow. This makes the platform suitable for both compact designs and larger machines that need many channels. Engineers should plan connector access, cable routing, and mechanical support when integrating expansion hardware.
Communication and Storage
The sbRIO-9626 provides Ethernet for programming, monitoring, and data exchange, along with USB and serial interfaces for peripherals and legacy equipment. Removable storage supports local data logging and software updates. These interfaces allow the board to operate as a networked controller inside a machine, reporting status and results to plant systems.
Network design should consider security, addressing, and traffic patterns, particularly when the controller shares a network with other equipment. Local buffering of measurement data protects against brief network interruptions, and clear error handling ensures that test results are not silently lost during communication faults.
Integration and Deployment
As a board level product, the sbRIO-9626 requires careful attention to power supply design, thermal management, and mechanical mounting. The board should be mounted so that airflow is adequate and so that connectors are not stressed by cable loads. Input power should be within the specified range, and protection against transients should be included in the equipment design.
Signal wiring practice affects measurement quality. Shielded cable for analog inputs, separation from high current switching conductors, and a defined ground architecture improve results in electrically noisy equipment. Engineers should also validate behavior across the expected temperature range and document firmware and software versions for maintainability.
Typical Applications
OEM machine control and embedded automation
Custom test fixtures and inspection equipment
Motor and motion control with FPGA timing
Data logging and condition monitoring devices
Portable and vehicle based embedded systems
Research platforms requiring custom I/O logic
The sbRIO-9626 combines a Zynq 7000 system on chip, onboard I/O, and expansion capability on a single board. Its real time processing and FPGA resources make it a practical foundation for custom embedded control and measurement designs.
