NI sbRIO-9612 Single Board Controller

Analog input (32 single ended/16 differential)

ADC resolution: 16 bits.

Conversion time: 4 μ s (corresponding to a total sampling rate of 250 kS/s, i.e. all channels share this throughput).

Input range: Programmable selection of ± 10 V, ± 5 V, ± 1 V, ± 0.2 V.

Input type: Single ended or differential (configured through software). Differential mode can improve the common mode noise suppression capability.

Analog output (4 channels)

DAC resolution: 16 bits.

Update time: 3 μ s (single channel, multi-channel requires timed updates).

Output range: ± 10 V.

Application scenarios: Can be used to control servo drives, proportional valves, or as an excitation source.

C-series expansion connectors (3 pieces)

Each connector can connect to an onboard version of the C-series I/O module (such as NI 9201 analog input, NI 9401 digital I/O, etc.).

This allows sbRIO-9612 to easily expand more I/O types, such as thermocouple input, strain gauge input, high-voltage digital input, etc.

4. Power supply and power consumption

Power supply voltage range: 19 V to 30 V DC, single power input.

Power consumption (without external load): The typical value of sbRIO-961x is 7.50 W. The actual power consumption depends on the FPGA logic complexity and I/O load.

Internal power conversion: The onboard DC-DC converter provides various voltages required for the processor, FPGA, and I/O.

5. Environmental specifications

Working temperature: -20 ° C to 55 ° C (to be installed inside the casing and comply with IEC 60068-2-1/2-2).

Storage temperature: -40 ° C to 85 ° C.

Working humidity: 10% to 90% RH, no condensation.

Maximum altitude: 2000 meters.

Pollution level: 2 (only non-conductive pollution, occasionally conductive due to condensation).

Safe voltage: Maximum 35 V between V - and C terminals, measurement category I. Cannot be directly connected to mains or CAT II/III/IV circuits.

Important compliance statement: NI declares that sbRIO-9612 itself has not undergone product safety, EMC, or CE mark compliance certification. The final product supplier (i.e. OEM integrator) is responsible for integrating sbRIO into the complete system, ensuring that the entire system complies with all applicable regulations and standards. This means that users need to conduct system level EMC testing and security certification on their own.

Software Development and Programming Model

SbRIO-9612 is fully integrated into the NI LabVIEW ecosystem and uses graphical programming to significantly reduce the threshold for embedded system development.

1. LabVIEW Real Time module

The real-time processor runs VxWorks RTOS and is programmed using the LabVIEW Real Time module. Developers can:

Create deterministic loops (such as 1 kHz control loops).

Communicate with the upper computer via Ethernet (TCP/IP, UDP, Modbus/TCP).

Use the built-in web server to publish remote panels and achieve browser based monitoring.

Call the external C code library and reuse existing algorithms.

2. LabVIEW FPGA module

The FPGA part is programmed using LabVIEW FPGA modules, without the need to learn VHDL/Verilog. Developers can:

Design high-speed digital logic through graphical data flow.

Implement custom communication protocols (such as SPI, I ² C, parallel bus).

Create a hardware timing control loop with a cycle of up to 40 MHz (25 ns).

Efficiently transfer data between FPGA and real-time processor using DMA FIFO or Interrupt (IRQ).

Reuse existing HDL code (through IP integration nodes).

3. NI-RIO driver software

The unified NI-RIO driver provides an API for FPGA interface, supporting programming and communication of FPGA from LabVIEW Real Time or Windows host.

4. Develop workflow

The typical development process is as follows:

Develop FPGA logic using LabVIEW FPGA module on the host computer (Windows PC).

Compile FPGA code (generate bitstream).

Develop real-time control programs in the LabVIEW Real Time module and call FPGA interfaces.

Deploy real-time programs to sbRIO-9612 via the network and download FPGA bitstreams simultaneously.

The program runs independently and supports self starting when powered on.

OEM integration and bulk supply

The positioning of sbRIO-9612 is for large-scale OEM applications, so its sales model is different from standard shelf products:

Minimum order quantity: 100 pieces or higher volumes only.

OEM pricing: Provide highly competitive discounts for high-capacity customers. Please contact NI sales for specific prices.

Customization options: NI provides design consulting and product integration assistance to help OEM customers optimize costs and dimensions.

For integrators, the board level design of sbRIO-9612 allows for direct integration into larger electronic systems rather than being used as a standalone device. Its compact size (8.2 "x 5.6") and single 19-30 V power supply greatly simplify system integration. Three C-series expansion slots provide flexibility for future feature upgrades.

Typical application areas

Based on the architecture characteristics of sbRIO-9612, its typical applications include:

Industrial machine control: Using 110 channels of DIO to connect sensors, encoders, buttons, and indicator lights, combined with FPGA to achieve high-speed position capture and PWM motor control.