NI-9234 C Series DSA NVH Module

1. Ultra-high measurement accuracy

2. Synchronous acquisition capability

3. Flexible signal conditioning

4. Intelligent sensor support


The NI-9234 is a high-performance 4-channel C-Series dynamic signal acquisition (DSA) module from National Instruments, designed for high-precision sound and vibration measurement applications.
Product Description

NI-9234 C Series DSA NVH Module integrates industry-leading 24-bit analog-to-digital conversion technology, enabling the acquisition of high-quality measurement data from both IEPE (Integrated Electro-Piezoelectric) and non-IEPE sensors. As an important part of the NI CompactDAQ and CompactRIO ecosystem, the NI-9234, with its superior measurement accuracy, flexible signal conditioning capabilities, and strong software compatibility, has become the preferred solution for industrial equipment condition monitoring, vibration analysis, acoustic testing, and NVH (noise, vibration, and harshness) research.

Product Description from the Supplier

Xi'an Mingxi Taida Information Technology Co., Ltd. brings over 12 years of industry expertise to deliver cutting-edge measurement and control solutions.With progressed computerization forms and strict quality control, we guarantee each item meets the most noteworthy guidelines for proficient applications.

Description

Key Values of the NI-9234 C-Series

  • Equipped with a 24-bit Delta-Sigma ADC with a resolution of up to 16,777,216 levels, it can capture extremely weak signal changes. Combined with a wide dynamic range of 102dB, it ensures accurate measurement from low-amplitude noise to high-intensity impact signals.
  • Simultaneous sampling of four channels with a maximum sampling rate of 51.2 kS/s/ch. The phase matching accuracy between channels is better than (fin × 0.045° + 0.04°), providing a solid data foundation for multi-sensor vibration modal analysis and coherence studies.
  • The software-selectable AC/DC coupling mode, combined with a switchable 2mA IEPE excitation current, allows direct connection to various sensors such as accelerometers, microphones, and tachometers without the need for an external signal conditioning front end, significantly simplifying the test system architecture.
  • Built-in IEEE 1451.4 Class I TEDS (electronic data sheet for sensors) reading function, supports plug-and-play smart sensor connection, automatically identifies sensor parameters, and reduces manual configuration time and error risk.

High-Precision Analog-to-Digital Conversion

ADC Type Delta-Sigma With analog pre-filter
Resolution 24 Bit
Sampling mode Synchronous sampling
Oversampling rate 64 × fs
Dynamic range 102 dB

The NI-9234 C Series DSA NVH Module employs an advanced Delta-Sigma architecture ADC, using an internal frequency (64 times higher than the output sampling rate) to combat aliasing filtering and achieve superior quantization noise suppression. For example, at a sampling rate of 51.2 kS/s, the ADC internally oversamples the input signal at a rate of 3.28 MS/s, significantly reducing the requirements for the front-end analog anti-aliasing filter while ensuring linear phase response over a wide bandwidth.

The NI-9234 offers three software-selectable measurement modes:

  • Mode 1: IEPE on + AC coupling (commonly used for connecting IEPE accelerometers and microphones)
  • Mode 2: IEPE off + AC coupling (for sensors with built-in power supply)
  • Mode 3: IEPE off + DC coupling (for tachometers, eddy current displacement sensors, etc.)

The typical IEPE excitation current is 2.1mA, with a minimum guaranteed value of 2.0mA. The excitation voltage compliance range is up to 19V, and it is compatible with most commercial IEPE sensors.

Each input channel is equipped with an adaptive anti-aliasing filter, and the filter cutoff frequency automatically adjusts to follow the sampling rate to ensure:

  • Passband (0 to 0.45 × fs): Signals pass through without distortion, with passband flatness better than ±40 mdB
  • Stopband (0.55 × fs and above): Attenuation of at least 100 dB, effectively suppressing noise and interference above the Nyquist frequency
  • Anti-aliasing bandwidth: equal to 0.45 × fs, ensuring all passed signals are genuine signals and not aliasing products

Improve protection mechanisms

  • Overvoltage protection: ±30V for signal source connection, -6V to +30V for low impedance source connection
  • Transient suppression: Built-in current-limiting diode and TVS protection network
  • EMC compliance: Meets IEC 61010-1 safety standards; shielded cable required to ensure specified EMC performance

Sensor Compatibility

IEPE Sensor

It supports integrated electronic piezoelectric (IEPE) accelerometers and measurement microphones, which are the most commonly used sensor type in industrial vibration measurement and acoustic testing. IEPE sensors have a built-in charge amplifier and require a constant current source to drive them; the NI-9234's built-in 2mA excitation source perfectly meets this requirement.

Non-IEPE sensors

Tachometer: Electromagnetic or photoelectric speed sensor. Proximity probe: Eddy current displacement sensor. Voltage signal source: Any voltage signal within the ±5V output range.

TEDS Smart Sensors

Supports the IEEE 1451.4 Class I TEDS standard, and can read calibration parameters, sensitivity, serial number and other information stored in the sensor's built-in EEPROM, achieving a true plug-and-play experience.

The NI-9234 C Series DSA NVH Module uses a standardized C-series module design, making it compatible with multiple NI hardware platforms.

Type Model Features
CompactDAQ USB Chassis cDAQ-9171/9174/9178 Highly portable, suitable for on-site testing
CompactDAQ Ethernet chassis cDAQ-9189 Suitable for distributed measurement and multi-machine synchronization
CompactRIO cRIO-904x Series Rugged, with integrated FPGA and real-time controller
Single-module USB carrier USB-9162 Minimal system, rapid deployment
sbRIO embedded controller sbRIO-96xx Series Embedded applications

Environmental Adaptability

  • Operating temperature: -40°C to 70°C
  • Storage temperature: -40°C to 85°C
  • Operating humidity: 10%RH to 90%RH (non-condensing)
  • Vibration resistance: 5 g (operating)
  • Shock resistance: 50 g (non-operating)
  • Altitude: Up to 5000m

Differentiated positioning of NI-9234 and NI-9233

NI offers two 4-channel DSA modules, the NI-9233 and NI-9234, forming a clear product tier

Parameter NI-9233 NI-9234
Highest sampling rate 50 kS/s 51.2 kS/s
IEPE incentives Fixed 2mA, always on Software optional(0 or 2mA)
Coupling Fixed AC Coupling Software optional
Target application Simplified configuration Flexible configuration
Position Beginner High-end configuration

Acquisition Mode

  • Continuous Acquisition: Continuously records data to a buffer or disk, suitable for long-term monitoring applications
  • Limited-Point Acquisition: Automatically stops after a preset number of samples, suitable for triggered capture and batch testing
  • Hardware Triggering: Supports analog and digital triggering for precise capture of transient events
  • Synchronous Acquisition: Multiple modules share a master clock, ensuring timing consistency across channels and chassis

Sensor Interface Function

  • IEPE Stimulus Control

The software allows independent control of the IEPE excitation current switch for each channel, facilitating the mixed use of IEPE and non-IEPE sensors. The power-on inrush current during excitation is controlled below 90μA/10μs to prevent sensor damage.

  • Coupling Method Selection

AC coupling can block DC bias and low-frequency drift, which is especially necessary for vibration and acoustic measurements (where the AC characteristics of these signals are the focus of analysis). DC coupling, on the other hand, preserves the complete signal information and is suitable for measurement scenarios that include static components.

  • TEDS Reading and Writing

Read TEDS information from compatible sensors and automatically configure channel parameters. Write TEDS data to sensors (software support required). Supports Virtual TEDS offline configuration files.

Signal Analysis Function (requires NI software)

  • Spectrum Analysis
  • Vibration Analysis
  • Acoustic Analysis

Filtering Waves Features- NI-9234 C Series DSA NVH Module

Items Values
Passband Frequency 0.45 × fs
Passband Flatness ±40 mdB (Peak-to-peak value maximum)
Phase Nonlinearity ±0.45° (Maximum)
Stopband Frequency 0.55 × fs
Stopband Attenuation 100 dB
Non-aliasing Bandwidth 0.45 × fs
Oversampling Rate 64 × fs

Distortion and Noise Specifications

Crosstalk(1 kHz) -110 dB
CMRR(fin≤1 kHz, Minimum/Typical) 40 / 47 dB
SFDR(fin=1 kHz,-60 dBFS) 120 dB
THD(1 kHz,-1 dBFS) -95 dB
THD(8 kHz,-1 dBFS) -87 dB
Intermodulation Distortion DIN (250Hz/8kHz) -80 dB
Intermodulation Distortion CCIF (11kHz/12kHz) -93 dB

Software Options

  • Driver Software (Required)
NI-DAQmx Hardware drivers and APIs
NI-DAQmx Support LabVIEW、C/C++、C#、VB.NET、Python
  • Application Software (Optional)
FlexLogger 785748-3501 Universal data logging, no programming required
LabVIEW Sound and Vibration Toolkit 788450-35 Spectrum analysis, order tracking, NVH testing
LabVIEW+ Suite 788509-35 Complete test system development platform

Based on the Nyquist sampling theorem and the characteristics of the built-in filter:

  • Theoretical anti-aliasing bandwidth: 0 to 0.45 × fs (45% of the sampling rate)
  • Stopband rejection: >100 dB (corresponding to frequencies of 0.55 × fs and above)
  • Filter attenuation characteristics: >100 dB roll-off per octave

The NI-9234 provides full functionality through the NI-DAQmx driver, including:

  • Channel configuration (range, coupling, IEPE)
  • Timing and synchronization
  • Trigger control
  • TEDS read/write
  • Calibration data management


Application:

Industrial equipment condition monitoring and predictive maintenance: Continuously monitor the vibration characteristics of rotating machinery (motors, pumps, compressors, turbines, etc.), and identify early signs of failure such as bearing wear, imbalance, and misalignment through spectrum analysis and trend tracking, thereby shifting from reactive to proactive maintenance

NVH testing: Used in industries such as automotive, aerospace, and home appliances for in-vehicle noise testing, engine compartment vibration analysis, and body structure modal testing, helping engineers optimize product NVH performance and improve user comfort

Structural health monitoring: Long-term deployment in infrastructure such as bridges, buildings, and oil and gas pipelines to monitor structural dynamic response and fatigue damage accumulation, providing data support for safety assessments and maintenance decisions

Acoustics and Audio Testing: Utilizing a high-sensitivity IEPE microphone, we perform professional acoustic applications such as product sound power measurement, environmental noise assessment, and audio equipment frequency response testing

 

Custom Design

We get it that standard arrangements do not continuously meet one of a kind prerequisites. Our experienced building group gives comprehensive OEM/ODM customization administrations. Whether you require adjusted recurrence ranges, specialized activating alternatives, or custom frame components, we work closely with you to create the idealize arrangement. Our adaptable plan approach guarantees your particular application needs are completely tended to whereas keeping up our quality standards.

Customization Process

Why Choose MXTD?

Proven Experience

With over 12 years in the industry, we understand your challenges and deliver solutions that work.

Quality Assurance

Strict quality control processes ensure every board meets our high standards for reliability and performance.

Comprehensive Support

Our technical team provides ongoing assistance from initial consultation through long-term maintenance.

Fast Response

We respond quickly to your needs, whether for standard products or custom solutions.

Reliable Delivery

Partnering with trusted logistics providers ensures your orders arrive safely and on time.

Certifications and Certificates

Logistics and Transportation

FAQ:

Why no signal in the channel?

A: IEPE incentives are not enabled, sensor damage, cable break, please enable incentives in the software, test sensor or replace, check cable continuity.

Why data fluctuations?

A: Common-mode voltage exceeded, earth ring road, please check grounding and shielding, use floating ground connection.

Why Inter-channel crosstalk?

A: BNC casing short circuit, please avoid contact between the outer casings.

Why the software cannot recognize the module?

A: Driver not installed, please install/update NI-DAQmx.

Notes:

Voltage Limit: Never connect signals exceeding ±30V to the input channel

✅Grounding Classification: For Measurement Category I circuit measurements only

Hazardous Locations: Confirm chassis certification before use in hazardous locations

EMC: Use shielded cables to meet EMC requirements

Static Electricity Protection: Take precautions against static electricity during operation

 

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Contact Us

Ready to integrate reliable analog dynamic acquisition digital module control into your system? Our team is here to help you select the right configuration and provide ongoing support.

Contact our technical specialists at manager03@mxtdinfo.com  / manager02@mxtdinfo.com for detailed specifications, pricing information, or to discuss your custom requirements. We're committed to delivering the perfect NI-9234 C Series DSA NVH Module solution for your application needs.

 

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