NI cDAQ-9174 Portable C Series AIO/DIO/Counter/Timing Chassis

The NI cDAQ-9174 Portable C Series AIO/DIO/Counter/Timing Chassis is a CompactDAQ USB chassis designed for small to medium-sized sensor measurement systems. Its core design philosophy is to provide maximum measurement flexibility in a minimal physical size—four C-Series module slots allow users to combine various measurement types, including analog inputs, analog outputs, digital I/O, and counters/timers, within a metal enclosure approximately the size of a fist. The chassis handles timing control, signal synchronization, and data transmission between the C-Series modules and an external host (PC), allowing users to directly connect sensors without purchasing additional signal conditioning hardware.

The chassis connects to the host via a USB 2.0 Hi-Speed ​​interface (theoretically 480 Mbit/s bandwidth) and integrates NI's third-generation System Timing Controller (STC3) ASIC, providing three independent analog input timing engines, one analog output timing engine, one digital input timing engine, one digital output timing engine, and four 32-bit general-purpose counters/timers, supporting the simultaneous execution of up to seven hardware timing tasks. The cDAQ-9174 supports hot-swappable mixing and matching of over 60 C-series I/O modules, covering signal types such as voltage, current, temperature, strain, vibration, digital I/O, and CAN/LIN communication. Its operating temperature range of -20 °C to 55 °C and peak shock resistance of 30 g make it suitable for both benchtop laboratory use and field portability.

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 Features of the NI cDAQ-9174

• Multi-time Engine Architecture

The cDAQ-9174 Portable C Series AIO/DIO/Counter/Timing Chassis incorporates three independent analog input timing engines, allowing up to three analog input tasks to run simultaneously within a single chassis. Each task can use independent sampling rates and trigger configurations (NI official product page). The core value of this architecture lies in the fact that low-speed signals (such as temperature) and high-speed signals (such as vibration/sound) can be acquired in parallel at their optimal rates within the same chassis, eliminating the need for multiple independent systems for signals of different rates.

• 7-Channel High-Performance Data Stream

The cDAQ-9174 supports 7 independent high-speed data streams, each of which can be associated with an NI-DAQmx hardware timer task. Data stream types include analog input, analog output, digital input, digital output, counter/timer input, counter/timer output, and NI-XNET (CAN/LIN communication). The NI-XNET session always occupies 2 data streams.

The data stream is allocated using an 8 KB shared buffer, following a first-come, first-served allocation strategy: the first two tasks are each allocated 2048 bytes, tasks 3–5 are each allocated 1024 bytes, and tasks 6–7 are each allocated 512 bytes. Therefore, for optimal streaming performance, the data stream should be reserved for the highest bandwidth tasks first.

• Four-Channel 32-Bit Counter/Timer

The cDAQ-9174 integrates four 32-bit general-purpose counters/timers, implemented using the NI-STC3 ASIC, and supports the following functions:

Measurement Functions: Edge counting, pulse measurement, half-cycle measurement, period measurement, dual-edge interval measurement, pulse width measurement.Position Measurement: X1/X2/X4 quadrature encoding (including Channel Z overload), dual-pulse encoding.Output Functions: Single pulse/pulse train generation (including dynamic update), frequency division, equivalent time sampling (ETS).Internal Base Clock: 80 MHz, 20 MHz, 100 kHz (accuracy 50 ppm).External Base Clock: 0–20 MHz.

• Flexible Triggering and Synchronization

The cDAQ-9174 supports both digital and analog triggering modes:

Digital trigger source: Any module PFI terminal.AI trigger functions: Start Trigger, Reference Trigger, Pause Trigger, Sample Clock, Sample Clock Timebase.AO trigger functions: Start Trigger, Pause Trigger, Sample Clock, Sample Clock Timebase.Counter trigger functions: Gate, Source, HWArm, Aux, A, B, Z, UpDown.PFI programmable debouncing filter: Selectable 125 ns / 6.425 μs / 2.56 ms / Disable / High-Low Conversion for each input.

• Plug and Play vs. Hot-Swappable

C-series modules support hot-swapping; once inserted, they are automatically detected by the chassis without requiring a system restart or reconfiguration.

The USB connection itself follows the plug-and-play principle, requiring no opening of the chassis or installation of additional interface cards.

• Rugged and Portable Design

cDAQ-9174 uses an A380 metal cast housing:

Operating shock: 30 g peak, half-sine, 11 ms pulse (IEC 60068-2-27),Operating temperature: -20 °C to 55 °C,Protection rating: IP 30,Maximum altitude: 5,000 m

The CompactDAQ USB chassis series is available in four slot configurations: 1, 4, 8, and 14 slots. The cDAQ-9174 is the only model with a 4-slot configuration

The key difference between the cDAQ-9174 Portable C Series AIO/DIO/Counter/Timing Chassis and the 1-slot cDAQ-9171 is that the cDAQ-9171 only supports 6 data streams and is powered by the USB bus (5 V, 500 mA), while the cDAQ-9174 supports 7 data streams, requires an external 9–30 V power supply, and includes a POWER LED indicator.

The key difference between the cDAQ-9174 and the 8-slot cDAQ-9178 is that the cDAQ-9178 provides two additional BNC PFI trigger connectors (TRIG 0/TRIG 1) and external chassis synchronization capability, while the cDAQ-9174 lacks onboard trigger BNC and external synchronization functions.

Functions of the NI cDAQ-9174

• Frequency Generator

• ​​​​​​​NI-XNET Communications

The cDAQ-9174 supports CAN/LIN bus communication via C-series XNET modules (such as the NI-9862). An NI-XNET session occupies two data streams when active, and is not limited by the timing engine.

Bus Interface

Environmental Adaptability

• Operating temperature: -20°C to 55°C（IEC 60068-2-1/2）
• Storage temperature: -40°C to 85°C
• Operating humidity: 10%-90% RH Non-condensing
• Storage Humidity:5%-95% RH Non-condensing 
• Pollution Level 2（IEC 60664）
• Maximum Altitude 5,000 m
• Usage Environment Indoors only
• Protection Level: IP30

Applications of the cDAQ-9174

Software User Manual

NI-DAQmx is the core driver software for cDAQ-9174 Portable C Series AIO/DIO/Counter/Timing Chassis

✅NI LabVIEW

✅NI FlexLogger

✅Python

​​​​​​​✅C / C++

✅NET (C# / VB.NET)

✅LabWindows/CVI​​​​​

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.

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.

Notes:

• Select a Situation cDAQ-9174

✅Maybe it requires simultaneous acquisition of 2–4 different sensor signals (e.g., temperature + voltage + strain + digital status).

✅Maybe the system needs to be portable between the lab and the field (weight < 600 g).

✅Maybe limited budget but requires a mix of measurement types.

✅Requires rapid setup of the test system via USB plug-and-play

• Unselect a Situation cDAQ-9174

✅Requires only 1 module → cDAQ-9171 (smaller, USB powered, cheaper)

✅Requires more than 4 modules → cDAQ-9178/9179

✅Requires multi-chassis synchronization → cDAQ-9185/9189 (Ethernet + TSN)

✅Requires extreme environments -40 °C → cDAQ-9185/9188/9189

✅Requires standalone operation (no PC) → CompactRIO Controller

Contact Us

Ready to integrate reliable portable C series Chassis 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 cDAQ-9174 Portable C Series AIO/DIO/Counter/Timing Chassis solution for your application needs.