NI SCXI-1100

Description

Detailed parameter table

NI SCXI-1100

Product introduction

The NI SCXI-1100 is a legacy 32-channel analog input module developed by National Instruments (NI), engineered exclusively for use with SCXI chassis like the NI SCXI-1000. Unlike modern C Series modules (e.g., NI 9208) or standalone DAQ cards, the NI SCXI-1100 is designed to enhance legacy DAQ systems by providing high-channel analog signal conditioning—including programmable gain, anti-aliasing filtering, and support for low-level sensor signals (e.g., thermocouples, strain gauges) that require preprocessing before digitization.

As a key component of NI’s SCXI ecosystem, the NI SCXI-1100 works seamlessly with the NI SCXI-1000 chassis to scale DAQ systems for multi-sensor industrial applications. For example, a food processing plant uses the NI SCXI-1100 (installed in a NI SCXI-1000) with a NI PCI-6024E DAQ card to monitor 32 temperature sensors (thermocouples) across 8 production ovens. The NI SCXI-1100 amplifies the thermocouples’ millivolt-level signals (100x gain) and filters out 50/60 Hz electrical noise, ensuring accurate temperature readings (±0.5 °C) that the DAQ card alone could not achieve. Unlike the NI 9208, which requires a modern cDAQ chassis, the NI SCXI-1100 extends the life of NI SCXI-1000-based systems—critical for industries with long equipment lifecycles (e.g., manufacturing, energy).

Core advantages and technical highlights

32-Channel Density for High-Volume Sensor Monitoring: The NI SCXI-1100’s 32 single-ended/16 differential channels deliver far higher density than modern low-channel modules (e.g., NI 9208’s 16 channels) and legacy standalone DAQ cards. This makes it ideal for applications requiring simultaneous monitoring of dozens of sensors, such as a chemical plant’s reactor monitoring system: the NI SCXI-1100 (in a NI SCXI-1000) measures 32 pressure transducer signals (±500 mV range) at 10 kS/s, tracking pressure across multiple reactor vessels. The module’s multiplexed sampling ensures all channels are monitored without the need for additional modules—reducing NI SCXI-1000 slot usage by 50% compared to using two 16-channel SCXI modules.

Programmable Gain & Filtering for Low-Level Signals: With programmable gain (1–1000x) and a 1 kHz anti-aliasing filter, the NI SCXI-1100 excels at capturing low-level sensor signals that would be lost in noise without conditioning. For instance, when measuring strain gauge signals (typically ±50 mV) in a manufacturing press, the NI SCXI-1100 applies 100x gain to boost the signal to ±5 V—making it detectable by the NI PCI-6024E DAQ card—while the anti-aliasing filter eliminates high-frequency noise from the press’s motor. This capability surpasses legacy DAQ cards (which lack adjustable gain) and even some modern modules (with fixed gain), ensuring accurate measurement of weak industrial signals.

Seamless Integration with NI SCXI-1000 Ecosystem: Designed specifically for SCXI chassis, the NI SCXI-1100 slots directly into the NI SCXI-1000’s 8 slots, drawing power from the chassis backplane and leveraging its trigger bus for synchronization. In a power utility’s substation monitoring system, the NI SCXI-1100 (measuring 16 differential voltage signals) synchronizes with a NI SCXI-1125 (isolated input module) via the NI SCXI-1000’s trigger bus—ensuring all sensor data is time-aligned for accurate power quality analysis. This integration eliminates the need for external synchronization hardware and simplifies system setup, a key advantage over mixing incompatible legacy and modern modules.

Legacy System Compatibility & Cost Savings: The NI SCXI-1100 works with decades-old DAQ cards (e.g., NI AT-MIO-16E-1) and operating systems (Windows XP), making it a cost-effective alternative to replacing entire NI SCXI-1000-based systems. A defense contractor, for example, uses the NI SCXI-1100 to maintain a legacy test rig for aircraft avionics: the module connects to a 1990s-era NI AT-MIO-16E-1 DAQ card and runs on Windows XP, avoiding the $100k+ cost of upgrading to a modern DAQ system. The NI SCXI-1100’s compatibility with existing software (LabVIEW 8.6) also eliminates the need to rewrite proprietary test code—saving months of development time.

Typical application scenarios

In manufacturing process control, a automotive assembly plant uses the NI SCXI-1100 (installed in a NI SCXI-1000 chassis) to monitor 32 temperature sensors in a paint curing oven. The NI SCXI-1100 connects to type-K thermocouples (millivolt-level signals) mounted at key points in the oven, applying 100x gain to boost the signals to ±1 V and filtering out 60 Hz noise from the plant’s power grid. The module’s 12-bit ADC samples the conditioned signals at 10 kS/s, routing data to a NI PCI-6024E DAQ card for digitization. Plant operators use LabVIEW 2010 to log temperature data and trigger an alarm if any sensor exceeds 180 °C (curing threshold). Without the NI SCXI-1100, the NI PCI-6024E would capture noisy, unamplified signals—leading to incorrect temperature readings and defective paint jobs.

In energy sector monitoring, a wind farm uses the NI SCXI-1100 (paired with a NI SCXI-1000) to track 16 differential voltage signals from wind turbine generators. The NI SCXI-1100 measures the generators’ output voltage (±10 V range) at 5 kS/s, using its anti-aliasing filter to remove high-frequency noise from turbine blades. The module synchronizes with a NI SCXI-1125 (isolated current module) via the NI SCXI-1000’s trigger bus, enabling correlated voltage and current measurements to calculate power output. The system runs on Windows 7 and LabVIEW 2018, ensuring compatibility with the wind farm’s legacy SCADA software. This setup reduces maintenance costs by extending the life of the existing NI SCXI-1000 chassis, avoiding the need for a costly modernization project.

NI SCXI-1100

Related model recommendations

NI SCXI-1000: Legacy SCXI chassis that the NI SCXI-1100 is designed to work with—provides power, backplane communication, and slot expansion (up to 8 NI SCXI-1100 modules for 256 channels) for multi-module systems.

NI PCI-6024E: Legacy PCI DAQ card that pairs with the NI SCXI-1100 (via NI SCXI-1000)—digitizes conditioned analog signals from the module (16-bit, 200 kS/s) and connects to legacy Windows systems.

NI SCXI-1327: 4-channel strain gauge module complementary to the NI SCXI-1100—installed in the NI SCXI-1000 to add strain/force measurement capabilities, while the NI SCXI-1100 handles general analog inputs.

NI SCXI-1125: 8-channel isolated analog input module that works with the NI SCXI-1100—provides 250 Vrms isolation for high-voltage signals (e.g., power grid measurements), while the NI SCXI-1100 handles low-level sensors.

NI SCXI-1303: 68-pin terminal block for the NI SCXI-1100—enables secure wiring of 32 analog sensors (thermocouples, transducers) to the module, simplifying installation in industrial enclosures.

NI LabVIEW 2018: Latest LabVIEW version compatible with the NI SCXI-1100—enables programming of signal acquisition workflows, including gain adjustment and data logging, while maintaining legacy VI compatibility.

NI-DAQmx 18.0: Legacy driver for the NI SCXI-1100—supports communication between the module, NI SCXI-1000 chassis, and legacy DAQ cards (e.g., NI PCI-6024E).

NI 9208: Modern C Series analog input module that serves as an upgrade for the NI SCXI-1100—used with a NI cDAQ-9178 chassis for users migrating from NI SCXI-1000 to modern DAQ systems.

NI SCXI-1001: 4-slot SCXI chassis for smaller-scale applications—works with the NI SCXI-1100 for systems requiring fewer channels (e.g., lab prototyping) compared to the 8-slot NI SCXI-1000.

Installation, commissioning and maintenance instructions

Installation preparation: Before installing the NI SCXI-1100, power off the SCXI chassis (e.g., NI SCXI-1000) and wear an ESD wristband (±15 kV) to protect the module’s precision circuitry. Align the NI SCXI-1100 with an empty slot in the NI SCXI-1000, ensuring the module’s guide pins match the chassis rails. Push firmly until the backplane connector seats fully, then secure the module with the front-panel screw. Connect the NI SCXI-1303 terminal block to the module’s 68-pin SCSI-II connector, then wire sensors to the terminal block—use twisted-pair shielded cables for low-level signals (e.g., thermocouples) to reduce noise. Power on the NI SCXI-1000 chassis first, then the host PC, and install LabVIEW 8.6–2018 and NI-DAQmx 8.6–18.0. Use NI Measurement & Automation Explorer (MAX) to detect the NI SCXI-1100 and run a “Channel Self-Test” (measure a known ±5 V signal) to verify functionality.

Maintenance suggestions: Calibrate the NI SCXI-1100 annually using a NIST-traceable voltage reference (e.g., NI 9172) to maintain ±0.05% FS accuracy—focus on gain and offset calibration at commonly used ranges (e.g., ±100 mV for thermocouples). Inspect the terminal block and SCSI-II connector quarterly: clean contacts with isopropyl alcohol (99.9% purity) to remove oxidation, and tighten loose sensor wires to prevent signal loss. If the NI SCXI-1100 reports noisy readings, check for damaged shielded cables or ungrounded sensors—replace cables if shielding is frayed. Avoid exposing the module to temperatures above 55 °C or humidity above 90%—extreme conditions can degrade its ADC and gain circuitry. When replacing the NI SCXI-1100, power off the NI SCXI-1000 first to prevent backplane damage, and reconfigure channel settings in MAX to match the new module.

Service and guarantee commitment

National Instruments (NI) provides a 90-day warranty for refurbished NI SCXI-1100 units (new units are no longer manufactured), covering defects in the module’s ADC, gain circuitry, and backplane interface. For extended support, the NI Legacy Service Plan offers 1-year coverage, including technical support for module-chassis compatibility (e.g., with NI SCXI-1000), troubleshooting of legacy software (LabVIEW 8.6), and access to archived documentation (user manuals, calibration guides).

NI’s legacy technical team includes SCXI specialists, offering 24/7 support for the NI SCXI-1100—assisting with gain configuration, noise reduction, and integration with legacy DAQ cards (e.g., NI PCI-6024E). Customers gain access to archived resources: application notes on thermocouple testing with the NI SCXI-1100, LabVIEW example code for analog acquisition, and a community forum for sharing SCXI best practices. For out-of-warranty repairs, NI’s Legacy Module Restore Service (parts subject to availability) replaces aged components (e.g., op-amps, ADC) and verifies gain/filter performance—restoring the NI SCXI-1100 to functional status. This commitment reflects NI’s dedication to supporting users with legacy NI SCXI-1000-based systems that rely on the module for critical analog measurement.