For user manuals and dimensional drawings, visit the product page resources tab on ni.com.
Last Revised: 2011-03-08 12:08:54.0
NI PXIe-4330
Data Acquisition with Integrated Signal Conditioning for Bridge-Based Measurements
8 simultaneously sampled analog input channels
25 kS/s/ch sampling rate; 24-bit ADC per channel; antialias filtering
0.02% of reading typical accuracy
Software-selectable excitation voltage per channel (0.625 V to 10 V)
Bult-in programmable quarter-, half-, and full-bridge completion per channel
Software-selectable shunt calibration options per channel
Multidevice triggering and synchronization via PXI Express
Supported by NI-DAQmx driver software
Overview
The NI PXIe-4330 simultaneous bridge input module provides data acquisition with integrated signal conditioning for measuring bridge-based sensors, such as strain gages, load
cells, and pressure transducers. It features eight channels with 24-bit analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) per channel and 25 kS/s sampling rate for simultaneous high-speed
measurements. To remove noise, each module offers antialiasing and digital filters per channel. Each channel also features an independent programmable 0.625 to 10 V
excitation voltage. Additionally, the NI PXIe-4330 provides remote sensing, internal bridge completion, and shunt calibration options per channel. The NI PXIe-4330 is intended to
be used with the NI TB-4330 front-mounting terminal block for screw terminal connectivity.
Back to Top
Comparison Tables
Module
NI PXIe-4330
NI PXIe-4331
8
8
Channels
25
102.4
Max Sample Rate (kS/s/ch)
24
24
Resolution (bits)
Bridge Type
1/4, 1/2, Full
1/4, 1/2, Full
Back to Top
Application and Technology
Integrated Signal Conditioning
By combining signal conditioning and analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) on the same device, the NI PXIe-4330 bridge input module delivers a smaller footprint and higher
measurement performance. Integrated signal conditioning also provides simplified cable management and calibration due to fewer components, which drastically reduces the
installation and maintenance cost of a high-channel-count measurement system.
Ratiometric Bridge-Based Measurements
Many sensors including strain-gages, load cells, pressure sensors, and torque sensors are based on the concept of a Wheatstone bridge. The output of a Wheatstone bridge is
measured between the middle nodes of the two voltage dividers. The output voltage of the bridge scales with the excitation voltage. However, the ratio of the bridge output (VCH)
and the excitation voltage (VEX) remains fixed over variations in excitation voltage, and it is this unitless ratio (VCH/VEX) that is of interest. To accurately measure the ratiometric
output of a bridge based sensor both the bridge output voltage (VCH) and the excitation voltage must be known.
1/9
www.ni.com
The NI PXIe-4330 bridge input module uses circuitry that continuously measures the excitation voltage and applies it as a reference to its analog-to-digital converter (ADC). In this
way, variations in the excitation voltage are compensated for, and the module returns data as a ratio of the bridge output voltage and the excitation voltage. This approach
removes the measurement’s dependence on the stability and accuracy of the excitation voltage. Due to the ratiometric design, measurements with the PXIe-4330 bridge input
module will be less susceptible to temperature drift and other variations in the excitation voltage.
PXI Express Dedicated Data Throughput
The SC Express modules are built on the x1 PXI Express bus with dedicated bandwidth per device up to 250 MB/s. Because of the added bandwidth provided by PXI Express,
SC Express modules offer simultaneous sampling options using the same channel counts and connectivity as multiplexed devices. Unlike multiplexed devices that reduce
sampling rates, you can use simultaneous sampling devices to maintain sampling rates as you expand the number of channels.
PXI Platform Advanced Timing and Synchronization
PXI Express provides advanced timing and synchronization features, including a 100 MHz differential system clock, differential signaling, and differential star triggers. By using
differential clocking and synchronization, PXI Express systems benefit from increased noise immunity for instrumentation clocks and the ability to transmit at higher-frequency
rates. The SC Express family leverages PXI Express to deliver tight synchronization between modules in one chassis or multiple chassis.
Wide Variety of I/O on the PXI Platform
When combined with more than 1500 I/O types in the PXI platform, this module offers the flexibility needed to develop a measurement system that meets your application needs.
PXI modules are compatible with the CompactPCI and CompactPCI Express industrial computer standards and offer additional features such as environmental specifications,
standardized software, and built-in timing and synchronization.
Connectivity
The NI PXIe-4330 is designed to be used with the NI TB-4330 front-mounting terminal block. The SC Express terminal blocks are hot-swappable and automatically recognized in
software. This makes troubleshooting easier because you can connect and remove terminal blocks without powering down the PXI measurement system. Each terminal block also
includes alignment fins that guide the connector onto the PXI Express module without bent pins.
Back to Top
Software Recommendations
LabVIEW Professional Development System for Windows
Advanced software tools for large project development
Automatic code generation using DAQ Assistant and Instrument I/O Assistant
Tight integration with a wide range of hardware
Advanced measurement analysis and digital signal processing
Open connectivity with DLLs, ActiveX, and .NET objects
Capability to build DLLs, executables, and MSI installers
Back to Top
Support and Services
System Assurance Programs
NI system assurance programs are designed to make it even easier for you to own an NI system. These programs include configuration and deployment services for your NI PXI,
CompactRIO, or Compact FieldPoint system. The NI Basic System Assurance Program provides a simple integration test and ensures that your system is delivered completely
assembled in one box. When you configure your system with the NI Standard System Assurance Program, you can select from available NI system driver sets and application
2/9
www.ni.com
development environments to create customized, reorderable software configurations. Your system arrives fully assembled and tested in one box with your software preinstalled.
When you order your system with the standard program, you also receive system-specific documentation including a bill of materials, an integration test report, a recommended
maintenance plan, and frequently asked question documents. Finally, the standard program reduces the total cost of owning an NI system by providing three years of warranty
coverage and calibration service. Use the online product advisors at ni.com/advisor to find a system assurance program to meet your needs.
Calibration
NI measurement hardware is calibrated to ensure measurement accuracy and verify that the device meets its published specifications. To ensure the ongoing accuracy of your
measurement hardware, NI offers basic or detailed recalibration service that provides ongoing ISO 9001 audit compliance and confidence in your measurements. To learn more
about NI calibration services or to locate a qualified service center near you, contact your local sales office or visit ni.com/calibration.
Technical Support
Get answers to your technical questions using the following National Instruments resources.
Support
- Visit ni.com/support to access the NI KnowledgeBase, example programs, and tutorials or to contact our applications engineers who are located in NI sales
offices around the world and speak the local language.
Discussion Forums
- Visit forums.ni.com for a diverse set of discussion boards on topics you care about.
Online Community
- Visit community.ni.com to find, contribute, or collaborate on customer-contributed technical content with users like you.
Repair
While you may never need your hardware repaired, NI understands that unexpected events may lead to necessary repairs. NI offers repair services performed by highly trained
technicians who quickly return your device with the guarantee that it will perform to factory specifications. For more information, visit ni.com/repair.
Training and Certifications
The NI training and certification program delivers the fastest, most certain route to increased proficiency and productivity using NI software and hardware. Training builds the skills
to more efficiently develop robust, maintainable applications, while certification validates your knowledge and ability.
Classroom training in cities worldwide
- the most comprehensive hands-on training taught by engineers.
On-site training at your facility
- an excellent option to train multiple employees at the same time.
Online instructor-led training
- lower-cost, remote training if classroom or on-site courses are not possible.
Course kits
- lowest-cost, self-paced training that you can use as reference guides.
Training memberships
and training credits - to buy now and schedule training later.
Visit ni.com/training for more information.
Extended Warranty
NI offers options for extending the standard product warranty to meet the life-cycle requirements of your project. In addition, because NI understands that your requirements may
change, the extended warranty is flexible in length and easily renewed. For more information, visit ni.com/warranty.
OEM
NI offers design-in consulting and product integration assistance if you need NI products for OEM applications. For information about special pricing and services for OEM
customers, visit ni.com/oem.
Alliance
Our Professional Services Team is comprised of NI applications engineers, NI Consulting Services, and a worldwide National Instruments Alliance Partner program of more than
700 independent consultants and integrators. Services range from start-up assistance to turnkey system integration. Visit ni.com/alliance.
Back to Top
Detailed Specifications
This document lists specifications for the NI PXIe-4330 module. These specifications are typical for the range of 0 °C to 55 °C unless otherwise stated. The system must be
allowed to warm up for 15 minutes to achieve the rated accuracy. All specifications are subject to change without notice. Visit
ni.com/manuals
for the most current specifications
and product documentation.
Caution
The inputs of this sensitive test and measurement product are not protected from electromagnetic interference for functional reasons. As a result, this product
may experience reduced measurement accuracy or other temporary performance degradation when cables are attached in an environment with electromagnetic
interference present. Refer to the Declaration of Conformity (DoC) for this product for details of the standards applied to assess electromagnetic compatibility
performance. To obtain the DoC, visit
ni.com/certification
, search by model number or product line, and click the appropriate link in the Certification column.
Note
Keep the filler panels on all unused slots in your chassis to maintain forced air cooling.
Input Characteristics
Number of channels
ADC resolution
Type of ADC
Sampling mode
8 analog input channels
24 bits
Delta-Sigma (with analog prefiltering)
Simultaneous
3/9
www.ni.com
Input Ranges
V
ex
≤ 2.5 V
V
ex
≥ 2.75 V
Common-mode voltage input range (V
cm
)
FIFO buffer size
Data transfers
Sample rates (
ƒ
s
)
±100 mV/V
±25 mV/V
±2V
1,022 samples
Direct memory access (DMA), Programmed I/O
1 to 100 S/s in 1 S/s increments, 100 to 25.6 kS/s in 100 S/s increments
