Emerson Releases Cost-Effective, Entry-Level Data Acquisition Solutions

Not all automation is programming robots and commanding servos; there are times when measurements need to be taken and data analyzed and stored. This is where data acquisition (DAQ) systems enter the scene. A DAQ system allows analog and digital sensors to be connected to a PC, sometimes through a multiport backplane. These signals are conditioned and converted to a digital signal for specialized DAQ software to analyze and store the data. Recently, Emerson expanded its existing line of DAQ chassis and input modules with the addition of entry-level, cost-effective solutions.

Emerson has released the cDAQ-9187 and cDAQ-9183 chassis as “entry-level Ethernet solutions.” Image used courtesy of Emerson

CompactDAQ Ethernet Chassis

Similar to a PLC, DAQ modules connect to a main chassis. The chassis can hold from one to multiple input modules, and typically, there is a communication port that connects the chassis to a PC.

The cDAQ-9187 is the newest chassis from Emerson, with a max slot size of eight and an operating temperature of -40 °C to 70 °C. The cDAQ-9187 has a single Ethernet port for software communication that supports TSN protocols. The overall chassis is compact and designed for small to mid-sized applications. Each port supports any combination of C series I/O modules, including analog, digital, counters, and timers. With the cDAQ-9187 supporting TSN, it is an optimal choice when using sensors at longer distances.

For an even more compact design, the cDAQ-9183 is a four-slot chassis offering the same operating temperature and slot compatibility. The cDAQ-9183 offers the same single Ethernet port for PC communication and also supports TSN protocol for longer distance measurements.

The NI-9204 analog input module is designed to be a cost-effective alternative to other DAQ modules offered by Emerson. Image used courtesy of National Instruments

DAQ Input Module

Along with the new chassis, Emerson has also released a new analog input module that interfaces with the new chassis. The NI-9204 analog input module measures up to 16 single-ended inputs or up to eight differential voltage inputs. The module can be ordered with spring terminals or a 37-pin connector. Both modules have polarity and overvoltage protection. The measuring resolution is 16 bits, and a maximum sampling rate of 250 kS/s. The NI-9204 has a programmable gain amplifier that allows technicians to adjust the measuring channel from ±10 V down to ±0.2 V.

Emerson’s new GitHub repository features plug-ins for NI’s FlexLogger data acquisition software. Image used courtesy of National Instruments

NI FlexLogger Plug-In Repository

To make sensor measurements and data collection even easier, Emerson has created a GitHub repository for NI FlexLogger software. The repository includes customizable plug-ins for the FlexLogger software, and with GitHub’s open-source platform, engineers can create and share their own plug-ins. The FlexLogger software provides a no-code approach to sensor measurement, analysis, and data collection.

Test and Measurement

End-of-line testing equipment ensures that the product assembled is functioning as intended and there are no visible flaws. Recording and analyzing this data can help engineers predict quality degradation before rejects start to accumulate. The new DAQ solutions from Emerson are compact enough to fit in a field panel or on the workbench and powerful enough to connect multiple sensors and convert their signal for the digital world.