National Instruments Network Card USB 9201 User Manual
USER GUIDE AND SPECIFICATIONS  
USB-9201/9221  
8-Channel, 12-Bit Analog Input Devices  
This user guide describes how to use the National Instruments  
USB-9201/9221 devices and lists the specifications.  
Introduction  
This user guide describes how to use the National Instruments  
USB-9201/9221. In this document, the USB-9201/9221 with screw  
terminal and USB-9201/9221 with DSUB are referred to inclusively as the  
USB-9201/9221. For information about installing, configuring, and  
programming your system, refer to your system documentation.  
The USB-9210/9221 data acquisition device provides a USB interface for  
eight channels of 12-bit analog inputs with integrated signal conditioning.  
The USB-9201/9211 consists of two components: an NI 9201/9221  
module and a USB-9162 carrier, as shown in Figure 1.  
NI 9201/9221  
H i - S p e e d U S B C a r r i e r  
N
I
U
S
B - 9 1 6 2  
USB-9162  
H i - S P  
N
I
U
S B - 9 1 6 2 e e d U S B C a r r i e  
r
USB-9201/9221  
Figure 1. USB-9201/9221 Components  
 
Safety Guidelines  
Operate the USB-9201/9221 only as described in these operating  
instructions.  
Caution Although the NI 9201/9221 might have more stringent certification standards  
than the USB-9201/9221, when used with the USB-9162 carrier, the combined system  
might be limited. Refer to the Specifications section for more information.  
Hot Surface This icon denotes that the component may be hot. Touching this component  
may result in bodily injury.  
Caution Do not disconnect I/O-side wires or connectors unless power has been switched  
off or the area is known to be nonhazardous.  
Caution Do not remove modules unless power has been switched off and the area is known  
to be nonhazardous.  
Caution The USB-9201/9221 is not certified for use in hazardous locations.  
Safety Guidelines for Hazardous Voltages  
You can connect hazardous voltages to the USB-9201/9221 with the screw  
terminal only. Do not connect hazardous voltages to the USB-9201/9221  
with DSUB.  
If hazardous voltages are connected to the module, take the following  
precautions. A hazardous voltage is a voltage >42.4 Vpk or 60 VDC to earth  
ground.  
Caution Ensure that hazardous voltage wiring is performed only by qualified personnel  
adhering to local electrical standards.  
Caution Do not mix hazardous voltage circuits and human-accessible circuits on the same  
module.  
Caution Make sure that devices and circuits connected to the module are properly  
insulated from human contact  
Caution When module terminals are live with hazardous voltages, make sure that the  
terminals are not accessible by using the high voltage screw terminal backshell. Refer to  
the Assembling the High Voltage Screw Terminal Backshell section for more information.  
© National Instruments Corporation  
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USB-9201/9221 User Guide and Specifications  
 
Software  
Software support for the USB-9201/9221 is provided by NI-DAQmx.  
The NI-DAQmx CD contains example programs that you can use to get  
started programming with the USB-9201/9221. Refer to the NI-DAQmx for  
USB Devices Getting Started Guide that shipped with your device, and is  
also accessible from Start»All Programs»National Instruments»  
NI-DAQ, for more information.  
Installing the USB-9201/9221  
Installing the Software  
Before installing the device, you must install the software you plan to use  
with the device. Refer to the Software section of this guide and the  
NI-DAQmx for USB Devices Getting Started Guide that shipped with your  
device, and is also accessible from Start»All Programs»National  
Instruments»NI-DAQ, for more information.  
Installing the NI 9201/9221 in the USB-9162 Carrier  
The NI 9201/9221 module and the USB-9162 carrier are packaged  
separately. Refer to Figure 2, while completing the following assembly  
steps:  
1. Make sure that no signals are connected to the NI 9201/9221 module  
and that the USB cable is not connected to the device.  
2. Remove the protective cover from the 15-pin DSUB connector.  
3. Align the I/O module with the carrier, as shown in Figure 4.  
USB-9201/9221 User Guide and Specifications  
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ni.com  
 
 
1
1
High Voltage Screw Terminal Backshell  
Figure 4. Module Installation  
4. Squeeze the latches and insert the NI 9201/9221 module into the  
USB-9162 carrier.  
5. Press firmly on the connector side of the NI 9201/9221 module until  
the latches lock the module into place, as shown in Figure 5.  
Figure 5. Locking Module into Place  
6. Connect the USB cable to the assembled USB-9201/9221.  
© National Instruments Corporation  
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USB-9201/9221 User Guide and Specifications  
 
   
Mounting the USB-9201/9221 to a Panel  
Threaded inserts are located in the USB-9201/9221 for mounting it to a  
panel. Refer to Figure 6 for dimensions.  
85.7 mm  
(3.37 in.)  
72.2 mm  
(2.84 in.)  
Threaded Insert  
M3 x 0.5  
8.5 mm (0.34 in.) Max Depth  
76.1 mm  
(3.00 in.)  
Figure 6. Module Dimensions  
Connecting the USB-9201/9221 to a Computer  
Plug one end of the USB cable into the USB-9201/9221 and the other end  
into an available USB port on the computer. Refer to the NI-DAQmx for  
USB Devices Getting Started Guide that shipped with your device, and is  
also accessible from Start»All Programs»National Instruments»  
NI-DAQ, for more information.  
LED Indicator  
The LED indicator indicates device status.  
Table 1. LED State/Device Status  
LED State  
Not lit  
Device Status  
Device not connected or in suspend.  
Device connected, but no module installed.  
Operating normally.  
On, not blinking  
Single-blink  
USB-9201/9221 User Guide and Specifications  
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ni.com  
 
 
Table 1. LED State/Device Status (Continued)  
LED State  
Device Status  
Double-blink  
Connected to USB full speed port. Device  
performance might be affected. Refer to the  
Specifications section for more information.  
Quadruple-blink  
Device error. Refer to ni.com/support.  
Wiring the USB-9201/9221  
The USB-9201/9221 provides connections for eight analog input channels.  
The USB-9201/9221 with screw terminal has a 10-terminal, detachable  
high voltage screw-terminal backshell. The USB-9201/9221 with DSUB  
has a 25-pin DSUB connector.  
Each channel has a terminal or pin, AI, to which you can connect a voltage  
signal. The USB-9201/9221 also has a common terminal or pin, COM, that  
is internally connected to the isolated ground reference of the module.  
Refer to Table 2 for the terminal assignments of the USB-9201/9221 with  
screw terminal. Refer to Figure 7 for the pin assignments of the  
USB-9201/9221 with DSUB.  
Caution The high voltage screw terminal backshell must be installed when using  
hazardous voltages (>42.4 Vpk, 60 VDC).  
© National Instruments Corporation  
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USB-9201/9221 User Guide and Specifications  
 
Table 2. Terminal Assignments  
Module  
Terminal  
Signal  
AI 0  
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
AI 1  
AI 2  
0
AI 3  
1
2
AI 4  
3
4
5
AI 5  
6
AI 6  
7
8
9
AI 7  
No connection  
Common (COM)  
1
2