Emerson Expands Data Acquisition Portfolio with New Compact Ethernet Chassis and Modules
Emerson has strengthened its commitment to precision measurement and industrial analysis by introducing a new suite of entry-level data acquisition (DAQ) solutions. The launch includes two high-performance Ethernet-based chassis, the cDAQ-9187 and cDAQ-9183, alongside the cost-effective NI-9204 analog input module. These additions are designed to simplify sensor data collection and signal processing for engineers working in space-constrained industrial environments and test laboratories.
The new chassis are engineered for high reliability in harsh settings, featuring an impressive operating temperature range of -40 °C to 70 °C. The cDAQ-9187, an eight-slot model, and the cDAQ-9183, a four-slot variant, both utilize Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN) protocols. This integration is critical for modern industrial operations, as it allows for synchronized, high-speed measurements across longer distances, ensuring that data integrity remains intact throughout the transmission process to the host PC. Because these units maintain broad compatibility with the existing C Series I/O module ecosystem, users can mix and match various analog, digital, counter, and timer modules to create a tailored hardware setup that meets their specific testing requirements. For more information on Emerson's broader integration capabilities, you can explore their specialized systems atthis link.
Accompanying the new hardware is the NI-9204 analog input module, which provides a versatile and budget-conscious alternative for voltage measurement tasks. With 16 single-ended or eight differential inputs, the module is equipped with a 16-bit resolution and a robust sampling rate of 250 kS/s. The inclusion of a programmable gain amplifier allows technicians to dynamically scale input ranges from ±0.2 V up to ±10 V, offering the precision needed for diverse industrial sensor applications. The module’s support for both spring terminal and 37-pin connectivity options ensures that it can easily integrate into legacy panels or new custom testing rigs.
To further reduce the technical barrier to entry, Emerson has established an open-source GitHub repository dedicated to NI FlexLogger software. This initiative provides a streamlined path for engineers to utilize customizable plug-ins, enabling a "no-code" approach to complex data analysis and visualization. By leveraging this open-source community, developers can share and implement unique measurement algorithms, effectively lowering the development overhead for end-of-line testing and quality assurance workflows.
These latest developments from Emerson address the critical need for compact, powerful DAQ tools that can bridge the gap between physical sensor data and the digital insights required for predictive maintenance. As manufacturers continue to prioritize high-fidelity data to identify quality degradation before it impacts production, these entry-level tools offer the necessary performance to implement comprehensive testing at the point of measurement without the complexity of enterprise-scale systems.
Written by: Elena Vance, a senior systems engineer with over 12 years of experience in industrial instrumentation and test automation, specialized in signal conditioning and high-speed data acquisition architectures.