National Instruments OP-8934 Analog I/O Module for SLSC

The 16-channel analog I/O module OP-8934 (Part Number: 787856-01) from National Instruments is intended for use in Switch Load Signal Conditioning (SLSC) applications. This module is a flexible tool for testing and simulation in a range of industrial situations since it has 16 analog outputs and onboard Fault Insertion Unit (FIU) capabilities for each signal.

Although the OP-8934 can be integrated seamlessly with PXI or CompactRIO hardware, it does require the right cabling and rear transition interfaces. In order to replicate actual signal failures and improve system resilience, it is made to operate with the NI SLSC-12001 platform.

This module, which is organized into two 8-channel OP8Gxx modules, integrates FIU and analog signal conditioning on a single board. The analog input (Ain) and analog output (Aout) circuits can be set up by users to meet different conditioning requirements. Under the direction of a CPLD, the FIU division oversees the identification, configuration, and error reporting of the NI environment, guaranteeing accurate and dependable operation. Software configurations for the FIU and specific I/Os are also sent to it.

The robust and comprehensive fault insertion capabilities of the OP-8934 are impressive. For a total of 112 relays (7x16), there are seven relays in each differential pair of signals in the FIU section. Different fault circumstances can be accommodated by separately controlling each relay. Two fault injections using user-supplied voltage references (VBusA and VBusB) for each signal in the pair, as well as the pair's open circuit and short circuit are all possible fault scenarios.

Faster response times (less than 0.5 ms) and increased density are made possible by the relay technology utilized in the FIU. However high currents can harm the relays because this technology is susceptible to them. In order to minimize peak currents, users must add resistors to the signal or VBus depending on the circuit's capacitor and cabling. Peak currents over 5A can result in irreversible relay damage, even in the presence of power supply limits.