NI PXIe-4304/4305 and RM-4304 User Guide and Terminal Block Specifications

Electromagnetic Compatibility Guidelines

This product has been tested and complies with electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) requirements. It is designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when operated in its intended industrial environment. To minimize potential interference with radio and television reception, install and use the product strictly according to the documentation. Modifications not expressly approved by National Instruments may void operating authority.

⚠️ Caution: For specified EMC performance, use only shielded cables and accessories for RJ-50 and CAL IN ports. The length of any cable connected to the PFI0 port must not exceed 3 m (10 ft), and for Channel (RJ-50) ports, it must not exceed 30 m (100 ft).

What You Need to Get Started

To set up and use the RM-4304 rack-mount terminal block with the PXIe-4304/4305 module, you will need the following:

Hardware

• RM-4304 rack-mount terminal block
• PXIe-4304/4305 module
• PXIe chassis
• 19-inch rack for the RM-4304 and PXIe chassis
• Four mounting screws (not supplied by NI)
• SH96F-96M-42V cable and standoffs
• Rack-mount kit (if required)
• Cabling and sensors as required
• Clamp-on ferrite beads (included with RM-4304)

Tools

• Phillips-head screwdrivers
• Flathead screwdrivers
• Long-nose pliers
• Wire cutter
• Wire insulation stripper
• RJ50 terminal crimper

Documentation

• NI PXIe-4304/4305 and RM-4304 User Guide and Terminal Block Specifications
• NI PXIe-4304/4305 User Manual
• PXIe chassis user manual

Additional documents can be downloaded from ni.com/manuals.

Installation

Install the Software

You must have administrator privileges to install NI software and devices. Ensure the following software is installed before the SC Express hardware:

1. Application software (e.g., LabVIEW, LabWindows/CVI, .NET).
2. NI-DAQmx: PXIe-4304/4305 modules were first supported in NI-DAQmx 15.1.1; RM-4304 terminal blocks were first supported in NI-DAQmx 15.5.

? Note: For detailed software version support, refer to the NI-DAQmx Readme. Back up applications before upgrading or modifying software.

Unpack and Install the Module

Inspect the module upon unpacking. Do not install a damaged module. Contact NI if damage is found.

⚠️ Caution: The module is static sensitive. Always ground yourself and equipment when handling or connecting the module.

Follow these steps, referring to Figures 1 and 2:

1. Ensure the chassis is powered off.
2. Connect the power cord to the chassis and plug it into the power supply receptacle before installing the PXIe-4304/4305. This grounds the chassis and protects it from electrical damage.
3. ⚠️ Caution: Keep the chassis powered off until module installation is complete to protect yourself and the equipment from electrical hazards.
4. Identify a supported PXI Express slot (Peripheral, Hybrid Peripheral, or System Timing). Refer to the chassis documentation for details.
5. Remove the filler panel and touch metal parts of the chassis to discharge static electricity.
6. Place the module edges into the module guides at the top and bottom of the slot.
7. ⚠️ Caution: Ensure both module edges are within the guides and that module components do not contact adjacent modules.
8. Slide the module along the guides until it reaches the rear connector, then seat it by pushing the front panel until it is flush with the chassis front panel.
9. Secure the module using the front-panel captive screws (Figure 2). Tighten screws to 0.31 N·m (2.7 lb·in.).

Figure 1. Symbols for PXI Express/PXI Express Hybrid/PXI Slots depicts symbols for different slot types: 1. PXI Express System Controller Slot, 2. PXI Peripheral Slot, 3. PXI Express Hybrid Peripheral Slot, 4. PXI Express System Timing Slot.

Figure 2. Installing PXIe-4304/4305 Modules illustrates the process of inserting the PXIe module into a PXIe chassis using captive screws.

Unpack and Install the Rack-Mount Terminal Block, Chassis, and Cables

Inspect the terminal block, chassis, and cables upon unpacking. Do not install damaged products. Contact NI if damage is found.

⚠️ Caution: The module and terminal block are static sensitive. Always ground yourself and equipment.

⚠️ Caution: Do not supply hazardous voltages (>30 Vrms/42.4 Vpk/60 VDC) to the terminal block.

⚠️ Caution: For EMC performance, use only shielded RJ50 and BNC cables with the PXIe-4304/4305 module.

? Note: The chassis can be powered on or off when connecting the terminal block.

To install the rack-mount terminal block into the rack, follow these steps, referring to Figure 3:

1. Place the RM-4304 in the desired rack position.
2. Install and tighten the four rack-mounting screws.

If the chassis is not already installed in the rack:

1. Attach the PXIe chassis rack-mount hardware to the chassis, following your rack-mount kit installation guide.
2. Mount the PXIe chassis in the rack, following your rack-mount kit installation guide.

Figure 3. RM-4304 Installation and Front Connections shows the RM-4304 terminal block with its front panel connectors (RJ50, PFI0) and mounting points. It labels rack-mounting screws (1), the terminal block itself (2), the PFI BNC cable (3), and RJ50 cable connectors (4).

To install cables, follow these steps, referring to Figures 3 and 6:

1. Connect RJ50 cable connectors to the appropriate receptacles. Refer to the RJ50 section for details.
2. Make necessary connections for your application:
   • Connect the BNC cable to the PFI0 receptacle.
   • Connect calibration input:
     1. Remove the 2-pin CAL IN COMBICON connector from the RM-4304.
     2. Install calibrator input wires. Refer to the In-Situ Calibration section.
     3. Connect the CAL IN cable shield to AIGND, Pins 2 and 3 of the CAL BIAS Connector, as shown in Figure 4.

Figure 4. CAL BIAS Cable Connections illustrates the connection of a signal source to the CAL IN terminals, including shield, AIGND, and the placement of ferrite beads.

Figure 5. Clamp-On Ferrite Bead Installation shows how to attach clamp-on ferrite beads to a cable.

Continue cable connections:

1. Install the 2-pin CAL IN COMBICON cable into the RM-4304.
2. Connect calibration bias resistors:
   • Remove the 4-pin RB1, RB2 COMBICON connector.
   • Install bias resistors. Refer to the CAL IN section.
   • Install the 4-pin RB1, RB2 COMBICON cable into the RM-4304.
3. Connect the chassis ground wire to the chassis ground screw.

Figure 6. Cables, Resistor, and Standoff Installation provides a detailed diagram of the entire setup, showing the PXIe chassis, module, RM-4304 terminal block, various cables (SH96F-96M-42V, calibration input, ground), standoffs, and bias resistor connectors. It labels components like the terminal block (1), chassis (2), module (3), standoffs (4), jack screws (5, 11), cables (6, 8, 12), controller (7), bias resistor connector (9), bias resistor (10), ground screw (13), and ground cable (14).

Complete cable connections:

1. Screw the two standoffs into the PXIe-4304/4305 module, tightening to 1.30 N·m (11.5 lb·in.).
2. Connect the male end of the SH96F-96M-42V cable to the RM-4304 and tighten the two jack screws to 0.90 N·m (8.0 lb·in.).
3. Connect the female end of the SH96F-96M-42V cable to the PXIe-4304/4305 and tighten the two jack screws to 0.90 N·m (8.0 lb·in.).
4. Power on the PXIe chassis if it is powered off.

? Note: The SH96F-96M-42V cable is keyed to prevent connection between incompatible components, protecting equipment from high voltages.

CAL IN

The rear-mounted CAL IN connector on the RM-4304 allows a voltage reference to be routed internally to each analog input channel (AI+, AI-) of the PXIe-4304/4305. All channels are simultaneously switched to CAL IN via the Calibration API within NI-DAQmx. Refer to the In-Situ Calibration section for detailed information.

The calibration source voltage connects to the CAL IN+ and CAL IN- terminals.

CAL BIAS

The RB1 and RB2 connectors on the RM-4304 allow referencing the CAL input to analog ground (AIGND). CAL BIAS+ connects to CAL+, and CAL BIAS- connects to CAL-. You can reference a floating voltage to AIGND by populating RB1. For a differential voltage referenced to AIGND with zero common mode, populate both RB1 and RB2 with equal resistors. Consider the output impedance of the reference voltage source when selecting resistor values. Refer to Table 2 for connections.

In-Situ Calibration

The RM-4304 enables in-situ calibration of input channels using an external traceable voltage source connected to the CAL IN connector. This process helps determine measurement errors and uncertainties against a standard, allowing compensation for hardware drift for more accurate measurements. Calibration can be performed before/after testing or periodically to ensure data validity without disconnecting inputs.

During in-situ calibration, input channels are internally disconnected from RJ50 connectors and connected to a calibration bus driven by the CAL IN voltage reference. This allows measurement of channel drift. In-situ calibration performs verification, not adjustment; results are applied programmatically to test setups or results.

An example program for in-situ calibration is available from the NI Community at ni.com/info (Info Code: exsueg).

Connection options supported through NI-DAQmx for in-situ calibration are detailed in Table 3.

Resources

This section describes the front and rear panel resources of the RM-4304, as shown in Figure 7.

Figure 7. RM-4304 Front and Rear View displays the layout of the RM-4304. The front panel features:

• RM-4304 Product Name
• LED Status Indicator
• PFI0 (BNC connector)
• RJ50 Connectors (32)
• Mounting Flanges (2x)
• Chassis Ground connection

The rear panel features:

• Serial Number Label
• Calibration Bias Resistor Connector (4-position COMBICON)
• Calibration Input Connector (2-position COMBICON)
• 96-Pin DIN Cable Connector

RJ50

Table 4 provides signal names, descriptions, and pin correlations for the RJ50 (10p10c) modular plug. Figure 8 shows default switch positions.

* NI does not recommend using an RJ45 cable with the RM-4304 as it can physically damage pins 1 and 10 on the RJ50 connector.

? Note: Use pins 2 and 3 as shielded pairs. Refer to Figure 8 for default positions.

Status LED

The green status LED indicates that the RM-4304 is connected to a powered PXIe-4304/4305 module. Its location is shown in Figure 7.

PFI0

The PFI0 connector is a female BNC connection for the PFI trigger line of the PXIe-4304/4305. The RM-4304 passes this signal directly through. Refer to the NI PXIe-4304/4305 User Manual for more information. Table 5 lists signal names and descriptions.

Switching

The RM-4304 offers software-controlled switching to programmatically connect the attached PXIe-4304/4305 to either the CAL IN source or the RJ50 connectors. Figure 8 illustrates these switching configurations.

Figure 8. RM-4304 Switching Configurations shows a diagram illustrating how signals from RJ50 connectors and CAL IN are routed to the PXIe-4304/4305 module's AI+ and AI- inputs, with AIGND as a reference.

Confirm SC Express Module Recognition

To confirm module recognition, follow these steps:

? Note: Software support for PXIe-4304/4305 is provided by NI-DAQmx. The 'Read Me First: NI-DAQmx and DAQ Device Installation Guide' (available at ni.com/manuals) offers step-by-step instructions for installing software and hardware, configuring channels and tasks, and developing applications. For detailed NI software version support, refer to the NI-DAQmx Readme.

1. Launch Measurement & Automation Explorer (MAX).
2. Expand 'Devices and Interfaces', then expand the chassis containing the module to verify detection. The terminal block should appear under its module. If not listed, press F5 to refresh. If still not recognized, visit ni.com/support/daqmx.
3. ? Tip: Use an NI-DAQmx simulated device to test applications without hardware. Refer to the 'Create a Simulated Device' section for instructions.
4. Right-click the module name and select 'Self-Test'. A verification message appears upon completion. For errors, refer to ni.com/support/daqmx.

For sensor information, visit ni.com/sensors.

Run Test Panels

1. In MAX, expand 'Devices and Interfaces' and select the chassis containing the module.
2. Right-click the device and select 'Test Panels'.
3. Click 'Start' to test device functions or 'Help' for operating instructions.

For troubleshooting errors, refer to the NI-DAQmx Help or visit ni.com/support.

Take an NI-DAQmx Measurement

NI-DAQmx Channels and Tasks

Refer to the NI-DAQmx Help for comprehensive information on channels and tasks. Use the DAQ Assistant to configure virtual channels and tasks in MAX or your application.

Configure a Task Using the DAQ Assistant in MAX

Follow these steps to create a task using the DAQ Assistant in MAX:

1. In MAX, right-click 'Data Neighborhood' and select 'Create New' to open the DAQ Assistant.
2. Select 'NI-DAQmx Task' and click 'Next'.
3. Select 'Acquire Signals'.
4. Select 'Analog Input' and the desired measurement type (e.g., Voltage).
5. Select the physical channel(s) to use and click 'Next'.
6. Name the task and click 'Finish'.
7. Configure individual channel settings (e.g., input range). Each physical channel assigned to a task receives a virtual channel name. Click 'Details' for physical channel information. Configure timing and triggering, then click 'Run'.

Use Your SC Express Device in an Application

For NI software version compatibility, refer to the NI-DAQmx Readme (Start»All Programs»National Instruments»NI-DAQmx).

To get started with data acquisition in your application software, refer to the tutorials in Table 6.

*NI SignalExpress is a configuration-based tool for data logging applications, accessible via Start»All Programs»National Instruments»NI SignalExpress.

Programming Examples

NI-DAQmx includes example programs to aid application development. LabVIEW and CVI examples are found in Help»Find Examples within your application software. Text-based code examples are located at All Programs»National Instruments»NI-DAQmx»NI-DAQmx Examples. You can modify these examples or use them to develop new applications.

For additional examples, visit ni.com/info and enter Info Code: daqmxexp. For further assistance, refer to ni.com/support.

Removal

Terminal Block and Cables Removal

To remove the RM-4304 and PXIe-4304/4305, follow these steps, referring to Figures 3 and 6:

? Note: The chassis can be powered on or off when removing the terminal block.

1. Remove the RJ50 connector cables from the terminal block.
2. Disconnect any required connections:
   • BNC cable from the PFI0 receptacle.
   • 4-pin calibration bias resistor connector from its receptacle.
   • 2-pin CAL IN connector from its receptacle.
   • Ground wire from the ground screw.
3. Loosen the four jack screws and remove the SH96F-96M-42V cable from the terminal block and module.
4. ? Note: If required, remove the two standoffs from the module.
5. While supporting the terminal block, remove the four rack-mounting screws.
6. Remove the terminal block from the rack.
7. Store the terminal block in an antistatic protective bag.

Module Removal

⚠️ Caution: Do not remove a PXIe-4304/4305 module while the PXIe chassis is powered on, as this can damage the module.

To remove the PXIe-4304/4305 module, refer to Figure 9 and follow these steps:

? Note: For forced air cooling in the PXIe system, refer to the Maintain Forced-Air Cooling document.

1. Ensure the chassis is powered off before removing the module.
2. Loosen the captive screws on the top and bottom of the module.
3. ⚠️ Caution: Do not pull the front panel to remove the module, as this may cause components to contact adjacent modules, leading to damage.
4. Pull the captive screws to unseat the module and slowly slide it along the guides.
5. Replace the filler panel in the empty slot.
6. Store the module in an antistatic protective bag.

Figure 9. Removing SC Express Modules illustrates the process of removing an SC Express module from a PXIe chassis, highlighting captive screws (1) and the front panel (2).

Create a Simulated Device

To run examples without hardware installed, use an NI-DAQmx simulated device in MAX:

1. Launch MAX.
2. Right-click 'Devices and Interfaces' and select 'Create New'.
3. From the dialog, select 'Simulated NI-DAQmx Device or Modular Instrument'.
4. Enter '4304' or '4305' in the text box.
5. Select the device from the list.
6. Click 'OK'.
7. To simulate an accessory:
   1. Right-click the simulated PXIe-4304 (or PXIe-4305) and select 'Configure...'.
   2. Select the Accessory from the 'Connector 0' dropdown.
   3. Click 'OK'.

More Information

After installing NI-DAQmx, documentation is available via Start»All Programs»National Instruments»NI-DAQ. Additional resources are online at ni.com/gettingstarted.

Access online device documentation by right-clicking your module in MAX and selecting Help»Online Device Documentation. This opens a browser window to ni.com/manuals. If you lack web access, documents are included on the NI-DAQmx media.

Troubleshooting

• Visit ni.com/support/install or ni.com/kb.
• For hardware repair or calibration, visit ni.com/info and enter 'rdsenn' to start the Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) process.

Specifications (RM-4304)

? Note: PXIe-4304/4305 module specifications are in the NI PXIe-4304/4305 Specifications document. All specifications are typical for 0 °C to 55 °C unless otherwise noted.

Electrical

• Input voltage range: Refer to the NI PXIe-4304/4305 Specifications document.

Input Characteristics

• Number of channels: 32 analog input channels
• AI° differential input Range: Refer to the NI PXIe-4304/4305 Specifications document.
• Offset voltage¹: 10 µV max @ 23 °C ±5 °C; 4 µV typ @ 23 °C ±5 °C
• Offset voltage stability: 0.5 µV/°C max; 0.05 µV/°C

¹The offset voltage specification of the RM-4304 is an additional offset error to be added to the PXIe-4304/4305 offset error for total system offset.

• AI° to CAL° offset matching: 2 µV
• CAL IN: ±42 V
• RB1, RB2: application specific

Mechanical

• RJ50 receptacle: Mean number of insertions before failure: 500
• Channel configuration switches: Switch type: Electromechanical relay, latching. Expected switch life: Mechanical: 5 × 10⁷ cycles; Electrical: 2 × 10⁵ cycles.

Connectors

• RJ50: 32
• BNC: 1
• 96-pin DIN: 1
• COMBICON 2 position: 1
• COMBICON 4 position: 1

Physical Characteristics

Figure 10. RM-4304 Dimensions shows the physical dimensions of the RM-4304: 156.21 mm (6.150 in.) height, 482.6 mm (19 in.) width, and 43.94 mm (1.730 in.) depth.

Environmental

• Maximum altitude: 2,000 m (800 mbar), at 25 °C ambient temperature.
• Pollution Degree: 2. Indoor use only.

Operating Environment

• Ambient temperature range: 0 °C to 55 °C (Tested per IEC 60068-2-1 and IEC 60068-2-2. Meets MIL-PRF-28800F Class 3 low temp limit and Class 2 high temp limit.)
• Relative humidity range: 10% to 90%, noncondensing (Tested per IEC 60068-2-56.)

Storage Environment

• Ambient temperature range: -40 °C to 71 °C (Tested per IEC 60068-2-1 and IEC 60068-2-2. Meets MIL-PRF-28800F Class 3 limits.)
• Relative humidity range: 5% to 95%, noncondensing (Tested per IEC 60068-2-56.)

Shock and Vibration

• Operating shock: 30 g peak, half-sine, 11 ms pulse (Tested per IEC 60068-2-27. Meets MIL-PRF-28800F Class 2 limits.)
• Random vibration: Operating: 5 Hz to 500 Hz, 0.3 grms. Non-operating: 5 Hz to 500 Hz, 2.4 grms (Tested per IEC 60068-2-64. Non-operating profile exceeds MIL-PRF-28800F, Class 3 requirements.)

Safety

• Measurement Category: I¹
• ⚠️ Caution: Do not connect the RM-4304 to signals or use for measurements within Measurement Categories II, III, or IV.
• ⚠️ Caution: Protection provided by the RM-4304 may be impaired if used in a manner not described in this document.

Safety Standards

This product meets safety standards for electrical equipment for measurement, control, and laboratory use, including:

• IEC 61010-1, EN 61010-1
• UL 61010-1, CSA 61010-1

? Note: For UL and other safety certifications, refer to the product label or the Online Product Certification section.

Electromagnetic Compatibility

This product meets EMC standards for electrical equipment for measurement, control, and laboratory use:

• EN 61326-1 (IEC 61326-1): Class A emissions; Basic immunity
• EN 55011 (CISPR 11): Group 1, Class A emissions
• EN 55022 (CISPR 22): Class A emissions
• EN 55024 (CISPR 24): Immunity
• AS/NZS CISPR 11: Group 1, Class A emissions
• AS/NZS CISPR 22: Class A emissions
• FCC 47 CFR Part 15B: Class A emissions
• ICES-001: Class A emissions

? Note: In the US (FCC 47 CFR), Class A equipment is for commercial, light-industrial, and heavy-industrial locations. In Europe, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand (CISPR 11), Class A is for heavy-industrial locations only.

¹Measurement Categories CAT I and CAT O are equivalent. These circuits are not intended for direct connection to MAINS building installations of Measurement Categories CAT II, CAT III, or CAT IV.

CE Compliance

This product meets essential requirements of applicable European Directives:

• 2014/35/EU; Low-Voltage Directive (safety)
• 2014/30/EU; Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive (EMC)

Online Product Certification

Refer to the product Declaration of Conformity (DoC) for regulatory compliance information. Obtain certifications and DoC by visiting ni.com/certification, searching by model number or product line, and selecting the appropriate link.

Environmental Management

National Instruments is committed to environmentally responsible design and manufacturing. For additional environmental information, visit ni.com/environment.

Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE)

EU Customers: At product end-of-life, products must be sent to a WEEE recycling center. For more information on WEEE recycling centers, NI WEEE initiatives, and compliance with WEEE Directive 2002/96/EC, visit ni.com/environment/weee.

中国客户 (China RoHS): National Instruments complies with China RoHS regulations. For information about China RoHS compliance, visit ni.com/environment/rohs_china.

World Wide Support and Services

The National Instruments website (ni.com/support) is a comprehensive resource for technical support, including troubleshooting, application development resources, and assistance from NI Application Engineers.

Visit ni.com/services for NI Factory Installation Services, repairs, and extended warranty.

Register your National Instruments product at ni.com/register for technical support and important updates.

National Instruments corporate headquarters is located at 11500 North Mopac Expressway, Austin, Texas, 78759-3504. For telephone support in the United States, create a service request at ni.com/support or call 1 866 ASK MYNI (275 6964). For support outside the United States, visit the Worldwide Offices section of ni.com/niglobal.