From National Instruments come two new CompactRIO programmable automation controllers (PACs), which offer engineers and machine builders an ideal solution for efficient high-performance measurement and control applications operating at extended temperatures. The NI cRIO-9023 and NI cRIO-9025 real-time controllers are also available with conformal coating for additional protection of components and circuitry within harsh conditions.
These new controllers provide even more processing for advanced measurement and control applications at temperatures between -40 and +70degC. The NI cRIO-9023 controller has a 533 MHz PowerPC processor, while the NI cRIO-9025 controller has an 800MHz PowerPC processor, as well as dual Ethernet ports for network programming, communication and expansion I/O.
Both controllers work with the existing CompactRIO reconfigurable chassis, which include field-programmable gate arrays that are programmed using the NI LabVIEW 2009 graphical system design platform. Using LabVIEW and CompactRIO, engineers can quickly implement custom analogue and digital control loops, along with high-speed signal processing algorithms to meet their advanced measurement application needs.
In addition to an extended operating temperature, the new CompactRIO controllers are available with conformal coating, a specially formulated thin film material applied directly to circuit boards or circuit card assemblies to provide an impermeable seal to protect circuitry from humidity, moisture, mould, mildew, fungus, dust and corrosion caused by exposure to extreme environments. Application areas in which this conformal coating can provide protection include marine, railway, automotive, factory monitoring, fuel cell testing and oil and gas refining.
