Difference between NI9215 and NI9234

[Yasmine13579]

Hi all, 

I would like to know what is the difference between NI9215 and NI9234 when it comes to using accelerometers ?

I know that NI9234 is adapted to accelerometers and microphones. Why, it is more adapted than NI9215 ? don't they both accept voltage ?

Thank you.

Best regards, 

Yasmine

[ZYOng · Accepted solution]

NI-9215 is a Voltage Input Module whereas NI-9234 is a Sound and Vibration Input Module. There are a few differences between NI-9215 and NI-9234 that makes NI-9215 much suitable for accelerometer measurement.

1.  NI-9234 supports IEPE excitation current but NI-9215 does not. An accelerometer usually needs an excitation current to work.
2. NI-9215 uses Successive approximation register (SAR) ADC with 16-bit resolution, whereas NI-9234 uses Delta-Sigma ADC with 24-bit resolution. See Benefits of Delta-Sigma Analog-to-Digital Conversion

[santo_13 · Accepted solution]

Just summarizing what ZYOng shared already,

• NI-9215
  • General purpose voltage input module
  • Comparatively less resolution (typically 16 bit)
  • Synchronization with other multi-function DAQs are simple (Digital IO, AI, AO etc.,)
• NI-9234
  • Targeted towards applications that deal with high dynamic range AC signals - Accelerometer, Microphone - hence sound and vibration measurements
  • Best in class resolution (typically 24 bit)
  • Excellently preserves the frequency content (very reliable sample clock)