Incorrect Voltage Readings on the NI 9237

Updated Apr 24, 2024

Reported In

Hardware

  • NI-9237

Software

  • Measurement & Automation Explorer (MAX)
  • LabVIEW

Issue Details

I am attempting to read a known voltage with my NI 9237 using a test panel in Measurement & Automation Explorer (MAX) or an NI-DAQmx task in MAX or LabVIEW, however the voltage reading shown is incorrect.

Solution

This is expected behavior. The NI 9237 returns its readings in volts per volt of excitation rather than in volts. If you need to know the voltage value of your measurement, you need to multiply your reading by the excitation voltage. 

For example, if you attempt to measure 0.01 V using the test panels, the NI 9237 will read 0.004 V because it defaults to an excitation of 2.5 V. Based on this the actual voltage at the input to the module will be as follows:
 
2.5 V * .004 V/V = .01 V

Note: Some sensor manufacturers provide the scaling information of their sensors in V or mV. Make sure you are using a scale or table in mV/V when you configure it in MAX or in LabVIEW. Otherwise, the measurements will be incorrect because you can only select mV/V or V/V to scale the data. 

Additional Information

This behavior is preferable for bridge measurements since the voltage across the bridge is directly proportional to the excitation voltage. If the returned measurement were in terms of volts variations and errors in the excitation voltage would be reflected in the measurement; however by returning a ratio, these variations can be factored out. This allows fixed strain to remain fixed even if the excitation voltage fluctuates. 

If this is not behavior you want and would rather directly measure voltage instead of volts per volts of excitation the NI 9215 and NI 9219 are analog input modules that will measure voltage. The product pages for these modules are linked in the related links