Maximum Recommended USB Cable Length for NI USB DAQ Devices

Updated Dec 6, 2025

Reported In

Hardware

  • Multifunction I/O Device
  • CompactDAQ Chassis
  • USB Cable

Issue Details

What is the maximum length of the USB cable that can be used for connecting my computer and a NI USB DAQ device?

Solution

The USB specification limits the length of USB cables to to 5 m for high speed data rates.

For distances further than 5 m, NI recommends using a DAQ device with an Ethernet bus connector such the cDAQ-9181/5/9 chassis.