Maximum Recommended Cable Length Between Sensors and NI DAQ Devices

Updated Dec 13, 2023

Reported In

Hardware

  • Multifunction I/O Device
  • CompactDAQ Chassis

Issue Details

I am connecting my NI DAQ Device to my sensor and I am worried that the distance of the cable may affect my measurements. Is there a maximum recommended distance between a sensor and the NI DAQ device?

Solution

To ensure the specified Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) performance, each NI DAQ product has its own specified maximum wire or cable length between a sensor and the NI DAQ Device I/O connector. Always refer to the NI DAQ hardware User Manual/Guide documents.

For example, the PXIe-4309 User Manual mentions that the length of all I/O cables must be no longer than 3m.
cable length.png
When there are no specifications related to the maximum cable length for a certain NI DAQ device, it means that the EMC performance will not be affected by this factor. However, it is recommended to consult with the manufacturer of the sensor, as the length of the cable may not only affect the NI DAQ device, but it can also skew the true value of the measurement depending on the sensor.