Can the cDAQ-9181 Work as a Stand-Alone Device?

Updated Sep 5, 2024

Reported In

Hardware

  • cDAQ-9181

Issue Details

I'm having issues understanding how the cDAQ-9181 operates, can I use this device to monitor a system and send a signal through the network without connecting the device to a host computer? Essentially I would like to use this device as a stand-alone solution. 

Solution

The cDAQ-9181 is a single-module Ethernet chassis that strictly requires a host system with the NI-DAQmx driver to operate, as it can't run user-defined logic or send messages independently. The chassis essentially serves as a bridge between the connected C Series module and the host computer, where processing and decision-making occur.

Additional Information

NI doesn't offer a cDAQ chassis that operates independently, however, the CompactRIO platform might be a better alternative for this application: You can develop a code and load it into the cRIO to act as a stand-alone solution, be aware that this platform is more expensive and will require more advanced programming knowledge.