NI SCXI-1102C

Description

Detailed parameter table

NI SCXI-1102C

Product introduction

The NI SCXI-1102C is a legacy 8-channel thermocouple input module developed by National Instruments (NI), engineered exclusively for precise temperature measurement with SCXI chassis like the NI SCXI-1000. Unlike the general-purpose NI SCXI-1100 (which requires external CJC for thermocouples), the NI SCXI-1102C integrates built-in cold-junction compensation (CJC) and thermocouple-specific signal conditioning—delivering turnkey accuracy for industrial temperature monitoring applications where reliable, calibrated readings are critical (e.g., manufacturing curing processes, energy sector equipment).

As a specialized component of NI’s SCXI ecosystem, the NI SCXI-1102C works seamlessly with the NI SCXI-1000 to simplify thermocouple-based systems. For example, a pharmaceutical manufacturing plant uses the NI SCXI-1102C (installed in a NI SCXI-1000) with a NI PCI-6024E DAQ card to monitor 8 type-K thermocouples in a vaccine storage chamber. The module’s built-in CJC eliminates the need for external reference sensors, while its 50/60 Hz notch filter removes power-line noise—ensuring temperature readings accurate to ±0.2 °C, a requirement for FDA compliance. Unlike the NI SCXI-1100, which requires manual CJC setup, the NI SCXI-1102C automates temperature calibration, reducing human error and simplifying system maintenance.

Core advantages and technical highlights

Built-In Cold-Junction Compensation (CJC) for Accurate Thermocouple Readings: The NI SCXI-1102C’s integrated CJC sensor (±0.1 °C accuracy) eliminates the need for external reference thermocouples or manual temperature correction— a critical advantage over the NI SCXI-1100 (which requires separate CJC hardware for thermocouples). In a food processing plant monitoring 8 type-T thermocouples (refrigeration units), the NI SCXI-1102C automatically adjusts for ambient temperature changes in the NI SCXI-1000 chassis—ensuring consistent ±0.2 °C accuracy even as room temperature fluctuates by ±5 °C. Without this feature, the NI SCXI-1100 would require frequent manual recalibration, leading to measurement drift and non-compliance with food safety standards.

Thermocouple-Specific Noise Filtering for Industrial Environments: The NI SCXI-1102C includes a programmable 50/60 Hz notch filter and low-pass filtering to suppress electrical noise common in industrial settings—far more targeted than the NI SCXI-1100’s general 1 kHz anti-aliasing filter. In a steel mill monitoring type-S thermocouples (furnace temperatures up to 1200 °C), the module’s notch filter eliminates noise from nearby high-voltage motors, ensuring stable readings even amid electromagnetic interference (EMI). This noise reduction is essential for high-temperature processes, where even 0.5 °C drift can affect product quality or equipment safety.

Wide Thermocouple Compatibility for Versatile Use Cases: The NI SCXI-1102C supports 8 common thermocouple types (J, K, T, E, R, S, B, N) via software selection—eliminating the need for multiple module types (unlike the NI SCXI-1100, which requires manual reconfiguration for different sensor types). A research lab, for example, uses the module to measure temperatures across three experiments: type-K (oven, 200 °C), type-T (cryogenic chamber, -80 °C), and type-R (high-temperature furnace, 1500 °C). The NI SCXI-1102C switches between thermocouple types via LabVIEW, avoiding the cost and complexity of installing separate modules for each application.

Seamless Integration with NI SCXI-1000 Legacy Systems: Designed for SCXI chassis, the NI SCXI-1102C slots directly into the NI SCXI-1000’s slots, leveraging the chassis’ power and trigger bus for synchronization with other SCXI modules (e.g., NI SCXI-1125 for voltage monitoring). In a power plant’s boiler monitoring system, the NI SCXI-1102C (8 thermocouples measuring boiler wall temperatures) synchronizes with a NI SCXI-1125 (4 voltage channels tracking pump current) via the NI SCXI-1000’s trigger bus—ensuring temperature and electrical data are time-aligned for root-cause analysis of equipment faults. This integration preserves the value of legacy NI SCXI-1000 systems, avoiding costly upgrades to modern platforms.

Typical application scenarios

In aerospace component testing, a defense contractor uses the NI SCXI-1102C (installed in a NI SCXI-1000 chassis) to monitor 8 type-K thermocouples attached to a jet engine turbine blade during durability tests. The module’s built-in CJC compensates for ambient temperature changes in the test chamber (0 °C–50 °C), while its 50/60 Hz filter removes noise from test rig motors—delivering ±0.2 °C accuracy across the blade’s temperature range (-50 °C to 1000 °C). The NI SCXI-1102C routes data to a NI PCI-6024E DAQ card, which logs temperature profiles to LabVIEW 2010 for analysis. This setup ensures compliance with military standards (MIL-STD-883) for component reliability, a requirement the NI SCXI-1100 could not meet without additional CJC hardware.

In semiconductor manufacturing, a wafer fabrication plant uses the NI SCXI-1102C (paired with a NI SCXI-1000) to monitor 8 type-E thermocouples in a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) chamber. The module’s support for type-E thermocouples (ideal for -200 °C to 900 °C) and ±0.2 °C accuracy ensures the chamber’s temperature remains within ±1 °C of the target—critical for uniform wafer coating. The NI SCXI-1102C’s CJC sensor automatically adjusts for temperature fluctuations in the NI SCXI-1000 chassis, while its notch filter suppresses noise from nearby vacuum pumps. The system runs on Windows XP and LabVIEW 8.6, maintaining compatibility with the plant’s legacy process control software—avoiding a $50k+ upgrade to modern DAQ hardware.

NI SCXI-1102C

Related model recommendations

NI SCXI-1000: Legacy SCXI chassis that the NI SCXI-1102C is designed for—provides power, backplane communication, and slot expansion (up to 8 NI SCXI-1102C modules for 64 thermocouple channels) for large-scale temperature monitoring.

NI PCI-6024E: Legacy PCI DAQ card that pairs with the NI SCXI-1102C (via NI SCXI-1000)—digitizes conditioned temperature data from the module (16-bit, 200 kS/s) and connects to legacy Windows systems.

NI SCXI-1100: General-purpose SCXI analog input module complementary to the NI SCXI-1102C—installed in the NI SCXI-1000 to handle non-thermocouple signals (e.g., pressure, voltage), while the NI SCXI-1102C focuses on temperature.

NI SCXI-1125: 8-channel isolated analog input module that works with the NI SCXI-1102C—measures high-voltage signals (e.g., power supply outputs) in industrial systems, while the NI SCXI-1102C monitors temperature.

NI TB-2707: 16-pin terminal block for the NI SCXI-1102C—enables secure wiring of 8 differential thermocouples, with color-coded terminals for easy identification (reducing wiring errors).

NI LabVIEW 2018: Latest LabVIEW version compatible with the NI SCXI-1102C—includes pre-built VIs for thermocouple type selection, CJC calibration, and temperature data logging, preserving legacy VI compatibility.

NI-DAQmx 18.0: Legacy driver for the NI SCXI-1102C—supports communication between the module, NI SCXI-1000 chassis, and legacy DAQ cards (e.g., NI PCI-6024E), enabling temperature data acquisition.

NI 9213: Modern C Series thermocouple module that upgrades the NI SCXI-1102C—used with a NI cDAQ-9178 chassis for users migrating from NI SCXI-1000 to modern DAQ systems, offering 16 channels and improved CJC accuracy.

NI SCXI-1001: 4-slot SCXI chassis for small-scale temperature monitoring—works with the NI SCXI-1102C for lab prototyping or low-channel applications (e.g., 1–2 modules) compared to the 8-slot NI SCXI-1000.

Installation, commissioning and maintenance instructions

Installation preparation: Before installing the NI SCXI-1102C, power off the SCXI chassis (e.g., NI SCXI-1000) and wear an ESD wristband (±15 kV) to protect the module’s CJC sensor and precision circuitry. Align the NI SCXI-1102C with an empty slot in the NI SCXI-1000, ensuring guide pins match the chassis rails, then push firmly until the backplane connector seats fully. Secure the module with the front-panel screw. Connect the NI TB-2707 terminal block to the module’s 16-pin connector, then wire thermocouples using twisted-pair, shielded cables (to reduce noise)—match thermocouple polarity (positive/negative) to terminal block labels. Power on the NI SCXI-1000 first, then the host PC, install LabVIEW 8.6–2018 and NI-DAQmx 8.6–18.0, and use NI MAX to detect the NI SCXI-1102C. Run a “CJC Self-Test” in MAX to verify the module’s reference sensor accuracy (compare to a calibrated thermometer).

Maintenance suggestions: Calibrate the NI SCXI-1102C annually using a NIST-traceable temperature bath (e.g., NI 9172 with thermocouple adapter) to maintain ±0.2 °C temperature accuracy—focus on the CJC sensor and common thermocouple types (J/K/T). Inspect the terminal block and thermocouple wiring quarterly: clean terminals with isopropyl alcohol (99.9% purity) to remove oxidation, and ensure shielded cables are grounded to the NI SCXI-1000 chassis (to reduce EMI). If the NI SCXI-1102C reports temperature drift, update its firmware via NI MAX or replace the CJC sensor (NI spare part: 185019-01). Avoid exposing the module to temperatures above 55 °C or humidity above 90%—extreme conditions can degrade the CJC sensor and filter circuitry. When replacing the NI SCXI-1102C, power off the NI SCXI-1000 first and reconfigure thermocouple types in MAX to match the new module.

Service and guarantee commitment

National Instruments (NI) provides a 90-day warranty for refurbished NI SCXI-1102C units (new units are no longer manufactured), covering defects in the CJC sensor, thermocouple input circuitry, and backplane interface. For extended support, the NI Legacy Service Plan offers 1-year coverage, including technical support for thermocouple type configuration, CJC calibration troubleshooting, and compatibility with NI SCXI-1000 chassis.

NI’s legacy technical team includes SCXI thermocouple specialists, offering 24/7 support for the NI SCXI-1102C—assisting with noise reduction, CJC sensor replacement, and integration with legacy DAQ cards (e.g., NI PCI-6024E). Customers gain access to archived resources: application notes on high-temperature monitoring with the NI SCXI-1102C, LabVIEW example code for thermocouple data logging, and a community forum for sharing SCXI temperature measurement best practices. For out-of-warranty repairs, NI’s Legacy Module Restore Service (parts subject to availability) replaces aged components (CJC sensor, filter capacitors) and verifies temperature accuracy—restoring the NI SCXI-1102C to functional status. This commitment reflects NI’s dedication to supporting users with legacy NI SCXI-1000-based temperature monitoring systems.