NI SCXI-1325

Description

Detailed parameter table

NI SCXI-1325

Product introduction

The NI SCXI-1325 is a legacy 32-channel analog input terminal block developed by National Instruments (NI), engineered exclusively to simplify and secure sensor wiring for SCXI analog input modules like the NI SCXI-1100—a critical accessory for NI SCXI-1000-based legacy systems. Unlike communication-focused accessories such as the NI SCXI-1349 (GPIB adapter), the NI SCXI-1325 acts as a “wiring hub,” translating the dense 68-pin connector of SCXI modules into accessible screw terminals, making it easy to connect sensors like thermocouples, voltage transducers, and RTDs.

As a foundational component of SCXI analog measurement setups, the NI SCXI-1325 addresses the key challenge of organizing high-channel sensor wiring. For example, a manufacturing plant using a NI SCXI-1000 chassis with a NI SCXI-1100 module relies on the NI SCXI-1325 to wire 32 type-K thermocouples across an assembly line: the terminal block’s color-coded labels and ground bus bar ensure each sensor is connected to the correct channel and properly grounded, eliminating wiring errors that would cause measurement drift. Without the NI SCXI-1325, connecting 32 sensors directly to the NI SCXI-1100’s 68-pin connector would be time-consuming and error-prone—risking costly production delays or inaccurate data.

Core advantages and technical highlights

32-Channel Density for High-Volume Sensor Wiring: The NI SCXI-1325’s 32-channel design matches the full channel count of the NI SCXI-1100 module, enabling a one-to-one wiring solution for high-channel systems. A power utility, for instance, uses the NI SCXI-1325 to connect 32 voltage transducers (monitoring substation transformers) to a NI SCXI-1100 in a NI SCXI-1000 chassis: the terminal block’s compact layout (178 mm × 102 mm) fits in the substation’s control cabinet, avoiding the need for multiple smaller terminal blocks that would clutter the space. This density is a key advantage over generic terminal blocks, which often require two or more units to handle 32 channels—increasing wiring complexity and cost.

Gold-Plated Contacts & Shielding for Signal Integrity: The NI SCXI-1325 features gold-plated terminal contacts and a shielded design to minimize resistance and block electromagnetic interference (EMI)—critical for low-level analog signals (e.g., thermocouple millivolt signals) that are vulnerable to noise. In a chemical plant monitoring 32 RTDs (temperature sensors) with a NI SCXI-1100, the NI SCXI-1325’s shielding reduces noise from nearby pumps and motors, ensuring temperature readings are stable within ±0.1 °C. Generic terminal blocks with tin-plated contacts would introduce additional resistance, leading to signal degradation and inaccurate measurements—something the NI SCXI-1325 avoids.

User-Friendly Design to Prevent Wiring Errors: The NI SCXI-1325 includes color-coded terminal labels (channel numbers, ground) and integrated strain relief for the ribbon cable, simplifying installation and reducing human error. A university lab, for example, uses the NI SCXI-1325 to teach students how to wire 32 pressure sensors to a NI SCXI-1100: the clear labeling ensures students connect each sensor to the correct channel, while the strain relief prevents the ribbon cable from disconnecting during experiments. This design contrasts with unlabeled generic terminal blocks, which often lead to miswiring and failed lab sessions—wasting valuable teaching time.

Wide Environmental Compatibility for Industrial Use: The NI SCXI-1325 operates from -20 °C to 70 °C—wider than the NI SCXI-1100’s 0 °C–55 °C range—making it suitable for harsh industrial environments where temperature fluctuations are common. A food processing plant uses the NI SCXI-1325 in a cold storage facility (-10 °C) to wire 32 thermocouples to a NI SCXI-1100 in a NI SCXI-1000 chassis: the terminal block’s ability to withstand low temperatures ensures reliable wiring even in freezing conditions. Generic terminal blocks with plastic housings would become brittle and crack in cold environments, leading to sensor disconnections and lost data.

Typical application scenarios

In automotive manufacturing, a car battery production plant uses the NI SCXI-1325 to monitor 32 battery cell voltages during charging. The plant’s NI SCXI-1000 chassis houses a NI SCXI-1100 module, and the NI SCXI-1325 acts as the wiring interface between 32 voltage sensors (one per battery cell) and the module. The terminal block’s gold-plated contacts ensure low resistance, enabling the NI SCXI-1100 to measure cell voltages accurately (±1 mV), while the ground bus bar ensures all sensors share a common ground—preventing ground loops that would distort readings. The NI SCXI-1325’s panel-mount design fits in the production line’s control cabinet, and the included cover protects terminals from dust and accidental contact. This setup ensures each battery meets voltage uniformity standards, reducing the number of defective units by 25%.

In energy sector monitoring, a wind farm uses the NI SCXI-1325 to wire 32 anemometers (wind speed sensors) to a NI SCXI-1100 module in a NI SCXI-1000 chassis. The anemometers are located in a harsh outdoor environment (-15 °C to 60 °C), but the NI SCXI-1325’s wide temperature range ensures reliable wiring year-round. The terminal block’s shielding reduces EMI from the wind turbines’ generators, ensuring wind speed data is stable—critical for optimizing turbine performance and preventing overspeeding. The NI SCXI-1325’s color-coded labels also simplify maintenance: technicians can quickly identify and replace faulty sensors without referring to complex wiring diagrams, reducing downtime by 30% compared to using unlabeled terminal blocks.

NI SCXI-1325

Related model recommendations

NI SCXI-1100: 32-channel SCXI analog input module that the NI SCXI-1325 is designed to pair with— the terminal block provides accessible wiring for the module’s 68-pin connector, enabling connection of 32 single-ended sensors.

NI SCXI-1000: Legacy SCXI chassis that houses the NI SCXI-1100 and works with the NI SCXI-1325—the terminal block is typically mounted near the chassis for compact, organized sensor-to-module wiring.

NI SCXI-1349: GPIB interface adapter complementary to the NI SCXI-1325—the NI SCXI-1325 handles sensor wiring, while the NI SCXI-1349 enables GPIB communication between the NI SCXI-1000 and host systems.

NI SCXI-1102C: 8-channel SCXI thermocouple module that can use the NI SCXI-1325 (with unused channels) for wiring—ideal for users who need to expand from 8 to 32 channels later without replacing the terminal block.

NI TB-2707: 16-channel terminal block for SCXI thermocouple modules (e.g., NI SCXI-1102C)—a smaller alternative to the NI SCXI-1325 for low-channel systems, but compatible with the same NI SCXI-1000 chassis.

NI 68-pin Ribbon Cable (185019-01): Spare ribbon cable for the NI SCXI-1325—replaces the included cable if it becomes damaged, ensuring a reliable connection between the terminal block and NI SCXI-1100.

NI DIN Rail Bracket (185020-01): Optional bracket for the NI SCXI-1325—enables DIN rail mounting in industrial control cabinets, simplifying installation alongside other DIN rail-mounted equipment.

NI SCXI-1326: 32-channel differential input terminal block—an upgrade of the NI SCXI-1325 for differential sensors (e.g., strain gauges), compatible with the NI SCXI-1100 when configured for differential mode.

NI PCI-6024E: Legacy PCI DAQ card that works with the NI SCXI-1325 via the NI SCXI-1000—digitizes analog signals from sensors wired through the NI SCXI-1325 and NI SCXI-1100.

Installation, commissioning and maintenance instructions

Installation preparation: Before installing the NI SCXI-1325, power off the NI SCXI-1000 chassis and NI SCXI-1100 module to prevent electrical damage. Mount the NI SCXI-1325 to a panel or DIN rail (using the optional bracket) near the NI SCXI-1000 for short sensor wiring runs. Connect the included 68-pin ribbon cable between the NI SCXI-1325 and the NI SCXI-1100 module—ensure the cable is fully seated and secure the strain relief to prevent disconnection. Wire sensors to the terminal block: use 24–14 AWG wire, strip 6–8 mm of insulation, and tighten the screw terminals to 0.5–0.6 N·m (avoid over-tightening to prevent terminal damage). Connect all sensor grounds to the NI SCXI-1325’s ground bus bar for common grounding.

Maintenance suggestions: Inspect the NI SCXI-1325 quarterly: power off the system, remove the terminal block cover, and check for loose wires or corroded terminals. Clean gold-plated contacts with isopropyl alcohol (99.9% purity) and a lint-free swab if corrosion is present—this maintains low resistance and signal integrity. Verify the ribbon cable connection annually: disconnect and reconnect the cable to ensure a secure fit, and replace the cable if it shows signs of wear (e.g., frayed wires). Avoid exposing the NI SCXI-1325 to temperatures above 70 °C or humidity above 95%—extreme conditions can degrade the terminal block’s plastic housing. Store spare NI SCXI-1325 units in a dry, temperature-controlled environment to prevent dust accumulation and terminal corrosion.

Service and guarantee commitment

National Instruments (NI) provides a 1-year standard warranty for new NI SCXI-1325 units (and 90 days for refurbished units), covering defects in the terminal block’s housing, gold-plated contacts, and ribbon cable. For extended support, the NI Legacy Service Plan offers 2-year coverage, including technical support for wiring configuration, compatibility with SCXI modules (e.g., NI SCXI-1100), and access to archived documentation (wiring guides, mounting instructions).

NI’s legacy technical team includes SCXI accessory specialists, offering 24/7 support for the NI SCXI-1325—assisting with terminal block mounting, noise reduction via proper grounding, and troubleshooting wiring-related signal issues. Customers gain access to archived resources: application notes on sensor wiring with the NI SCXI-1325, wiring diagrams for NI SCXI-1100 integration, and a community forum for sharing legacy terminal block best practices. For out-of-warranty repairs, NI’s Legacy Accessory Service (parts subject to availability) replaces damaged terminals or ribbon cables and verifies insulation resistance—restoring the NI SCXI-1325 to reliable operation. This commitment reflects NI’s dedication to supporting users with legacy NI SCXI-1000-based systems that depend on the terminal block for accurate, organized analog signal acquisition.