Description
Product Introduction
The National Instruments cFP-AI-100 is an 8-channel analog voltage input module designed for the Compact FieldPoint distributed I/O platform. It converts external analog voltage signals into digital values that can be processed by the Compact FieldPoint controller. The module supports selectable input ranges of ±10 V, ±5 V, and ±1 V, with a 16-bit ADC providing substantially finer resolution than many older 12-bit industrial analog input cards.
The cFP-AI-100 is suited to measurement and monitoring applications where several voltage signals need to be acquired at a remote I/O location. NI documentation specifies a maximum aggregate sampling rate of 50 kS/s, while each channel has a 1 MΩ input impedance. The module also incorporates input protection and transient isolation suitable for industrial installations.
As with other Compact FieldPoint modules, the cFP-AI-100 is installed through the appropriate FieldPoint terminal base and communicates with the FieldPoint controller/network interface. It should therefore be evaluated as part of the complete Compact FieldPoint architecture rather than as a standalone analog card.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | National Instruments |
| Model | cFP-AI-100 |
| Part Number | 777318-100 |
| Platform | Compact FieldPoint |
| Product Type | Analog Voltage Input Module |
| Number of Channels | 8 |
| Input Type | Voltage |
| Input Ranges | ±10 V, ±5 V, ±1 V |
| ADC Resolution | 16-bit |
| Maximum Aggregate Sampling Rate | 50 kS/s |
| Input Impedance | 1 MΩ |
| Isolation / Transient Protection | 2,300 Vrms |
| Operating Temperature | -40 to 70 °C |
| Installation | Compact FieldPoint terminal base |
| Product Status | Discontinued |
Main Features and Engineering Considerations
16-Bit Analog Conversion
The cFP-AI-100 uses a 16-bit ADC, providing 65,536 nominal digital levels across the selected measurement range. This makes it suitable for applications where signal resolution is important, particularly compared with older low-resolution analog input hardware.
Selectable Voltage Ranges
The module supports ±10 V, ±5 V, and ±1 V ranges. This gives engineers flexibility when integrating sensors, transducers, signal conditioners, and other voltage-output instrumentation.
The ±1 V range is particularly useful when the available signal is relatively small, because using an appropriate input range makes better use of the converter’s available resolution.
CFP-AI-100
High-Speed Acquisition
With a documented aggregate sampling rate of up to 50 kS/s, the cFP-AI-100 is not limited to slow process-variable monitoring. It can also be used for higher-speed measurement and test applications, subject to the actual FieldPoint controller, network, software, and scan configuration.
Industrial Protection
The module provides 2,300 Vrms transient overvoltage protection, helping protect the I/O electronics from transient events occurring in the connected field wiring. This does not eliminate the need for correct grounding, shielding, signal conditioning, and external protection where the installation requires it.
Application Scenarios
Typical applications include:
- Industrial voltage measurement
- Process instrumentation
- Machine monitoring
- Data acquisition
- Test and measurement
- Sensor signal acquisition
- Motor and drive monitoring
- Distributed Compact FieldPoint I/O
- Laboratory automation
- Legacy automation systems
The module is particularly appropriate where multiple voltage signals must be acquired through an existing Compact FieldPoint installation.
Engineer’s Guide: Field Pitfalls
⚠️ Do not confuse cFP-AI-100 with a current-input module.
The cFP-AI-100 is a voltage-input device. If the field transmitter provides 4–20 mA, an appropriate current-input module or signal-conditioning arrangement is required.
⚠️ Check the input range.
A ±1 V, ±5 V, and ±10 V signal should be configured appropriately. Do not assume that every connected channel uses the same range.
⚠️ Verify the terminal base.
The module requires the appropriate Compact FieldPoint terminal-base architecture. It is not a universal plug-in PLC analog card.
⚠️ Check signal grounding.
The analog signal wiring, COM connections, shielding, and plant grounding arrangement can materially affect measurement quality. A healthy module can still produce unstable readings because of field wiring or ground-loop problems.
⚠️ Remember that the module is discontinued.
NI lists the cFP-AI-100 as no longer available. For legacy systems, refurbished or previously installed hardware may be the practical replacement route.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is NI cFP-AI-100?
It is an 8-channel analog voltage input module for the National Instruments Compact FieldPoint platform.
What is the NI part number?
777318-100.
What input ranges are supported?
±10 V, ±5 V, and ±1 V.
What is the resolution?
The ADC resolution is 16 bits.
How many channels are available?
There are 8 analog voltage-input channels.
What is the maximum sampling rate?
The documented aggregate sampling rate is up to 50 kS/s.
Is the cFP-AI-100 still available from NI?
No. It is a discontinued Compact FieldPoint product.
What should be verified before purchasing?
- cFP-AI-100
- 777318-100
- Eight-channel configuration
- Required input range
- Compact FieldPoint terminal base
- Controller/network compatibility
- Channel accuracy and calibration
- Connector condition
- Field wiring and shielding
- Channel-by-channel functional test
