Description
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | National Instruments |
| Model | cFP-AI-111 |
| Part Number | 777318-111 |
| Product Family | Compact FieldPoint |
| Product Type | Analog Current Input Module |
| Number of Channels | 16 |
| Resolution | 16-bit |
| Input Type | Single-ended current |
| Input Ranges | 0–20 mA, 4–20 mA, ±20 mA |
| Input Impedance | 100 Ω |
| Update Rate | 3 Hz to 0.83 Hz |
| Noise Filters | 50 Hz / 60 Hz / 500 Hz |
| Overcurrent Protection | ±30 mA |
| Overvoltage Protection | Up to 2,300 Vrms transient protection |
| Overrange | Approximately 5% beyond nominal range |
| Ground Reference | Common, isolated |
| Mounting | Compact FieldPoint backplane |
| Operating Temperature | -40 to +70°C |
| Storage Temperature | -55 to +85°C |
| Relative Humidity | 10–90%, non-condensing |
| Status | Obsolete / discontinued |
NI’s official documentation confirms the 16-channel architecture and identifies the module as a current-input device.
Product Overview
The National Instruments cFP-AI-111 is a 16-channel analog current input module for the Compact FieldPoint distributed I/O platform. It is designed to acquire industrial current-loop signals and deliver scaled measurement data to the Compact FieldPoint control or monitoring environment. The module supports 0–20 mA, 4–20 mA, and ±20 mA input ranges and provides 16-bit conversion resolution.
The NI cFP-AI-111 is particularly suited to instrumentation applications using conventional current transmitters, including process variables such as pressure, flow, level, temperature transmitters, and other 4–20 mA devices. Each channel uses a single-ended input arrangement, with a common isolated ground reference. The module also provides onboard diagnostics and overrange capability.
The NI 777318-111 is the corresponding hardware part number for the cFP-AI-111. This distinction matters during procurement because the module may be listed under either the model designation or the numerical NI part number. NI has discontinued the cFP-AI-111 and currently identifies the NI-9208 as a suggested replacement, but direct substitution should be checked against the existing Compact FieldPoint architecture and application requirements.
CFP-AI-111
Main Features & Field Considerations
16-channel current acquisition
The module provides 16 current-input channels, making it appropriate for installations with a relatively high number of 4–20 mA instruments in a Compact FieldPoint node.
16-bit conversion
The 16-bit ADC provides substantially finer digital representation than basic low-resolution analog modules. The actual measurement accuracy, however, should not be inferred from resolution alone; transmitter accuracy, wiring resistance, calibration, and environmental conditions also affect the final measurement.
Multiple current ranges
The supported ranges include 0–20 mA, 4–20 mA, and ±20 mA. This allows the same module to accommodate standard process-current loops as well as bipolar current measurements.
Selectable filtering
The module provides software-selectable 50 Hz, 60 Hz, and 500 Hz filtering. This is useful when low-frequency industrial measurements are exposed to electrical interference, although filter selection also affects the effective update rate.
Overrange capability
The module supports approximately 5% measurement overrange beyond the nominal selected input range. This can be useful when monitoring signals that occasionally exceed their nominal operating point.
Compact FieldPoint integration
The cFP-AI-111 connects to the Compact FieldPoint backplane and uses the associated terminal base or connector block for field wiring. NI documentation specifically identifies FP-TB-x terminal bases and cFP-CB-x connector blocks as compatible wiring interfaces.
Replacement Considerations
The cFP-AI-111 is obsolete. NI’s official page explicitly marks it as no longer available and recommends the NI-9208 as a suggested replacement.
Do not assume that the NI-9208 is a drop-in mechanical replacement. The NI-9208 belongs to the C Series architecture, while the cFP-AI-111 belongs to Compact FieldPoint. A replacement project therefore needs to consider the controller, backplane, terminal hardware, software configuration, and system architecture rather than only comparing electrical input specifications.
For an existing Compact FieldPoint installation where downtime must be minimized, an exact cFP-AI-111 / 777318-111 replacement may be preferable if available and verified.
Procurement Checklist
Before purchasing a replacement, verify:
- cFP-AI-111
- 777318-111
- 16-channel current-input configuration
- Required input range: 0–20 mA / 4–20 mA / ±20 mA
- Compact FieldPoint controller
- Backplane configuration
- FP-TB-x or cFP-CB-x wiring hardware
- Existing software configuration
- Channel scaling
- Filter settings
- Loop-power arrangement
- Calibration requirements
- Physical condition and terminal integrity
- Replacement architecture if moving to NI-9208
Procurement Description
National Instruments cFP-AI-111 / 777318-111 — Compact FieldPoint 16-Channel, 16-Bit Analog Current Input Module, 0–20 mA / 4–20 mA / ±20 mA, Software-Selectable Noise Filtering, Onboard Diagnostics
For a legacy Compact FieldPoint system, specify the complete cFP-AI-111 / 777318-111 identification. Since NI has discontinued this module, verify the exact hardware and system architecture before considering the NI-9208 or another replacement.
