Templates for CompactRIO I/O Module PCB Design
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Correct component placement is one of the most critical aspects of the successful design of any Printed Circuit Board (PCB). This is especially true in the design of a custom I/O module for CompactRIO. The PCB must adhere to very specific size restrictions, and the 15-pin D-Sub Connector must also be placed correctly in order to provide a clean interface between the module and the backplane. Furthermore, if external I/O signals are to be used, the connectors must be placed appropriately in order to be able to utilize National Instrument's prefabricated module housings.
CompactRIO module templates are included in the Board Outline database in the NI Ultiboard PCB layout tools to save time during the board layout phase. See the links below to access additional resources on Ultiboard and National Instruments design tools.
The following document also provides a set of PCB templates to be use with the ExpressPCB layout software.
In each of the designs, the recommended board dimensions are used, and the correct footprint for the 15-pin D-Sub connector is properly placed.
Basic Design
The following layout includes the minimum components that must be present in any CompactRIO module PCB.
4 BNC Inputs
The following layout includes the minimum components that must be present in any CompactRIO module PCB as well as the correct footprint and placement for 4 BNC connectors.
10 Input Screw Terminal Connector
The following layout includes the minimum components that must be present in any CompactRIO module PCB as well as the correct footprint and placement for a 10 input screw terminal connector.
25 Pin DSub Connector
The following layout includes the minimum components that must be present in any CompactRIO module PCB as well as the correct footprint and placement for a 25-pin D-sub input connector.
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Additional Resources
- Information on custom module development for CompactRIO
- Learn more about Multisim and Ultiboard
- Find more circuit design resources at the Technical Library
- Multisim and Ultiboard application notes and tutorials
- Introduction to Multisim
- ExpressPCB software
Reader Comments | Submit a comment »
Where is the download for the DB25 connector
version of the layout?
- Aug 23, 2007
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