Device and Software Types

NI InsightCM™ 3.3 Help

Edition Date: December 2018

Part Number: 374498G-01

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Parent Topic: Learn More about Device Fundamentals

Familiarize yourself with the following concepts to help you work with NI Monitoring Devices in the NI InsightCM web application.

Device Models

NI Monitoring Devices are available in a few models:

• Transient, Periodic, and Event Recorder Systems—Supports periodically collecting files as well as continuously collecting files when equipment enters an operating state of interest, such as a run-up or coast-down. The CMS-9036 is an example of a Transient, Periodic, and Event Recorder system.
• Periodic and Event Recorder Systems—Supports periodically collecting files when triggered by time or data triggers. The CMS-9065 and CMS-9068 are examples of Periodic and Event Recorder systems.

Device Types

When you add a new device, the NI InsightCM web application requires you to assign it a device type, which describes the CompactRIO controller on which the device is based and the software application the device runs. For example, the CMS-9068 is based on the cRIO-9068 and runs an application designed for monitoring systems. Each device model has one or more device types that it supports. For example, Periodic and Event Recorder systems include a device type based on the cRIO-9068 and a type based on the cRIO-9065; each runs a different application.

The device type also determines which arrangements of I/O modules within the device chassis are supported.

Device Types for Transient, Periodic, and Event Recorder Systems

The application for Transient, Periodic, and Event Recorder device types supports up to eight dynamic C Series I/O modules, such as the NI 9232. You must fill module slots in ascending order starting with slot 1. You must fill slot 1s and 2. You cannot skip any slots, but you do not have to use every slot.

These device types come in two formats: one that powers IEPE sensors via the physical connection to the channel, and one that does not.

Device Types for Periodic and Event Recorder Systems

NI InsightCM Server supports a set of arrangements for static and/or dynamic C Series I/O modules in the chassis. The following table lists the module types you can install under each supported arrangement.

Note  You do not need to fill every slot, but you must fill slots in ascending order starting at slot 1

CMS-9068

CMS-9065

Guidelines for Chassis with Dynamic Modules

If the arrangement you choose contains any dynamic modules, such as the NI 9232, install all dynamic input modules in adjacent slots beginning with slot 1. You must fill slot 1, but you do not need to fill every slot in the chassis.

Guidelines for Chassis with Only Static Modules

If the arrangement contains only static modules, install the modules in adjacent slots beginning with slot 1. You must fill slot 1. You cannot skip any slots, but you do not have to use every slot.

For a list of I/O modules that NI Monitoring Devices support, visit ni.com/info and enter the Info Code cmsmodules.

Types of Software for Devices

Firmware

NI Monitoring Devices run preinstalled firmware, the permanent software on the device that performs lower-level operations than the device application. You typically do not directly interact with firmware unless you receive an updated or patched version. In such a case, you can use the Package Management page to upload the firmware so you can apply it to devices. Then, use the Device Configuration page»Software tab to update the firmware on a device to the new version.

Applications for Devices

NI Monitoring Devices run preinstalled NI InsightCM Server software referred to as applications. Applications cause the device to perform operations such as acquiring data, collecting files, and communicating with NI InsightCM Server. Each device type has an associated application, so if you change the type of a specific device, NI InsightCM Server downloads a new application to the device.

The Device Configuration page»Software tab displays an overview of the application types and versions running on each device and allows you to update the application to the latest version, as well as to reset the firmware to the preinstalled version. You typically do not directly interact with the application unless you receive an updated or patched version. In such a case, you can use the Package Management page to upload the application so you can apply it to devices. The Package Management page refers to applications as system images.

Device Configurations

The collection of properties that controls how a device operates, including how and when it acquires data and collects files, is referred to as a device configuration. Define the configuration for a device on its Device Configuration page in the NI InsightCM web application.

Every time you click the Save button at the top of the Device Configuration page, NI InsightCM Server sends the updated configuration to the device. The device might require several minutes after the last time you click Save to download the configuration and come online again.

Related Information

Software Tab (Device Configuration Page)

Package Management Page