NI cRIO-9012 High-Performance Real-Time Controller

The NI cRIO-9012 is a high-performance real-time embedded controller designed for demanding industrial and hazardous location applications. Built around a 400 MHz Freescale MPC5200 processor with 64 MB DRAM and minimum 128 MB non-volatile storage, it delivers 12 MB/s maximum data rate for efficient embedded control and data acquisition. The controller accepts dual 9-35 VDC supply inputs and operates across 6 V to 35 VDC after power-up, making it suitable for battery and solar-powered remote installations. Compact dimensions (90.2 mm × 77.3 mm × 88.1 mm) and 0.49 kg weight enable integration into CompactRIO chassis systems.

– Technical Specifications

Processor & Memory
• 400 MHz Freescale MPC5200 industrial processor
• 64 MB DRAM
• Minimum 128 MB non-volatile storage
• 12 MB/s maximum data rate

Power
• Dual 9-35 VDC supply inputs
• Operating voltage: 6 V to 35 VDC (post power-up)
• Maximum power input: 20 W
• Integrated power filtering and regulation for chassis and I/O modules
• One layer reverse-voltage protection

Connectivity
• Ethernet: RJ-45, 10/100 Mbps auto-negotiated with built-in file and web servers
• USB: High-speed host port supporting FAT16/FAT32 mass-storage devices only
• Serial: RS-232 to 115,200 bps with configurable data bits (5-8) and stop bits (1-2)
• SMB connector for digital I/O and auxiliary applications (GPS clock correction)

Physical & Mechanical
• Dimensions: 90.2 mm × 77.3 mm × 88.1 mm
• Weight: 0.49 kg (17.2 oz)
• Screw terminals: 12-24 AWG copper, 10 mm strip length, 0.20-0.25 N·m torque
• Power connector screw terminals: 0.5-0.6 N·m torque

Environmental
• Operating temperature: -40 °C to 70 °C
• Class I, Division 2, Groups A, B, C, D, T4 hazardous location certification
• Class I, Zone 2, AEx nA IIC T4 and Ex nA IIC T4 certification

– Key Features

• Low-power industrial design optimized for extended field deployments
• Dual power inputs with wide voltage acceptance enable flexible supply configurations
• USB mass-storage support maps directly to U: drive in LabVIEW
• Hazardous location certifications cover both NEC and ATEX standards
• Compact form factor integrates directly into CompactRIO modular architecture

– Typical Applications

• Remote industrial automation and process control
• Battery or solar-powered field monitoring systems
• Real-time data acquisition in hazardous environments
• Distributed control networks with Ethernet connectivity

– Compatibility & Integration

The cRIO-9012 mounts in the controller slot of CompactRIO chassis and integrates with NI I/O modules. Ethernet connectivity enables network-based supervisory control and diagnostics. RS-232 and USB interfaces support legacy device integration and data logging respectively.