NI WSN-3212 Wireless Sensor Network 4-Channel, 24-Bit Thermocouple Input Node

The NI WSN-3212 is a 4-channel, 24-bit wireless sensor node designed for thermocouple temperature measurements in distributed sensor networks. It combines high-resolution analog input with configurable digital I/O and IEEE 802.15.4 mesh networking to enable remote monitoring across industrial applications. The node operates autonomously or as a mesh router, extending network range and capacity while maintaining low power consumption through external power or battery operation.

– Technical Specifications

Analog Input
• 4 thermocouple input channels with 24-bit ADC resolution
• Supports thermocouple types R, S, T, B, N, E, J, and others
• Built-in cold junction compensation (CJC)
• Programmable input ranges for optimized measurement accuracy

Digital I/O
• 4 bidirectional digital channels, configurable per channel as input, sinking output, or sourcing output
• Digital input logic levels: 1.7 to 30 V (high), 0 to 0.45 V (low)
• Digital output drive modes: tristate, drive low only, drive high only, or drive high and low

Wireless Communication
• 2.4 GHz IEEE 802.15.4 protocol
• Configurable as end node or mesh router
• Supports up to 8 end nodes (star topology) or up to 36 measurement nodes (mesh topology) per gateway
• Outdoor range up to 300 m with line of sight

Power
• External power input: 9 to 30 V
• Four AA alkaline batteries with automatic switchover
• Low-power device operation

Environmental
• Industrial operating temperature and shock/vibration ratings

– Key Features

• High-resolution 24-bit thermocouple acquisition with multiple thermocouple type support
• Flexible digital I/O with configurable drive modes for relay, switch, and signal control
• Mesh networking topology extends range and node capacity beyond star configurations
• Dual power architecture with battery backup ensures continuous operation during external power loss
• Cold junction compensation eliminates separate reference junction measurements

– Typical Applications

• Industrial process temperature monitoring
• Remote facility and equipment surveillance
• Distributed data acquisition in environments unsuitable for wired sensors
• Multi-point thermal profiling across manufacturing lines or test chambers

– Compatibility & Integration

The WSN-3212 integrates with the National Instruments Wireless Sensor Network ecosystem, including gateways and complementary nodes. Configuration and programming occur through NI-WSN software and Measurement & Automation Explorer (MAX), with application development support in LabVIEW and compatible environments.

Part numbers: 780998-01, 780998-02