Unlock Industrial Potential: Discover the Power of CompactRIO Systems

What is CompactRIO?

CompactRIO systems provide high-performance processing capabilities, sensor-specific conditioned I/O, and a closely integrated software toolchain that make them ideal for Industrial Internet of Things, monitoring, and control applications. The real-time processor offers reliable, predictable behavior, while the FPGA excels at smaller tasks that require high-speed logic and precise timing.

Abstract low-level code and use a single toolchain to build and deploy time-critical applications on your CompactRIO system using LabVIEW and the real-time and FPGA modules.

Utilize the integrated controller running a Linux Real-Time OS and sensor-specific I/O modules to build and deploy robust applications directly on the CompactRIO controller.

Take advantage of the user-programmable FPGA and integrate existing intellectual property (IP) when you need to acquire high-quality data and process and respond to it in real time.

Harness the openness of the NI Linux Real-Time OS through thousands of open-source applications, IP, and examples, while collaborating with an active community of users and developers.

Why Choose CompactRIO?

CompactRIO hardware provides an industrial control and monitoring solution using sensor- or protocol-specific, conditioned I/O modules with real-time capabilities.

Best for

• Real-time processing needs
• Industrial monitoring and control applications 
• Long-term testing in the field

CompactRIO System Components

CompactRIO systems feature a controller with a processor running a Linux Real-Time OS and a chassis that contains a user-programmable FPGA. It supports industrial I/O modules from both NI and third-party vendors.

Chassis

The CompactRIO chassis is the center of the integrated system architecture. It is directly connected to the I/O for high-performance access to the I/O circuitry of each module and timing, triggering, and synchronization. Because each module is connected directly to the FPGA rather than through a bus, you experience almost no control latency for system response compared to other controller architectures.

Controller

The CompactRIO Controller is a high-performance controller that features rugged design, industry-standard certifications, integrated vision and motion, industrial communication, and human-machine interface capabilities. It contains a processor that reliably and deterministically executes LabVIEW Real-Time applications and offers multirate control, execution tracing, onboard data logging, and peripheral communication. The CompactRIO Controller comes integrated with a CompactRIO Chassis.

Modules

I/O modules contain isolation, conversion circuitry, signal conditioning, and built-in connectivity for direct connection to industrial sensors/actuators. By offering a variety of wiring options and integrating the connector junction box into the modules, the CompactRIO system significantly reduces space requirements and field-wiring costs. You can choose from more than 70 NI C Series I/O modules for CompactRIO to connect to almost any sensor or actuator.

Software

Overcome traditional heterogeneous architecture programming challenges with NI Linux Real-Time, the LabVIEW FPGA Module, and the NI-DAQmx driver. With this combination, you can develop your system faster by programming both the processor and user-programmable FPGA with a single, intuitive software toolchain. Focus on solving problems, not low-level programming tasks, with integrated user-friendly software that reduces risk, enhances productivity, and eliminates the need to create and maintain I/O drivers, OSs, and other middleware.

Services

From the moment you unbox your hardware to deployment and life-cycle maintenance, NI is here to help you get started quickly and operate efficiently.

Overcome your challenges with:

• Repair Services
• Life-Cycle Services 
• Configuration
• Calibration