GETTING STARTED GUIDE

NI cRIO-9038
Embedded CompactRIO Controller with Real-Time Processor and
Reconfigurable FPGA
This document describes how to begin using the National Instruments cRIO-9038.

Safety Guidelines
Caution Do not operate the cRIO-9038 in a manner not specified in this document.
Product misuse can result in a hazard. You can compromise the safety protection
built into the product if the product is damaged in any way. If the product is
damaged, return it to NI for repair.
Safety Guidelines for Hazardous Locations
The cRIO-9038 is suitable for use in Class I, Division 2, Groups A, B, C, D, T4 hazardous
locations; Class I, Zone 2, AEx nA IIC T4 and Ex nA IIC T4 hazardous locations; and
nonhazardous locations only. Follow these guidelines if you are installing the cRIO-9038 in a
potentially explosive environment. Not following these guidelines may result in serious injury
or death.

Caution Do not disconnect the power supply wires and connectors from the
controller unless power has been switched off.

Caution Do not disconnect I/O-side wires or connectors unless power has been
switched off or the area is known to be nonhazardous.

Caution Do not remove modules unless power has been switched off or the area is
known to be nonhazardous.

Caution Substitution of components may impair suitability for Class I, Division 2.

Caution For Division 2 and Zone 2 applications, install the system in an enclosure
rated to at least IP54 as defined by IEC/EN 60079-15.

Caution Do not insert or remove SD cards unless power has been switched off or
the area is known to be nonhazardous.

Caution The USB host ports, USB device port, mini DisplayPort, and SD card slot
require the retention accessories listed in the following table for hazardous locations.
All cables must be used in a conduit or cable gland to wire to a nonhazardous
location. Do not disconnect a cable unless the cRIO-9038 is powered off or the area
is known to be nonhazardous.

Table 1. Hazardous Location Retention Accessories

Port Required Accessory Part Number

USB Host Port NI Industrial USB Extender Cable 152166-xx

USB Device Port NI Locking USB Cable 157788-01

Mini DisplayPort Mini DisplayPort Cable Retention Bracket 156866-01

SD Card Slot SD Door Kit 783660-01

Special Conditions for Hazardous Locations Use in Europe and

Internationally
The cRIO-9038 has been evaluated as Ex nA IIC T4 Gc equipment under DEMKO Certificate
No. 12 ATEX 1202658X and is IECEx UL 14.0089X certified. Each device is marked II

2 | ni.com | NI cRIO-9038 Getting Started Guide

3G and is suitable for use in Zone 2 hazardous locations, in ambient temperatures of -40 °C ≤
Ta ≤ 70 °C.

Caution You must make sure that transient disturbances do not exceed 140% of
the rated voltage.

Caution The system shall only be used in an area of not more than Pollution
Degree 2, as defined in IEC 60664-1.

Caution The system shall be mounted in an ATEX/IECEx-certified enclosure with

a minimum ingress protection rating of at least IP54 as defined in IEC/EN 60079-15.

Caution The enclosure must have a door or cover accessible only by the use of a
tool.

Electromagnetic Compatibility Guidelines

This product was tested and complies with the regulatory requirements and limits for
electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) stated in the product specifications. These requirements
and limits provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the product is
operated in the intended operational electromagnetic environment.

This product is intended for use in industrial locations. However, harmful interference may
occur in some installations, when the product is connected to a peripheral device or test object,
or if the product is used in residential or commercial areas. To minimize interference with
radio and television reception and prevent unacceptable performance degradation, install and
use this product in strict accordance with the instructions in the product documentation.

Furthermore, any changes or modifications to the product not expressly approved by National
Instruments could void your authority to operate it under your local regulatory rules.

Caution To ensure the specified EMC performance, operate this product only with
shielded cables and accessories. The DC power input cables may be unshielded.

Caution To ensure the specified EMC performance, you must use an isolated cable
with the RS-485 serial port, such as NI part number 184428-01.

Caution To ensure the specified EMC performance, the length of any cable
connected to the video and V2 ports must be no longer than 3 m (10 ft). The length
of any cable connected to the RS-232 and RS-485 ports must be no longer than
30 m (100 ft). The length of any cable connected to the USB host ports must be no
longer than 5 m (16 ft).

Caution The USB device port is intended only for use in device configuration,
application deployment, debug, and maintenance.

NI cRIO-9038 Getting Started Guide | © National Instruments | 3

 Caution To ensure the specified EMC performance, product installation requires
either special considerations or user-installed, add-on devices. Refer to the following
sections for more information.

Related Information
Connecting the cRIO-9038 to Ground on page 7
Connecting the cRIO-9038 to Power on page 8

Special Conditions for Marine Applications

Some products are Lloyd’s Register (LR) Type Approved for marine (shipboard) applications.
To verify Lloyd’s Register certification for a product, visit ni.com/certification and search for
the LR certificate, or look for the Lloyd’s Register mark on the product.

Caution In order to meet the EMC requirements for marine applications, install the
product in a shielded enclosure with shielded and/or filtered power and input/output
ports. In addition, take precautions when designing, selecting, and installing
measurement probes and cables to ensure that the desired EMC performance is
attained.

Preparing the Environment

Ensure that the environment in which you are using the cRIO-9038 meets the following
specifications.

Operating temperature -40 °C to 70 °C

(IEC 60068-2-1, IEC 60068-2-2)
Operating humidity (IEC 60068-2-56) 10% RH to 90% RH, noncondensing
Pollution degree 2
Maximum altitude 5,000 m

Indoor use only.

Note Refer to the device specifications on ni.com/manuals for complete

specifications.

Unpacking the Kit

Caution To prevent electrostatic discharge (ESD) from damaging the device,
ground yourself using a grounding strap or by holding a grounded object, such as
your computer chassis.
1. Touch the antistatic package to a metal part of the computer chassis.
2. Remove the device from the package and inspect the device for loose components or any
other sign of damage.

4 | ni.com | NI cRIO-9038 Getting Started Guide

 Caution Never touch the exposed pins of connectors.

Note Do not install a device if it appears damaged in any way.

3. Unpack any other items and documentation from the kit.

Store the device in the antistatic package when the device is not in use.

Verifying the Kit Contents

Verify that the following items are included in the cRIO-9038 kit.

Figure 1. cRIO-9038 Kit Contents

1 2 3 4 5

1. cRIO Device with Power Connector and SD Card 4. NI-RIO Device Drivers Media
Slot Cover 5. Getting Started Guide
2. USB A-to-B Cable
3. Ferrite (x2)

Installing Software on the Host Computer

Before using the cRIO-9038, you must install the following application software and device
drivers on the host computer in this order:
1. LabVIEW 2014 or later
2. LabVIEW Real-Time Module 2014 or later
3. LabVIEW FPGA Module 2014 or later1
4. NI-RIO Device Drivers August 2014 or later
For minimum software support information, visit ni.com/info and enter the Info Code
swsupport.

1 LabVIEW FPGA Module is not required when using Scan Interface mode. To program the user-
accessible FPGA on the cRIO-9038, LabVIEW FPGA Module is required.

NI cRIO-9038 Getting Started Guide | © National Instruments | 5

Installing C Series Modules
Complete the following steps to install a C Series module.

1. Verify that power is not connected to the I/O connector(s) on the C Series module. If the
system is in a nonhazardous location, the cRIO-9038 can be powered on when you install
modules.
2. Press the latches on the C Series module.
3. Align the C Series module with a slot and seat it in the slot until the latches lock in place.

Removing C Series Modules

Verify that power is not connected to the I/O connector(s) on the C Series module before you
remove a module from the cRIO-9038. If the system is in a nonhazardous location, the
cRIO-9038 can be powered on when you remove modules.

Connecting the cRIO-9038

The cRIO-9038 has the following connectors, LEDs, and buttons.

6 | ni.com | NI cRIO-9038 Getting Started Guide

 Figure 2. cRIO-9038 Front Panel

1 2 3

14
13
4

5
12

11 10 9 8 7

1. LEDs 8. RS-232 Serial Port

2. Ethernet Ports 9. RS-485/422 (DTE) Serial Port
3. Power Connector 10. USB Host Ports
4. SD LEDs 11. Mini DisplayPort
5. SD Card Removable Storage 12. Cable Retention Mounts
6. Ground Screw 13. USB Device Port
7. USER1 Button 14. Power and Reset Buttons

Connecting the cRIO-9038 to Ground

You must connect the cRIO-9038 grounding terminal to the grounding electrode system of the
facility.

What to Use
• Ring lug
• Wire, 1.3 mm2 (16 AWG) or larger
• Screwdriver, Phillips #2

What to Do
Complete the following steps to ground the cRIO-9038.
1. Attach the ring lug to the wire.
2. Remove the grounding screw from the grounding terminal on the cRIO-9038.
3. Attach the ring lug to the grounding terminal.
4. Tighten the grounding screw to 0.5 N · m (4.4 lb · in.) of torque.
5. Attach the other end of the wire to the grounding electrode system of your facility using a
method that is appropriate for your application.

NI cRIO-9038 Getting Started Guide | © National Instruments | 7

 Caution If you use shielded cabling to connect to a C Series module with a plastic
connector, you must attach the cable shield to the chassis grounding terminal using
1.3 mm2 (16 AWG) or larger wire. Attach a ring lug to the wire and attach the wire
to the chassis grounding terminal. Solder the other end of the wire to the cable
shield. Use shorter wire for better EMC performance.

For more information about ground connections, visit ni.com/info and enter the Info Code
emcground.

Connecting the cRIO-9038 to Power

The cRIO-9038 requires a 9 V to 30 V external power supply. The cRIO-9038 filters and
regulates the supplied power and provides power for the C Series modules. The cRIO-9038
has a primary power input, V1, and a secondary power input, V2.

The POWER LED on the cRIO-9038 indicates which power input is in use, as shown in the
following table.

Table 2. POWER LED Indicators

LED Color LED Pattern Indication

Green Solid The cRIO-9038 is powered from the V1 input.

Yellow Solid The cRIO-9038 is powered from the V2 input.

— Off The cRIO-9038 is powered off.

Caution Do not connect V2 to a DC mains supply or to any supply that requires a

connecting cable longer than 3 m (10 ft). A DC mains supply is a local DC
electricity supply network in the infrastructure of a site or building.

What to Use
• Ferrite
• Screwdriver, 2.54 mm (0.10 in.) flathead
• Primary power supply, 9 V to 30 V, 46 W minimum
• (Optional) Secondary power supply, 9 V to 30 V, 46 W minimum

NI recommends the power supplies listed in the following table for the cRIO-9038.

8 | ni.com | NI cRIO-9038 Getting Started Guide

 Table 3. NI Power Supplies
Power Supply Part Number

NI PS-15 Industrial Power Supply 781093-01

(24 VDC, 5 A, 100 VAC to 120 VAC/200 VAC to 240 VAC input)

NI PS-10 Desktop Power Supply 782698-01

(24 VDC, 5 A, 100 VAC to 120 VAC/200 VAC to 240 VAC input)

What to Do
Complete the following steps to connect a power supply to the cRIO-9038.
1. Ensure that your power supply is powered off.
2. Install the ferrite on the negative and positive leads of the power supply, as shown in the
following figure.
Figure 3. Installing a Ferrite on the Power Leads

1. Pass the leads through the ferrite twice, leaving 50 mm to 75 mm (2 in. to 3 in.) between the ferrite and
the end of the leads.
2. Close the ferrite around the leads.

3. Remove the power connector from the cRIO-9038.

Caution Do not tighten or loosen the terminal screws on the power connector
while the cRIO-9038 is powered on.
4. Connect the primary power supply and optional secondary power supply to the power
connector, as shown in the following figure.

NI cRIO-9038 Getting Started Guide | © National Instruments | 9

 Figure 4. cRIO-9038 Power Connections

+ V1

Ferrite
– C
Primary Power Supply

+ V2

Ferrite
– C
Secondary Power Supply
Power Connector

Note The C terminals are internally connected to each other.

5. Tighten the terminal screws on the power connector to 0.20 N · m to 0.25 N · m

(1.8 lb · in. to 2.2 lb · in.) of torque.
6. Install the power connector on the front panel of the cRIO-9038.
7. Tighten the power connector screw flanges to 0.20 N · m to 0.25 N · m (1.8 lb · in. to
2.2 lb · in.) of torque.
8. Power on the primary power supply and optional secondary power supply.

Powering On the cRIO-9038

When you power on the cRIO-9038 for the first time, the device boots into safe mode. The
POWER LED illuminates, the STATUS LED illuminates briefly, and then the STATUS LED
blinks twice every few seconds.

Related Information
STATUS LED Indicators on page 14

Connecting the cRIO-9038 to the Host Computer

Complete the following steps to connect the cRIO-9038 to the host computer using the USB
device port.
1. Power on the host computer.
2. Connect the cRIO-9038 to the host computer using the USB A-to-B cable.
Caution NI requires the use of a locking USB cable (157788-01) to meet the
shock and vibration specifications. Refer to the specifications on ni.com/
manuals for shock and vibration specifications.

10 | ni.com | NI cRIO-9038 Getting Started Guide

 The device driver software automatically detects the cRIO-9038. If the device driver
software does not detect the cRIO-9038, verify that you installed the appropriate NI
software in the correct order on the host computer.
Tip You can also use the Ethernet port to connect directly to the host computer or
network. Refer to the user manual on ni.com/manuals for more information about
Ethernet connections.

Configuring the System in Measurement &

Automation Explorer (MAX)
Complete the following steps to find the system in MAX.
1. Launch MAX on the host computer.
2. Expand Remote Systems in the configuration tree and locate your system.
3. Select your target.
Tip MAX lists the system under the model number followed by the serial
number, such as NI-CRIO-9038-1856AAA.

Setting a System Password

Complete the following steps to set a system password.

Note The default username for the cRIO-9038 is admin. There is no default
password for the cRIO-9038, so you must leave the password field blank when
logging in until you set a system password.
1. Right-click your system and select Web Configuration.
The NI Web-Based Configuration and Monitoring utility opens in your default browser
and is where you set the password. If you have not installed Microsoft Silverlight,
NI Web-based Configuration & Monitoring prompts you to do so.
2. Enter a unique name for your system in the Hostname field.
3. Click the Security Configuration icon.
4. Click Login.
5. In the Login dialog box, enter the username admin and leave the password field blank.
6. Click OK.
7. Click Change Password.
8. Enter and re-enter a new password.
9. Click OK.
10. Click Save.
11. Click OK to confirm you are changing the password.
Caution NI cannot recover lost system passwords. If you forget the password,
you must contact NI and reformat the controller.

NI cRIO-9038 Getting Started Guide | © National Instruments | 11

Installing Software on the cRIO-9038
Complete the following steps to install software on the cRIO-9038.
1. In MAX, expand your system under Remote Systems.
2. Right-click Software.
3. Select Add/Remove Software to launch the LabVIEW Real-Time Software Wizard.
Tip You must log in if you set a system password.

4. Select the recommended software set for your LabVIEW and NI-RIO Device Drivers
versions.
5. Click Next.
6. Select NI Scan Engine from the software add-ons.
Select any additional software to install. If you plan on using the cRIO-9038 with the
LabVIEW FPGA Module, you can click Next. Click NI Scan Engine if you plan on
using the cRIO-9038 without the LabVIEW FPGA Module.
Tip You can use this wizard at anytime to install additional software.

7. Click Next.
8. Verify that the summary of software to install is correct.
9. Click Next to start the installation.
10. Click Finish when the installation is complete.

Troubleshooting the cRIO-9038

The cRIO-9038 is Not Communicating with the
Network
• Ensure that the USB connections between the cRIO-9038 and the host computer and the
Ethernet connections between the host computer and the router are secure.
• Configure the IP and other network settings by completing the following steps.
1. Use a USB A-to-B cable to connect the cRIO-9038 USB device port to a host
computer. The USB driver creates a virtual network interface card and assigns an IP
address to the cRIO-9038 in the format of 172.22.11.x.
2. In MAX, expand your system under Remote Systems.

12 | ni.com | NI cRIO-9038 Getting Started Guide

 3. Select the Network Settings tab to configure the IP and other network settings.
4. (Optional) Use the RJ-45 Ethernet port 1 to reconnect the cRIO-9038 to the host
computer. The cRIO-9038 attempts to initiate a DHCP network connection at
powerup.
Note If the cRIO-9038 cannot obtain an IP address, it connects to the
network with a link-local IP address with the form 169.254.x.x. The host
computer communicates with the cRIO-9038 over a standard Ethernet
connection.
• Ensure that you have the correct version of NI-RIO Device Drivers installed on the host
computer. Visit ni.com/info and enter the Info Code swsupport for the minimum
supported versions of LabVIEW and NI-RIO Device Drivers.
Tip If you have recently upgraded LabVIEW, you must reinstall NI-RIO
Device Drivers.
• Ensure that the NI USBLAN adapter is recognized in the Device Manager. On
Windows 7, select Start»Control Panel»Device Manager»Network adapters»National
Instruments»USBLAN adapter. If the USBLAN adapter is not recognized, you must
reinstall NI-RIO Device Drivers.
• Temporarily disable any network firewalls or other security software.

Verify the System IP Configuration

1. Put the cRIO-9038 in safe mode and enable the RS-232 serial port by holding the RESET
button down for 5 seconds.
The STATUS LED starts blinking three times every few seconds.
2. Use the RS-232 serial port terminal to read the IP address, or connect a monitor to the
mini DisplayPort to view the IP address.
Note Refer to the user manual on ni.com/manuals for more information about
serial port configuration.
3. Set a new DHCP connection by holding the RESET button down for 5 seconds. The
STATUS LED repeats the same behavior from Step 1.
If the cRIO-9038 fails to set a new DHCP address, it assigns itself a link-local IP address.
If the DHCP connection is successful and appropriate for your application, skip to Step 6.
4. In MAX, expand your system under Remote Systems.
5. Select the Network Settings tab to configure the IP and other network settings.
6. Reboot the cRIO-9038 by pressing the RESET button.

Configure the Windows Firewall

• Add an exception for MAX to your network firewall or other security software by
completing the following steps:
1. On Windows 7, select Start»Control Panel»System and Security»Windows
Firewall»Allow a program through Windows Firewall.
2. Click Allow another program.
3. Select Measurement & Automation.

NI cRIO-9038 Getting Started Guide | © National Instruments | 13

 4. Click Add.
5. Click OK.
• Ensure that UDP port 44525 is open to communication on the host computer. If you are
using an intelligent switch on the network, ensure that it is not disabling UDP port 44525.

System Reset
The following figure shows the reset behavior of the cRIO-9038.
Figure 5. Reset Button Behavior
Press and hold
RESET button for < 5 s

Press and hold RESET button for ≥ 5 s

• Console Out enabled
Run Mode Safe Mode • RT Startup App disabled
Press and hold RESET button for < 5 s
• FPGA Startup App disabled

Press and hold RESET button for ≥ 5 s

• Console Out enabled

Press and hold RESET button for < 5 s • Network settings reset
Safe Mode
• RT Startup App disabled
• FPGA Startup App disabled

Press and hold

RESET button for ≥ 5 s

STATUS LED Indicators

The following table describes the STATUS LED indicators.

14 | ni.com | NI cRIO-9038 Getting Started Guide

 Table 4. STATUS LED Indicators
LED LED Pattern Indication
Color

Yellow Blinks twice and The cRIO-9038 is in safe mode. Software is not installed,
pauses which is the factory default state, or software has been
improperly installed on the cRIO-9038.

An error can occur when an attempt to upgrade the software

is interrupted. Reinstall software on the cRIO-9038. Refer
to the Measurement & Automation Explorer (MAX) Help for
information about installing software on the cRIO-9038.

Blinks three times The cRIO-9038 is in user-directed safe mode, or the

and pauses cRIO-9038 is in install mode to indicate that software is
currently being installed.

This pattern may also indicate that the user has forced the
cRIO-9038 to boot into safe mode by pressing the reset
button for longer than five seconds or by enabling safe
mode in MAX. Refer to the Measurement & Automation
Explorer (MAX) Help for information about safe mode.

Blinks four times The cRIO-9038 is in safe mode. The software has crashed
and pauses twice without rebooting or cycling power between crashes.

Continuously The cRIO-9038 has not booted into NI Linux Real-Time.

blinks The cRIO-9038 either booted into an unsupported operating
system, was interrupted during the boot process, or detected
an unrecoverable software error.

On momentarily The cRIO-9038 is booting. No action required.

Red Continuously This indicates a hardware error. An internal power supply

blinks has failed. Check front-panel I/O and C Series module
connections for shorts. Remove any shorts and cycle power
the cRIO-9038. If the problem persists, contact NI.

— Off The cRIO-9038 is in run mode. Software is installed and the

operating system is running.

NI cRIO-9038 Getting Started Guide | © National Instruments | 15

Where to Go Next

HARDWARE SOFTWARE APPLICATION

NI cRIO-9038 Specifications Configuring a Project NI CompactRIO

ni.com/manuals NI-RIO Help Developer’s Guide
ni.com/compactriodevguide
NI cRIO-9038 User Manual Learn LabVIEW Basics CompactRIO Sample
ni.com/manuals ni.com/gettingstarted Projects
LabVIEW Create Project
C Series Getting
Started Guides CompactRIO Examples
ni.com/manuals NI Example Finder

SUPPORT

Software Support Support Services NI Community

ni.com/info swsupport ni.com/support ni.com/services ni.com/community

Worldwide Support and Services

The NI website is your complete resource for technical support. At ni.com/support, you have
access to everything from troubleshooting and application development self-help resources to
email and phone assistance from NI Application Engineers.

Visit ni.com/services for NI Factory Installation Services, repairs, extended warranty, and
other services.

Visit ni.com/register to register your NI product. Product registration facilitates technical

support and ensures that you receive important information updates from NI.

A Declaration of Conformity (DoC) is our claim of compliance with the Council of the
European Communities using the manufacturer’s declaration of conformity. This system
affords the user protection for electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and product safety. You
can obtain the DoC for your product by visiting ni.com/certification. If your product supports
calibration, you can obtain the calibration certificate for your product at ni.com/calibration.

16 | ni.com | NI cRIO-9038 Getting Started Guide

NI corporate headquarters is located at 11500 North Mopac Expressway, Austin, Texas,
78759-3504. NI also has offices located around the world. For telephone support in the United
States, create your service request at ni.com/support or dial 1 866 ASK MYNI (275 6964). For
telephone support outside the United States, visit the Worldwide Offices section of ni.com/
niglobal to access the branch office websites, which provide up-to-date contact information,
support phone numbers, email addresses, and current events.

NI cRIO-9038 Getting Started Guide | © National Instruments | 17

Refer to the NI Trademarks and Logo Guidelines at ni.com/trademarks for information on NI trademarks. Other product and
company names mentioned herein are trademarks or trade names of their respective companies. For patents covering NI
products/technology, refer to the appropriate location: Help»Patents in your software, the patents.txt file on your media, or the
National Instruments Patent Notice at ni.com/patents. You can find information about end-user license agreements (EULAs)
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in FAR 52.227-14, DFAR 252.227-7014, and DFAR 252.227-7015.

© 2015 National Instruments. All rights reserved.

375696D-01 Oct15