Standalone DAQ operation

[QL]

I am evaluating options for using the NI 9263 analog output module and need advice on selecting a suitable chassis. I am considering the cDAQ-9171, cDAQ-9173, or cDAQ-9185, and my key requirement is to achieve standalone operation where the system can maintain the output voltage even if the connected PC crashes or experiences a BSOD. Could you please advise which of these chassis—if any—can support this kind of autonomous or fail-safe operation with the NI 9263? Additionally, is it possible to configure the NI 9263 to hold its last output state in the event of a host failure with these chassis, or would a controller such as the cDAQ-9185 or a CompactRIO (e.g., cRIO-9053) be more appropriate for this application?

[santo_13]

If you need fail-safe operation, then you need to go the cRIO route.

What are you using the AO for that needs to be fail-safe?

[QL]

The AO is used to drive piezo actuators, so a sudden drop to 0 V across the piezo during a computer crash causes damage. 

[ZYOng]

• For most NI AO module, the default behavior is to keep the last value. You need to write a 0 value explicitly to reset it. How Can I Reset to Zero My Analog Output Value After I Stopped My Application?
• cDAQ-9185 does not have a standalone controller and relies on a host PC to operate.
• For the best fail-safe operation, use cRIO with LabVIEW Real-Time Watchdog Timer