What it is
A modular data acquisition system: a 3-slot mainframe with a built-in 6½-digit DMM and seven plug-in modules, measuring 14 input signals at up to 450 channels/s.
User Manual (e-book version)
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The GW Instek DAQ-9600 measures and converts 14 different input signals, including thermocouple, RTD and thermistor temperature, DC/AC voltage and current, resistance, frequency, capacitance, and strain. Basic DCV accuracy is 0.0035%, and the built-in DMM does not take up a module slot.
- Built-in 6½-digit DMM: basic accuracy 0.0035% DCV, 0.05% ACV, 0.01% resistance (one-year calibration cycle)
- 3-slot mainframe, 7 selectable modules: up to 60 two-wire channels, 120 single-ended channels, or 96 matrix crosspoints
- 14 input signals: temperature (thermocouple, RTD, thermistor), DC/AC voltage, 2- and 4-wire resistance, frequency and period, DC/AC current, capacitance, direct and bridge strain
- Up to DC 600 V / AC 400 V voltage measurement (DAQ-909 module)
- Up to 450 channels/s scan rate (DAQ-900 module)
- 100 k points of internal memory (nonvolatile), plus USB storage for standalone logging
- Large 4.3-inch TFT color display: numerical values, bar graphs, trend graphs, and histograms
- Commands compatible with the DAQ970A
- Interfaces: digital I/O, LAN, USB host/device; mini GPIB optional
- Free DAQ-Data Logger PC software and web browser control over LAN
What it is used for
Some of the use cases for the DAQ-9600 include:
- Product characteristic analysis — research and development
- System testing and fault diagnosis — production and manufacturing
- Temperature measurement — thermocouples with built-in cold junction reference
- Battery testing, component characterization, and desktop testing — common-low applications with the DAQ-903
- Power cycling DUTs and controlling indicators, relays, and solenoid valves — with the DAQ-908, etc.
What does the DAQ-9600 do?
The DAQ-9600 data acquisition system is a modularized data acquisition system with high flexibility and high performance. The mainframe is equipped with 3 module slots, and a built-in precision 6½-digit DMM is the core of its test and measurement. Seven modules are available to meet different measurement needs. For the research and development of analyzing product characteristics, or the production and manufacturing of system testing or fault diagnosis, a data acquisition system with flexibility and high performance can effectively fulfill different measurement requirements through expansion and change, making the overall test simpler, faster, and more reliable.
Customized configuration for changing needs
The DAQ-9600 provides 3 module slots, all of which can be used to install and control selected modules. Seven different modules are available to meet different measurement needs. These modules include general-purpose modules, multi-function modules, a matrix module, and a high-voltage and high-current module. Users can choose, mix, and match these modules to obtain the functions required. The measurement channels of each module can be configured independently, including measurement function, range, speed, and advanced measurement functions such as offset compensation. The DAQ-9600 can provide up to 60 two-wire measurements, 120 single-ended measurements, or 96 matrix crosspoints in a half-rack, which saves work space and cost when completing complex and diverse measurement tasks.
Precise test and measurement
The test and measurement core of the DAQ-9600 is a 6½-digit DMM, which has the functions and performance of an industrial-grade DMM. It can measure and convert 14 different input signals. In addition to high resolution, it also provides basic accuracy of 0.0035% DC voltage, 0.05% AC voltage, and 0.01% resistance (within a one-year calibration period). The functions of this DMM can be used with general-purpose modules (DAQ-900/DAQ-901), the common low module (DAQ-903), the matrix module (DAQ-904), the multi-function module (DAQ-907), the switch module (DAQ-908), and the high-voltage and high-current module (DAQ-909). All multiplexer modules use "disconnect before connect" scanning to ensure that only one channel (or a pair of channels) is closed at a time.
Built-in signal conditioning
The DAQ-9600 does not rely on external or plug-in signal conditioning modules to handle functions other than DC voltage, which greatly reduces noise and errors generated by external wiring from entering the system, and improves reliability. At the same time, it removes unnecessary cables, wire distribution boxes, and signal conditioning components, making configuration quicker and easier. Taking temperature measurement as an example, the measurement of thermocouples is often accompanied by the Seebeck effect, the thermoelectric phenomenon in which the temperature difference between two different electrical conductors or semiconductors causes a voltage difference between the two substances. All DAQ-9600 modules provide cold junction compensation (except the DAQ-904) to ensure maximum accuracy for all channels measuring thermocouples, avoiding the use of temperature extension wires with external cold junctions, which would increase noise and errors from external wiring into the system.
Internal memory and USB storage
The DAQ-9600 can store measurement results without connecting to a PC, with a nonvolatile memory capacity of 100 k readings. Users can store the measurement results inside the system first, and then connect to a PC to collect data. In addition, for larger memory capacity, the DAQ-9600 also supports a USB storage function, which can directly record data to an external USB flash drive, or copy the data in the internal nonvolatile memory to the flash drive for follow-up analysis.
Simplify data collection and analysis
The DAQ-9600 provides LAN, USB, and GPIB (optional) to meet the most suitable and customary remote control interface requirements. Users benefit from the free data collection software (DAQ-Data Logger) to easily and quickly set up tests, acquire and store measurement data, and perform real-time observation and analysis during the measurement process. If LAN is used as the interface, it can easily be connected to the company network to collect measurement data and store it in a central database. A common web browser (such as Chrome or Edge) can also be used, through the built-in graphical web interface, to configure test and measurements and to define and execute scan lists, reducing the time spent on programming.
DAQ-Data Logger
Web Control
Why engineers pick it
- A real DMM inside. The built-in 6½-digit DMM delivers 0.0035% basic DCV accuracy without using a module slot.
- Fast scanning when you need it. The DAQ-900 solid state multiplexer scans up to 450 channels/s; armature relay modules reach 80 channels/s.
- High voltage and current in the same frame. The DAQ-909 measures up to DC 600 V / AC 400 V on 8 channels and up to 2 A on 2 current channels, with no external shunts.
- Drop-in for existing test code. Commands are compatible with the DAQ970A.
Which DAQ-9600 modules do I need?
| Module | Type | Channels | Scan speed | Max. input | Key features |
| DAQ-900 | 20-channel universal multiplexer (solid state relay) | 20 | 450 ch/s | 120 V | 2-/4-wire scanning, built-in cold junction reference |
| DAQ-901 | 20+2 channel universal multiplexer (armature relay) | 20+2 | 80 ch/s | 300 V, 1 A | 2-/4-wire scanning, cold junction reference, 2 current channels (1 A each) |
| DAQ-903 | 40-channel single-ended multiplexer | 40 | 80 ch/s | 300 V | Single-wire (common low) switching, floats up to 300 V |
| DAQ-904 | 4 × 8 2-wire matrix | 4 × 8 | 3 ms switching | 300 V, 1 A | 32 crosspoints, up to 96 crosspoints in 3 slots |
| DAQ-907 | Multifunction module | — | — | ±12 V, ±24 mA | 16-bit digital I/O, 100 kHz totalizer, two ±12 V or ±24 mA analog outputs |
| DAQ-908 | 20-channel actuator/general-purpose switch | 20 | — | 300 V, 1 A | SPDT (Form C) latching relays, up to 50 W per contact |
| DAQ-909 | 8+2 channel high voltage high current multiplexer | 8+2 | 60 ch/s | DC 600 V / AC 400 V, 2 A | 2-/4-wire scanning, 2 current channels (2 A each) |
A single mainframe accepts three modules in any combination. The built-in DMM connects through the DAQ-900, DAQ-901, DAQ-903, and DAQ-909 multiplexers; the DAQ-904, DAQ-907, and DAQ-908 do not route to the internal DMM.
The mainframe is ordered as the DAQ-9600 (USB/LAN/digital I/O) or the DAQ-9600 with GPIB.
When is the DAQ-9600 the wrong choice?
- More than three modules. One mainframe holds three modules.
- Thermocouples on the DAQ-903 or DAQ-909. Only the DAQ-900 and DAQ-901 have a built-in cold junction reference. Thermocouple measurement on the DAQ-909 needs an extension cable that moves the cold junction outside the chassis, with the reference temperature set manually.
- Low resistance on the DAQ-900. For the 100 Ω and 1 kΩ ranges, 4-wire resistance is recommended, and the DAQ-900's maximum resistance range is 1 MΩ.
