Description
NI BNC-2110 | DIN Rail Mountable BNC Terminal Block
Product Introduction
When setting up a high-precision data acquisition system in a lab or test bench, wiring raw analog signals straight to a delicate 68-pin multi-conductor cable creates a tangled, noise-prone mess. The National Instruments BNC-2110 is not a generic breakout box; it functions as a shielded connector block engineered specifically to bridge laboratory instrumentation to NI M Series, X Series, and E Series DAQ devices cleanly and reliably.
—though your mileage may vary depending on cable length and surrounding electromagnetic interference—expect a rugged metal enclosure designed to minimize ground loops and signal cross-talk. It sits flat on a workbench or mounts securely to standard DIN rails, making sensor and actuator connections fast and secure.
BNC-2110
Key Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
| Product Type | Shielded BNC Terminal Connector Block |
| Manufacturer | National Instruments (NI) |
| Device Interface | 68-pin female SCSI connector (connects to DAQ via shielded cable) |
| Analog Connections | 15 BNC connectors for analog inputs and outputs |
| Digital/Timing Access | Spring-clamp or screw terminals for digital I/O, counters, and triggers |
| Enclosure Material | Rugged aluminum chassis with RF shielding |
| Mounting Options | Benchtop rubber feet or optional DIN-rail mounting kit |
| Operating Temperature | 0^\circC to +70^\circC (32^\circF to 158^\circF) |
Application Scenarios & Pain Points
- University Engineering Test Benches: Students and researchers connecting sensors, strain gauges, and function generators to DAQ cards use the BNC-2110 to avoid loose alligator clips and intermittent wire faults.
- Automotive Component Burn-In Rigs: Testing dynamic pressure and temperature transducers requires shielded coaxial routing to prevent plant-floor electrical noise from corrupting low-level sensor readings.
- Production Line Automated Testing: Simplifies rapid signal routing for manufacturing test engineers verifying prototype boards against automated test executive software.
QA & Live Testing SOP (Trust Signal)
We evaluate testing and measurement interface hardware under rigorous inspection standards prior to release:
- Chassis & Shielding Audit: Inspected for structural aluminum integrity, ground continuity between the BNC outer shells and the main chassis, and clean rubber footing.
- BNC Connector Inspection: Mechanically tested to ensure positive locking engagement, clean center-pin alignment, and zero oxidation on the contact plating.
- Screw Terminal & Trace Continuity: Multi-meter testing is performed across every terminal track from the 68-pin SCSI connector to the individual BNC pins to rule out cold solder joints or broken traces.
- Protective Packaging: Packed in anti-static cushioning and heavy-duty cardboard to prevent physical crushing of the BNC ports during shipping.
Field Engineer’s Pitfall Guide
- ❗ Shielded Cable Requirements: Always use a properly shielded 68-pin cable (such as an NI SH6868 or equivalent) to connect the BNC-2110 to your DAQ device; using unshielded cables will reintroduce high-frequency noise.
- ❗ Over-Torquing Screw Terminals: Avoid cranking down excessively on the internal screw terminals for digital lines; stripping the block threads requires replacing the internal terminal strip.
- ❗ Ground Loop Pitfalls: Be mindful of earth ground loops when connecting external powered instruments to the BNC shells; floating versus grounded signal sources should be managed carefully per your DAQ manual.
Intent-Driven FAQ
What NI DAQ devices are compatible with the BNC-2110?
The BNC-2110 connects to any National Instruments data acquisition hardware that utilizes a standard 68-pin connector layout, including most M Series, X Series, and legacy E Series boards.
Does the require an external power supply?
No. It is a passive breakout and termination accessory; it draws no power from an external source and relies entirely on signal lines coming through the 68-pin cable.
Can this unit be mounted on a DIN rail?
Yes. With the appropriate National Instruments DIN-rail mounting kit attached, the chassis can snap easily onto standard industrial control cabinet rails.
How many BNC channels are available on the front panel?
The front panel provides 15 dedicated BNC connectors handling primary analog inputs, analog outputs, and external trigger/clock lines.
Are surplus units fully reliable?
Because it is a passive mechanical accessory with no active electronic components to degrade, a clean, inspected surplus unit performs identically to a brand-new factory-sealed model.
