In industrial testing, scientific research experiments, and automated measurement fields, whether the data is real and reliable often depends on the most easily overlooked yet extremely critical link——cables and connection components. NI (National Instruments, a global testing and measurement system manufacturer) has its instrument-grade cable components widely used in key scenarios such as data acquisition (DAQ), PXI test platforms, and modular measurement systems, providing a solid foundation for system accuracy and long-term stable operation.

One, Technical characteristics and application value of NI instrument-grade cable components
The NI instrumentation-grade cable assemblies are mainly used to connect NI data acquisition cards, PXI modules, CompactDAQ, CompactRIO, and other hardware to various sensors, actuators, or external devices. This type of cable emphasizes signal integrity, impedance matching, shielding performance, and mechanical reliability in design, which can effectively reduce noise interference and ensure accurate transmission of analog and digital signals in high-speed, high-precision measurements.
In practical applications, NI cable components are commonly used in the following scenarios:
Precision voltage, current, temperature, strain, and other signal acquisition
Industrial field multi-channel synchronous data measurement
Laboratory Automation Test and Verification System
Long-term operation monitoring and control system
High-quality cables are not only connection tools but also an important component in ensuring the credibility of measurement data.

Two, selection, compatibility, and domestic substitution scheme reference and suggestions
When selecting NI instrument-grade cable assemblies, it is recommended to focus on the following aspects:
First is the interface and system compatibility. It is necessary to specify the type of NI module interface used, such as BNC, SMA, D-Sub, terminal strip, or dedicated interface, to ensure that the cable is a perfect match in terms of physical structure and electrical performance. At the same time, the appropriate shielding method, impedance parameters, and wire diameter specifications should be selected according to the type of measurement signal to avoid signal attenuation or crosstalk.
Secondly, consider the adaptability to application environments. For industrial sites or complex electromagnetic environments, it is recommended to prioritize cable components with good shielding and environmental resistance to enhance the overall stability and reliability of the system.
In terms of domestic substitution, with the continuous improvement of domestic connector and cable harness manufacturing capabilities, some domestic cable components have achieved compatibility with NI original products in terms of structural dimensions, interface forms, and electrical specifications. Through reasonable selection and testing verification, domestic cables can effectively reduce procurement costs and enhance supply chain stability while ensuring measurement accuracy. For critical application scenarios, it is recommended to conduct sufficient performance comparison and actual measurement verification at the system integration stage to ensure that the substitution solution meets long-term usage requirements.

The NI instrument-grade cable assembly is an indispensable basic component of data acquisition and measurement systems, and its quality directly affects the accuracy and stability of the system. By scientifically selecting types, reasonably arranging, and deeply assessing domestic substitution solutions, users can optimize cost and supply efficiency while ensuring measurement performance. In the future, cable solutions that balance performance and domesticization will become an important development direction in the field of testing and measurement.
We have been focusing on the research and development of domestic alternatives for NI brand cables and related connectors for a long time. If you are interested in domestic alternatives for NI cable components, compatibility solutions, or have related procurement needs, please feel free to contact Manager Zhang at any time.
18665383950, same as WeChat numberLooking forward to in-depth communication and cooperation with you and more industry partners.