The NI PCI-232/8 is an eight-port RS-232 serial interface card for PCI bus systems, delivering asynchronous serial connectivity for legacy instrument control, data acquisition, and automation tasks. The card converts a single 68-pin SCSI connector on the board to eight male DB9 connectors via adapter cable, supporting communication distances up to 50 feet and data rates to 115.2 kbps. Non-isolated design with 64-byte FIFO buffers per port.
Technical Specifications
• Ports: 8 × RS-232 asynchronous serial
• Maximum Baud Rate: 115.2 kbps
• FIFO Buffer: 64 bytes per port
• Maximum Communication Distance: 50 feet
• Connector Interface: 68-pin SCSI (board) → eight DB9-M (via adapter cable); maximum adapter cable capacitance 2500 pF
• Power Consumption: 100 mA typical / 180 mA max at +5 VDC; 80 mA typical / 800 mA max at ±12 VDC
• Input Voltage: 5 VDC only
• Operating Temperature: 0 to 55 °C
• Storage Temperature: –20 to 70 °C
• Operating Humidity: 10 to 90% RH non-condensing
• Storage Humidity: 5 to 95% RH non-condensing
• Maximum Altitude: 2000 meters
• Dimensions: 4.2 × 5.7 inches
• ESD Protection: Data lines rated to ±15 kV – Key Features • Plug-and-play compatibility with Windows 2000, NT, XP, ME, and 9x
• NI-Serial driver software included
• Programmable via LabVIEW or LabWindows/CVI
• IEC 61010-1, EN 61010-1, UL 61010-1, and CSA 61010-1 electrical safety certification
• EMC compliant – Typical Applications Instrument control, serial data acquisition, multi-device automation, and legacy system integration requiring parallel RS-232 ports. – Compatibility & Integration Operates on Windows operating systems through native PCI slot installation. Supports LabVIEW and LabWindows/CVI development environments. Note: Product announced obsolete by National Instruments.
