The NI PXI-8420/16 is a 16-port RS232 serial interface card for PXI systems that expands serial communication capacity in test, measurement, and industrial applications. The card integrates into PC-based PXI chassis and supports standard serial I/O functions across multiple development environments including LabVIEW, Visual C++, and Visual Basic. Each RS232 port operates as DTE (Data Terminal Equipment) with a maximum cable length of 15.2 m (50 ft).
Technical Specifications
• Interface Type: RS232, 16 ports
• Bus Architecture: PXI / CompactPCI
• UART: 16550-compatible
• Data Transfer Rate: Up to 115.2 kb/s per port
• FIFO Buffer: 64 bytes
• Connectors: SCSI 100-pin on card; 16× DB-9 male via breakout box
• Isolation: Non-isolated
• Power Supply: +5 VDC
• Current Consumption: Typical 600 mA, maximum 1.0 A
• Dimensions: 10.7 × 17.5 cm (4.2 × 6.9 in.) excluding connectors
– Key Features
• 64-byte FIFO buffering for efficient serial data handling
• 16550-compatible UART architecture enables broad software compatibility
• DTE configuration with standard asynchronous serial communication
• Plug and Play installation on Windows platforms
• Enhanced serial driver for optimized performance and configuration
– Typical Applications
• Integration of legacy serial devices into modern PXI test systems
• Multi-channel serial monitoring in laboratory automation
• Industrial control and instrumentation interfacing
• Data acquisition from serial-based sensors and instruments
– Compatibility & Integration
• Operating Systems: Windows 2000, NT, XP, Me, 9x
• Software Support: LabVIEW, LabWindows/CVI, Visual Basic, Visual C++, Excel, Measurement Studio, Lookout, and NI-VISA
• Chassis Support: Compatible with PXI chassis including PXI-1006 18-slot systems
• Optional Cabling: 68 POS SCSI to 8 DB-9 serial cable (Part 185196-01), 1 m length
