The NI PXI-8431/2 is a 2-port serial interface module for RS-485 and RS-422 communication in PXI chassis systems. It delivers high-speed data transmission up to 3 Mbps with minimal CPU overhead through DMA transfers, multithreading, and multiprocessor support. The module supports selectable 4-wire full-duplex and 2-wire half-duplex transceiver modes, accommodating diverse serial topologies. Standard COM port presentation ensures compatibility with existing serial applications and LabVIEW Real-Time environments without custom drivers.
Technical Specifications
Serial Protocols: RS-485, RS-422
Ports: 2
Maximum Data Rate: 3,000 kbit/s (3 Mbps)
Baud Rate Range: 2 baud to maximum supported rate; UART achieves within 1.3% accuracy across this range
Transceiver Modes: 4-wire (full-duplex) / 2-wire (half-duplex) selectable
FIFO Buffers: 128 bytes transmit and receive
Connector: DB-9 male
Supported Signals: RXD, TXD, GND, RTS, CTS
Power: 500 mA typical, 750 mA maximum at +5 VDC
Operating Temperature: 0 to 55 °C
Storage Temperature: −20 to 70 °C
Operating Humidity: 10 to 90% noncondensing
Storage Humidity: 5 to 95% noncondensing
Dimensions: 3.94 × 6.37 inches (100 × 160 mm)
Weight: 134 g
– Key Features
• High-performance DMA transfers reduce CPU utilization
• Multithreading and multiprocessor support for parallel processing
• Flexible baud rate selection from 2 baud to maximum operating rate
• Selectable full-duplex and half-duplex operation modes
• Standard COM port compatibility eliminates integration overhead
• Environmental testing per IEC-60068-2-1, IEC-60068-2-2, and IEC-60068-2-56
• RoHS compliant
• EMC compliance per BS EN 61326-1:2013 (Class A), BS EN 55011:2016/A1:2017/A11:2020 (Group 1, Class A), and BS EN IEC 63000:2018
– Typical Applications
Industrial automation systems, embedded data acquisition, legacy serial device integration, and multiport RS-485/RS-422 networked communications requiring deterministic timing and minimal CPU overhead.
– Compatibility & Integration
Presented as standard COM ports for direct compatibility with serial communication software. Fully compatible with LabVIEW Real-Time. Designed for installation in PXI chassis.
