PXI-8430/8 8-Port RS232 PXI Serial Interface Module
The PXI-8430/8 is an eight-port RS232 serial interface module for PXI automated test and industrial communication systems. It allows a single PXI slot to communicate with as many as eight independent RS232 instruments or devices.
High-performance DMA transfers, individual 128-byte transmit and receive FIFOs, and a maximum transfer rate of 1 Mbps help the module maintain reliable throughput while minimizing host-processor utilization.
Key Features of the PXI-8430/8
- Eight independent RS232 ports
- Maximum baud rate of 1 Mbps
- Supports standard and nonstandard baud rates
- 128-byte transmit and receive FIFOs
- DMA-based serial transfers
- Multithreading and multiprocessor support
- Standard operating-system COM ports
- 68-pin SCSI front-panel connector
- High serial-port density in one PXI slot
- NI-Serial and NI-VISA compatibility
- Suitable for automated multi-instrument control
PXI-8430/8 Technical Specifications
| Product Model | PXI-8430/8 |
|---|---|
| Part Number | 779536-01 |
| Product Type | High-density PXI serial interface module |
| Serial Standard | RS232 |
| Number of Ports | 8 |
| Maximum Baud Rate | 1 Mbps |
| FIFO Size | 128 bytes |
| Electrical Isolation | Nonisolated |
| Front Connector | 68-pin SCSI |
| Required Breakout | 68-pin SCSI to eight DB9 serial connections |
| Transfer Architecture | DMA with multithreading support |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to 55°C |
| Storage Temperature | -20°C to 70°C |
| Dimensions | 100 mm × 160 mm, 3U |
| Weight | Approximately 135 g |
| Module Width | One PXI slot |
PXI-8430/8 Part Number and Accessories
| Item | Part Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| PXI-8430/8 | 779536-01 | Eight-port nonisolated RS232 PXI interface |
| Eight-Port Breakout Cable | Verify configuration when ordering | 68-pin SCSI to eight DB9 male RS232 connections |
The breakout cable is an essential part of the system because the front-panel 68-pin connector does not directly accept standard RS232 cables. Confirm that the cable provides the required DB9 gender and pinout.
Eight-Port RS232 Architecture
All eight ports can communicate independently. Each port can use different serial parameters, permitting one module to communicate with multiple device types during the same automated test.
Port density is the primary advantage over the PXI-8430/4. A single module can replace several conventional computer serial adapters while retaining PXI mechanical integration.
High-Throughput DMA Operation
DMA transfers reduce the number of processor interrupts required to move serial data. This is especially useful when several ports are receiving continuous data streams or when the host must control other PXI instruments concurrently.
The actual aggregate throughput depends on baud rate, message length, application architecture and whether each connected device uses hardware or software flow control.
Standard COM-Port Operation
NI-Serial exposes each hardware port as a standard COM resource. Existing serial-control applications can access the ports using familiar read, write and configuration functions.
Applications should not permanently assume a specific COM number without checking the deployed system configuration.
Cabling and RS232 Distance
RS232 reliability depends on cable capacitance, baud rate, electrical noise and grounding. Longer cables usually require reduced communication rates.
When the connected equipment is located far from the PXI chassis or uses a different ground potential, an isolated RS232 interface or external isolator may be a better choice.
Typical PXI-8430/8 Applications
- Multi-instrument automated test systems
- Production-line device configuration
- Environmental-chamber control
- Industrial equipment monitoring
- Serial sensor data collection
- Power-supply and electronic-load control
- Legacy equipment integration
- Barcode and identification systems
- Eight-device RS232 communication
- Laboratory automation
PXI-8430/8 Troubleshooting
Only some COM ports appear
Check NI MAX and Device Manager, then verify the installed NI-Serial version. Also confirm that the module passes its hardware self-test.
One port communicates while another does not
Compare the serial settings for both ports and inspect the corresponding branch of the breakout cable. Each device may require a different DTE/DCE arrangement.
Communication fails at 1 Mbps
Confirm that the connected device supports 1 Mbps. Reduce the cable length or baud rate and check signal quality and grounding.
Data is missing under simultaneous operation
Review receive-buffer sizes, application read frequency, thread handling and flow-control configuration.
The breakout cable is missing
Order a compatible 68-pin SCSI-to-eight-DB9 serial breakout cable. A generic SCSI cable should not be assumed to have the required NI serial pinout.
PXI-8430/8 vs PXIe-8430/8
| Feature | PXI-8430/8 | PXIe-8430/8 |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | PXI hybrid-compatible | PXI Express |
| Ports | 8 RS232 | 8 RS232 |
| Maximum Baud Rate | 1 Mbps | 1 Mbps |
| Preferred Use | Existing PXI and hybrid systems | New PXI Express installations |
Recommended Related Products
- PXI-8430/4 4-Port RS232 Interface
- PXI-8431/8 RS485/RS422 Interface
- PXIe-8430/8 RS232 Interface
- PXI-8432/4 Isolated RS232 Interface
- PXI-GPIB Interface Module
Frequently Asked Questions
How many RS232 ports does the PXI-8430/8 provide?
It provides eight independently configurable RS232 ports.
What is its maximum transfer rate?
Each port supports transfer rates up to 1 Mbps.
Does it require a breakout cable?
Yes. A compatible 68-pin SCSI breakout cable is required to provide eight conventional DB9 connections.
Is the PXI-8430/8 isolated?
No. It is a nonisolated serial interface.
What is the PXI-8430/8 part number?
The NI ordering part number is 779536-01.
Request a Quote for the PXI-8430/8
Contact us for current availability and pricing for the PXI-8430/8 8-Port RS232 Serial Interface Module. Please also confirm whether the required eight-port DB9 breakout cable should be included.
