PXI-8430/2 2-Port RS-232 PXI Serial Interface Module
Земля PXI-8430/2 is a two-port PXI serial instrument-control module designed for high-speed communication with RS-232 instruments, controllers and other serial devices. It installs in a compatible PXI chassis and provides two independent DB-9 serial ports.
The module supports baud rates from 2 baud to 1 Mbps, allowing it to communicate with both legacy RS-232 equipment and devices requiring faster serial transfers. Its high-performance architecture supports DMA transfers, multithreaded software and multiprocessor systems.
NI serial interfaces appear as standard COM ports in supported operating systems. This allows the PXI-8430/2 to work with many existing serial applications while also supporting automated instrument-control software developed with NI-VISA and NI-Serial.
Key Features of the PXI-8430/2
- Two independent RS-232 serial ports
- Up to 1 Mbps maximum baud rate
- Supports programmable baud rates from 2 baud to 1 Mbps
- 128-byte FIFO for each serial channel
- Two male DB-9 front-panel connectors
- Nonisolated serial interface
- High-performance DMA data transfers
- Multithreaded application support
- Multiprocessor system support
- Appears as standard COM ports
- Compatible with standard RS-232 instruments
- Hardware and software flow-control support
- NI-Serial driver support
- NI-VISA compatibility
- LabVIEW Real-Time support
- Single-slot 3U PXI module
PXI-8430/2 Technical Specifications
| Product Model | PXI-8430/2 |
|---|---|
| Part Number | 778982-01 |
| Product Type | PXI serial instrument-control module |
| Serial Protocol | РС-232 |
| Number of Serial Ports | 2 |
| Изоляция | Nonisolated |
| Minimum Programmable Baud Rate | 2 baud |
| Maximum Baud Rate | 1 Mbps |
| Standard Baud Rates | Supported |
| Custom Baud Rates | Supported from 2 baud to 1 Mbps |
| Baud-Rate Accuracy | UART operates within 1.3% of supported baud rates |
| FIFO Size | 128 bytes per port |
| Data Transfer Architecture | High-performance DMA |
| Operating-System Interface | Standard COM ports |
| Front-Panel Connectors | 2 × male DB-9 |
| Шинный интерфейс | PXI |
| Typical Power Requirement | 325 mA from +5 VDC PXI supply |
| Maximum Power Requirement | 500 mA from +5 VDC PXI supply |
| Dimensions | 100 × 160 mm |
| Weight | 134 g |
| Module Format | 3U, single-slot PXI module |
| Primary Driver | NI-Serial |
| Instrument-Control Software | NI-VISA |
| Programming Support | LabVIEW, LabWindows/CVI and compatible text-based languages |
PXI-8430/2 Part Number and Accessories
| Item | Part Number | Описание |
|---|---|---|
| PXI-8430/2 | 778982-01 | Two-port, nonisolated RS-232 PXI serial interface module |
| 9F-9M S10 Serial Cable | 183045-02 | 2 m DB-9 female to DB-9 male straight-through RS-232 cable |
| DB-9 Null-Modem Cable | Application dependent | Used when the connected equipment requires crossed transmit and receive signals |
The PXI-8430/2 provides two male DB-9 connectors directly on its front panel. Verify whether the connected equipment requires a straight-through or null-modem cable before ordering the serial cables.
Two Independent RS-232 Ports
The PXI-8430/2 provides two independently configurable RS-232 ports. Each port can communicate with a separate instrument or serial device using its own baud rate, data format, flow-control settings and communication session.
Typical devices include programmable instruments, laboratory equipment, industrial controllers, barcode scanners, modems, environmental chambers and embedded electronic systems.
Because the ports operate independently, one port can communicate with a slow legacy instrument while the second port operates at a higher baud rate with another device.
1 Mbps Maximum Baud Rate
The module supports serial communication speeds up to 1 Mbps. This is significantly faster than the 115.2 kbaud limit associated with many conventional computer serial ports.
Actual communication speed is determined by both connected devices, the cable, the selected serial format and the electrical characteristics of the installation. Long RS-232 cables may require a lower baud rate for reliable communication.
Flexible Programmable Baud Rates
The PXI-8430/2 supports standard baud rates and programmable rates from 2 baud through 1 Mbps. Its UART can generate supported baud rates within approximately 1.3% of the requested value.
This flexibility is useful when communicating with devices that use uncommon or application-specific baud rates rather than standard values such as 9,600, 19,200 or 115,200 baud.
128-Byte FIFO Architecture
Each serial port includes a 128-byte FIFO. The FIFO temporarily stores transmitted and received data, reducing the frequency with which the host processor must service the serial interface.
Larger buffering helps prevent data loss when the operating system or application is temporarily busy. Application software must still read incoming data frequently enough to prevent sustained traffic from exceeding the available buffering.
High-Performance DMA Transfers
The PXI-8430/2 supports high-performance DMA transfers between the serial interface and system memory. DMA reduces processor involvement compared with transferring every byte through individual programmed operations.
This capability is useful in systems that communicate continuously with several instruments while simultaneously acquiring, processing or logging measurement data.
Standard COM-Port Compatibility
After installation of the NI-Serial driver, the PXI-8430/2 ports appear as standard COM ports. Existing Windows serial applications can address them using conventional COM-port programming interfaces.
The COM-port representation simplifies migration from desktop serial ports to a modular PXI system. Applications should confirm the assigned COM numbers after hardware installation or system reconfiguration.
RS-232 Signal Support
RS-232 is a point-to-point serial communication standard commonly used for instrument control and industrial equipment. A typical connection links one host serial port to one external device.
The PXI-8430/2 is not an RS-422 or RS-485 interface. If the connected equipment uses differential RS-422 or RS-485 signals, select a PXI-8431 or isolated PXI-8433 model instead.
Nonisolated Interface Design
The PXI-8430/2 does not provide electrical isolation between the serial ports and the PXI system. The connected equipment and PXI chassis therefore share an electrical reference through the serial interface.
A nonisolated interface is appropriate for many laboratory systems where devices share a suitable ground. For equipment separated by substantial ground potential or exposed to electrical noise, consider the isolated PXI-8432/2.
DB-9 Front-Panel Connectivity
Two male DB-9 connectors provide direct access to the serial ports without requiring a breakout cable. This simplifies system wiring and allows standard RS-232 cables to connect directly to the module.
Check the pinout of the external device before making the connection. Depending on whether the equipment is configured as DTE or DCE, the application may require a straight-through or null-modem cable.
Straight-Through vs Null-Modem Cables
A straight-through cable connects each DB-9 pin to the corresponding pin at the opposite end. It is commonly used between a computer-style DTE port and DCE equipment.
A null-modem cable crosses transmit and receive signals so that two similarly configured DTE devices can communicate. Using the wrong cable type commonly results in a connection where neither device receives data.
Hardware Flow Control
RS-232 devices can use RTS and CTS signals to control the transmission of data. Hardware flow control prevents one device from sending more data than the receiving device can process.
Both devices must use matching flow-control settings. If one side expects RTS/CTS while the other uses no flow control, communication may stop even when the baud rate and data format are correct.
Software Flow Control
Applications can also use XON/XOFF software flow control when supported by the connected device. Control characters embedded in the data stream pause and resume transmission.
Software flow control should not be enabled when the data protocol can legitimately contain unescaped XON or XOFF characters, unless the protocol has been designed to handle them.
Typical PXI-8430/2 Applications
- Automated instrument control
- Laboratory equipment communication
- Industrial controller interfacing
- Environmental chamber control
- Power supply and electronic load control
- Barcode scanner integration
- Embedded system validation
- Production functional testing
- Serial data logging
- Legacy RS-232 equipment integration
- Hardware-in-the-loop test systems
- LabVIEW Real-Time serial communication
Automated Instrument Control
The PXI-8430/2 can control RS-232 instruments such as programmable power supplies, electronic loads, temperature chambers and measurement devices from an automated PXI system.
Test software can send commands, read responses and coordinate serial devices with other PXI measurements. Timeouts and command termination characters should be configured according to each instrument’s programming manual.
Production Test Systems
In a production system, one PXI-8430/2 port can communicate with the device under test while the second controls an auxiliary instrument or fixture controller.
DMA transfers and independent FIFOs help maintain serial communication while the controller handles measurement acquisition, result processing and database operations.
Legacy Equipment Integration
Many laboratory and industrial devices continue to use RS-232 even when newer instruments use USB, Ethernet or other interfaces. The PXI-8430/2 allows these devices to remain integrated into a modern PXI test platform.
Before replacing an older serial controller, document its baud rate, parity, data bits, stop bits, flow-control method, command termination and cable pinout.
LabVIEW Real-Time Integration
The PXI-8430/2 can be used with supported LabVIEW Real-Time systems. A real-time PXI controller can communicate with serial instruments while coordinating deterministic measurement and control tasks.
Serial transactions themselves depend on the external device and protocol, so application timing should allow for response latency, message length and communication timeouts.
NI-Serial Driver Support
The NI-Serial driver installs hardware support and exposes the PXI-8430/2 channels as standard serial ports. It also provides configuration and diagnostic support through NI Measurement & Automation Explorer.
Driver compatibility should be verified against the controller operating system, LabVIEW version and real-time software version before installing the module in an existing system.
NI-VISA Integration
NI-VISA provides a common programming interface for serial, GPIB, USB, Ethernet and other instrument-control resources. Applications can use VISA functions to configure a port, write commands and read responses.
VISA resource names and aliases can simplify program configuration. An alias such as CHAMBER or POWER_SUPPLY is easier to manage than a COM number that may change after system reconfiguration.
PXI Chassis Integration
The PXI-8430/2 is a single-slot 3U module installed in a compatible PXI chassis. It operates with embedded or remote PXI controllers that support the required NI-Serial software.
Before installation, confirm chassis compatibility, available slot space, controller support and operating-system driver compatibility.
PXI-8430/2 Troubleshooting
The PXI-8430/2 Is Not Detected in NI MAX
Confirm that the module is fully seated in a compatible PXI slot. Check chassis power, controller communication and NI-Serial installation, then restart NI Measurement & Automation Explorer.
The Serial Ports Do Not Appear as COM Ports
Verify that the NI-Serial driver is installed and supports the controller operating system. Rescan the hardware in NI MAX or Device Manager and restart the system if required.
The Device Does Not Respond
Confirm the COM port, baud rate, parity, data bits, stop bits and flow-control settings. Verify whether the connection requires a straight-through or null-modem cable.
Transmitted Data Is Corrupted
Check that both devices use identical communication settings. Reduce the baud rate, shorten the cable and move serial wiring away from motors, power supplies and other electrical noise sources.
Communication Stops After Several Messages
Review hardware and software flow-control settings. Confirm that the application continuously reads incoming data and does not allow the receive buffer to overflow.
The Application Opens the Wrong Port
Check the COM-port assignment in NI MAX or the operating system. Use NI-VISA aliases to provide stable descriptive resource names for the application.
Data Is Received but Commands Are Ignored
Review the instrument’s command format and termination requirements. Many instruments require a carriage return, line feed or a combination of both after each command.
Communication Is Unreliable at 1 Mbps
Confirm that the connected device supports 1 Mbps. Use a short, properly shielded cable and verify grounding. Reduce the baud rate if the device or cable cannot maintain reliable operation at maximum speed.
A Ground-Loop Problem Occurs
The PXI-8430/2 is nonisolated. Check the voltage between the PXI chassis ground and external device ground before connecting them. Consider the isolated PXI-8432/2 if ground-potential differences cannot be eliminated.
PXI-8430/2 Comparison with Similar Serial Modules
| Модель | Конфигурация | Best Suited For |
|---|---|---|
| PXI-8430/2 | 2-port RS-232, nonisolated, 1 Mbps | Direct two-device RS-232 control |
| PXI-8430/4 | 4-port RS-232, nonisolated, 1 Mbps | Additional RS-232 channel density |
| PXI-8430/8 | 8-port RS-232, nonisolated, 1 Mbps | High-channel-count serial systems |
| PXI-8431/2 | 2-port RS-422/RS-485, nonisolated, 3 Mbps | Differential and multidrop communication |
| PXI-8432/2 | 2-port RS-232, isolated, 1 Mbps | RS-232 systems requiring electrical isolation |
| PXI-8433/2 | 2-port isolated RS-422/RS-485 | Differential communication with isolation |
PXI-8430/2 vs PXI-8430/4
The PXI-8430/2 provides two direct DB-9 RS-232 ports. The PXI-8430/4 provides four RS-232 ports through 10-position modular connectors and adapter cables.
Choose the PXI-8430/2 when two serial channels are sufficient and direct DB-9 connectivity is preferred. Choose the PXI-8430/4 when additional channel density is required.
PXI-8430/2 vs PXI-8432/2
The PXI-8430/2 and PXI-8432/2 both provide two RS-232 ports with maximum baud rates of 1 Mbps. The primary difference is electrical isolation.
Choose the PXI-8430/2 for standard laboratory systems with compatible grounding. Choose the PXI-8432/2 when the application requires isolation from ground-potential differences or electrical noise.
PXI-8430/2 vs PXI-8431/2
The PXI-8430/2 supports point-to-point RS-232 communication through 1 Mbps. The PXI-8431/2 supports differential RS-422 and RS-485 communication through 3 Mbps.
Select the PXI-8430/2 for RS-232 instruments. Select the PXI-8431/2 when the equipment requires RS-422, RS-485, longer cable distances or multidrop communication.
Recommended Related Products
- PXI-8430/4 4-Port RS-232 Serial Module
- PXI-8430/8 8-Port RS-232 Serial Module
- PXI-8430/16 16-Port RS-232 Serial Module
- PXI-8431/2 2-Port RS-422/RS-485 Serial Module
- PXI-8432/2 2-Port Isolated RS-232 Serial Module
- PXI-8433/2 2-Port Isolated RS-422/RS-485 Module
- View More NI PXI and PXI Express Modules
Selecting the Right PXI Serial Interface
Choose the PXI-8430/2 when the application requires two nonisolated RS-232 ports, direct DB-9 connectivity and communication speeds up to 1 Mbps.
Choose a higher-port-count PXI-8430 model when more RS-232 devices must be connected. Select the PXI-8432/2 for isolated RS-232 communication or the PXI-8431/2 for RS-422 and RS-485 equipment.
Why Choose the PXI-8430/2?
- Provides two independent RS-232 ports
- Supports baud rates through 1 Mbps
- Supports custom baud rates from 2 baud
- Provides direct DB-9 front-panel connections
- Includes 128-byte FIFOs for reliable data handling
- Uses DMA to reduce processor overhead
- Appears as standard operating-system COM ports
- Supports multithreaded and multiprocessor applications
- Integrates with NI-Serial and NI-VISA
- Supports compatible LabVIEW Real-Time systems
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the PXI-8430/2?
The PXI-8430/2 is a two-port, nonisolated RS-232 serial interface module for PXI instrument-control and automated test systems.
What Is the PXI-8430/2 Part Number?
The standard NI part number for the PXI-8430/2 is 778982-01.
How Many Serial Ports Does It Provide?
The module provides two independent RS-232 ports.
What Is the Maximum Baud Rate?
The PXI-8430/2 supports baud rates up to 1 Mbps.
Does It Support Custom Baud Rates?
Yes. The hardware supports programmable baud rates from 2 baud through 1 Mbps.
What Connectors Does It Use?
The module provides two male DB-9 connectors directly on its front panel.
Is the PXI-8430/2 Isolated?
No. The PXI-8430/2 is a nonisolated serial interface. Choose the PXI-8432/2 when isolated RS-232 ports are required.
What Is the FIFO Size?
Each RS-232 port includes a 128-byte FIFO.
Does the Module Appear as Standard COM Ports?
Yes. After installation of the NI-Serial driver, its channels appear as standard COM ports in supported operating systems.
Can the PXI-8430/2 Communicate with RS-485 Equipment?
No. It supports RS-232 only. Use a PXI-8431 or PXI-8433 model for RS-422 and RS-485 communication.
Which Software Controls the PXI-8430/2?
The module uses the NI-Serial driver and can be programmed through NI-VISA, LabVIEW, LabWindows/CVI and supported text-based languages.
Is the PXI-8430/2 Still Available from NI?
NI lists the PXI-8430/2 as no longer available for direct purchase. Used, refurbished or new-surplus modules may remain available from specialized PXI suppliers.
Request a Quote for the PXI-8430/2
Contact us for current availability, condition, lead time and project pricing for the PXI-8430/2 2-Port RS-232 PXI Serial Interface Module. We can also help identify compatible DB-9 cables, isolated serial modules, PXI chassis and higher-channel-count serial interfaces for your test system.
