PXI-8432/2 2-Port Isolated RS232 Serial Interface
Земля PXI-8432/2 is a two-port isolated RS232 interface for PXI systems. Unlike nonisolated RS232 modules, it provides electrical isolation between the serial ports and the host system as well as port-to-port isolation.
This design helps protect the PXI system from ground-potential differences, common-mode noise and unintended current paths. It is suitable for industrial equipment, remote instruments and test installations where the connected devices do not share a clean common ground.
Key Features of the PXI-8432/2
- Two independent isolated RS232 ports
- 2,000 V isolation architecture
- Port-to-port and port-to-host isolation
- Maximum baud rate up to 1 Mbps
- 128-byte transmit and receive FIFOs
- High-performance DMA transfers
- Two front-panel DB9 male connectors
- Standard COM-port compatibility
- NI-Serial and NI-VISA software support
- Suitable for noisy industrial environments
- Compact one-slot 3U PXI format
PXI-8432/2 Technical Specifications
| Product Model | PXI-8432/2 |
|---|---|
| Part Number | 779743-01 |
| Product Type | Isolated PXI serial interface |
| Serial Standard | RS232 |
| Number of Ports | 2 |
| Maximum Baud Rate | 1 Mbps |
| FIFO Size | 128 байт |
| Isolation Type | Port-to-port and port-to-computer isolation |
| Рейтинг изоляции | 2,000 V isolation class |
| Front Connectors | 2 × DB9 male |
| Typical +5 V Current | Approximately 725 mA |
| Maximum +5 V Current | Approximately 1 A |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to 55°C |
| Storage Temperature | -20°C to 70°C |
| Dimensions | 100 mm × 160 mm, 3U |
| Weight | Approximately 125 g |
PXI-8432/2 Part Number and Cabling
| Item | Part Number | Описание |
|---|---|---|
| PXI-8432/2 | 779743-01 | Two-port isolated RS232 PXI interface |
| DB9 RS232 Cable | Application dependent | Straight-through or null-modem cable selected according to DTE/DCE wiring |
Port-to-Port Isolation
Each serial channel is isolated from the other port. A ground difference or electrical disturbance on one connected device is therefore less likely to interfere with the second serial link.
Isolation does not eliminate the need to remain within the specified working-voltage and safety limits. It should not be treated as approval for connecting arbitrary hazardous circuits.
Direct DB9 Connectivity
The PXI-8432/2 provides two DB9 male connectors directly on the front panel. This simplifies integration with standard RS232 cables and avoids the separate breakout cable required by higher-port-count modules.
Confirm whether the attached device is configured as DTE or DCE. A null-modem cable may be necessary when both ends use the same interface arrangement.
Industrial Communication Applications
The isolated architecture is useful for equipment installed in test cells, production lines or separate electrical cabinets. It can reduce communication problems caused by ground loops between the PXI chassis and remote equipment.
Typical devices include PLC programming interfaces, motor controllers, environmental chambers, industrial sensors and legacy manufacturing equipment.
Typical PXI-8432/2 Applications
- Isolated industrial RS232 communication
- PLC and motion-controller interfaces
- Environmental test systems
- Remote serial instrument control
- Production equipment integration
- Ground-loop reduction
- High-voltage test-system support
- Laboratory automation
NI-Serial and NI-VISA Support
NI-Serial installs the hardware and presents both channels as standard COM ports. NI-VISA can provide resource-based communication from LabVIEW and other supported programming environments.
Applications can independently configure the baud rate, character format, flow control and timeout for each channel.
PXI-8432/2 Troubleshooting
The connected device does not respond
Check whether a straight-through or null-modem cable is required. Then confirm the baud rate, parity, data bits, stop bits and flow control.
The port works at low speed but not at 1 Mbps
Verify that the connected device supports the selected rate. Inspect cable length, shielding, grounding and connector quality.
The module is detected but no COM ports appear
Repair or reinstall NI-Serial and check Device Manager for disabled devices or resource conflicts.
Isolation does not solve the communication problem
Measure the ground-potential difference and verify that it remains within the module’s working limits. Also check cable routing and electromagnetic interference.
PXI-8432/2 vs PXI-8430/2
| Функция | PXI-8432/2 | PXI-8430/2 |
|---|---|---|
| Ports | 2 RS232 | 2 RS232 |
| Изоляция | Port-to-port and port-to-host | Nonisolated |
| Maximum Baud Rate | 1 Mbps | 1 Mbps |
| Best Suited For | Noisy or separated electrical systems | Devices sharing a suitable common ground |
Recommended Related Products
- PXI-8430/2 RS232 Interface
- PXI-8432/4 4-Port Isolated RS232 Interface
- PXI-8433/2 Isolated RS485/RS422 Interface
- PXI-8433/4 Isolated RS485/RS422 Interface
- PXI-GPIB Interface Module
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the PXI-8432/2?
It is a two-port isolated RS232 serial interface module for PXI systems.
Does it provide port-to-port isolation?
Yes. Its two serial ports are isolated from each other and from the computer interface.
Which connectors are provided?
The module has two front-panel DB9 male connectors.
What is its maximum baud rate?
The maximum supported transfer rate is 1 Mbps.
What is the PXI-8432/2 part number?
The NI ordering part number is 779743-01.
Request a Quote for the PXI-8432/2
Contact us for pricing and availability for the PXI-8432/2 Isolated RS232 Interface. We can also help identify compatible cables and isolated RS485/RS422 alternatives.


