PXI-8430: Product OverviewThe National Instruments PXI-8430 is an eight-port serial interface module designed for PXI-based test and measurement systems requiring communication with multiple industrial devices using standard serial protocols. This module functions as a multi-port serial gateway, providing connectivity between a host controller and various instruments, programmable logic controllers, human-machine interfaces, and other serial-enabled equipment commonly found in industrial automation and test environments.Installed in a PXI chassis, the module operates as a bridge between the PXI backplane and eight independent serial channels, each configurable for either RS-232 or RS-485 electrical standards. Each port incorporates a dedicated UART with 128-byte FIFO buffers to ensure reliable data transmission and reception while minimizing processor overhead. The module supports communication with devices using various protocols including Modbus RTU, Profibus, and custom ASCII/binary protocols, making it suitable for integration into diverse industrial applications where legacy serial equipment remains in service.
PXI-8430
PXI-8430: Technical Specifications
• Model Number: PXI-8430
• Manufacturer: National Instruments
• Product Type: PXI Serial Interface Module
• Number of Ports: 8 independent serial ports
• Supported Standards: RS-232, RS-485 (software selectable per port)
• Maximum Data Rate: 1 MBaud per port
• Data Bits: 5, 6, 7, or 8 bits
• Stop Bits: 1, 1.5, or 2 bits
• Parity: None, odd, even, mark, space
• Flow Control: Hardware (RTS/CTS) and software (XON/XOFF)
• FIFO Buffers: 128-byte per port
• Connector: High-density 68-pin VHDCI
• Isolation: 500V RMS port-to-port and port-to-ground
• Operating Voltage: +5 VDC from PXI backplane
• Operating Temperature: 0°C to 55°C
• Driver Support: NI-VISA, NI-Serial
• API Support: LabVIEW, C, C#, .NET
PXI-8430
Core Features & Customer ValueMulti-Protocol Serial Connectivity: The software-configurable RS-232/RS-485 per port provides significant flexibility in system design. Engineers can interface with a wide range of devices without hardware modifications—RS-232 for point-to-point connections to instruments and displays, and RS-485 for multi-drop networks connecting multiple devices on a single bus. This reduces the need for multiple interface types and simplifies system architecture when integrating diverse equipment.High-Density Port Configuration: The eight independent serial ports on a single PXI slot conserve chassis space and reduce system cost compared to using multiple single-port or two-port interfaces. For applications requiring communication with numerous serial devices, such as production test stations with multiple instruments or distributed control systems with multiple sensors and actuators, this high port density significantly reduces hardware requirements and system complexity.Built-in Isolation and Protection: The 500V RMS isolation between ports and to ground protects the host system from ground loops, voltage spikes, and other electrical noise common in industrial environments. This isolation ensures communication reliability and protects sensitive measurement equipment from damage when connected to devices on different power circuits or located in electrically noisy areas of a facility.Typical ApplicationsIn manufacturing test systems, the module communicates with multiple bench-top instruments (power supplies, multimeters, oscilloscopes) via their RS-232 interfaces, enabling automated test sequences for electronic circuit board validation.In industrial automation, it connects to distributed I/O blocks, motor drives, and PLCs via RS-485 networks, facilitating data acquisition and control across factory floor equipment.For building management systems, the interface monitors and controls HVAC equipment, access control systems, and energy meters that utilize serial communication protocols.
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