PXI-8432/2: Product OverviewThe National Instruments PXI-8432/2 is a dual-port isolated serial interface module designed for PXI-based systems requiring robust serial connectivity in industrial environments. This module provides two independent serial communication channels, each configurable for RS-232, RS-422, or RS-485 electrical standards through software selection. The interface serves as a communication bridge between the host system and industrial equipment such as programmable logic controllers, human-machine interfaces, instrumentation, and other serial-enabled devices commonly found in automation and test applications.Installed in a PXI chassis, the module operates with 2500V RMS of isolation on each port, providing protection against ground loops, voltage transients, and electrical noise that can compromise communication reliability in industrial settings. Each port incorporates advanced transceivers that automatically handle the electrical characteristics of the selected serial standard, eliminating the need for hardware reconfiguration when changing between RS-232, RS-422, and RS-485 operation. The module’s architecture includes 128-byte FIFO buffers per channel to ensure reliable data transmission while minimizing processor overhead during high-speed communication.
NI PXI-8432/2
PXI-8432/2: Technical Specifications
• Model Number: PXI-8432/2
• Manufacturer: National Instruments
• Product Type: PXI Serial Interface Module
• Number of Ports: 2 independent isolated serial ports
• Supported Standards: RS-232, RS-422, RS-485 (software selectable per port)
• Maximum Data Rate: 3 MBaud per port
• Isolation Rating: 2500V RMS continuous (port-to-port and port-to-bus)
• 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 transmit and receive per port
• Connector: 20-position screw terminal
• Operating Voltage: +5 VDC from PXI backplane
• Operating Temperature: -40°C to 85°C
• Common-Mode Rejection: >25 kV/μs
• ESD Protection: ±15 kV (IEC 61000-4-2)
• Driver Support: NI-VISA, NI-488.2, NI-Serial
• API Support: LabVIEW, C, C#, .NET, Python
NI PXI-8432/2
Core Features & Customer ValueMulti-Standard Serial Support: The software-configurable RS-232/RS-422/RS-485 capability per port provides exceptional flexibility for connecting to diverse industrial equipment without hardware modifications. RS-232 supports point-to-point connections to instruments and displays, RS-485 enables multi-drop networks for connecting multiple devices, and RS-422 provides balanced differential communication for longer distance connections with better noise immunity. This versatility reduces the need for multiple interface types and simplifies system architecture.High-Speed Communication: The 3 MBaud maximum data rate supports high-speed data transfer requirements for applications involving large data sets or time-sensitive communications. This capability is essential for applications such as data logging from high-speed instruments, firmware updates to embedded systems, or communication with modern industrial controllers that operate at higher baud rates than traditional 115.2 kbaud limitations.Robust Industrial Protection: The 2500V RMS isolation, combined with ±15 kV ESD protection and high common-mode rejection, ensures reliable operation in electrically challenging environments. This protection safeguards both the host system and connected equipment from damage caused by ground potential differences, electrostatic discharge, and electrical noise, reducing downtime and maintenance costs in industrial applications.Typical ApplicationsIn industrial automation systems, the module communicates with PLCs, motor drives, and HMI panels distributed throughout a factory, providing reliable data exchange in electrically noisy environments with varying ground potentials.For test and measurement systems, the interface connects to bench-top instruments with serial ports, enabling automated test sequences while protecting sensitive measurement equipment from ground loops and electrical transients.In energy management systems, the module monitors power quality meters, protective relays, and energy sensors in electrical substations where high-voltage transients and ground potential differences are common.
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