NI PXI-8432/4 Overview
The NI PXI-8432/4 is a high-performance, 4-port serial interface module designed for PXI systems. Developed by National Instruments (NI), it provides reliable and flexible RS232/RS485/RS422 serial communication capabilities within a PXI or PXI Express chassis, making it ideal for various industrial control, automation, and test applications that require multiple serial connections.
Product Detailed Description
(Function):
Provides four independent serial ports for connecting to a wide range of devices such as instruments, PLCs, motor drives, barcode scanners, and other serial-enabled equipment.
Supports multiple serial standards: RS232, RS485, and RS422, offering flexibility for different communication requirements.
Offers high data transfer rates, making it suitable for applications requiring fast and reliable serial communication.
Designed for integration into PXI (PCI eXtensions for Instrumentation) and PXI Express chassis, leveraging the high-performance and synchronized timing capabilities of the PXI platform.
Features advanced capabilities such as baud rate generation, flow control (hardware and software), and configurable data bits, stop bits, and parity.
Utilizes NI's high-performance serial controllers for efficient data handling and minimal CPU overhead.
(Features):
(4 Independent Serial Ports): Allows for simultaneous communication with multiple devices without interference.
(Multi-Standard Support): User-selectable RS232, RS485 (2-wire/4-wire), and RS422 on each port, providing versatility.
(PXI Compatible): Designed for seamless integration into PXI/PXI Express systems, benefiting from the robust and modular nature of the platform.
(High-Speed Transfer): Supports baud rates up to 3 Mbit/s (RS485/RS422) or 1 Mbit/s (RS232), depending on the configuration.
(Isolation Option - Note: The base 8432/4 model is typically non-isolated. Isolated versions like PXI-8432/4 (isolated) exist and would be specified with 'iso' in the model name if applicable.): Some variants or related models may offer optical isolation to protect against ground loops and noise, enhancing signal integrity in noisy industrial environments. (Assuming this specific model is non-isolated unless explicitly stated otherwise).
(NI-Serial Driver Support): Full software support with NI-Serial driver, offering APIs for various programming languages (LabVIEW, LabWindows/CVI, ANSI C/C++, .NET).
(DMA Capability): Often leverages Direct Memory Access (DMA) for efficient data transfer, reducing CPU utilization.
Product Parameters
(Bus Type): PXI
(Number of Ports): 4
(Serial Standards): RS232, RS485 (2-wire/4-wire), RS422 (user-selectable per port)
(Max Baud Rate):
(Data Bits): 5, 6, 7, or 8
(Stop Bits): 1, 1.5, or 2
(Parity): None, Odd, Even, Mark, Space
(Flow Control): Hardware (RTS/CTS), Software (XON/XOFF), or None
FIFOs (First-In, First-Out buffers): Typically 128 bytes transmit, 128 bytes receive (per port)
(Connector Type): 68-pin VHDCI or 68-pin SCSI for breakout cables (e.g., CB-68LP for RS232, CB-68LP-485 for RS485/RS422).
(Power Consumption): Typically provided by the PXI chassis. Refer to the specific module's datasheet for detailed power requirements (e.g., 5V, 3.3V current draw).
(Operating Temperature): 0 to 55 °C
(Storage Temperature): -20 to 70 °C
(Humidity): 10 to 90% RH, noncondensing
(Dimensions): Typically a 3U PXI single-slot module.
(Driver Support): NI-Serial, compatible with LabVIEW, LabWindows/CVI, C/C++, .NET.
Product Advantages
(PXI Integration): Seamlessly integrates into the PXI ecosystem, benefiting from centralized control, synchronized timing, and high-performance bus architecture.
(Versatility): Support for three major serial standards on all four ports provides high flexibility for connecting diverse serial devices.
(High Performance): High baud rates and efficient data transfer capabilities are crucial for demanding applications.
(Reliability): Built with industrial-grade components for robust and long-term operation in various environments.
(Comprehensive Software Support): NI's powerful software platform (LabVIEW, etc.) and dedicated NI-Serial drivers simplify development and system integration.
(Independent Ports): Each port operates independently, minimizing interference and maximizing throughput for multi-device communication.
(Compact Design): Occupies only one PXI slot, saving space in the chassis.
Precautions
(Driver Installation): Ensure the correct version of NI-Serial drivers is installed and compatible with your operating system and NI software (e.g., LabVIEW).
(Cable Selection): Use the appropriate NI breakout cable (e.g., CB-68LP or CB-68LP-485) and serial cables for the chosen serial standard (RS232, RS485, RS422) to ensure proper connection and signal integrity.
(Correct Wiring): Carefully follow the wiring diagrams for RS485/RS422 (especially 2-wire vs. 4-wire) to ensure correct data transmission and reception. Pay attention to termination resistors for RS485/RS422 if applicable.
(Isolation Needs): If your application involves significant ground potential differences or high electrical noise, consider using an isolated serial module (if an 'iso' variant is available) or external serial isolators. The PXI-8432/4 (base model) does not typically provide isolation.
(Serial Protocol): Understand the specific serial communication protocol (e.g., Modbus RTU, ASCII, custom protocols) of the devices you are connecting to ensure proper data framing and interpretation in your software.
(Termination Resistors for RS485/RS422): For RS485/RS422 networks, ensure proper termination resistors are used at both ends of the bus to prevent signal reflections.
(PXI Slot Compatibility): Verify that your PXI or PXI Express chassis has available slots compatible with the PXI-8432/4 module.
Product Applications
The NI PXI-8432/4 is widely used in applications requiring robust and multi-channel serial communication within a PXI-based test or control system.
Automated Test Systems:
Controlling and communicating with serial-controlled instruments (e.g., power supplies, multimeters, environmental chambers).
Interfacing with unit-under-test (UUT) serial ports for debugging or functional testing.
Industrial Automation and Control:
Connecting to PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers) for data acquisition and control.
Controlling motor drives, actuators, and robotic systems via serial commands.
Interfacing with HMI (Human Machine Interface) panels or SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems.
Data Acquisition Systems:
Embedded System Development and Test:
Device Control:
Communication Protocol Analysis:
