NI PXI-8423 serial interface/Ethernet/USB

Manuals and User Guides for National Instruments PXI-8423.

Title: Streamlining Serial Connectivity with National Instruments

Introduction: National Instruments offers a comprehensive range of serial interfaces compatible with various platforms such as PCI, PXI, PCMCIA, ISA, USB, and Ethernet. This article provides an overview of their features, including plug-and-play compatibility, ease of installation, and options for isolation in industrial environments.

1. Serial Interfaces Overview: National Instruments provides asynchronous serial interfaces supporting up to 16 ports on platforms like PCI, PXI, PCMCIA, ISA, USB, and Ethernet. These interfaces facilitate communication with instruments via serial ports, offering seamless integration with different applications.

2. Plug-and-Play Compatibility: The interfaces offer full Windows 2000/NT/XP/Me/9x plug-and-play compatibility, ensuring automatic configuration for simplified installation and maintenance. Users can integrate these devices as standard serial ports in existing applications or those developed with NI-VISA.

3. Development Environment Compatibility: Supported by development environments like Visual Basic, Visual C++, Excel, NI LabVIEW, LabWindows/CVI, Measurement Studio, and Lookout application software products, these interfaces provide access to add-in serial ports using standard serial I/O functions.

4. Enhanced Serial Driver: All interface devices include an enhanced serial driver for improved performance, easy configuration, and access to advanced transceiver control modes, particularly in RS485 interfaces.

5. Isolation for Industrial Environments: To combat ground loop issues in industrial applications, National Instruments offers PCI, PXI, and AT serial interfaces with optical isolation up to 2,000 V. This isolation ensures protection for computer systems in harsh industrial environments.

6. Cabling Options:

• 2-Port Serial Interfaces: Feature DB-9 male connectors with standard pin assignments for RS485 and RS232 connections.
• 4-Port Serial Interfaces: Utilize 10-position modular phone jacks, convertible to DB-9 or DB-25 male connectors with standard pin assignments.
• 8-Port Serial Interfaces: Include an adapter cable terminating in eight standard DB-9 male connectors.
• 16-Port RS232 Serial Interfaces: Come with a breakout box terminating in 16 standard DB-9 male connectors.
• PCMCIA Serial Cards: Shipped with interface cables providing one, two, or four DB-9 male connectors, designed for RS485 and RS232 connections.

Conclusion: National Instruments’ serial interfaces offer a versatile solution for seamless connectivity in various applications. With plug-and-play compatibility, isolation options, and flexible cabling, these interfaces cater to the diverse needs of users across different industries.