National Instruments PXI-8156B

The National Instruments PXI-8156B is a PXI/cPCI embedded controller purpose-built for demanding test and measurement applications. It integrates essential PC peripherals directly onto the controller, preserving PXI chassis slots for instrument modules. The platform supports dual processor options—233 MHz Intel Pentium MMX or 333 MHz AMD-K6-2—with configurable memory up to 256 MB via two user-accessible SO-DIMM sockets.

– Technical Specifications

Processor & Memory
• 233 MHz Intel Pentium MMX or 333 MHz AMD-K6-2 options
• 32 MB standard SDRAM
• Maximum 256 MB RAM (two SO-DIMM sockets)
• 2 GB Ultra DMA IDE hard drive (2.5 in.)
• 3.5 in. 1.44 MB floppy drive
• SuperVGA graphics controller with 2 MB EDO DRAM or 2 MB SGRAM

I/O Interfaces
• 1 x GPIB port (24-pin connector) with TNT4882C ASIC for IEEE 488.2 control
• 2 x RS-232 serial ports
• 1 x IEEE 1284 ECP/EPP parallel port
• 1 x USB port with dedicated controller
• 1 x 10BaseT Ethernet port
• PS/2 connectors for keyboard and mouse
• PCI and ISA expansion buses

Physical & Environmental
• Dimensions: 3.2 x 5.1 x 8.5 inches (8.1 x 13 x 21.6 cm)
• Weight: 2.4 lb
• Power consumption: 8.5 A maximum at +3.3 V
• Operating temperature: 0° to 50° C
• Storage temperature: -20° to 70° C
• Operating humidity: 10% to 90% non-condensing

– Key Features

The TNT4882C GPIB controller enables direct instrument communication via IEEE 488.2 protocol. Integrated serial, parallel, USB, and Ethernet interfaces eliminate external peripheral cards. Dual SO-DIMM architecture simplifies memory expansion without board-level modifications.

– Typical Applications

Automated test systems, measurement hardware control, data acquisition orchestration, and instrument coordination in production and laboratory environments.

– Compatibility & Integration

Works in PXI-1020, PXI-1025, and PXI-1000B (Slot 1 system controller). Supports LabVIEW, LabWindows/CVI, NI-VISA, NI-488.2M, and NI-DAQ. Compatible with Windows 95, Windows NT, Windows 7, and Windows 10.