NI PCI-485/8 8-Channel Serial Interface

The NI PCI-485/8 is an eight-channel RS-485 serial interface for PCI bus systems engineered to eliminate ground loop interference in electrically noisy industrial environments. Each of the eight independent ports configures for RS-485 communication with optical isolation rated to 2,000 V. A SCSI 68-pin host connector terminates to eight DB-9 male device connectors. The board supports RS-422 operation alongside RS-485, delivering baud rates up to 2 Mb/s with standard rates accurate to 0.01% and non-standard rates to 1%. Optical isolation and segregated serial ports mitigate ground loops while maintaining signal integrity across harsh installations.

– Technical Specifications

Interface & Performance
• RS-485 with RS-422 support
• 8 independent serial ports
• Maximum baud rate: up to 2 Mb/s
• Standard baud rate accuracy: 0.01%
• Non-standard baud rate accuracy: 1%
• 64 Byte FIFO buffer
• CTS, GND, and RTS signal support

Electrical
• Optical isolation: 2,000 V
• Power consumption: typical 1.1 A at +5 VDC; maximum 2.0 A at +5 VDC
• 5V PCI slot operation

Connectors
• Host: SCSI 68-pin
• Device: 8 × DB-9 male connectors
• Includes 1 m National Instruments Type PCI/PXI-485/8 cable

Physical
• Board dimensions: 4.2 × 5.7 inches
• Operating temperature: −40 to 70 °C

– Key Features

• Ground loop isolation through optical decoupling
• Eight fully independent serial channels
• High-speed baud rate capability with precision timing
• Industrial-grade isolation for EMI/RFI rejection
• Standard cable assembly included

– Typical Applications

Multi-port serial communication in industrial automation, sensor networks requiring galvanic isolation, and distributed data acquisition systems operating in electromagnetically harsh environments.

– Compatibility & Integration

Operating Systems: Windows 9x, 2000, Me, XP

Software Support: NI-Serial Device Driver, NI-VISA, Visual Basic, Visual C++, LabVIEW, LabWindows/CVI, Measurement Studio, and Lookout

Note: Product is categorized as obsolete by National Instruments; availability through third-party vendors and authorized repair services.