NI PCI-8430/8 High-Performance 8-Port Serial interface (RS232)

The NI PCI-8430/8 is an 8-port RS232 serial interface for PCI-based systems requiring high-speed, reliable serial data transfer. Operating at up to 1 Mbps, the card employs high-speed DMA transfers and dual FIFOs to minimize CPU overhead while supporting multithreading and multiprocessor configurations. The device presents itself as standard COM ports to existing software, eliminating driver complexity and ensuring immediate compatibility with legacy serial applications.

– Technical Specifications

• Bus Type: PCI
• Port Count: 8 RS232 serial ports
• Maximum Baud Rate: 1 Mbps (1000 kbits/s)
• FIFO Buffers: 128 bytes transmit, 128 bytes receive per channel
• Data Transfer Method: High-speed DMA with dual FIFOs (host PC and FPGA target)
• Connector Type: 68-pin SCSI interface
• Power Supply: +5 VDC, 1.3 A typical / 1.9 A maximum
• Dimensions: 4.2 × 5.7 inches
• Weight: 0.19 lb

– Key Features

• Appears as standard Windows COM ports for direct software compatibility
• DMA-based architecture reduces CPU utilization during sustained serial transfers
• Supports Windows 7/Vista/XP/2000, LabVIEW Real-Time, and real-time operating systems
• Programmable baud rate configuration
• Multiprocessor-aware design enables efficient operation in SMP environments

– Typical Applications

• Multi-channel instrument control and sensor monitoring
• Laboratory data acquisition requiring simultaneous RS232 device communication
• Real-time systems with CPU-constrained embedded environments
• Legacy equipment integration into modern test systems

– Compatibility & Integration

The PCI-8430/8 integrates directly into standard desktop and industrial PC platforms. Firmware enumerates ports as native COM devices, requiring no custom serial drivers. Supported operating systems include Windows (XP through 7) and LabVIEW Real-Time systems. The card maintains mature product status with availability through select National Instruments distributors.