NI PCI-8432/4 High Performance, Isolated 4-Port Serial Interface (RS-232)

The NI PCI-8432/4 is a high-performance, isolated 4-port RS-232 serial interface card for PCI systems. It delivers port-to-port and port-to-host isolation rated at 60 VDC continuous (CAT I) with 2000 Vrms withstand capability, protecting against ground loops and voltage transients in demanding industrial environments. High-speed DMA transfers and multiprocessor support minimize CPU overhead while maintaining compatibility with standard COM port software.

– Technical Specifications

• Interface: RS-232 serial, 4 ports on PCI bus
• Data Rate: 1 Mbps maximum; supports 2 baud to 1 Mbps with ±1.3% accuracy
• Isolation: Port-to-port and port-to-host; 60 VDC continuous, 2000 Vrms withstand (5-second dielectric test)
• FIFO Buffers: 128 B transmit, 128 B receive
• Power: +5 VDC, 550 mA typical / 815 mA maximum from PCI slot
• RS-232 Rated Voltage: −25 V to +25 V continuous
• Connectors: 10-position modular jack (10P10C); DB-9 male via included cables
• Dimensions: 4.2 in. × 6.9 in. (10.67 × 17.44 cm); 105 g
• Operating Temperature: 0 to 55 °C (IEC-60068-2-1, IEC-60068-2-2)
• Operating Humidity: 10% to 90% non-condensing (IEC-60068-2-56)
• Storage Temperature: −40 to 70 °C
• Operational Shock: 30 g peak, half-sine, 11 ms (IEC-60068-2-27)
• Random Vibration (Operating): 5–500 Hz, 0.3 grms
• Random Vibration (Non-operating): 5–500 Hz, 2.4 grms
• ESD Protection: 15,000 V

– Key Features

• DMA-driven transfers eliminate CPU bottlenecks in high-throughput applications
• Multithreading and multiprocessor compatible for scalable system designs
• Standard COM port emulation ensures driver compatibility with legacy serial software
• Integrated status LED (PWR/RDY) for configuration and error monitoring
• Dual isolation architecture protects sensitive equipment from transient events

– Typical Applications

• Industrial automation and process control
• Multi-device data acquisition systems
• Legacy serial instrument interfacing
• Ground-loop isolation in noisy electrical environments

– Compatibility & Integration

Supports Windows and LabVIEW Real-Time OS. NI-Serial drivers enable drop-in replacement of conventional serial ports. Standard PCI form factor integration.