NI PXI-8420/2 RS232 2-Port Interface Card

The NI PXI-8420/2 is a 2-port RS232 serial interface card for PXI systems, delivering reliable communication with RS232 devices across industrial automation, data acquisition, and instrument control applications. It provides flexible baud rate support from 57 b/s to 2 Mb/s with 1% accuracy on nonstandard rates and 0.01% accuracy on standard rates, along with a 64 Byte FIFO buffer for efficient data handling. The card integrates into existing applications as a standard serial port and supports modern PC architectures including multiprocessor and hyperthreading capabilities, reducing CPU overhead through optimized DMA access and resource allocation.

– Technical Specifications

• Interface Type: RS232 serial over PXI bus
• Ports: 2 × DB-9 male connectors
• Baud Rate Range: 2 b/s to 2 Mb/s (nonstandard rates within 1%, standard rates within 0.01%)
• Maximum Standard Data Rate: 115.2 kbps
• FIFO Buffer: 64 Bytes
• Power Supply: +5 VDC (100 mA typical, 150 mA max), +12 VDC (20 mA typical, 200 mA max)
• Signaling Compatibility: 3.3 V and 5 V
• Dimensions: 6.37 × 3.94 inches (16.2 × 10.0 cm)
• Operating Temperature: 0 to 55 °C
• Storage Temperature: -20 to 70 °C
• Operating Humidity: 10 to 90% RH (non-condensing)
• Storage Humidity: 5 to 95% RH (non-condensing)

– Key Features

• Flexible baud rate configuration supporting nonstandard rates up to 2 Mb/s with ±1% accuracy
• 64 Byte FIFO buffer for buffered serial communication
• Universal PCI compatibility with both 3.3 V and 5 V signaling environments
• Optimized driver software leveraging DMA and multiprocessor architectures for reduced CPU usage
• Maximum cable length rating of 2,500 pF equivalent for RS-232

– Typical Applications

• Industrial automation and equipment control
• Data acquisition from RS232 instruments
• Legacy device integration in modern PXI test systems

– Compatibility & Integration

• Operating Systems: Windows 2000/NT/XP/Me/9x with Plug and Play; LabVIEW Real-Time support
• Development Platforms: NI-VISA, LabVIEW, LabWindows/CVI, Measurement Studio, Visual Basic, Visual C++, Excel
• Driver: NI-Serial
• Safety Standards: IEC 61010-1, EN 61010-1, UL 61010-1, CSA 61010-1