NI Serial Hardware Specifications

and Features Guide

This document lists safety and compliance information for NI Serial
hardware, as well as physical specifications, software features,
and recommended operating conditions.
Contents
Supported Interfaces and Operating Systems ......................................... 2
NI-Serial for Windows and LabVIEW Real-Time Supported
Interfaces....................................................................................... 2
NI-Serial Hardware Operating System Support...................................... 6
Serial Hardware Features ........................................................................ 7
USB LED Descriptions........................................................................... 8
ENET LED Descriptions ........................................................................ 9
Connectors and Pinouts........................................................................... 10
DB-9 Male ....................................................................................... 10
10-Position Modular Jack (10P10C)................................................ 11
68-Pin Connector ............................................................................. 12
Cables and Accessories........................................................................... 14
RS-232, RS-422, and RS-485 ................................................................. 15
RS-232, RS-422, and RS-485 Features ........................................... 15
RS-232 Loopback ............................................................................ 15
RS-232 Signals ................................................................................ 15
RS-485/422 Loopback ..................................................................... 16
RS-485/422 Signals ......................................................................... 16
RS-485 Topologies .......................................................................... 16
RS-485 Transceiver Control ............................................................ 17
UART Data Frame Example................................................................... 17
Hardware Specifications ......................................................................... 17
NI 9870 RS-232 C-Series Module................................................... 17
NI 9871 RS-485 C-Series Module................................................... 21
PCI Serial Hardware ........................................................................ 23
PCI Express Serial Hardware .......................................................... 30
PXI Serial Hardware ........................................................................ 35
PXI Express Serial Hardware .......................................................... 42
USB Serial Hardware....................................................................... 47
ENET Serial Hardware .................................................................... 51
 ExpressCard Serial Hardware...........................................................55
PCMCIA Serial Hardware................................................................58
Where to Go for Support .........................................................................62

Supported Interfaces and Operating Systems

Table 1. Supported Interfaces and Operating Systems

Windows Windows
Windows Windows Windows 2003 2008
Hardware Windows 7 Windows 7 Vista Vista XP 32-Bit/ Server R2 Server R2 LabVIEW
Interface 32-Bit 64-Bit 32-Bit 64-Bit 2000 32-Bit 64-Bit Real-Time

PCI/     3   
PCI
Express

PXI/     3   
PXI
Express

USB     3  
ENET  1  1 3 1  1
ExpressCard     3  
PCMCIA 2 2
1 NI-VISA support only.
2 Supported by NI-Serial versions 3.5.0 and earlier.
3 Supported by NI-Serial versions 3.5.1 and earlier.

NI-Serial for Windows and LabVIEW Real-Time Supported Interfaces

Table 2. PCI Interfaces

PCI Max Baud Connector FIFO Size

Interfaces Standard # Ports Isolated (kbaud)3 Type2 (Bytes)

PCI-8430/2 RS-232 2 No 1000.0 DB-9 male 128

PCI-8430/4 RS-232 4 No 1000.0 10P10C 128

PCI-8430/8 RS-232 8 No 1000.0 68-pin SCSI 128

PCI-8430/16 RS-232 16 No 1000.0 68-pin VHDCI 128

PCI-8431/2 RS-485/RS-422 2 No 3000.01 DB-9 male 128

PCI-8431/4 RS-485/RS-422 4 No 3000.01 10P10C 128

PCI-8431/8 RS-485/RS-422 8 No 3000.01 68-pin SCSI 128

PCI-8432/2 RS-232 2 Yes 1000.0 DB-9 male 128

NI Serial Hardware Specifications and Features Guide 2 ni.com

 Table 2. PCI Interfaces (Continued)

PCI Max Baud Connector FIFO Size

Interfaces Standard # Ports Isolated (kbaud)3 Type2 (Bytes)

PCI-8432/4 RS-232 4 Yes 1000.0 10P10C 128

PCI-8433/2 RS-485/RS-422 2 Yes 3000.01 DB-9 male 128

PCI-8433/4 RS-485/RS-422 4 Yes 3000.01 10P10C 128

1 The two-wire auto control mode for RS-485 transceiver control has a maximum baud rate of 2000 kbaud.
2 Serial connector cables end in DB-9 male serial connectors.
3 AllNI serial hardware supports standard baud rates. In addition, the PCI/NI PCIe/PXI-843x family of hardware supports
any baud rate from 2 baud up to the maximum supported baud rate for that interface. All baud rates are supported because
the UART can get within 1.3 percent of all baud rates in that range.

Table 3. PCI Express Interfaces

PCI Express Max Baud Connector FIFO Size

Interfaces Standard # Ports Isolated (kbaud)3 Type2 (Bytes)

NI PCIe-8430/8 RS-232 8 No 1000.0 68-pin VHDCI 128

NI PCIe-8430/16 RS-232 16 No 1000.0 68-pin VHDCI 128

NI PCIe-8431/8 RS-485/RS-422 8 No 3000.01 68-pin VHDCI 128

NI PCIe-8431/16 RS-485/RS-422 16 No 3000.01 68-pin VHDCI 128

1 The two-wire auto control mode for RS-485 transceiver control has a maximum baud rate of 2000 kbaud.
2 Serial connector cables end in DB-9 male serial connectors.
3 AllNI serial hardware supports standard baud rates. In addition, the PCI/NI PCIe/PXI-843x family of hardware supports
any baud rate from 2 baud up to the maximum supported baud rate for that interface. All baud rates are supported because
the UART can get within 1.3 percent of all baud rates in that range.

Table 4. PXI Interfaces

PXI Max Baud Connector FIFO Size

Interfaces Standard # Ports Isolated (kbaud)3 Type2 (Bytes)

PXI-8430/2 RS-232 2 No 1000.0 DB-9 male 128

PXI-8430/4 RS-232 4 No 1000.0 10P10C 128

PXI-8430/8 RS-232 8 No 1000.0 68-pin SCSI 128

PXI-8430/16 RS-232 16 No 1000.0 68-pin VHDCI 128

PXI-8431/2 RS-485/RS-422 2 No 3000.01 DB-9 male 128

PXI-8431/4 RS-485/RS-422 4 No 3000.01 10P10C 128

PXI-8431/8 RS-485/RS-422 8 No 3000.01 68-pin SCSI 128

PXI-8432/2 RS-232 2 Yes 1000.0 DB-9 male 128

PXI-8432/4 RS-232 4 Yes 1000.0 10P10C 128

© National Instruments Corporation 3 NI Serial Hardware Specifications and Features Guide

 Table 4. PXI Interfaces (Continued)

PXI Max Baud Connector FIFO Size

Interfaces Standard # Ports Isolated (kbaud)3 Type2 (Bytes)

PXI-8433/2 RS-485/RS-422 2 Yes 3000.01 DB-9 male 128

PXI-8433/4 RS-485/RS-422 4 Yes 3000.01 10P10C 128

1 The two-wire auto control mode for RS-485 transceiver control has a maximum baud rate of 2000 kbaud.
2 Serial connector cables end in DB-9 male serial connectors.
3 AllNI serial hardware supports standard baud rates. In addition, the PCI/NI PCIe/PXI-843x family of hardware supports
any baud rate from 2 baud up to the maximum supported baud rate for that interface. All baud rates are supported because
the UART can get within 1.3 percent of all baud rates in that range.

Table 5. PXI Express Interfaces

PXI Express Max Baud Connector FIFO Size

Interfaces Standard # Ports Isolated (kbaud)3 Type2 (Bytes)

NI PXIe-8430/8 RS-232 8 No 1000.0 68-pin VHDCI 128

NI PXIe-8430/16 RS-232 16 No 1000.0 68-pin VHDCI 128

NI PXIe-8431/8 RS-485/RS-422 8 No 3000.01, 4 68-pin VHDCI 128

NI PXIe-8431/16 RS-485/RS-422 16 No 3000.01, 4 68-pin VHDCI 128

1 The two-wire auto control mode for RS-485 transceiver control has a maximum baud rate of 2000 kbaud.
2 Serial connector cables end in DB-9 male serial connectors.
3 All
NI serial hardware supports standard baud rates. In addition, the PXI/NI PXIe-843x family of hardware supports any
baud rate from 2 baud up to the maximum supported baud rate for that interface. All baud rates are supported because the
UART can get within 1.3 percent of all baud rates in that range.
4 For possible use with higher baud rates, refer to ni.com/kb and search for KnowledgeBase 58KEI82F.

Table 6. USB Interfaces

USB Max Baud Connector FIFO Size

Interfaces Standard # Ports Isolated (kbaud)1 Type (Bytes)

USB-232 RS-232 1 No 230.4 DB-9 male 128

USB-232/2 RS-232 2 No 230.4 DB-9 male 128

USB-232/4 RS-232 4 No 230.4 DB-9 male 128

USB-485 RS-485/RS-422 1 No 460.8 DB-9 male 128

USB-485/2 RS-485/RS-422 2 No 460.8 DB-9 male 128

USB-485/4 RS-485/RS-422 4 No 460.8 DB-9 male 128

1 AllNI serial hardware supports standard baud rates. In addition, the PCI/NI PCIe/PXI-843x family of hardware supports
any baud rate from 2 baud up to the maximum supported baud rate for that interface. All baud rates are supported because
the UART can get within 1.3 percent of all baud rates in that range.

NI Serial Hardware Specifications and Features Guide 4 ni.com

 Table 7. ENET Interfaces

ENET Max Baud Connector FIFO Size

Interfaces Standard # Ports Isolated (kbaud)1 Type (Bytes)

ENET-232/2 RS-232 2 No 230.4 DB-9 male 128

ENET-232/4 RS-232 4 No 230.4 DB-9 male 128

ENET-485/2 RS-485/RS-422 2 No 460.8 DB-9 male 128

ENET-485/4 RS-485/RS-422 4 No 460.8 DB-9 male 128

1 AllNI serial hardware supports standard baud rates. In addition, the PCI/NI PCIe/PXI-843x family of hardware supports
any baud rate from 2 baud up to the maximum supported baud rate for that interface. All baud rates are supported because
the UART can get within 1.3 percent of all baud rates in that range.

Table 8. PCMCIA Interfaces

PCMCIA Max Baud FIFO Size

Interfaces Standard Isolated (kbaud)1 Connector Type (Bytes)

PCMCIA-232 RS-232 No 921.6 DB-9 male 16

PCMCIA-232/2 RS-232 No 921.6 DB-9 male 16

PCMCIA-232/4 RS-232 No 115.2 DB-9 male 64

PCMCIA-485 RS-485/RS-422 No 921.6 DB-9 male 16

PCMCIA-485/2 RS-485/RS-422 No 921.6 DB-9 male 16

1 AllNI serial hardware supports standard baud rates. In addition, the PCI/NI PCIe/PXI-843x family of hardware supports
any baud rate from 2 baud up to the maximum supported baud rate for that interface. All baud rates are supported because
the UART can get within 1.3 percent of all baud rates in that range.

Table 9. ExpressCard Interfaces

ExpressCard Max Baud Connector FIFO Size

Interfaces Standard # Ports Isolated (kbaud)1 Type (Bytes)

NI ExpressCard-8420/2 RS-232 2 No 230.4 DB-9 male 128

NI ExpressCard-8421/2 RS-485/RS-422 2 No 460.8 DB-9 male 128

1 All NI serial hardware supports standard baud rates. In addition, the PCI/NI PCIe/PXI-843x family of hardware supports

any baud rate from 2 baud up to the maximum supported baud rate for that interface. All baud rates are supported because
the UART can get within 1.3 percent of all baud rates in that range.

© National Instruments Corporation 5 NI Serial Hardware Specifications and Features Guide

 National Instruments considers the following baud rates to be standard.
NI serial hardware supports these rates up to the maximum rate specified.
Your device may also support additional baud rates not listed below:
300 2400 14400 57600 460800
600 4800 19200 115200
1200 9600 38400 230400

To set the baud rate, set the VISA Baud attribute or use the Windows
SetCommState function and pass the actual value of the baud rate in the
BaudRate field of the DCB structure.

Refer to Hardware Specifications for supported baud rates on each board.

NI-Serial Hardware Operating System Support

Refer to the following table for operating system support for NI serial
hardware.

Table 10. NI-Serial Hardware Operating System Support

Windows Windows
2003 2008
Windows 7 Windows 7 Windows Windows LabVIEW Server RC2 Server RC2 Windows
Bus 32 64 Vista 32 Vista 64 Windows XP Linux Real-Time 32 64 Mac OS X 2000

PCI/      2    3
NI PCIe-843x

PXI/      2    3
NI PXIe-843x

USB        3

ENET           3

ExpressCard        3

PCMCIA 1 1  1

 NI-VISA support
 Native OS support (COM port with NI-Serial driver)
1 Supported with NI-Serial 3.5.0 and earlier.
2 With Linux kernel 2.6.30 and later (PCI/PXI-843x and RS-232 only).
3 Windows 2000 supported with NI-Serial 3.5.1 and earlier.

NI Serial Hardware Specifications and Features Guide 6 ni.com

Serial Hardware Features
To determine which features your product supports, refer to the following
table.

Table 11. Serial Hardware Features

RS-485 Hardware
Program- Implemented
RS-485 matically RS-232 Flow Control
Adjustable Get RS-485 Socketed Controlled RS-232 DTE/DCE
FIFO Interface Transceiver Bias Bias Transceiver Transceiver RTS/ DTR/ Xon/
Hardware Settings Type Control Resistors Resistors State Control CTS DSR Xoff

PCI/NI PCIe/PXI/      
NI PXIe-8430,
PCI/PXI-8432

PCI/NI PCIe/PXI/     
NI PXIe-8431
eight port and
NI PXIe/
NI PCIe-8431 16 port

All other      
PCI/PXI-8431
and
PCI/PXI-8433

USB-232 one port     

USB-232      
two and four port

USB-485 one port     

USB-485      
two and four port

ENET-232   
ENET-485    
NI ExpressCard-8420     
NI ExpressCard-8421     
PCMCIA-232  
PCMCIA-485   

© National Instruments Corporation 7 NI Serial Hardware Specifications and Features Guide

USB LED Descriptions
The USB serial two and four-port hardware uses bicolor LEDs to indicate
device and port status. Table 12 describes these LEDs; Figure 1 shows their
location.

Table 12. USB LEDs

LED Description
Ready Dim Red—Powered, but not connected to USB (self-powered USB only)
Red—Powered and connected to USB, but not fully configured
Yellow—Device is ready (normal operation)
Blinking Red or Red-Yellow—Device error. Contact NI.
Port x Solid Red—Port is open, but no valid signals detected (USB-232 only)
Solid Green—Port is open
Blinking Yellow—Port is transmitting
Blinking Green—Port is receiving
Alternated Blinking Green/Yellow—Port is transmitting and receiving
Blinking Red—Port error (framing error, FIFO overrun, or parity error)

1 2

1 Ready LED 2 Port LEDs

Figure 1. USB-Serial Hardware LEDs

NI Serial Hardware Specifications and Features Guide 8 ni.com

ENET LED Descriptions
The ENET serial hardware uses bicolor LEDs to indicate device and port
status. Table 13 describes these LEDs; Figure 2 shows their location.

Table 13. ENET LEDs

LED Description
PWR/RDY Flashes rapidly at start-up while performing self tests and when acquiring
network parameters. A steady yellow state indicates the box is ready for
operation. A slow flashing pattern indicates an error occurred.
LINK 10/100 Indicates the serial ENET interface detected a twisted pair (10Base-T or
100Base-TX) link. The color indicates the connection speed. If yellow, the speed
is 10 Mbits/s. If green, the speed is 100 Mbits/s.
TX Indicates the serial ENET interface is transmitting to the Ethernet network.
RX Indicates the serial ENET interface is receiving Ethernet network traffic.
PORT x Indicates which serial ports are open.

1 2 3 4

1 Power/Ready LED 2 Ethernet LEDs 3 Serial Port LEDs 4 Power Switch

Figure 2. Four-Port Serial ENET Hardware LEDs

© National Instruments Corporation 9 NI Serial Hardware Specifications and Features Guide

Connectors and Pinouts
DB-9 Male

Pin 1 Pin 5
Pin 6 Pin 9

Figure 3. DB-9 Connector Pin Locations

Table 14. DB-9 Male Pin Descriptions

Pin 232 DTE 232 DCE 422/485

1 DCD1 DCD GND
2 RXD TXD CTS+ (HSI+)
3 TXD RXD RTS+ (HSO+)
4 DTR1 DSR RXD+
5 GND GND RXD–
6 DSR1 DTR CTS– (HSI–)
7 RTS CTS RTS– (HSO–)
8 CTS RTS TXD+
9 RI1 RI TXD–
1 These signals are “No Connect” on the PCI-232I and PXI-8422 ports and ports 9–16 on legacy 16-port boards.

Note DCE mode supported on USB-232/2 and USB-232/4 only.

NI Serial Hardware Specifications and Features Guide 10 ni.com

10-Position Modular Jack (10P10C)

Pin 1 Pin 10

Figure 4. 10-Position Modular Jack Pin Locations

Table 15. 10-Position Modular Jack Pin Descriptions

Pin 232 422/485

1 No Connect No Connect
2 RI1 TXD–
3 CTS TXD+
4 RTS RTS– (HSO–)
5 DSR1 CTS– (HSI–)
6 GND RXD–
7 DTR1 RXD+
8 TXD RTS+ (HSO+)
9 RXD CTS+ (HSI+)
10 DCD1 GND
1 These signals are “No Connect” on the PCI-232I and PXI-8422 ports.

© National Instruments Corporation 11 NI Serial Hardware Specifications and Features Guide

68-Pin Connector
The following figures and table give the 68-pin connector pin locations and
descriptions. The SCSI 68-pin connector and VHDCI 68-pin connector
have the same pinout.

PIN 68 PIN 34

PIN 35 PIN 1

Figure 5. 68-Pin SCSI Connector Pin Locations

NI Serial Hardware Specifications and Features Guide 12 ni.com

 PIN 35 PIN 1

PIN 68 PIN 34

Figure 6. 68-Pin VHDCI Connector Pin Locations

Table 16. 68-Pin Connector Pin Descriptions

68-Pin Connector Port

485 D-Sub 9 232 D-Sub 9
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 485 Signal Connector 232 Signal Connector

66 57 49 40 32 23 15 6 RXD– 5 DCD 1

68 59 51 42 34 25 17 8 CTS+ 2 RXD 2

65 56 48 39 31 22 14 5 RTS+ 3 TXD 3

64 55 47 38 30 21 13 4 RXD+ 4 DTR 4

60 60 43 43 26 26 9 9 GND 1 GND 5

63 54 46 37 29 20 12 3 CTS– 6 DSR 6

62 53 45 36 28 19 11 2 RTS– 7 RTS 7

61 52 44 35 27 18 10 1 TXD+ 8 CTS 8

67 58 50 41 33 24 16 7 TXD– 9 RI 9

© National Instruments Corporation 13 NI Serial Hardware Specifications and Features Guide

Cables and Accessories
The following serial cables and accessories are available from National
Instruments. Refer to ni.com for more information.

Table 17. Serial Cables and Accessories

Part Number Description

Adapter Cables (DB-9 and DB-25 connectors have jacksockets unless otherwise specified.)
182844-01 DB-9 RS485 terminating pass-through connector 120 Ω
182845-01 Serial cable, 10P10C modular plug to DB-9 male, 1 m
182845-02 Serial cable, 10P10C modular plug to DB-9 male, 2 m
182845-03 Serial cable, 10P10C modular plug to DB-9 male, 3 m
182846-01 Serial cable, 10P10C modular plug to DB-25 male, 1 m
184428-01 Serial cable, 10P10C modular plug to DB-9 male, 1 m, isolated
199022-02 Serial cable, 10P10C to DB-9 male, jackscrews, 2 m
183905-01 Serial cable, PCMCIA-232/485 to DB-9 male, 1 m
183905-0R3 Serial cable, PCMCIA-232/485 to DB-9 male, 0.3 m
197545-01 Serial cable, 68-pin VHDCI to eight DB-9 male, RS-232, 1 m
197546-01 Serial cable, 68-pin VHDCI to eight DB-9 male, RS-485, 1 m
Extension and Null-Modem Cables (All cables have jackscrews.)
182238-01 Serial cable, RS232 null modem, DB-9 female to DB-9 female, 1 m
182238-02 Serial cable, RS232 null modem, DB-9 female to DB-9 female, 2 m
182238-04 Serial cable, RS232 null modem, DB-9 female to DB-9 female, 4 m
183045-01 Serial cable, RS232 straight through, DB-9 female to DB-9 female, 1 m
183045-02 Serial cable, RS232 straight through, DB-9 female to DB-9 female, 2 m
183045-04 Serial cable, RS232 straight through, DB-9 female to DB-9 female, 4 m
183283-01 Serial cable, RS485/RS422 null modem, DB-9 female to DB-9 female, 1 m
183283-02 Serial cable, RS485/RS422 null modem, DB-9 female to DB-9 female, 2 m
183283-04 Serial cable, RS485/RS422 null modem, DB-9 female to DB-9 female, 4 m

NI Serial Hardware Specifications and Features Guide 14 ni.com

RS-232, RS-422, and RS-485
RS-232, RS-422, and RS-485 Features
Table 18. RS-232, RS-422, and RS-485 Features

Feature RS-232 RS-422 RS-485

Type of transmission lines Single ended Differential Differential
Maximum number of drivers 1 1 32
Maximum number of receivers 1 10 32
Maximum cable length 2.5 nF equivalent 4,000 ft 4,000 ft
Maximum CMV ± 25 V ±7 V +12 to –7 V
Driver output1 5 to 25 V 2 to 6 V 1.5 to 6 V
Driver load <3 kΩ 100 Ω 60 Ω
1 Actual driver output varies depending on cable length and load.

RS-232 Loopback

Pin 1 Pin 5
Pin 6 Pin 9
TX/RX

Pin 1 Pin 5
Pin 6 Pin 9
All

Figure 7. RS-232 Loopback

RS-232 Signals

25 V
SPACE, '0'
3V
UNKNOWN
–3 V
MARK, '1'
–25 V

Figure 8. RS-232 Signals

© National Instruments Corporation 15 NI Serial Hardware Specifications and Features Guide

RS-485/422 Loopback

Pin 1 Pin 5
Pin 6 Pin 9
TX/RX

Pin 1 Pin 5
Pin 6 Pin 9
All

Figure 9. RS-485/422 Loopback

RS-485/422 Signals

If '–' < '+'

then MARK, '1'

If '–' > '+'

then SPACE, '0'
RS-422 Voltage: ± 7V
RS-485 Voltage:
–7V to +12 V

Figure 10. RS-485/422 Signals

RS-485 Topologies

Slave 1 Slave 2 Slave n

Tx Tx Tx
Rx Rx Rx

Tx
MASTER

120 Ω 120 Ω
Rx

Figure 11. 2-Wire Multidrop Network Using Terminating Resistors

Slave 1 Slave 2 Slave n

Tx Tx Tx
Rx Rx Rx

Tx 120 Ω 120 Ω
MASTER

Rx 120 Ω 120 Ω

Figure 12. 4-Wire Full-Duplex Multidrop Network Using Terminating Resistors

RS-485 terminators are available at ni.com/serial.

NI Serial Hardware Specifications and Features Guide 16 ni.com

RS-485 Transceiver Control

2-Wire
Enable 4-Wire
DTR/Echo DTR/No Echo Auto
TX ON DTR DTR TX

RX ON ON DTR TX
Transceiver control is available on all NI Serial RS-485 interface products.

Figure 13. RS-485 Tranceiver Control

UART Data Frame Example

0xD9—8 Data Bits, Odd Parity, 1 Stop Bit

Data

1 0 0 1 1 0 1 1 0

Idle S 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 P S Idle
RS-232
+5 V

–5 V

RS-485
5V
TX+
0V

5V
TX–
0V
Voltages are for illustration only. Actual voltage levels may vary.

Figure 14. UART Data Frame Example

Hardware Specifications
NI 9870 RS-232 C-Series Module
C-Series modules are for use with the NI CompactRIO platform. For
complete module and system specifications, refer to the NI 9870 Operating
Instructions and Specifications.

© National Instruments Corporation 17 NI Serial Hardware Specifications and Features Guide

 Specifications
The following specifications are typical for the range –40 to 70 °C
unless otherwise noted.
Maximum baud rate................................921.6 kbps
The NI 9870 supports arbitrary baud rates according to the following
equation:

BaudRate = 3.6864 Mbps / (Prescaler * Divider)

Prescaler can be (4..65535).
Divider can be 1 or 4.
As long as the actual baud rate is within 2% of the desired baud rate,
communication errors should not happen.

Maximum cable length ...........................250 pF equivalent

Note Cable capacitance greater than 250 pF may adversely affect the maximum baud rate
and thermal dissipation.

Maximum RS232 Receive signal

(RXD, CTS, DSR, DCD, RI)
Continuous Voltage ................................±8 V

Note Continuous RS232 input voltages in excess of ±8 V may cause excessive thermal
dissipation.

Data line ESD protection

(human body model)...............................±15 kV

MTBF .....................................................448,008 hours at 25 °C; Bellcore

Issue 6, Method 1, Case 3,
Limited Part Stress Method

Note Contact NI for Bellcore MTBF specifications at other temperatures or for

MIL-HDBK-217F specifications.

Power Requirements
Power consumption from chassis
Active mode.....................................0.5 W max
Sleep mode ......................................50 μW max

NI Serial Hardware Specifications and Features Guide 18 ni.com

 Thermal dissipation (at 70 °C)
Active mode .................................... 1.5 W max
Sleep mode...................................... 0.5 W max

Required external supply

voltage range (VSUP) .............................. +8 to +28 VDC

Power supply consumption from external supply VSUP

Typical ............................................ 0.5 W
Maximum........................................ 2 W

Physical Characteristics
If you need to clean the module, wipe it with a dry towel.

Weight .................................................... Approx. 154 g (5.4 oz)

Safety
Maximum Voltage1
Connect only voltages that are within these limits.

RS232 Receive Signal-to-COM

(RXD, CTS, DSR, DCD, RI) ................. ±25 V max,
Measurement Category I

RS232 Transmit Signal-to-COM

(TX, RTS, DTR) .................................... ±13.2 V max,
Measurement Category I

VSUP-to-COM......................................... ±28 V max,

Measurement Category I

Measurement Category I is for measurements performed on circuits not

directly connected to the electrical distribution system referred to as
MAINS voltage. MAINS is a hazardous live electrical supply system that
powers equipment. This category is for measurements of voltages from
specially protected secondary circuits. Such voltage measurements include
signal levels, special equipment, limited-energy parts of equipment,
circuits powered by regulated low-voltage sources, and electronics.

Caution Do not connect to signals or use for measurements within Measurement

Categories II, III, or IV.

1 The maximum voltage that can be applied or output without creating a safety hazard.

© National Instruments Corporation 19 NI Serial Hardware Specifications and Features Guide

 Isolation Voltages
Port-to-earth ground
Withstand.........................................1000 Vrms, verified by a 5 s
dielectric withstand test
Continuous.......................................60 VDC,
Measurement Category I

Shock and Vibration

To meet these specifications, you must panel mount the CompactRIO
system.

Operating vibration,
random (IEC 60068-2-64) ......................5 grms, 10 to 500 Hz

Operating shock
(IEC 60068-2-27) ...................................30 g, 11 ms half sine,
50 g, 3 ms half sine,
18 shocks at 6 orientations

Operating vibration,
sinusoidal (IEC 60068-2-6) ....................5 g, 10 to 500 Hz

Environmental
CompactRIO modules are intended for indoor use only. For outdoor use,
mount the CompactRIO system in a suitably rated enclosure. Refer to the
installation instructions for the chassis you are using for more information
about meeting these specifications.

Operating temperature ............................–40 to 70 °C

Storage temperature ................................–40 to 85 °C

Ingress protection ...................................IP 40

Operating humidity.................................10 to 90% RH, noncondensing

Storage humidity.....................................5 to 95% RH, noncondensing

Maximum altitude...................................2,000 m

Pollution Degree (IEC 60664) ................2

NI Serial Hardware Specifications and Features Guide 20 ni.com

NI 9871 RS-485 C-Series Module
C-Series modules are for use with the NI CompactRIO platform. For
complete module and system specifications, refer to the NI 9871 Operating
Instructions and Specifications.

Specifications
The following specifications are typical for the range –40 to 70 °C unless
otherwise noted.

Maximum baud rate ............................... 3.6864 Mbps

The NI 9871 supports arbitrary baud rates according to the following
equation:

BaudRate = 3.6864 Mbps / (Prescaler * Divider)

Prescaler can be (4..65535).
Divider can be 1 or 4.

As long as the actual baud rate is within 2% of the desired baud rate,
communication errors should not happen.

Maximum cable length........................... 1.2 km (4,000 ft.)

Data line ESD protection

(human body model) .............................. ±15 kV

MTBF..................................................... 514,016 hours at 25 °C; Bellcore

Issue 6, Method 1, Case 3,
Limited Part Stress Method

Note Contact NI for Bellcore MTBF specifications at other temperatures or for

MIL-HDBK-217F specifications.

Power Requirements
Power consumption from chassis
Active mode .................................... 0.5 W max
Sleep mode...................................... 50 μW max

Thermal dissipation (at 70 °C)

Active mode .................................... 1.5 W max
Sleep mode...................................... 55 mW max

Required external supply

voltage range (VSUP) .............................. +8 to +28 VDC

© National Instruments Corporation 21 NI Serial Hardware Specifications and Features Guide

 Power supply consumption from external supply VSUP
Typical.............................................1 W
Maximum ........................................3.5 W

Physical Characteristics
If you need to clean the module, wipe it with a dry towel.

Weight ....................................................Approx. 153 g (5.4 oz)

Safety
Maximum Voltage1
Connect only voltages that are within these limits.

RS485/RS422 Port-to-COM...................–8 to +13 VDC max,

Measurement Category I

VSUP-to-COM .........................................±28 V max,

Measurement Category I

Measurement Category I is for measurements performed on circuits not

directly connected to the electrical distribution system referred to as
MAINS voltage. MAINS is a hazardous live electrical supply system that
powers equipment. This category is for measurements of voltages from
specially protected secondary circuits. Such voltage measurements include
signal levels, special equipment, limited-energy parts of equipment,
circuits powered by regulated low-voltage sources, and electronics.

Caution Do not connect to signals or use for measurements within Measurement

Categories II, III, or IV.

Isolation Voltages
Port-to-earth ground
Withstand.........................................1000 Vrms, verified by a 5 s
dielectric withstand test
Continuous.......................................60 VDC,
Measurement Category I

Shock and Vibration

To meet these specifications, you must panel mount the CompactRIO
system.

1 The maximum voltage that can be applied or output without creating a safety hazard.

NI Serial Hardware Specifications and Features Guide 22 ni.com

 Operating vibration,
random (IEC 60068-2-64)...................... 5 grms, 10 to 500 Hz
Operating shock
(IEC 60068-2-27) ................................... 30 g, 11 ms half sine,
50 g, 3 ms half sine,
18 shocks at 6 orientations

Operating vibration,
sinusoidal (IEC 60068-2-6).................... 5 g, 10 to 500 Hz

Environmental
CompactRIO modules are intended for indoor use only. For outdoor use,
mount the CompactRIO system in a suitably rated enclosure. Refer to the
installation instructions for the chassis you are using for more information
about meeting these specifications.

Operating temperature............................ –40 to 70 °C

Storage temperature ............................... –40 to 85 °C

Ingress protection ................................... IP 40

Operating humidity ................................ 10 to 90% RH, noncondensing

Storage humidity .................................... 5 to 95% RH, noncondensing

Maximum altitude .................................. 2,000 m

Pollution Degree (IEC 60664) ............... 2

PCI Serial Hardware

This section describes the characteristics of the PCI serial hardware and the
recommended operating conditions.

PCI-843x Series Hardware

PCI-8430/2 (RS-232) and PCI-8431/2 (RS-485/422)
Dimensions............................................. 10.67 × 14.22 cm
(4.2 × 5.6 in.)

I/O connector.......................................... DB-9 male connector

© National Instruments Corporation 23 NI Serial Hardware Specifications and Features Guide

 Power requirement (from PCI channel)
PCI-8430/2
+5 VDC ....................................325 mA typical
500 mA maximum
PCI-8431/2
+5 VDC ....................................500 mA typical
700 mA maximum
Weight
PCI-8430/2 ......................................88 g
PCI-8431/2 ......................................92 g

Maximum baud rate

PCI-8430/2 ......................................1 Mbps
PCI-8431/2 ......................................3 Mbps
Boards support any baud rate from 2 baud up to the maximum.

PCI-8430/4 (RS-232) and PCI-8431/4 (RS-485/422)

Dimensions .............................................10.67 × 14.22 cm
(4.2 × 5.6 in.)

I/O connector1 .........................................10-position modular jack

(10P10C)
Power requirement (from PCI channel)
PCI-8430/4
+5 VDC ....................................400 mA typical
600 mA maximum
PCI-8431/4
+5 VDC ....................................725 mA typical
1.1 A maximum
Weight
PCI-8430/4 ......................................99 g
PCI-8431/4 ......................................102 g

Maximum baud rate

PCI-8430/4 ......................................1 Mbps
PCI-8431/4 ......................................3 Mbps

Boards support any baud rate from 2 baud up to the maximum.

1 The four-port PCI serial boards require cables, included in your kit, to convert the 10-position modular jacks (10P10C) to
DB-9 male connectors.

NI Serial Hardware Specifications and Features Guide 24 ni.com

 PCI-8430/8 (RS-232) and PCI-8431/8 (RS-485/422)
Dimensions............................................. 10.67 × 14.48 cm
(4.2 × 5.7 in.)

I/O connector1 ........................................ 68-pin, SCSI type connector

Power requirement (from PCI channel)

PCI-8430/8
+5 VDC.................................... 600 mA typical
900 mA maximum
PCI-8431/8
+5 VDC.................................... 1.3 A typical
1.9 A maximum
Weight
PCI-8430/8...................................... 84 g
PCI-8431/8...................................... 85 g

Maximum baud rate

PCI-8430/8...................................... 1 Mbps
PCI-8431/8...................................... 3 Mbps

Boards support any baud rate from 2 baud up to the maximum.

PCI-8430/16 (RS-232)
Dimensions............................................. 10.67 × 17.52 cm
(4.2 × 6.9 in.)

I/O connector2 ........................................ 68-pin, VHDCI × 2

Power requirement (from PCI channel)

PCI-8430/16
+5 VDC.................................... 935 mA typical
1.4 A maximum

Weight .................................................... 99 g

Maximum baud rate ............................... 1 Mbps

Boards support any baud rate from 2 baud up to the maximum.

1 The eight-port PCI serial boards require a cable, included in your kit, to convert the 68-pin connector to eight DB-9 connectors.
2 The 16-port PCI serial boards require two cables, included in your kit, to convert the two 68-pin connectors to the 16 (2 × 8)
DB-9 male connectors.

© National Instruments Corporation 25 NI Serial Hardware Specifications and Features Guide

 PCI-8432/2 (RS-232) and PCI-8433/2 (RS-485/422)
Dimensions .............................................10.67 × 17.52 cm
(4.2 × 6.9 in.)

I/O connector ..........................................DB-9 male connector

Operating rated voltage (continuous)

RS-232.............................................–25 V to +25 V
RS-485.............................................–7 V to + 12 V

Isolation voltages
Port-to-port
Continuous ...............................60 VDC (CAT I)
Withstand .................................2000 Vrms, verified by a 5 s
dielectric withstand test
Port-to-host
Continuous ...............................60 VDC (CAT I)
Withstand .................................2000 Vrms, verified by a 5 s
dielectric withstand test

Power requirement (from PCI channel)

PCI-8432/2
+5 VDC ....................................380 mA typical
570 mA maximum
PCI-8433/2
+5 VDC ....................................380 mA typical
570 mA maximum
Weight
PCI-8432/2 ......................................102 g
PCI-8433/2 ......................................104 g
Maximum baud rate
PCI-8432/2 ......................................1 Mbps
PCI-8433/2 ......................................3 Mbps

Boards support any baud rate from 2 baud up to the maximum.

NI Serial Hardware Specifications and Features Guide 26 ni.com

 PCI-8432/4 (RS-232) and PCI-8433/4 (RS-485/422)
Dimensions............................................. 10.67 × 17.44 cm
(4.2 × 6.9 in.)

I/O connector1 ........................................ 10-position modular jack

(10P10C)

Operating rated voltage (continuous)

RS-232 ............................................ –25 V to +25 V
RS-485 ............................................ –7 V to + 12 V
Isolation voltages
Port-to-port
Continuous............................... 60 VDC (CAT I)
Withstand................................. 2000 Vrms, verified by a 5 s
dielectric withstand test
Port-to-host
Continuous............................... 60 VDC (CAT I)
Withstand................................. 2000 Vrms, verified by a 5 s
dielectric withstand test

Power requirement (from PCI channel)

PCI-8432/4
+5 VDC.................................... 550 mA typical
815 mA maximum
PCI-8433/4
+5 VDC.................................... 785 mA typical
1.2 A maximum

Weight
PCI-8432/4...................................... 105 g
PCI-8433/4...................................... 106 g

Maximum baud rate

PCI-8432/4...................................... 1 Mbps
PCI-8433/4...................................... 3 Mbps

Boards support any baud rate from 2 baud up to the maximum.

1 The four-port PCI serial boards require cables, included in your kit, to convert the 10-position modular (10P10C) jacks to
DB-9 male connectors.

© National Instruments Corporation 27 NI Serial Hardware Specifications and Features Guide

 Environmental Characteristics
(for All PCI Interfaces)
Operating Environment
Ambient temperature ..............................0 to 55 °C
(Tested in accordance with
IEC-60068-2-1 and
IEC-60068-2-2.)

Relative humidity ...................................10 to 90%, noncondensing

(Tested in accordance with
IEC-60068-2-56.)

Altitude (maximum) ...............................2,000 m

Pollution Degree .....................................2

Indoor use only.

Storage Environment
Ambient temperature ..............................–20 to 70 °C
(Tested in accordance with
IEC-60068-2-1 and
IEC-60068-2-2.)

Relative humidity ...................................5 to 95%, noncondensing

(Tested in accordance with
IEC-60068-2-56.)

Other Specifications
Maximum cable length
RS-4851 ...........................................30 m (limited by EMC/surge)
RS-232.............................................2,500 pF equivalent
(TIA-EIA-232-F 2.1.4)

Data line ESD protection (human body model)

RS-485.............................................±15 kV
RS-232.............................................±15 kV

Note This equipment is intended for indoor use only.

1 RS-485 is capable of 1.2 km (4,000 ft) without surge limitation.

NI Serial Hardware Specifications and Features Guide 28 ni.com

 Safety
This product meets the requirements of the following standards of safety
for electrical equipment for measurement, control, and laboratory use:
• IEC 61010-1, EN 61010-1
• UL 61010-1, CSA 61010-1

Note For UL and other safety certifications, refer to the product label or the Online
Product Certification section.

Electromagnetic Compatibility
This product meets the requirements of the following EMC standards for
electrical equipment for measurement, control, and laboratory use:
• EN 61326 (IEC 61326): Class A emissions; Basic immunity
• EN 55011 (CISPR 11): Group 1, Class A emissions
• AS/NZS CISPR 11: Group 1, Class A emissions
• FCC 47 CFR Part 15B: Class A emissions
• ICES-001: Class A emissions

Note For the standards applied to assess the EMC of this product, refer to the Online
Product Certification section.

Note For EMC compliance, operate this device with shielded cabling.

CE Compliance
This product meets the essential requirements of applicable European
Directives as follows:
• 2006/95/EC; Low-Voltage Directive (safety)
• 2004/108/EC; Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive (EMC)

Online Product Certification

Refer to the product Declaration of Conformity (DoC) for additional
regulatory compliance information. To obtain product certifications and
the DoC for this product, visit ni.com/certification, search by model
number or product line, and click the appropriate link in the Certification
column.

© National Instruments Corporation 29 NI Serial Hardware Specifications and Features Guide

 Environmental Management
NI is committed to designing and manufacturing products in an
environmentally responsible manner. NI recognizes that eliminating
certain hazardous substances from our products is beneficial to the
environment and to NI customers.

For additional environmental information, refer to the NI and the

Environment Web page at ni.com/environment. This page contains the
environmental regulations and directives with which NI complies, as well
as other environmental information not included in this document.

Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE)

EU Customers At the end of the product life cycle, all products must be sent to a WEEE
recycling center. For more information about WEEE recycling centers, National
Instruments WEEE initiatives, and compliance with WEEE Directive 2002/96/EC on
Waste and Electronic Equipment, visit ni.com/environment/weee.

⬉ᄤֵᙃѻક∵ᶧ᥻ࠊㅵ⧚ࡲ⊩ ˄Ё೑ RoHS˅

Ё೑ᅶ᠋ National Instruments ヺড়Ё೑⬉ᄤֵᙃѻકЁ䰤ࠊՓ⫼ᶤѯ᳝ᆇ⠽䋼ᣛҸ (RoHS)DŽ
݇Ѣ National Instruments Ё೑ RoHS ড়㾘ᗻֵᙃˈ䇋ⱏᔩ ni.com/environment/rohs_chinaDŽ
(For information about China RoHS compliance, go to ni.com/environment/rohs_china.)

PCI Express Serial Hardware

This section describes the characteristics of the PCI Express serial
hardware and the recommended operating conditions.

NI PCIe-843x Series Hardware

NI PCIe-8430/8 (RS-232) and NI PCIe-8431/8 (RS-485/422)
Dimensions (without bracket) ................11.12 × 17.53 cm (4.38 × 6.9 in.)
I/O connectors
NI PCIe-8430/8
RS-2321 ....................................68-pin VHDCI
PCI Express ..............................x1
NI PCIe-8431/8
RS-4851 ....................................68-pin VHDCI
PCI Express ..............................x1

1 The 8-port PCI Express serial boards require a cable, included in your kit, to convert the 68-pin connector to eight DB-9 male
connectors.

NI Serial Hardware Specifications and Features Guide 30 ni.com

 Power requirement (from PCI Express channel)
NI PCIe-8430/8
+3.3 VDC................................. 200 mA typical
750 mA maximum
+12 VDC.................................. 190 mA typical
220 mA maximum
NI PCIe-8431/8
+3.3 VDC1 ............................... 700 mA typical, 1.5 A maximum
+12 VDC.................................. 190 mA typical
220 mA maximum
Weight
NI PCIe-8430/8............................... 88 g
NI PCIe-8431/8............................... 90 g

Maximum baud rate

NI PCIe-8430/8............................... 1 Mbps
NI PCIe-8431/8............................... 3 Mbps

Boards support any baud rate from 2 baud up to the maximum.

NI PCIe-8430/16 (RS-232) and NI PCIe-8431/16 (RS-485/422)

Dimensions (without bracket) ................ 11.12 × 17.53 cm (4.38 × 6.9 in.)

I/O connectors
NI PCIe-8430/16
RS-2322 .................................... 68-pin VHDCI × 2
PCI Express ............................. x1
NI PCIe-8431/16
RS-4851 .................................... 68-pin VHDCI × 2
PCI Express ............................. x1

Power requirement (from PCI Express channel)

NI PCIe-8430/16
+3.3 VDC................................. 400 mA typical, 1.5 A maximum
+12 VDC.................................. 210 mA typical
250 mA maximum

1 These values are based on the assumption that all 16 ports (for the NI PCIe-8431/16) or 8 ports (for the NI PCIe-8431/8) are
using a 620 Ω bias resistor and NI-offered terminators installed on both ends of the cable.
2 The 16-port PCI Express serial boards require two cables, included in your kit, to convert the two 68-pin connectors to the
16 (2 × 8) DB-9 male connectors.

© National Instruments Corporation 31 NI Serial Hardware Specifications and Features Guide

 NI PCIe-8431/16
+3.3 VDC1 ................................1.4 A typical, 3 A maximum
+12 VDC ..................................210 mA typical
250 mA maximum

Weight
NI PCIe-8430/16 .............................99 g
NI PCIe-8431/16 .............................101 g
Maximum baud rate
NI PCIe-8430/16 .............................1 Mbps
NI PCIe-8431/16 .............................3 Mbps
Boards support any baud from 2 baud up to the maximum.

Environmental Characteristics
(for All PCI Express Interfaces)
Operating Environment
Ambient temperature ..............................0 to 55 °C
(Tested in accordance with
IEC-60068-2-1 and
IEC-60068-2-2.)

Relative humidity ...................................10 to 90%, noncondensing

(Tested in accordance with
IEC-60068-2-56.)

Altitude (maximum) ...............................2,000 m

Indoor use only.

Storage Environment
Ambient temperature ..............................–20 to 70 °C
(Tested in accordance with
IEC-60068-2-1 and
IEC-60068-2-2.)

Relative humidity ...................................5 to 95%, noncondensing

(Tested in accordance with
IEC-60068-2-56.)

1 These values are based on the assumption that all 16 ports (for the NI PCIe-8431/16) or 8 ports (for the NI PCIe-8431/8) are
using a 620 Ω bias resistor and NI-offered terminators installed on both ends of the cable.

NI Serial Hardware Specifications and Features Guide 32 ni.com

 Other Specifications
Maximum cable length
RS-4851 ........................................... 30 m (limited by EMC/surge)
RS-232 ............................................ 2,500 pF equivalent
(TIA-EIA-232-F 2.1.4)

Data line ESD protection (human body model)

RS-485 ............................................ ±15 kV
RS-232 ............................................ ±15 kV

Note This equipment is intended for indoor use only.

Safety
This product meets the requirements of the following standards of safety
for electrical equipment for measurement, control, and laboratory use:
• IEC 61010-1, EN 61010-1
• UL 61010-1, CSA 61010-1

Note For UL and other safety certifications, refer to the product label or the Online
Product Certification section.

Electromagnetic Compatibility
This product meets the requirements of the following EMC standards for
electrical equipment for measurement, control, and laboratory use:
• EN 61326 (IEC 61326): Class A emissions; Basic immunity
• EN 55011 (CISPR 11): Group 1, Class A emissions
• AS/NZS CISPR 11: Group 1, Class A emissions
• FCC 47 CFR Part 15B: Class A emissions
• ICES-001: Class A emissions

Note For the standards applied to assess the EMC of this product, refer to the Online
Product Certification section.

Note For EMC compliance, operate this device with shielded cabling.

1 RS-485 is capable of 1.2 km (4,000 ft) without surge limitation.

© National Instruments Corporation 33 NI Serial Hardware Specifications and Features Guide

 CE Compliance
This product meets the essential requirements of applicable European
Directives as follows:
• 2006/95/EC; Low-Voltage Directive (safety)
• 2004/108/EC; Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive (EMC)

Online Product Certification

Refer to the product Declaration of Conformity (DoC) for additional
regulatory compliance information. To obtain product certifications and
the DoC for this product, visit ni.com/certification, search by model
number or product line, and click the appropriate link in the Certification
column.

Environmental Management
NI is committed to designing and manufacturing products in an
environmentally responsible manner. NI recognizes that eliminating
certain hazardous substances from our products is beneficial to the
environment and to NI customers.

For additional environmental information, refer to the NI and the

Environment Web page at ni.com/environment. This page contains the
environmental regulations and directives with which NI complies, as well
as other environmental information not included in this document.

Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE)

EU Customers At the end of the product life cycle, all products must be sent to a WEEE
recycling center. For more information about WEEE recycling centers, National
Instruments WEEE initiatives, and compliance with WEEE Directive 2002/96/EC on
Waste and Electronic Equipment, visit ni.com/environment/weee.

⬉ᄤֵᙃѻક∵ᶧ᥻ࠊㅵ⧚ࡲ⊩ ˄Ё೑ RoHS˅

Ё೑ᅶ᠋ National Instruments ヺড়Ё೑⬉ᄤֵᙃѻકЁ䰤ࠊՓ⫼ᶤѯ᳝ᆇ⠽䋼ᣛҸ (RoHS)DŽ
݇Ѣ National Instruments Ё೑ RoHS ড়㾘ᗻֵᙃˈ䇋ⱏᔩ ni.com/environment/rohs_chinaDŽ
(For information about China RoHS compliance, go to ni.com/environment/rohs_china.)

NI Serial Hardware Specifications and Features Guide 34 ni.com

PXI Serial Hardware
This section describes the characteristics of the PXI serial hardware and the
recommended operating conditions.

PXI-843x Serial Hardware

PXI-8430/2 (RS-232) and PXI-8431/2 (RS-485/422)
Dimensions............................................. 100 × 160 mm
(3.94 × 6.37 in.)

I/O connector.......................................... DB-9 male connector

Power requirement (from PXI channel)
PXI-8430/2
+5 VDC.................................... 325 mA typical
500 mA maximum
PXI-8431/2
+5 VDC.................................... 500 mA typical
750 mA maximum
Weight
PXI-8430/2...................................... 134 g
PXI-8431/2...................................... 134 g

Maximum baud rate

PXI-8430/2...................................... 1 Mbps
PXI-8431/2...................................... 3 Mbps

Boards support any baud rate from 2 baud up to the maximum.

PXI-8430/4 (RS-232) and PXI-8431/4 (RS-485/422)

Dimensions............................................. 100 × 160 mm
(3.94 × 6.37 in.)

I/O connector1 ........................................ 10-position modular jack

(10P10C)

Power requirement (from PXI channel)

PXI-8430/4
+5 VDC.................................... 400 mA typical
600 mA maximum

1 The four-port PXI serial boards require cables, included in your kit, to convert the 10-position modular jacks (10P10C) to
DB-9 male connectors.

© National Instruments Corporation 35 NI Serial Hardware Specifications and Features Guide

 PXI-8431/4
+5 VDC ....................................725 mA typical
1.1 A maximum

Weight
PXI-8430/4 ......................................137 g
PXI-8431/4 ......................................140 g

Maximum baud rate

PXI-8430/4 ......................................1 Mbps
PXI-8431/4 ......................................3 Mbps

Boards support any baud rate from 2 baud up to the maximum.

PXI-8430/8 (RS-232) and PXI-8431/8 (RS-485/422)

Dimensions .............................................100 × 160 mm
(3.94 × 6.37 in.), 3U

I/O connector1 .........................................68-pin SCSI (68-pin SCSI

to eight DB-9 male connector
adapter cable included)

Power requirement (from PXI channel)

PXI-8430/8
+5 VDC ....................................1 A typical
1.5 A maximum
PXI-8431/8
+5 VDC ....................................925 mA typical
1.4 A maximum
Weight
PXI-8430/8 ......................................135 g
PXI-8431/8 ......................................137 g

Shock and vibration

Operational shock............................30 g peak, half-sine, 11 ms pulse
(Tested in accordance with
IEC-60068-2-27. Test profile
developed in accordance with
MIL-PRF-28800F.)

1 The eight-port PXI serial boards require a cable, included in your kit, to convert the 68-pin connector to eight DB-9 connectors.

NI Serial Hardware Specifications and Features Guide 36 ni.com

 Maximum baud rate
PXI-8430/8...................................... 1 Mbps
PXI-8431/8...................................... 3 Mbps

Boards support any baud rate from 2 baud up to the maximum.

PXI-8430/16 (RS-232)
Dimensions............................................. 100 × 160 mm
(3.94 × 6.37 in.), 3U

I/O connector1 ........................................ 68-pin VHDCI × 2

Power requirement (from PXI channel)

PXI-8430/16
+5 VDC.................................... 935 mA typical
1.4 A maximum

Weight .................................................... 157 g

Maximum baud rate ............................... 1 Mbps

Boards support any baud rate from 2 baud up to the maximum.

PXI-8432/2 (RS-232) and PXI-8433/2 (RS-485/422)

Dimensions............................................. 100 × 160 mm
(3.94 × 6.37 in.), 3U

I/O connector.......................................... DB-9 male connector × 2

Operating rated voltage (continuous)

RS-232 ............................................ –25 V to +25 V
RS-485 ............................................ –7 V to + 12 V

Isolation voltages
Port-to-port
Continuous............................... 60 VDC (CAT I)
Withstand................................. 2000 Vrms, verified by a 5 s
dielectric withstand test

1 The 16-port PXI serial boards require two cables, included in your kit, to convert the two 68-pin connectors to the 16 (2 × 8)
DB-9 male connectors.

© National Instruments Corporation 37 NI Serial Hardware Specifications and Features Guide

 Port-to-host
Continuous ...............................60 VDC (CAT I)
Withstand .................................2000 Vrms, verified by a 5 s
dielectric withstand test

Power requirement (from PXI channel)

PXI-8432/2
+5 VDC ....................................725 mA typical
1 A maximum
PXI-8433/2
+5 VDC ....................................725 mA typical
1 A maximum

Weight
PXI-8432/2 ......................................125 g
PXI-8433/2 ......................................125 g

Shock and vibration

Operational shock............................30 g peak, half-sine, 11 ms pulse
(Tested in accordance with
IEC-60068-2-27. Test profile
developed in accordance with
MIL-PRF-28800F.)

Random vibration
Operating .........................................5 to 500 Hz, 0.3 grms
Nonoperating ...................................5 to 500 Hz, 2.4 grms
(Tested in accordance
with IEC-60068-2-64.
Nonoperating test profile
exceeds the requirements of
MIL-PRF-28800F, Class 3.)
Maximum baud rate
PXI-8432/2 ......................................1 Mbps
PXI-8433/2 ......................................3 Mbps

Boards support any baud rate from 2 baud up to the maximum.

PXI-8432/4 (RS-232) and PXI-8433/4 (RS-485/422)

Dimensions .............................................100 × 160 mm
(3.94 × 6.37 in.), 3U

I/O connector1 .........................................10-position modular jack

(10P10C)

NI Serial Hardware Specifications and Features Guide 38 ni.com

 Operating rated voltage (continuous)
RS-232 ............................................ –25 V to +25 V
RS-485 ............................................ –7 V to + 12 V

Isolation voltages
Port-to-port
Continuous............................... 60 VDC (CAT I)
Withstand................................. 2000 Vrms, verified by a 5 s
dielectric withstand test
Port-to-host
Continuous............................... 60 VDC (CAT I)
Withstand................................. 2000 Vrms, verified by a 5 s
dielectric withstand test

Power requirement (from PXI channel)

PXI-8432/4
+5 VDC.................................... 925 mA typical
2 A maximum
PXI-8433/4
+5 VDC.................................... 950 mA typical
2 A maximum

Weight
PXI-8432/4...................................... 147 g
PXI-8433/4...................................... 147 g

Maximum baud rate

PXI-8432/4...................................... 1 Mbps
PXI-8433/4...................................... 3 Mbps

Boards support any baud rate from 2 baud up to the maximum.

Environmental Characteristics
(for All PXI Interfaces)
Operating Environment
Ambient temperature.............................. 0 to 55 °C
(Tested in accordance with
IEC-60068-2-1 and
IEC-60068-2-2.)

1 The four-port PXI serial boards require cables, included in your kit, to convert the 10-position modular jacks (10P10C) to
DB-9 male connectors.

© National Instruments Corporation 39 NI Serial Hardware Specifications and Features Guide

 Relative humidity ...................................10 to 90%, noncondensing
(Tested in accordance with
IEC-60068-2-56.)

Altitude (maximum) ...............................2,000 m

Pollution Degree .....................................2

Indoor use only.

Storage Environment
Ambient temperature ..............................–20 to 70 °C
(Tested in accordance with
IEC-60068-2-1 and
IEC-60068-2-2.)

Relative humidity ...................................5 to 95%, noncondensing

(Tested in accordance with
IEC-60068-2-56.)

Other Specifications
Maximum cable length
RS-4851 ...........................................30 m (limited by EMC/surge)
RS-232.............................................2,500 pF equivalent
(TIA-EIA-232-F 2.1.4)

Data line ESD protection (human body model)

RS-485.............................................±15 kV
RS-232.............................................±15 kV

Note This equipment is intended for indoor use only.

Safety
This product meets the requirements of the following standards of safety
for electrical equipment for measurement, control, and laboratory use:
• IEC 61010-1, EN 61010-1
• UL 61010-1, CSA 61010-1

Note For UL and other safety certifications, refer to the product label or the Online
Product Certification section.

1 RS-485 is capable of 1.2 km (4,000 ft) without surge limitation.

NI Serial Hardware Specifications and Features Guide 40 ni.com

 Electromagnetic Compatibility
This product meets the requirements of the following EMC standards for
electrical equipment for measurement, control, and laboratory use:
• EN 61326 (IEC 61326): Class A emissions; Basic immunity
• EN 55011 (CISPR 11): Group 1, Class A emissions
• AS/NZS CISPR 11: Group 1, Class A emissions
• FCC 47 CFR Part 15B: Class A emissions
• ICES-001: Class A emissions

Note For the standards applied to assess the EMC of this product, refer to the Online
Product Certification section.

Note For EMC compliance, operate this device with shielded cabling.

CE Compliance
This product meets the essential requirements of applicable European
Directives as follows:
• 2006/95/EC; Low-Voltage Directive (safety)
• 2004/108/EC; Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive (EMC)

Online Product Certification

Refer to the product Declaration of Conformity (DoC) for additional
regulatory compliance information. To obtain product certifications and
the DoC for this product, visit ni.com/certification, search by model
number or product line, and click the appropriate link in the Certification
column.

Environmental Management
NI is committed to designing and manufacturing products in an
environmentally responsible manner. NI recognizes that eliminating
certain hazardous substances from our products is beneficial to the
environment and to NI customers.

For additional environmental information, refer to the NI and the

Environment Web page at ni.com/environment. This page contains the
environmental regulations and directives with which NI complies, as well
as other environmental information not included in this document.

© National Instruments Corporation 41 NI Serial Hardware Specifications and Features Guide

 Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE)
EU Customers At the end of the product life cycle, all products must be sent to a WEEE
recycling center. For more information about WEEE recycling centers, National
Instruments WEEE initiatives, and compliance with WEEE Directive 2002/96/EC on
Waste and Electronic Equipment, visit ni.com/environment/weee.

⬉ᄤֵᙃѻક∵ᶧ᥻ࠊㅵ⧚ࡲ⊩ ˄Ё೑ RoHS˅

Ё೑ᅶ᠋ National Instruments ヺড়Ё೑⬉ᄤֵᙃѻકЁ䰤ࠊՓ⫼ᶤѯ᳝ᆇ⠽䋼ᣛҸ (RoHS)DŽ
݇Ѣ National Instruments Ё೑ RoHS ড়㾘ᗻֵᙃˈ䇋ⱏᔩ ni.com/environment/rohs_chinaDŽ
(For information about China RoHS compliance, go to ni.com/environment/rohs_china.)

PXI Express Serial Hardware

This section describes the characteristics of the PXI Express serial
hardware and the recommended operating conditions.

PXIe-843x Serial Hardware

PXIe-8430/8 (RS-232) and PXIe-8431/8 (RS-485/422)
Dimensions .............................................100 × 160 mm
(3.94 × 6.37 in.), 3U

I/O connector1 .........................................68-pin VHDCI

Power requirement (from PXI Express channel)

PXIe-8430/8
+12 VDC ..................................220 mA typical
250 mA maximum
+3.3 VDC .................................200 mA typical
750 mA maximum
PXIe-8431/8
+12 VDC ..................................220 mA typical
240 mA maximum
+3.3 VDC2 ................................0.7 A typical
1.5 A maximum
Weight
PXIe-8430/8 ....................................143 g
PXIe-8431/8 ....................................143 g

1 The eight-port PXI Express serial boards require a cable, included in your kit, to convert the 68-pin connector to eight DB-9
connectors.
2 These values are based on the assumption that all 16 ports (for the NI PXIe-8431/16) or 8 ports (for the NI PXIe-8431/8) are
using a 620 Ω bias resistor and NI-offered terminators installed on both ends of the cable.

NI Serial Hardware Specifications and Features Guide 42 ni.com

 Maximum baud rate
PXIe-8430/8.................................... 1 Mbps
PXIe-8431/8.................................... 3 Mbps1
Boards support any baud rate from 2 baud up to the maximum.
Baud rate accuracy
PXIe-8430/8.................................... Within 0.015% for standard
baud rate
Within 0.5% for nonstandard
baud rate
PXIe-8431/8.................................... Within 0.015% for standard
baud rate
Within 0.5% for nonstandard
baud rate below 1 M
Within 1.3% for nonstandard
baud rate between 1 M and 3 M

PXIe-8430/16 (RS-232) and PXIe-8431/16 (RS-485/422)

Dimensions............................................. 100 × 160 mm
(3.94 × 6.37 in.), 3U

I/O connector2 ........................................ 68-pin VHDCI × 2

Power requirement (from PXI Express channel)
PXIe-8430/16
+12 VDC.................................. 250 mA typical
270 mA maximum
+3.3 VDC................................. 400 mA typical
1.5 A maximum
PXIe-8431/16
+12 VDC.................................. 250 mA typical
280 mA maximum
+3.3 VDC3 ............................... 1.4 A typical
3 A maximum

Weight
PXIe-8430/16.................................. 152 g
PXIe-8431/16.................................. 155 g

1 For possible use with higher baud rates, refer to ni.com/kb and search for KnowledgeBase’s KB58KEI82F.
2 The 16-port PXI Express serial boards require two cables, included in your kit, to convert the two 68-pin connectors to the
16 (2 × 8) DB-9 male connectors.
3 These values are based on the assumption that all 16 ports (for the NI PXIe-8431/16) or 8 ports (for the NI PXIe-8431/8) are
using a 620 Ω bias resistor and NI-offered terminators installed on both ends of the cable.

© National Instruments Corporation 43 NI Serial Hardware Specifications and Features Guide

 Maximum baud rate
PXIe-8430/16 ..................................1 Mbps
PXIe-8431/16 ..................................3 Mbps1
Boards support any baud rate from 2 baud up to the maximum.
Baud rate accuracy
PXIe-8430/16 ..................................Within 0.015% for standard
baud rate
Within 0.5% for nonstandard
baud rate
PXIe-8431/16 ..................................Within 0.015% for standard
baud rate
Within 0.5% for nonstandard
baud rate below 1 M
Within 1.3% for nonstandard
baud rate between 1 M and 3 M

Environmental Characteristics
(for All PXI Express Interfaces)
Operating Environment
Ambient temperature ..............................0 to 55 °C
(Tested in accordance with
IEC-60068-2-1 and
IEC-60068-2-2. Meets
MIL-PRF-28800F Class 3 low
temperature limit and
MIL-PRF-28800F Class 2 high
temperature limit.)

Relative humidity ...................................10 to 90%, noncondensing

(Tested in accordance with
IEC-60068-2-56.)

Altitude (maximum) ...............................2,000 m

Polution degree .......................................2

Indoor use only.

1 For possible use with higher baud rates, refer to ni.com/kb and search for KnowledgeBase KB58KEI82F.

NI Serial Hardware Specifications and Features Guide 44 ni.com

 Storage Environment
Ambient temperature.............................. –40 to 71 °C
(Tested in accordance with
IEC-60068-2-1 and
IEC-60068-2-2. Meets
MIL-PRF-28800F Class 3 limits.)

Relative humidity ................................... 5 to 95%, noncondensing

(Tested in accordance with
IEC-60068-2-56.)

Other Specifications
Maximum cable length
RS-4851 ........................................... 30 m (limited by EMC/surge)
RS-232 ............................................ 2,500 pF equivalent
(TIA-EIA-232-F 2.1.4)

Data line ESD protection (human body model)

RS-485 ............................................ ±15 kV
RS-232 ............................................ ±15 kV

Shock and vibration

Operational shock ........................... 30 g peak, half-sine, 11 ms pulse
(Tested in accordance with
IEC-60068-2-27. Meets
MIL-PRF-28800F Class 2 limits.)
Random vibration
Operating ................................. 5 to 500 Hz, 0.3 grms
Nonoperating ........................... 5 to 500 Hz, 2.4 grms
(Tested in accordance
with IEC-60068-2-64.
Nonoperating test profile
exceeds the requirements of
MIL-PRF-28800F, Class 3.)

Note This equipment is intended for indoor use only.

1 RS-485 is capable of 1.2 km (4,000 ft) without surge limitation.

© National Instruments Corporation 45 NI Serial Hardware Specifications and Features Guide

 Safety
This product meets the requirements of the following standards of safety
for electrical equipment for measurement, control, and laboratory use:
• IEC 61010-1, EN 61010-1
• UL 61010-1, CSA 61010-1

Note For UL and other safety certifications, refer to the product label or the Online
Product Certification section.

Electromagnetic Compatibility
This product meets the requirements of the following EMC standards for
electrical equipment for measurement, control, and laboratory use:
• EN 61326 (IEC 61326): Class A emissions; Basic immunity
• EN 55011 (CISPR 11): Group 1, Class A emissions
• AS/NZS CISPR 11: Group 1, Class A emissions
• FCC 47 CFR Part 15B: Class A emissions
• ICES-001: Class A emissions

Note For the standards applied to assess the EMC of this product, refer to the Online
Product Certification section.

Note For EMC compliance, operate this device with shielded cabling.

CE Compliance
This product meets the essential requirements of applicable European
Directives as follows:
• 2006/95/EC; Low-Voltage Directive (safety)
• 2004/108/EC; Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive (EMC)

Online Product Certification

Refer to the product Declaration of Conformity (DoC) for additional
regulatory compliance information. To obtain product certifications and
the DoC for this product, visit ni.com/certification, search by model
number or product line, and click the appropriate link in the Certification
column.

NI Serial Hardware Specifications and Features Guide 46 ni.com

 Environmental Management
NI is committed to designing and manufacturing products in an
environmentally responsible manner. NI recognizes that eliminating
certain hazardous substances from our products is beneficial to the
environment and to NI customers.

For additional environmental information, refer to the NI and the

Environment Web page at ni.com/environment. This page contains the
environmental regulations and directives with which NI complies, as well
as other environmental information not included in this document.

Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE)

EU Customers At the end of the product life cycle, all products must be sent to a WEEE
recycling center. For more information about WEEE recycling centers, National
Instruments WEEE initiatives, and compliance with WEEE Directive 2002/96/EC on
Waste and Electronic Equipment, visit ni.com/environment/weee.

⬉ᄤֵᙃѻક∵ᶧ᥻ࠊㅵ⧚ࡲ⊩ ˄Ё೑ RoHS˅

Ё೑ᅶ᠋ National Instruments ヺড়Ё೑⬉ᄤֵᙃѻકЁ䰤ࠊՓ⫼ᶤѯ᳝ᆇ⠽䋼ᣛҸ (RoHS)DŽ
݇Ѣ National Instruments Ё೑ RoHS ড়㾘ᗻֵᙃˈ䇋ⱏᔩ ni.com/environment/rohs_chinaDŽ
(For information about China RoHS compliance, go to ni.com/environment/rohs_china.)

USB Serial Hardware

This section describes the characteristics of the USB serial hardware and
the recommended operating conditions.

USB-232 (RS-232) and USB-485 (RS-485/422)

Dimensions............................................. 3.81 × 3.56 × 1.52 cm
(1.5 × 1.4 × 0.6 in.)

Case material.......................................... PVC

Weight
USB-232 ......................................... 121 g (0.27 lb)
USB-485 ......................................... 118 g (0.26 lb)

I/O connector.......................................... DB-9 male connector

USB connector ....................................... Captive cable with USB

series A plug

© National Instruments Corporation 47 NI Serial Hardware Specifications and Features Guide

 Power requirement (from USB channel)
USB-485
+5 VDC ....................................175 mA typical
500 mA maximum
USB-232
+5 VDC ....................................80 mA typical
100 mA maximum

Maximum baud rate

USB-232 ..........................................230.4 kbps
USB-485 ..........................................460.8 kbps

Boards support standard baud rates below the maximum.

USB-232/2, USB-232/4 (USB-232), USB-485/2,

and USB-485/4 (RS-485/422)
Dimensions .............................................21.08 × 12.45 × 3.56 cm
(8.3 × 4.9 × 1.4 in.)

Case material ..........................................Hard plastic with metal baseplate

Weight ....................................................375 g (0.83 lb)

I/O connector ..........................................DB-9 male connector

USB connector........................................USB series B

Power requirement (from USB channel)

USB-485/2
+5 VDC ....................................300 mA typical
500 mA maximum
USB-232/2
+5 VDC ....................................200 mA typical
500 mA maximum
USB-232/4
+5 VDC ....................................300 mA typical
500 mA maximum

Power requirement (from external supply)

USB-485/4 (9 V–30 V)
+12 VDC (typical)....................225 mA typical
500 mA maximum

NI Serial Hardware Specifications and Features Guide 48 ni.com

 Maximum baud rate
USB-232/2 and USB-232/4 ............ 230.4 kbps
USB-485/2 and USB-485/4 ............ 460.8 kbps

Boards support standard baud rates below the maximum.

Environmental Characteristics
(for All USB Interfaces)
Operating Environment
Ambient temperature.............................. 0 to 70 °C
(Tested in accordance with
IEC-60068-2-1 and
IEC-60068-2-2.)

Relative humidity ................................... 10 to 90%, noncondensing

(Tested in accordance with
IEC-60068-2-56.)
Altitude (maximum)............................... 2,000 m
Pollution Degree .................................... 2
Indoor use only.
Storage Environment
Ambient temperature
One port .......................................... –40 to 80 °C
(Tested in accordance with
IEC-60068-2-1 and
IEC-60068-2-2.)
Two and four port ........................... –40 to 85 °C
(Tested in accordance with
IEC-60068-2-1 and
IEC-60068-2-2.)

Relative humidity ................................... 5 to 95%, noncondensing

(Tested in accordance with
IEC-60068-2-56.)
Other Specifications
Maximum cable length
RS-4851 ........................................... 30 m (limited by EMC/surge)
RS-232 ............................................ 2,500 pF equivalent
(TIA-EIA-232-F 2.1.4)

1 RS-485 is capable of 1.2 km (4,000 ft) without surge limitation.

© National Instruments Corporation 49 NI Serial Hardware Specifications and Features Guide

 Data line ESD protection (human body model)
RS-485.............................................±15 kV
RS-232.............................................±15 kV

Note This equipment is intended for indoor use only.

Safety
This product meets the requirements of the following standards of safety
for electrical equipment for measurement, control, and laboratory use:
• IEC 61010-1, EN 61010-1
• UL 61010-1, CSA 61010-1

Note For UL and other safety certifications, refer to the product label or the Online
Product Certification section.

Electromagnetic Compatibility
This product meets the requirements of the following EMC standards for
electrical equipment for measurement, control, and laboratory use:
• EN 61326 (IEC 61326): Class A emissions; Basic immunity
• EN 55011 (CISPR 11): Group 1, Class A emissions
• AS/NZS CISPR 11: Group 1, Class A emissions
• FCC 47 CFR Part 15B: Class A emissions
• ICES-001: Class A emissions

Note For the standards applied to assess the EMC of this product, refer to the Online
Product Certification section.

Note For EMC compliance, operate this device with shielded cabling.

CE Compliance
This product meets the essential requirements of applicable European
Directives as follows:
• 2006/95/EC; Low-Voltage Directive (safety)
• 2004/108/EC; Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive (EMC)

NI Serial Hardware Specifications and Features Guide 50 ni.com

 Online Product Certification
Refer to the product Declaration of Conformity (DoC) for additional
regulatory compliance information. To obtain product certifications and
the DoC for this product, visit ni.com/certification, search by model
number or product line, and click the appropriate link in the Certification
column.

Environmental Management
NI is committed to designing and manufacturing products in an
environmentally responsible manner. NI recognizes that eliminating
certain hazardous substances from our products is beneficial to the
environment and to NI customers.

For additional environmental information, refer to the NI and the

Environment Web page at ni.com/environment. This page contains the
environmental regulations and directives with which NI complies, as well
as other environmental information not included in this document.

Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE)

EU Customers At the end of the product life cycle, all products must be sent to a WEEE
recycling center. For more information about WEEE recycling centers, National
Instruments WEEE initiatives, and compliance with WEEE Directive 2002/96/EC on
Waste and Electronic Equipment, visit ni.com/environment/weee.

⬉ᄤֵᙃѻક∵ᶧ᥻ࠊㅵ⧚ࡲ⊩ ˄Ё೑ RoHS˅

Ё೑ᅶ᠋ National Instruments ヺড়Ё೑⬉ᄤֵᙃѻકЁ䰤ࠊՓ⫼ᶤѯ᳝ᆇ⠽䋼ᣛҸ (RoHS)DŽ
݇Ѣ National Instruments Ё೑ RoHS ড়㾘ᗻֵᙃˈ䇋ⱏᔩ ni.com/environment/rohs_chinaDŽ
(For information about China RoHS compliance, go to ni.com/environment/rohs_china.)

ENET Serial Hardware

This section describes the characteristics of the ENET serial hardware,
along with the recommended operating conditions.

Electrical Characteristics
Power requirement (from external supply)
External supply (9 V–30 V)
+12 VDC (typical) ................... 500 mA typical
750 mA maximum

© National Instruments Corporation 51 NI Serial Hardware Specifications and Features Guide

 Environmental Characteristics
Operating Environment
Ambient temperature ..............................0 to 70 °C
(Tested in accordance with
IEC-60068-2-1 and
IEC-60068-2-2.)

Relative humidity ...................................10 to 90%, noncondensing

(Tested in accordance with
IEC-60068-2-56.)

Altitude (maximum) ...............................2,000 m

Storage Environment
Ambient temperature ..............................–40 to 85 °C
(Tested in accordance with
IEC-60068-2-1 and
IEC-60068-2-2.)

Relative humidity ...................................5 to 95%, noncondensing

(Tested in accordance with
IEC-60068-2-56.)

Physical Characteristics
Overall case size (dimensions) ...............21.0 × 12.4 × 3.7 cm
(8.25 × 4.89 × 1.44 in.)

Case material ..........................................Hard plastic with metal baseplate

Weight ....................................................394 g (0.87 lb)

Serial connectors.....................................DB-9 male connector

Network Specifications
Ethernet connector ..................................RJ-45

Connection type ......................................IEEE 802.3 compliant

100Base-TX (100 Mbits/s)
10Base-T (10 Mbits/s)

Duplex mode...........................................Half duplex

NI Serial Hardware Specifications and Features Guide 52 ni.com

 Other Specifications (ENET-232/2,
ENET-232/4 (RS-232), ENET-485/2,
and ENET-485/4 (RS-485/422)
Maximum cable length
RS-4851 ........................................... 30 m (limited by EMC/surge)
RS-232 ............................................ 2,500 pF equivalent
(TIA-EIA-232-F 2.1.4)

Data line ESD protection (human body model)

RS-485 ............................................ ±15 kV
RS-232 ............................................ ±15 kV

Maximum baud rate

ENET-232/2 and ENET-232/4 ....... 230.4 kbps
ENET-485/2 and ENET-485/4 ....... 460.8 kbps

Boards support standard baud rates below the maximum.

Note This equipment is intended for indoor use only.

Safety
This product meets the requirements of the following standards of safety
for electrical equipment for measurement, control, and laboratory use:
• IEC 60950-1, EN 60950-1
• UL 60950-1, CSA 60950-1

Note For UL and other safety certifications, refer to the product label or the Online
Product Certification section.

Electromagnetic Compatibility
This product meets the requirements of the following EMC standards for
electrical equipment for measurement, control, and laboratory use:
• EN 61326 (IEC 61326): Class A emissions; Basic immunity
• EN 55011 (CISPR 11): Group 1, Class A emissions
• AS/NZS CISPR 11: Group 1, Class A emissions
• FCC 47 CFR Part 15B: Class A emissions
• ICES-001: Class A emissions

1 RS-485 is capable of 1.2 km (4,000 ft) without surge limitation.

© National Instruments Corporation 53 NI Serial Hardware Specifications and Features Guide

 Note For the standards applied to assess the EMC of this product, refer to the Online
Product Certification section.

Note For EMC compliance, operate this device with shielded cabling.

CE Compliance
This product meets the essential requirements of applicable European
Directives as follows:
• 2006/95/EC; Low-Voltage Directive (safety)
• 2004/108/EC; Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive (EMC)

Online Product Certification

Refer to the product Declaration of Conformity (DoC) for additional
regulatory compliance information. To obtain product certifications and
the DoC for this product, visit ni.com/certification, search by model
number or product line, and click the appropriate link in the Certification
column.

Environmental Management
NI is committed to designing and manufacturing products in an
environmentally responsible manner. NI recognizes that eliminating
certain hazardous substances from our products is beneficial to the
environment and to NI customers.

For additional environmental information, refer to the NI and the

Environment Web page at ni.com/environment. This page contains the
environmental regulations and directives with which NI complies, as well
as other environmental information not included in this document.

Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE)

EU Customers At the end of the product life cycle, all products must be sent to a WEEE
recycling center. For more information about WEEE recycling centers, National
Instruments WEEE initiatives, and compliance with WEEE Directive 2002/96/EC on
Waste and Electronic Equipment, visit ni.com/environment/weee.

⬉ᄤֵᙃѻક∵ᶧ᥻ࠊㅵ⧚ࡲ⊩ ˄Ё೑ RoHS˅

Ё೑ᅶ᠋ National Instruments ヺড়Ё೑⬉ᄤֵᙃѻકЁ䰤ࠊՓ⫼ᶤѯ᳝ᆇ⠽䋼ᣛҸ (RoHS)DŽ
݇Ѣ National Instruments Ё೑ RoHS ড়㾘ᗻֵᙃˈ䇋ⱏᔩ ni.com/environment/rohs_chinaDŽ
(For information about China RoHS compliance, go to ni.com/environment/rohs_china.)

NI Serial Hardware Specifications and Features Guide 54 ni.com

ExpressCard Serial Hardware
This section describes the characteristics of the ExpressCard serial
hardware, along with the recommended operating conditions.

Hardware Specifications (NI ExpressCard-8420/2

(RS-232) and NI ExpressCard-8421/2 (RS-485/422))
Dimensions............................................. 34 × 75 × 5 mm
(1.34 × 2.95 × 0.2 in.)
Weight
NI ExpressCard-8420/2 .................. 16 g (0.5 oz)
NI ExpressCard-8421/2 .................. 17 g (0.6 oz)

Connectors
I/O connector .................................. 26-position latching connector
with 20 cm breakout cable to
two DB-9 male connectors
ExpressCard .................................... ExpressCard/34 standard
connector interface

Power requirements
(from ExpressCard USB interface)
Voltage............................................ +3.3 VDC ± 10%
NI ExpressCard-8420/2
+3.3 VDC................................. 100 mA typical
250 mA maximum
NI ExpressCard-8421/2
+3.3 VDC................................. 160 mA typical
260 mA maximum

Shock and Vibration

Nonoperating shock ........................ 50 g, 11 ms
(Tested in accordance with
IEC-60068-2-27.)
Nonoperating vibration,
sinusoidal ........................................ 15 g, 100 to 2000 Hz
(Tested in accordance with
IEC-60068-2-6.)
Nonoperating drop test.................... 2 drops in 3 mutually exclusive
axes from 75 cm onto
no-cushioning vinyl tile surface

© National Instruments Corporation 55 NI Serial Hardware Specifications and Features Guide

 Environmental Characteristics
Altitude (maximum) ...............................2,000 m (at 25 °C ambient
temperature)

Pollution Degree .....................................2

Pollution Degree .....................................2

Indoor use only.

Operating Environment
Ambient temperature ..............................0 to 65 °C
(Tested in accordance with
IEC-60068-2-1 and
IEC-60068-2-2.)

Relative humidity ...................................5 to 95%, noncondensing

(Tested in accordance with
IEC-60068-2-56.)

Hot Surface Be careful when removing ExpressCards. Recently used ExpressCards may
exceed safe handling temperatures.

Storage Environment
Ambient temperature ..............................–20 to 65 °C
(Tested in accordance with
IEC-60068-2-1 and
IEC-60068-2-2.)

Nonoperating thermal shock...................–20 to 65 °C, 5 shocks

Other Specifications
Maximum cable length
RS-4851 ...........................................30 m (limited by EMC/surge)
RS-232.............................................2,500 pF equivalent
(TIA-EIA-232-F 2.1.4)

Data line ESD protection (human body model)

RS-485.............................................±15 kV
RS-232.............................................±15 kV

1 RS-485 is capable of 1.2 km (4,000 ft) without surge limitation.

NI Serial Hardware Specifications and Features Guide 56 ni.com

 Maximum baud rate
NI ExpressCard-8420/2 .................. 230.4 kbps
NI ExpressCard-8421/2 .................. 460.8 kbps

Boards support standard baud rates below the maximum.

Note This equipment is intended for indoor use only.

Safety
This product meets the requirements of the following standards of safety
for electrical equipment for measurement, control, and laboratory use:
• IEC 61010-1, EN 61010-1
• UL 61010-1, CSA 61010-1

Note For UL and other safety certifications, refer to the product label or the Online
Product Certification section.

Electromagnetic Compatibility
This product meets the requirements of the following EMC standards for
electrical equipment for measurement, control, and laboratory use:
• EN 61326 (IEC 61326): Class A emissions; Basic immunity
• EN 55011 (CISPR 11): Group 1, Class A emissions
• AS/NZS CISPR 11: Group 1, Class A emissions
• FCC 47 CFR Part 15B: Class A emissions
• ICES-001: Class A emissions

Note For the standards applied to assess the EMC of this product, refer to the Online
Product Certification section.

Note For EMC compliance, operate this device with shielded cabling.

CE Compliance
This product meets the essential requirements of applicable European
Directives as follows:
• 2006/95/EC; Low-Voltage Directive (safety)
• 2004/108/EC; Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive (EMC)

© National Instruments Corporation 57 NI Serial Hardware Specifications and Features Guide

 Online Product Certification
Refer to the product Declaration of Conformity (DoC) for additional
regulatory compliance information. To obtain product certifications and
the DoC for this product, visit ni.com/certification, search by model
number or product line, and click the appropriate link in the Certification
column.

Environmental Management
NI is committed to designing and manufacturing products in an
environmentally responsible manner. NI recognizes that eliminating
certain hazardous substances from our products is beneficial to the
environment and to NI customers.

For additional environmental information, refer to the NI and the

Environment Web page at ni.com/environment. This page contains the
environmental regulations and directives with which NI complies, as well
as other environmental information not included in this document.

Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE)

EU Customers At the end of the product life cycle, all products must be sent to a WEEE
recycling center. For more information about WEEE recycling centers, National
Instruments WEEE initiatives, and compliance with WEEE Directive 2002/96/EC on
Waste and Electronic Equipment, visit ni.com/environment/weee.

⬉ᄤֵᙃѻક∵ᶧ᥻ࠊㅵ⧚ࡲ⊩ ˄Ё೑ RoHS˅

Ё೑ᅶ᠋ National Instruments ヺড়Ё೑⬉ᄤֵᙃѻકЁ䰤ࠊՓ⫼ᶤѯ᳝ᆇ⠽䋼ᣛҸ (RoHS)DŽ
݇Ѣ National Instruments Ё೑ RoHS ড়㾘ᗻֵᙃˈ䇋ⱏᔩ ni.com/environment/rohs_chinaDŽ
(For information about China RoHS compliance, go to ni.com/environment/rohs_china.)

PCMCIA Serial Hardware

This section describes the characteristics of the PCMCIA serial hardware,
along with the recommended operating conditions.

Hardware Specifications (PCMCIA-232,

PCMCIA-232/2, PCMCIA-232/4 (RS-232),
PCMCIA-485, and PCMCIA-485/2 (RS-485/422))
Dimensions .............................................Type II PC card
I/O connector ..........................................Adapter cable with DB-9 male
Dsub connector and converter for
PC card

NI Serial Hardware Specifications and Features Guide 58 ni.com

 Power requirement
(from PCMCIA expansion slot)
PCMCIA-232
+5 VDC.................................... 40 mA typical
150 mA maximum
PCMCIA-485
+5 VDC.................................... 110 mA typical
225 mA maximum
PCMCIA-232/2
+5 VDC.................................... 60 mA typical
250 mA maximum
PCMCIA-485/2
+5 VDC.................................... 150 mA typical
400 mA maximum
PCMCIA-232/4
+5 VDC.................................... 60 mA typical
200 mA maximum

Environmental Characteristics
Operating Environment
Ambient temperature.............................. 0 to 55 °C
(Tested in accordance with
IEC-60068-2-1 and
IEC-60068-2-2.)

Relative humidity ................................... 10 to 90%, noncondensing

(Tested in accordance with
IEC-60068-2-56.)
Altitude (maximum)............................... 2,000 m

Storage Environment
Ambient temperature.............................. –40 to 120 °C
(Tested in accordance with
IEC-60068-2-1 and
IEC-60068-2-2.)

Relative humidity ................................... 5 to 95%, noncondensing

(Tested in accordance with
IEC-60068-2-56.)

© National Instruments Corporation 59 NI Serial Hardware Specifications and Features Guide

 Other Specifications
Maximum cable length
RS-4851 ...........................................30 m (limited by EMC/surge)
RS-232.............................................2,500 pF equivalent
(TIA-EIA-232-F 2.1.4)

Data line ESD protection (human body model)

RS-485.............................................±15 kV
RS-232.............................................±15 kV

Maximum baud rate

PCMCIA-232 and
PCMCIA-232/2 ...............................230.4 kbps
PCMCIA-232/4 ...............................115.2 kbps
PCMCIA-485 and
PCMCIA-485/2 ...............................921.6 kbps

Boards support standard baud rates below the maximum.

Note This equipment is intended for indoor use only.

Safety
This product meets the requirements of the following standards of safety
for electrical equipment for measurement, control, and laboratory use:
• IEC 60950-1, EN 60950-1
• UL 60950-1, CSA 60950-1

Note For UL and other safety certifications, refer to the product label or the Online
Product Certification section.

Electromagnetic Compatibility
This product meets the requirements of the following EMC standards for
electrical equipment for measurement, control, and laboratory use:
• EN 61326 (IEC 61326): Class A emissions; Basic immunity
• EN 55011 (CISPR 11): Group 1, Class A emissions
• AS/NZS CISPR 11: Group 1, Class A emissions
• FCC 47 CFR Part 15B: Class A emissions
• ICES-001: Class A emissions

1 RS-485 is capable of 1.2 km (4,000 ft) without surge limitation.

NI Serial Hardware Specifications and Features Guide 60 ni.com

 Note For the standards applied to assess the EMC of this product, refer to the Online
Product Certification section.

Note For EMC compliance, operate this device with shielded cabling.

CE Compliance
This product meets the essential requirements of applicable European
Directives as follows:
• 2006/95/EC; Low-Voltage Directive (safety)
• 2004/108/EC; Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive (EMC)

Online Product Certification

Refer to the product Declaration of Conformity (DoC) for additional regulatory
compliance information. To obtain product certifications and the DoC for this
product, visit ni.com/certification, search by model number or product
line, and click the appropriate link in the Certification column.

Environmental Management
NI is committed to designing and manufacturing products in an
environmentally responsible manner. NI recognizes that eliminating
certain hazardous substances from our products is beneficial to the
environment and to NI customers.

For additional environmental information, refer to the NI and the

Environment Web page at ni.com/environment. This page contains the
environmental regulations and directives with which NI complies, as well
as other environmental information not included in this document.

Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE)

EU Customers At the end of the product life cycle, all products must be sent to a WEEE
recycling center. For more information about WEEE recycling centers, National
Instruments WEEE initiatives, and compliance with WEEE Directive 2002/96/EC on
Waste and Electronic Equipment, visit ni.com/environment/weee.

⬉ᄤֵᙃѻક∵ᶧ᥻ࠊㅵ⧚ࡲ⊩ ˄Ё೑ RoHS˅

Ё೑ᅶ᠋ National Instruments ヺড়Ё೑⬉ᄤֵᙃѻકЁ䰤ࠊՓ⫼ᶤѯ᳝ᆇ⠽䋼ᣛҸ (RoHS)DŽ
݇Ѣ National Instruments Ё೑ RoHS ড়㾘ᗻֵᙃˈ䇋ⱏᔩ ni.com/environment/rohs_chinaDŽ
(For information about China RoHS compliance, go to ni.com/environment/rohs_china.)

© National Instruments Corporation 61 NI Serial Hardware Specifications and Features Guide

Where to Go for Support
The National Instruments Web site is your complete resource for technical
support. At ni.com/support you have access to everything from
troubleshooting and application development self-help resources to email
and phone assistance from NI Application Engineers.

A Declaration of Conformity (DoC) is our claim of compliance with the

Council of the European Communities using the manufacturer’s
declaration of conformity. This system affords the user protection for
electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and product safety. You can obtain
the DoC for your product by visiting ni.com/certification. If your
product supports calibration, you can obtain the calibration certificate for
your product at ni.com/calibration.

National Instruments corporate headquarters is located at

11500 North Mopac Expressway, Austin, Texas, 78759-3504.
National Instruments also has offices located around the world to help
address your support needs. For telephone support in the United States,
create your service request at ni.com/support and follow the calling
instructions or dial 512 795 8248. For telephone support outside the United
States, contact your local branch office:

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Italy 39 02 41309277, Japan 0120-527196, Korea 82 02 3451 3400,
Lebanon 961 (0) 1 33 28 28, Malaysia 1800 887710,
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Poland 48 22 328 90 10, Portugal 351 210 311 210,
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Slovenia 386 3 425 42 00, South Africa 27 0 11 805 8197,
Spain 34 91 640 0085, Sweden 46 (0) 8 587 895 00,
Switzerland 41 56 2005151, Taiwan 886 02 2377 2222,
Thailand 662 278 6777, Turkey 90 212 279 3031,
United Kingdom 44 (0) 1635 523545

LabVIEW, National Instruments, NI, ni.com, the National Instruments corporate logo, and the Eagle
logo are trademarks of National Instruments Corporation. Refer to the Trademark Information at
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names mentioned herein are trademarks or trade names of their respective companies. For patents
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ni.com/patents.

© 2010 National Instruments Corporation. All rights reserved. 373170A-01 May10