PXI-8461

Description

PXI-8461

1. Technical Specifications

• Power Supply:
  • The PXI – 8461 operates on the PXI backplane power, typically drawing power from +5V, +12V, and -12V sources. Its power consumption is relatively low, usually around 10 – 15W, which is energy – efficient for long – term operation within a PXI chassis.
• Communication Interfaces:
  • Serial Ports: It is equipped with four independent RS – 232/422/485 serial ports. These ports support a wide range of baud rates, from 110 baud up to 921.6 kbaud, allowing for flexible data transfer speeds to accommodate different device requirements.
  • Isolation: Each serial port features 2500Vrms optical isolation. This isolation helps protect the module from electrical interference, ground loops, and voltage spikes, ensuring reliable communication in noisy industrial environments.
• Data Transfer and Buffering:
  • The module has large – capacity transmit and receive buffers. The receive buffer can hold up to 128 bytes per port, and the transmit buffer can hold up to 64 bytes per port. This buffering capability helps prevent data loss during high – speed data transfer and allows for continuous data flow.
• Protocol Support:
  • It supports the Modbus RTU protocol over the serial ports, enabling seamless integration with Modbus – compatible devices. Additionally, it can communicate using custom or standard serial communication protocols, providing flexibility for various application scenarios.

2. Applications

• Industrial Automation:
  • In industrial settings, the PXI – 8461 is used to communicate with a variety of serial – based devices such as programmable logic controllers (PLCs), sensors, and actuators. It can collect data from these devices, monitor their status, and send control commands, facilitating the automation of manufacturing processes.
• Test and Measurement:
  • In test and measurement applications, it interfaces with serial – connected test equipment like oscilloscopes, multimeters, and spectrum analyzers. It can acquire measurement data, configure the test equipment settings, and perform automated testing sequences.
• Instrumentation and Control:
  • For instrumentation and control systems, it communicates with remote instruments and controls their operations. For example, it can be used to control the temperature, pressure, and flow rate in a chemical process by communicating with relevant sensors and actuators.

3. Weight and Dimensions

• Weight:
  • The module weighs approximately 0.5 kg, which is relatively light and easy to handle when installing or removing it from the PXI chassis.
• Dimensions:
  • It is designed to fit the standard 3U PXI form factor. The dimensions are typically around 160mm in length, 107mm in width, and conform to the PXI card height specification, allowing for easy integration into PXI – based systems.

PXI-8461

4. Features

• Multiple Serial Ports:
  • The presence of four serial ports provides the ability to communicate with multiple serial – based devices simultaneously, increasing the system’s flexibility and functionality.
• High – Speed Data Transfer:
  • With support for baud rates up to 921.6 kbaud, it enables fast data transfer between the module and connected devices, reducing data acquisition and control latency.
• Optical Isolation:
  • The 2500Vrms optical isolation of the serial ports protects the module from electrical interference, enhancing the reliability of communication in harsh industrial environments.
• Software Compatibility:
  • The PXI – 8461 is compatible with a wide range of software development environments, such as LabVIEW, MATLAB, and C/C++. This allows developers to easily write programs to control the module and interact with connected devices.

5. Stability and Reliability

• Robust Design:
  • The module is built with high – quality components and a durable enclosure that can withstand mechanical shock, vibration, and temperature variations. This ensures stable operation in demanding industrial and test environments.
• Quality Assurance:
  • Through strict quality control during manufacturing, including extensive testing and calibration, the PXI – 8461 offers high reliability and long – term performance.
• Technical Support:
  • The manufacturer provides comprehensive technical support, including software updates and troubleshooting assistance, to ensure the continued reliable operation of the module.

6. Real – world Examples

• Automotive Manufacturing:
  • In an automotive manufacturing plant, the PXI – 8461 is used to communicate with multiple PLCs on the production line. It monitors the status of robotic arms, conveyor belts, and other equipment, and sends control signals to ensure smooth and efficient production processes.
• Environmental Monitoring:
  • For an environmental monitoring station, the module communicates with various serial – connected sensors, such as air quality sensors, weather stations, and water quality sensors. It collects data from these sensors in real – time and sends it to a central control system for analysis and reporting.