I. Basic Information

Model: PCI-8430/2

Part Number: 778978-01

Bus: Standard 32-bit PCI / PCI-X (33 MHz)

Ports: 2 × RS-232, DB-9 female connector

Isolation: Non-isolated (Isolated version is PCI-8432/2) download.ni.com

Status: EOL； Replacement： PCIe-8430/2 (PCIe version)

II. Core Specifications (Easy to Understand)

Protocol: RS-232 (Full Signal: TX/RX/RTS/CTS/DTR/DSR/DCD/RI)

Baud Rate: Up to 1,000 kbps (1 Mbps), programmable, error <1%

FIFO: 128 bytes TX/RX FIFO per port, reduces CPU usage

Transmission Mode: DMA transmission, supports multi-threading / multi-core CPU

Connector: Plate 2 × DB-9 female connector

Board Type: Half-length PCI card, compatible with standard PC / industrial computer

Power Supply: 5V power supply in PCI slot, no need for external power supply

III. System Compatibility (Drivers + OS)

Driver: NI-Serial (with NI-VISA)

Supported Systems:

✅ Windows 2000/XP/Vista/7 (32/64) ✅ LabVIEW Real‑Time

❌ Windows 10/11: Compatible mode is available, but not officially supported

Software: LabVIEW, NI-DAQ, VISA, CVI, any software supporting COM port

Identification: The system enumerates as standard COM port (such as COM3, COM4), no special programming required

IV. Differences between PCI-8430/2 and 8431/2, 8432/2

PCI-8430/2: RS-232, 2 ports, non-isolated, DB-9

PCI-8431/2: RS-422/485, 2 ports, non-isolated, DB-9

PCI-8432/2: **RS-232, 2 ports, high-voltage isolation, DB-9 (for industrial strong interference), download.ni.com

V. Installation and Use (Minimal)

Power off → Insert PCI/PCI-X slot (not supporting PCIe)

Power on → Install NI-Serial driver → Restart

Device Manager → Ports (COM & LPT) → NI PCI-8430/2 COMx appears

Directly use serial port software (such as PuTTY, LabVIEW VISA) for reading and writing, same as ordinary COM port

VI. Typical Applications

Industrial control: PLC, instruments, sensors RS-232 communication

Test measurement: Serial port instruments (multimeters, power supplies, serial port devices) connected to PC

Data acquisition: Serial port sensors, barcode guns, printers

Expansion of old systems: Retain legacy RS-232 devices connected to new PC

VII. Common Problems

❌ PCIe slot cannot be used: Must use old-fashioned PCI/PCI-X

⚠️ High baud rate causes packet loss: 1 Mbps short distance (<5 m) stable; long distance reduced to 115.2 kbps

⚠️ No isolation: Change to PCI-8432/2 (isolated version) in strong interference environment

VIII. Alternative Models (PCIe Upgrade)

PCIe-8430/2: PCIe ×1, 2×RS-232, 1 Mbps, DB-9, officially supported by NI for Windows 10/1