National Instruments 777642-16 Serial Interface

Part Number 777642-16 is the identifying part number for the National Instruments PCI-232/16 Serial Interface. This device is the 16-port version of the devices in the PCI Serial Interface family, which has 2-port, 4-port, and 8-port devices sharing the same specifications. These asynchronous interfaces communicate with instruments through serial ports. 

The 777642-16 features a 100-pin, SCSI-type connector for I/O purposes. It requires a breakout box to separate the 100-pin connector into 16 DB-9 male connectors. The breakout box is included in the kit. The power requirement from the PCI channel when supplied with +5 VDC is 250 mA in typical conditions while the maximum current drawn is 500 mA. Furthermore, the device supports a maximum transfer rate of 115.2 kbps and has 64 bytes of memory. 

The 777642-16, like other devices in its family, has plug-and-play compatibility with Windows 2000/NT/XP/Me/9x, which means installation and configuration is easy. Likewise, they have advanced serial drivers that can improve performance and carry out complex configuration and control tasks. The device can be accessed with existing software applications or the user can develop their application in NI-VISA. On the other hand, development environments like LabVIEW, Visual Basic, Visual C++, Excel, LabWindows/CVI, Measurement Studio, etc. can also access and use the device. 

As for the environmental characteristics, the 777642-16 is recommended for indoor use only. The recommended operating temperature range is 0 to 55 °C at a relative humidity of 10 to 90%, noncondensing. Likewise, the maximum altitude of operation is 2000m. On the other hand, the device can be stored in a much wider range of -20 to 70 °C at a relative humidity of 5 to 95%. 

Since this device uses the RS-232 protocol for communication, it is recommended that the maximum cable length be equivalent to 2500 pF. This allows communication up to a distance of 50 ft. The data line ESD protection according to the human body model is ±15 kV. The device conforms to safety standards IEC 60950-1, EN 60950-1, UL 60950-1, and CAN/CSA C22.2 No. 60950-1.