National Instruments PXI-8156B PXI Controller

Featured with a built-in SuperVGA graphics controller, the National Instruments PXI-8156B (Part number: 185113H-01) is an Embedded Controller for PXI and CompactPCI systems. This model can be acquired with a 233 MHz Intel Pentium MMX processor or 333 MHz AMD-K6-2 processor. The NI PXI-8156B comes equipped with 32 MB of SDRAM that can be upgraded to 256 MB maximum by utilizing two user-accessible SO-DIMM sockets. This Controller can be used with the PXI-1020 and PXI-1025 chassis.

In addition, the NI PXI-8156B has 1 GPIB (IEEE 488.2) port, 1 Ultra DMA IDE hard drive, 1 Ethernet Port, 1 USB port, 1 1.44 MB floppy drive, 1 IEEE 1284 ECP/EPP parallel port, 2 serial ports, and standard PS/2 connectors for a keyboard and mouse. In addition, the National Instruments PXI-8156B is equipped with 2 MB DRAM. However, 32 MB, 64 MB, or 128 MB RAM can be added to the controller. NI RAM is guaranteed to work with the controller, so take caution when purchasing other brands. When plugged into the system controller slot of a PXI chassis, the PXI 8156B expands to the left, preserving all other active PXI slots for instrument modules. The device can be programmed using application development environments such as LabVIEW or LabWindows/CVI.

The parallel port incorporated in this device can handle high-speed ECP and EPP modules and conforms to the IEEE 1284 standard. This Controller consumes 1 system and 3 controller expansion slots for its installation. The NI PXI-8156B has the TNT4882C custom ASIC to provide complete GPIB control of outside devices with the front-panel connector. GPIB capability is compatible with the NI-488.2M driver and IEEE 488.2. The PXI-8156B also utilizes the PCI local bus and ISA bus for peripheral expansion.

The NI device weighs 2.4 lb, and measures 3.2 x 5.1 x 8.5 in. in physical dimensions. It has recommended operating and storage temperature ranges of 0° to 50° C and -20° to 70° C respectively, non-condensing operating and storage humidity ranges of 10% to 90% and 5% to 95% respectively.

PXI-8156B Obsolete Status has been announced by National Instruments, but the controller will still be available for purchase and repairs by Apex Waves.