Control multiple devices using PCI 8430/8

[eLions]

Hi,

We have a few questions on controlling multiple serial devices using PCI 8430/8. I am sorry if here is not the right place to post these questions. 

The goal is to control 6 fluxgate magnetometers at the same time, each magnetometer has a RS 232 interface, and baud rate from 300 to 72800 (typically we use 9600).  The task includes issuing a few config commands and continuously read data from magnetometers in defined format. 

Software platform: WINDOWS XP/32, C/C++ 

(1) Is this doable with PCI 8430/8? What's the highest baud rate if all six magnetometers are running simutaneously?

(2) Is there any example codes similar to our task? I did found one C:.../National Instruments\NI-VISA\Examples\C\Serial\RdWrtSrl.c but I am not sure whether it is the right thing to begin with (I have some experiences on programming DIO via DAQmx, but not with Serial). 

Thanks very much for your time! 

Kunyan

[eLions]

I just noticed that two of USB-232/4 also seem to work for us, which have the advantage of not using our limited PCI expansion slots. Is there any disadvantages regarding speed, software? Thanks.

[Michael_W.]

Hi eLions,

Either of these options should work fine for you.  These serial ports should operate just as independent serial ports on a standard computer would.  Independent operation and maintaining the baud rate shouldn't be a problem.

Cheers, 

[eLions]

Thanks Michael. 

I just have two more questions to clarifymy concern: 

(1)The listed baud rates for USB-232/4 = 230,400b/s max and PCI-8430/8=1,000,000 max. Is this the total baud rates for 4/8 channels or just the rate for each RS232 port? 

(2) The connection for USB-232/4 is just one USB port to PC or each RS232 port needs a USB-to-PC connection?

[Michael_W.]

Hi eLions,
 
I believe this is the baud rate on a per channel basis, although those may be the theoretical limits with the practical limits being a bit less.  However, I will need to do a bit of research to confirm this.
 
Cheers,

[Ryan_T · Accepted solution]

Hi eLions,

1) Those are the baud rates on a per channel basis, each channel can support the max baud rate.

2) The USB-232/4 is only one USB port that breaks-out into 4 serial ports.