RS232 type control card to interface between PC and measurement equipments?

[miscsyl]

I am looking for an RS232 type control card to interface between PC and measurement equipments. RS232 control card will be connected between PC and equipments. Equipments consist of 8-bit attenuators (3), Single Pole Single Throw Switches (4), Single Pole Triple Throw Switches (5), and power supply (1).

The total number of bits that need to be controlled is: (3X8) + (4X1) + (5X3) + (1X1) = 44 bits.

PC computer is also connected to the signal generator. Equipments are used to control RF signal at 3 GHz. I have found PXI-6508 card.

Question:
1) I would like to know if PXI-6508 is sufficient for my set up. Do I need anything else?

2) Can I use different type of control card? (
like GPIB).

Any information will be appreciated.

Thank you.

[DiegoF]

Hi,

RS-232 is a defined protocol. You cannot send 44 bits in the same frame. Also, RS232 is point-to point.

From your description it seems that you are looking for a Digital I/O board, where each line controls one of the devices. If this is the case the PCI-6508 will work. Rs-232 communication is something totally different.

DiegoF.
National Instruments.