The National Instruments PXI-8186 is a robust PXI controller designed to integrate seamlessly into any PXI or CompactPCI system. Equipped with a 2.2 GHz Pentium 4-M CPU and a 30 GB internal hard drive, the PXI-8186 provides the processing power necessary for demanding applications. This controller features an integrated GPIB (IEEE 488.2) interface and an Intel Extreme Graphics core, eliminating the need for a separate video card while delivering high-quality 3D graphics rendering and smooth motion performance. Memory capabilities include double-data-rate SDRAM (DDR-SDRAM), which enhances memory bandwidth by facilitating data transfer twice per cycle.

Connectivity options are plentiful, with one 10/100BaseTX port, one IEEE 1284 parallel port, one PCI-GPIB/TNT port, two USB 2.0 ports, one PS/2 connector, and two serial ports. The PXI-8186 meets standard operating temperature requirements of 5 to 40 °C, but an extended-temperature version is also available, supporting 0 to 55 °C. It occupies a 3U-sized PXI module space, measuring 8.1 x 13 x 21.6 cm, and weighs 2.2 lbs. Installation requires one system slot and three controller slots within a compatible PXI chassis. The PXI-8186 is compatible with various software options, including NI-DAQ for data acquisition and NI-VISA for application development, with support in environments such as LabVIEW and Measurement Studio. While the PXI-8186 has been designated as obsolete by National Instruments, it remains available for purchase and repair through Apex Waves.