The National Instruments PXI-8187 is a sophisticated PXI controller designed for integration within PXI and CompactPCI systems. Equipped with a 2.5 GHz Pentium 4-M processor, this embedded controller offers a variety of standard PC peripherals to enhance its versatility, including one VGA (15-pin DSUB), two RS-232 serial ports, one 10/100 Ethernet port, two USB 2.0 ports, one PS/2 port, one parallel port (36-pin champ), and a GPIB (25-pin Micro D) interface. The PXI-8187 occupies one system slot and requires three additional expansion slots, making it an optimal solution for data acquisition and modular instrumentation applications.

This 3U-sized controller measures 3.2 in. x 5.1 in. x 8.5 in. (8.1 cm x 13 cm x 21.6 cm) and has a weight of 2.2 lb (1.0 kg). The recommended operating temperature ranges from 5°C to 45°C, depending on the chassis. For those requiring extended operation, an option is available that increases the temperature range to 0°C-55°C. The storage temperature range of –20°C to 65°C can also be extended to –40°C to 85°C.

Included with the PXI-8187 are specialized software tools that allow users to recover the factory state of the hard drive from a designated area, as well as the ability to restore the factory-installed operating system with an external CD-ROM. For users wishing to install an alternative operating system, Microsoft Windows XP can be installed via CD-ROM; other operating systems must be installed over a network.

Although the PXI-8187 has been designated as obsolete by National Instruments, it remains available for purchase and repair through Apex Waves. Additional resources such as the user and maintenance manuals are available for download. For pricing inquiries, please contact a sales representative.