The National Instruments PXI-8196 Embedded Controller is a high-performance solution designed for PXI systems, leveraging a 2.0 GHz Intel Pentium M 760 processor to deliver robust processing capabilities. It comes equipped with 512 MB of DDR2 SDRAM, which can be expanded to a maximum of 2 GB through two DDR2 SO-DIMM modules, facilitating data-intensive applications. The controller includes a minimum 30 GB internal hard drive with a Fast Ultra ATA100 interface, ensuring efficient data handling and storage.

Integrated within the PXI-8196 is an Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 900, and it features an external SMB connector, which serves dual purposes as a trigger input/output and a watchdog timer, thereby enhancing timing and synchronization capabilities within the PXI trigger bus. Additional system expansion is supported by a PCI-based GPIB controller and an ExpressCard/34 slot.

This Embedded Controller is available in two environmental configurations: the standard version operates effectively at temperatures ranging from 5 °C to 50 °C, while the extended-temperature model supports a broader range of 0 °C to 55 °C, making it suitable for diverse industrial and laboratory environments.

The PXI-8196 is compatible with various National Instruments software platforms including LabVIEW, Measurement Studio, and LabWindows/CVI, and supports the NI-VISA API for seamless communication with a wide range of instruments across different interfaces such as serial, GPIB, VXI, and PXI. Connectivity options on the PXI-8196 are comprehensive, featuring a VGA port, a COM1 serial port, an Ethernet port, a parallel port, and four USB interfaces, among others. Notably, while the controller lacks a native PS/2 connector, compatibility with PS/2 devices is achievable through a USB Y-splitter cable.

Typically shipped with Microsoft Windows XP pre-installed, the PXI-8196 is now regarded as obsolete, yet remains available for purchase and repair through Apex Waves, who offer factory calibration and optional software integration assistance to ensure continued operational support.