Chapter 1 Introduction
PCI Serial for Windows Me/9x 1-4 ni.com
NI-Serial Software Overview
The NI-Serial software for Windows Me/9x includes a native Windows
device driver that provides full interrupt-driven, buffered I/O for multiple
COM ports. You can obtain a maximum baud rate of 460.8 KBaud on the
PCI-485 and 115.2 KBaud on the PCI-232. You can also use up any
number of serial ports under Windows Me/9x. The NI-Serial software also
includes a configuration utility, which is fully integrated into the Windows
Me/9x Device Manager. For more information about software
specifications, refer to Appendix D, Specifications.
The NI-Serial software includes the following components:
•Device driver
•Diagnostic utility
•Configuration utility
•Product manuals
The NI-Serial software supports all National Instruments serial hardware,
including the AT, PCI, PXI/CompactPCI, and PCMCIA versions.
Time-Saving Development Tools
Your kit includes the NI-Serial software for Windows Me/9x. In addition,
you can order the LabWindows/CVI or LabVIEW software from National
Instruments to speed your application development time and make it easier
to communicate with your instruments.
LabVIEW is an easy-to-use, graphical programming environment
you can use to acquire data from thousands of different instruments,
including IEEE 488.2 devices, VXI devices, serial devices, PLCs, and
plug-in data acquisition boards. After you have acquired raw data, you can
convert it into meaningful results using the powerful data analysis routines
in LabVIEW. LabVIEW also comes with hundreds of instrument drivers,
which dramatically reduce software development time, because you do not
have to spend time programming the low-level control of each instrument.
LabWindows/CVI is similar to LabVIEW, except that it combines an
interactive, easy-to-use development approach with the programming
power and flexibility of compiled ANSI C code.
For ordering information, or to request free demonstration software,
contact National Instruments.