Product Introduction
The NI PXI-8516/2 is a dual-port high-speed CAN interface module designed for PXI-based automotive, industrial, and embedded communication systems. Built on the NI-XNET platform, the PXI-8516/2 delivers reliable Controller Area Network (CAN) communication with low latency, deterministic timing, and hardware-accelerated frame processing.
Supporting both CAN 2.0A and CAN 2.0B protocols, the PXI-8516/2 enables engineers to perform ECU development, HIL simulation, CAN bus monitoring, diagnostics, automated testing, and network validation. Its PXI architecture allows seamless integration with DAQ, switching, RF, and motion control modules to build complete automated test systems.
Product Overview
The PXI-8516/2 features two independent high-speed CAN interfaces that can simultaneously communicate with separate CAN networks or operate together within complex automotive and industrial communication environments.
Powered by NI-XNET technology, onboard hardware manages frame buffering, timestamping, cyclic transmission, and bus synchronization without heavily loading the host processor. This architecture significantly improves communication performance while maintaining deterministic timing.
The module supports NI-XNET software and integrates with LabVIEW, VeriStand, TestStand, C/C++, .NET, and Python development environments for rapid deployment of communication and validation systems.
Key Features
Dual Independent CAN Ports
The PXI-8516/2 provides two fully independent CAN interfaces.
- 2 independent CAN channels
- Supports simultaneous communication
- Independent bus configuration
- Flexible network deployment
- Reliable multi-bus operation
Advantage: Engineers can monitor, bridge, simulate, or test multiple CAN networks using one PXI module.
Supports CAN 2.0A and CAN 2.0B
The module supports standard automotive CAN communication protocols.
- CAN 2.0A
- CAN 2.0B
- 11-bit identifiers
- 29-bit extended identifiers
- Standard CAN messaging
Advantage: Compatible with most automotive ECUs, industrial controllers, and embedded CAN devices.
NI-XNET Hardware Acceleration
Dedicated onboard processing improves communication efficiency.
- Hardware frame buffering
- Hardware timestamping
- Low CPU utilization
- Deterministic communication
- High-performance message handling
Advantage: Ensures stable communication even under high bus utilization and large message volumes.
High-Speed Automotive Communication
Designed for demanding vehicle network development and validation.
- ECU testing
- CAN diagnostics
- Vehicle network monitoring
- Real-time communication
- Automotive validation
Advantage: Suitable for HIL systems, ECU validation, and production testing.
PXI Modular Integration
The PXI-8516/2 integrates with other PXI instrumentation modules.
- PXI modular platform
- Scalable test architecture
- Shared PXI timing
- Easy synchronization
- Expandable systems
Advantage: Easily combines communication testing with analog measurement, RF testing, switching, and motion control.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
| Product Type | PXI CAN Interface Module |
| Communication Ports | 2 CAN Channels |
| Protocol Support | CAN 2.0A / CAN 2.0B |
| Identifier Support | 11-bit and 29-bit |
| Maximum Baud Rate | Up to 1 Mb/s |
| Bus Interface | PXI |
| Communication Engine | NI-XNET |
| Timestamping | Hardware Timestamp |
| Frame Processing | Hardware Accelerated |
| Synchronization | PXI Timing Resources |
| Driver | NI-XNET |
| Programming | LabVIEW, VeriStand, C/C++, .NET, Python |
| Operating Temperature | 0 °C to 55 °C |
Software Ecosystem
The PXI-8516/2 integrates with National Instruments communication and automation software.
- NI-XNET Driver – CAN communication, diagnostics, frame scheduling, and database management.
- LabVIEW – Graphical programming for automotive communication and automation.
- VeriStand – Hardware-in-the-loop simulation and ECU validation.
- TestStand – Automated production and validation testing.
- NI MAX – Hardware configuration and diagnostics.
- C/C++, .NET, Python – Communication development using NI-XNET APIs.
Industries
- Automotive Electronics
- Electric Vehicles
- Industrial Automation
- Embedded System Development
- Aerospace
- Transportation
- Research Laboratories
- Manufacturing Test
Applications
ECU Development and Validation
Test CAN communication between electronic control units.
- ECU validation
- Firmware verification
- Communication diagnostics
- Regression testing
Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL)
Integrate CAN communication into real-time simulation systems.
- HIL simulation
- Vehicle simulation
- Controller testing
- Real-time communication
CAN Bus Monitoring
Capture and analyze CAN traffic for diagnostics and troubleshooting.
- Bus analysis
- Error monitoring
- Traffic logging
- Protocol validation
Industrial CAN Communication
Provide deterministic communication for industrial control systems.
- Machine automation
- Embedded controllers
- CAN network integration
- Industrial diagnostics
Comparison with Similar Products
| Model | Main Difference | Best Application |
|---|---|---|
| NI PXI-8516/2 | Dual-port CAN interface supporting CAN 2.0A/B with NI-XNET hardware acceleration. | Automotive CAN communication |
| NI PXI-8513 | Single-port CAN communication module. | Basic CAN applications |
| NI PXI-8512 | Entry-level CAN interface for standard communication tasks. | General CAN development |
| NI PXI-8517 | Supports additional automotive communication capabilities depending on system requirements. | Advanced automotive networks |
Recommended Related Products
| NI PXI-1042Q | PXI chassis for modular automotive communication systems. |
| NI PXI-8108 | Embedded PXI controller for communication and automation applications. |
| NI PXI-8513 | Single-port CAN interface for smaller communication systems. |
| NI PXIe-6368 | Multifunction DAQ module for synchronized analog and digital acquisition. |
| NI PXI-2564 | PXI relay switching module for automated validation systems. |
Why Choose PXI-8516/2?
- Dual independent CAN communication ports
- Supports CAN 2.0A and CAN 2.0B protocols
- Up to 1 Mb/s communication speed
- NI-XNET hardware acceleration
- Hardware timestamping and frame processing
- Low CPU utilization
- Seamless integration with PXI automated test systems
- Compatible with LabVIEW, VeriStand, TestStand, and NI-XNET
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the PXI-8516/2 used for?
The PXI-8516/2 is designed for CAN communication, ECU development, HIL simulation, automotive diagnostics, industrial automation, and embedded network validation.
How many CAN channels does the PXI-8516/2 provide?
The module includes two fully independent CAN communication ports that can operate simultaneously on separate CAN networks.
Which software supports the PXI-8516/2?
The PXI-8516/2 is supported by NI-XNET, LabVIEW, VeriStand, TestStand, NI MAX, and programming environments including C/C++, .NET, and Python.
Conclusion
The NI PXI-8516/2 Dual-Port CAN Interface Module provides reliable, deterministic CAN communication for automotive, industrial, and embedded applications. With two independent CAN channels, NI-XNET hardware acceleration, hardware timestamping, and seamless PXI integration, it is an excellent solution for ECU validation, HIL simulation, CAN diagnostics, industrial control, and automated communication testing.
