The National Instruments PXI-8461 is a dual-port CAN interface module engineered for PXI systems requiring automotive network communication. Built around an Intel 80386EX microprocessor, it handles CAN protocol transactions directly on the device, delivering deterministic performance without host CPU overhead. The module supports three software-selectable transceiver modes: high-speed (1 Mb/s), low-speed/fault-tolerant (125 kb/s), and CAN single-cable (33.3 kb/s standard, 88.3 kb/s rapid mode). It operates as a dual-role device—simultaneously transmitting, receiving, and filtering network traffic with listen-only, self-reception (echo), and advanced filtering modes.
Technical Specifications
• Protocol: Controller Area Network (CAN)
• Port Count: 2 ports
• Data Rates:
– High-speed: 1 Mb/s
– Low-speed/fault-tolerant: 125 kb/s
– CAN single-cable: 33.3 kb/s (88.3 kb/s rapid mode)
• Transceiver: Software-selectable for three CAN standards
• Processor: Intel 80386EX onboard microprocessor
• Synchronization: 4 RTSI input and 4 RTSI output connections
– Key Features
• Embedded microprocessor eliminates host CPU bottlenecks for real-time determinism
• Three filtering modes: listen-only, self-reception echo, and advanced packet filtering
• Frame-based API through NI-CAN driver suite
• Meets physical and electrical requirements for in-vehicle automotive networks
• Vector (.dbc) database file import via Measurement & Automation Explorer (MAX)
• Test Panel utility for direct network troubleshooting and diagnostics
– Typical Applications
• Automotive CAN bus development and validation
• In-vehicle network monitoring and diagnostics
• Multi-speed CAN network simulation and testing
• Real-time embedded CAN communication
– Compatibility & Integration
• PXI and CompactPCI form factors
• NI-CAN driver software included
• LabVIEW and LabWindows/CVI programming environments
• Windows 2000, NT, XP, Me, 98 compatible
• DeviceNet variant (PXI-8461/D) with master/slave support available
