Model Nomenclature

• PXI: 3U PXI modular instrumentation bus

• 8511: NI low‑speed/fault‑tolerant CAN interface series

• /1: 1‑port configuration (PXI‑8511/1, PN 780686‑01)

• /2: 2‑port configuration (PXI‑8511/2, PN 780686‑02)

Technical Specifications

• Form factor: 3U, single‑slot PXI

• Ports: 1 or 2 × low‑speed/fault‑tolerant CAN 2.0A/B (ISO 11898‑3)NI

• Transceiver: NXP TJA1054A (fault‑tolerant)

• Baud rate: 40 kbps to 125 kbps

• Connectors: 1 or 2 × DB‑9 male (front panel)

• Isolation: 1 kVrms channel‑to‑chassis isolation

• DMA: Onboard DMA engine, zero CPU interrupt for frame transferNI

• Latency: Typical <50 µs

• Message filtering: Advanced hardware filtering per port

• Bus voltage range: CAN_H/CAN_L –27 VDC to +40 VDC

• Power: +5 VDC from PXI backplane; 1‑port ~640 mA, 2‑port ~940 mA

• Operating temperature: 0 °C to 55 °C; storage –20 °C to 70 °C

• Software: NI‑XNET, LabVIEW, LabWindows/CVI, C/C++, Python, VeriStand

• OS: Windows 7/10/11, LabVIEW Real‑Time

Interface and Communication Configuration

• Front‑panel DB‑9 male connectors for standard CAN cables

• Each port independently configurable for baud rate, filtering, and CAN 2.0A/B mode

• Supports listen‑only mode for passive bus monitoring

• No external trigger/sync connector (hardware limitation)

• Termination: Requires external 120 Ω termination resistors at both ends of the bus

• Configuration via NI‑MAX or NI‑XNET API; supports DBC/FIBEX/NCD CAN database import

Core Features

• Fault‑tolerant CAN: Automatically detects and recovers from wiring faults, ensuring communication continuity

• 1 kVrms isolation: Protects PXI chassis from ground loops and voltage transients

• NI‑XNET DMA: Offloads CAN frame processing from CPU, reducing latency and jitterNI

• Low‑speed robustness: Optimized for 125 kbps and below in harsh industrial environments

• Real‑time performance: Precise 1 µs timestamping for accurate event correlation

Application Scenarios

• Automotive body electronics: Low‑speed CAN networks (e.g., lighting, door modules)

• Industrial automation: Fault‑resilient CAN buses in factory floor equipment

• Commercial vehicles: Truck/bus CAN systems requiring high fault tolerance

• Hardware‑in‑the‑loop (HIL): Real‑time simulation of low‑speed CAN ECUsNI

• Bus monitoring and diagnostics: Passive logging of fault‑prone CAN networks

Usage and Maintenance Instructions

Installation and Configuration

1. Insert the module into any 3U PXI slot and secure the front panel.

2. Connect CAN cables to the DB‑9 ports and external CAN nodes; add 120 Ω termination at bus ends.

3. Power on the chassis; Windows automatically detects the hardware.

4. Install the NI‑XNET driver and configure ports in NI‑MAX.

5. Develop applications using LabVIEW or C/C++ with the NI‑XNET API.

Daily Maintenance

• Inspect DB‑9 connectors and cables for damage or loose pins.

• Ensure proper bus termination (120 Ω) to avoid signal reflection.

• Operate within 0–55 °C; keep the chassis clean and dry.

• Avoid hot‑swapping the module or CAN cables during operation.

• Store unused modules in anti‑static bags in a cool, dry place.

Safety Notice

• Do not exceed the 1 kVrms isolation rating or –27 VDC to +40 VDC bus voltage limits.

• Follow local regulations for disposal at end‑of‑life.