Model Nomenclature

• PXI: 3U PXI modular instrumentation bus

• 8516: NI LIN interface series

• /2: 2‑port configuration (only variant, P/N 781366‑01)

Technical Specifications

• Form factor: 3U, single‑slot PXI

• Ports: 2 × LIN 2.0/2.1/2.2 (single‑wire, 12 V)

• Transceiver: Atmel ATA6620 (rev F and earlier) / ATA6625 (rev G+)

• Baud rate: 2.4 kbps to 20 kbps (software configurable)

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

• Isolation: None (LIN is single‑wire, ground‑referenced)

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

• Latency: Typical <100 µs

• Timestamping: 1 µs precision

• Bus voltage: LIN bus requires +8 VDC to +18 VDC (external supply)

• Power: +3.3 VDC (940 mA) from PXI backplane

• 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 LIN bus cables (single‑wire LIN + ground)

• Each port independently configurable for baud rate, master/slave mode, and scheduling

• Supports listen‑only mode for passive bus monitoring

• RTSI/PXI trigger bus integration (7 in/out trigger lines, 1 in/out clock line) for multi‑module synchronization

• Termination: No external termination required (LIN uses internal pull‑up)

• Configuration via NI‑MAX or NI‑XNET API; supports LDF (LIN Description File) database import

Core Features

• Dual‑port LIN: Two independent LIN interfaces for simultaneous testing of multiple LIN subnets

• Multi‑protocol LIN: Native support for LIN 2.0/2.1/2.2, compatible with most automotive body ECUs

• NI‑XNET DMA: Offloads LIN frame processing from CPU, reducing latency and jitter

• Master/slave support: Hardware‑timed scheduling for master tasks; slave mode for ECU emulation

• LDF database support: Direct import of LIN signals and schedules for rapid application development

Application Scenarios

• Automotive body electronics: Testing door, window, lighting, and climate ECUs on LIN buses

• HIL simulation: Real‑time emulation of LIN‑based body systems in vehicle test benches

• Rapid control prototyping: Validating LIN communication for new ECU designs

• Industrial automation: Low‑speed sensor/actuator networks in factory equipment

• Bus monitoring and diagnostics: Logging and analyzing LIN traffic for R&D and production

Usage and Maintenance Instructions

Installation and Configuration

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

2. Connect LIN bus cables to DB‑9 ports; ensure external +8–18 VDC power is supplied to the LIN bus.

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

4. Install the NI‑XNET driver and configure baud rate/master‑slave mode in NI‑MAX.

5. Develop applications using LabVIEW or C/C++ with the NI‑XNET API; import LDF files for signal‑level access.

Daily Maintenance

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

• Verify LIN bus voltage is within +8–18 VDC range.

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

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

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

Safety Notice

• Do not apply voltage outside +8–18 VDC to the LIN bus.

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