Product Introduction
The NI-9860 is a C Series CAN interface module designed for CompactRIO and CompactDAQ platforms, providing reliable Controller Area Network (CAN) communication for automotive testing, industrial automation, embedded systems, and real-time control applications.
Featuring two CAN interface ports, high-speed communication capability, and NI-XNET driver support, the NI-9860 enables engineers to integrate CAN networks into modular data acquisition and control systems.
Product Overview
The NI-9860 belongs to the NI C Series communication interface family and provides CAN connectivity for CompactRIO and CompactDAQ systems. It enables communication with CAN-based devices including electronic control units (ECUs), sensors, controllers, and industrial equipment.
The module uses NI-XNET technology to provide low-latency CAN communication, efficient message handling, and deterministic real-time performance. It can be combined with other C Series modules to create complete measurement, control, and automotive test systems.
Key Features
Dual CAN Interface Ports
The NI-9860 provides two independent CAN communication channels.
- 2 CAN ports
- Independent CAN networks
- High-speed CAN communication
- Multiple device connectivity
- Automotive network integration
Advantage: Allows simultaneous communication with multiple CAN networks in one CompactRIO or CompactDAQ system.
High-Speed CAN Communication
The module supports reliable CAN data exchange for demanding applications.
- High-speed CAN support
- Real-time message transmission
- Low-latency communication
- Deterministic operation
- Network monitoring capability
Advantage: Enables accurate communication with modern automotive and industrial CAN systems.
NI-XNET Technology Support
The NI-9860 integrates with NI-XNET software for advanced CAN applications.
- CAN frame transmission
- CAN frame reception
- Signal-based communication
- Database support
- Real-time network management
Advantage: Simplifies development of complex CAN communication applications.
CompactRIO and CompactDAQ Compatibility
The NI-9860 integrates into modular NI embedded systems.
- CompactRIO support
- CompactDAQ support
- C Series modular architecture
- Mixed I/O system integration
- Flexible hardware expansion
Advantage: Enables customized systems combining CAN communication with analog, digital, and sensor modules.
Real-Time Embedded Communication
The module supports deterministic CAN communication in embedded control applications.
- Real-time data exchange
- Embedded controller integration
- Industrial communication
- Vehicle network testing
- Distributed control systems
Advantage: Provides reliable communication for time-critical applications.
Industrial-Grade Design
The NI-9860 is designed for demanding operating environments.
- Robust C Series construction
- Industrial deployment capability
- Reliable field communication
- Noise-resistant operation
- Modular system installation
Advantage: Suitable for laboratory, production, and field deployment scenarios.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
| Product Type | C Series CAN Interface Module |
| CAN Channels | 2 Ports |
| Communication Protocol | CAN |
| Driver Technology | NI-XNET |
| Interface | C Series Module |
| Supported Platforms | CompactRIO and CompactDAQ |
| Communication Mode | Real-Time CAN Communication |
| Software Support | LabVIEW, NI-XNET |
| Programming Support | LabVIEW, C/C++, Python |
Software Ecosystem
The NI-9860 works with NI software tools for CAN communication, automotive testing, and embedded control applications.
- NI-XNET: Provides high-performance CAN communication, frame handling, and database management.
- LabVIEW: Enables graphical development of CAN monitoring and control applications.
- CompactRIO Software: Supports real-time embedded communication systems.
- NI MAX: Provides hardware configuration and diagnostics.
- C/C++ and Python: Supports custom CAN application development.
Industries
- Automotive Testing
- Electric Vehicle Development
- Industrial Automation
- Embedded Systems
- Aerospace Systems
- Transportation
- Research Laboratories
- Machine Control
Applications
Automotive ECU Testing
The NI-9860 provides CAN communication for vehicle electronic system validation.
- ECU communication
- CAN bus monitoring
- Vehicle network testing
- Embedded controller validation
Electric Vehicle Testing
The module supports CAN-based EV system development.
- Battery management system testing
- Motor controller communication
- Vehicle network analysis
- Power electronics validation
Industrial Control Systems
The NI-9860 enables CAN communication in industrial automation systems.
- Machine communication
- Controller networking
- Sensor integration
- Distributed automation
Embedded Research Platforms
The module provides CAN connectivity for embedded development projects.
- Prototype systems
- Real-time experiments
- Communication testing
- Control development
Comparison with Similar Products
| Model | Main Difference | Best Application |
|---|---|---|
| NI-9860 | Dual CAN C Series interface module with NI-XNET support. | Automotive and industrial CAN systems |
| NI-9861 | CAN interface module with different communication configuration. | CAN-based embedded applications |
| NI-9881 | C Series CANopen interface module. | Industrial CANopen networks |
| NI cRIO-9056 | CompactRIO controller supporting C Series communication modules. | Embedded real-time control systems |
Recommended Related Products
| NI cDAQ-9185 | Ethernet CompactDAQ chassis supporting C Series modules. |
| NI cRIO-9056 | CompactRIO controller for industrial embedded applications. |
| NI-9881 | CANopen communication module for CompactRIO systems. |
| NI-9861 | C Series CAN interface solution for embedded systems. |
Why Choose NI-9860?
- Dual CAN communication channels
- NI-XNET high-performance driver support
- CompactRIO and CompactDAQ compatibility
- Real-time embedded communication
- Automotive CAN network support
- Industrial communication capability
- Flexible C Series modular architecture
- Ideal for CAN testing and control applications
Frequently Asked Questions
What is NI-9860 used for?
The NI-9860 is used for CAN communication, automotive ECU testing, industrial networking, embedded control, and real-time monitoring applications.
What software supports NI-9860?
The NI-9860 is supported by NI-XNET, LabVIEW, CompactRIO software tools, and custom programming environments.
What is the difference between NI-9860 and NI-9881?
The NI-9860 is designed for standard CAN communication, while the NI-9881 focuses on CANopen protocol applications.
Conclusion
The NI-9860 C Series CAN interface module provides reliable dual-channel CAN communication for CompactRIO and CompactDAQ platforms. With NI-XNET support, real-time performance, and modular C Series integration, it is an ideal solution for automotive testing, industrial automation, embedded systems, and distributed control applications.


