Product Introduction
The NI PCI-8513 is a high-performance PCI CAN interface device designed for automotive communication, industrial control, embedded system development, and automated test applications. It provides reliable CAN network connectivity between a host computer and CAN-based devices.
Featuring two CAN interface ports, high-speed CAN communication capability, NI-XNET software support, and seamless integration with NI measurement platforms, the PCI-8513 enables engineers to develop flexible CAN monitoring, simulation, and testing systems.
Product Overview
The PCI-8513 belongs to the NI-XNET CAN interface product family and provides PC-based connectivity for CAN communication networks.
Unlike traditional standalone CAN adapters, the PCI-8513 integrates directly into desktop computer systems through the PCI interface, allowing users to combine CAN communication with NI software platforms and automated test environments.
With reliable CAN communication performance, hardware-based message processing, and NI-XNET driver support, the PCI-8513 is widely used in automotive electronics testing, ECU validation, industrial communication, and embedded system development.
Key Features
Dual-Port CAN Interface
The PCI-8513 provides two independent CAN communication ports for connecting multiple CAN networks.
- 2 CAN interface channels
- High-speed CAN communication
- Independent network connections
- CAN message transmission and reception
- Flexible network configuration
Advantage: Enables engineers to monitor and communicate with multiple CAN networks using one interface device.
High-Performance CAN Communication
The PCI-8513 provides reliable CAN message processing for demanding communication applications.
- Real-time CAN message handling
- Hardware-assisted communication
- Low-latency data exchange
- Reliable network operation
- Automotive communication support
Advantage: Provides stable CAN communication for test and validation systems.
NI-XNET Software Support
The PCI-8513 integrates with NI-XNET drivers for efficient CAN application development.
- NI-XNET driver support
- LabVIEW integration
- CAN database support
- Message streaming
- Real-time communication control
Advantage: Simplifies development of CAN monitoring, simulation, and testing applications.
PCI Bus Computer Integration
The PCI-8513 provides direct integration with desktop computer systems through the PCI interface.
- PCI bus connectivity
- Desktop system integration
- Stable communication performance
- Industrial PC compatibility
- Automated test system deployment
Advantage: Provides a cost-effective CAN communication solution for PC-based applications.
Automotive Network Testing Capability
The PCI-8513 is designed for automotive CAN network development and validation.
- ECU communication testing
- CAN bus monitoring
- Network simulation
- Vehicle communication analysis
- Embedded controller testing
Advantage: Supports complete automotive CAN development workflows.
Integration with NI Test Platforms
The PCI-8513 can be combined with NI software and hardware platforms for automated testing.
- LabVIEW applications
- TestStand integration
- Automated CAN testing
- Hardware-in-the-loop systems
- Data logging applications
Advantage: Enables scalable CAN-based automated test solutions.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
| Product Type | PCI CAN Interface Device |
| Communication Interface | CAN |
| CAN Channels | 2 Ports |
| Bus Interface | PCI |
| Software Driver | NI-XNET |
| Programming Support | LabVIEW, C/C++, .NET |
| Application | CAN Communication and Automated Testing |
Software Ecosystem
The PCI-8513 works with NI software tools for CAN communication, testing, and automation development.
- NI-XNET: Provides CAN communication configuration, message processing, and network management.
- LabVIEW: Enables graphical CAN monitoring and automation application development.
- TestStand: Supports automated CAN-based production testing.
- NI MAX: Provides hardware configuration and diagnostics.
- C/C++ and .NET: Supports custom CAN software development.
Industries
- Automotive Electronics
- Vehicle Testing
- Industrial Automation
- Embedded Systems
- Aerospace and Defense
- Manufacturing Test
- Research Laboratories
- Electronic Validation
Applications
Automotive ECU Testing
The PCI-8513 provides CAN communication capability for ECU development and validation.
- ECU communication testing
- CAN message simulation
- Vehicle network validation
- Controller testing
Hardware-in-the-Loop Testing
The device supports CAN communication in HIL simulation environments.
- Real-time simulation
- Embedded controller validation
- CAN network simulation
- Closed-loop testing
Industrial CAN Networks
The PCI-8513 supports communication with industrial CAN devices.
- Machine controllers
- Industrial sensors
- Automation equipment
- Distributed control systems
CAN Data Logging and Analysis
The PCI-8513 enables reliable CAN monitoring and data acquisition.
- CAN bus monitoring
- Data recording
- Network analysis
- Communication diagnostics
Comparison with Similar Products
| Model | Main Difference | Best Application |
|---|---|---|
| NI PCI-8513 | PCI-based dual CAN interface device with NI-XNET support. | PC-based CAN testing and communication |
| NI PXIe-8510 | PXI Express CAN interface module for modular test systems. | PXI automated CAN testing |
| NI-9862 | C Series CAN interface module for CompactDAQ and CompactRIO systems. | Embedded CAN applications |
| NI-9860 | C Series CAN communication module for NI embedded platforms. | CompactRIO and CompactDAQ CAN systems |
Recommended Related Products
| NI PXIe-8510 | PXI Express CAN interface module for advanced automated test systems. |
| NI-9862 | C Series CAN module for CompactRIO and CompactDAQ platforms. |
| NI-9860 | CAN communication module for NI embedded measurement systems. |
| NI PXIe-8880 | High-performance PXI Express controller for automated test platforms. |
Why Choose PCI-8513?
- Dual-port CAN communication capability
- NI-XNET software integration
- Reliable CAN message processing
- PCI-based PC integration
- Ideal for automotive testing
- Supports CAN simulation and analysis
- Flexible automated test deployment
- Cost-effective CAN interface solution
Frequently Asked Questions
What is PCI-8513 used for?
The PCI-8513 is used for CAN communication, automotive ECU testing, CAN bus monitoring, industrial communication, and automated test applications.
Does PCI-8513 support LabVIEW?
Yes. The PCI-8513 supports NI-XNET and integrates with LabVIEW, TestStand, and standard programming environments.
What is the difference between PCI-8513 and PXIe-8510?
The PCI-8513 uses a PCI interface for desktop computers, while the PXIe-8510 is designed for PXI Express modular test systems.
Conclusion
The NI PCI-8513 CAN interface device provides a reliable solution for PC-based CAN communication, automotive testing, and industrial automation applications. With dual CAN ports, NI-XNET support, flexible software integration, and stable communication performance, it is an ideal choice for ECU validation, CAN network analysis, and automated test systems.


