PCI-8531 1-Port CANopen Interface Device
The PCI-8531 is a one-port CANopen interface device that connects a PCI-based computer to industrial CANopen networks. It is designed for automation, motion-control, embedded-device testing and laboratory systems that need to communicate with CANopen drives, sensors, actuators and distributed I/O devices.
The interface includes a high-speed CAN physical layer and a standard 9-pin male D-Sub connector. It supports CAN communication rates from 10 Kb/s to 1 Mb/s at the physical layer and provides the hardware interface required by NI-Industrial Communications for CANopen software.
The PCI-8531 is primarily intended for CANopen manager or master applications. It should not be selected when the computer must behave as a general-purpose CANopen slave device.
Key Features of the PCI-8531
- One-port CANopen PCI interface
- High-speed CAN physical layer
- 10 Kb/s to 1 Mb/s CAN physical-layer rate
- CANopen manager and master applications
- 9-pin male D-Sub network connector
- CAN_H and CAN_L bus connections
- Optional CAN shield and external bus-power connections
- -36 VDC to 36 VDC CAN bus-line operating range
- PCI computer interface
- Suitable for industrial drives and distributed I/O
- NI-Industrial Communications for CANopen support
- Software-programmable network communication
PCI-8531 Technical Specifications
| Product Model | PCI-8531 |
|---|---|
| Part Number | 781060-01 |
| Product Type | CANopen interface device |
| Bus Interface | PCI |
| Number of CANopen Ports | 1 |
| CAN Physical Layer | High-speed CAN |
| CAN Transceiver | NXP PCA82C251 |
| Minimum Physical-Layer Rate | 10 Kb/s |
| Maximum Physical-Layer Rate | 1 Mb/s |
| CAN Bus-Line Range | -36 VDC to 36 VDC |
| Network Connector | 9-pin male D-Sub |
| Primary Network Role | CANopen manager or master |
| CANopen Slave Operation | Not supported as a standard slave interface |
| PCI Board Dimensions | 10.67 × 16.76 cm |
| Software | NI-Industrial Communications for CANopen |
PCI-8531 Part Number and Accessories
| Item | Part Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| PCI-8531 | 781060-01 | One-port CANopen PCI interface device |
| 9-Pin CAN Cable | Configuration dependent | Connects the PCI-8531 to a compatible CANopen network |
| CAN Bus Termination | Configuration dependent | 120 Ω termination for the two physical ends of the CAN bus |
| CAN Breakout Accessory | Configuration dependent | Provides access to CAN_H, CAN_L, ground, shield and optional power |
The PCI-8531 uses the standard high-speed CAN 9-pin D-Sub arrangement. Confirm pin assignments before connecting a third-party cable because connector appearance alone does not guarantee identical wiring.
CANopen Network Communication
CANopen is a higher-layer industrial communication protocol based on CAN. It defines standardized device profiles, network-management functions and methods for exchanging real-time process and configuration data.
The PCI-8531 allows a computer-based application to configure and communicate with compatible CANopen nodes such as servo drives, motor controllers, encoders, sensors and distributed I/O.
CANopen Manager Operation
In a typical installation, the PCI-8531 operates as the CANopen manager that controls network initialization and communicates with connected nodes. The software application can manage node states and exchange process or service data.
Process Data Objects
Process Data Objects provide efficient transfer of real-time process values such as position, speed, status and command information.
Service Data Objects
Service Data Objects provide access to device configuration and object-dictionary entries. They are commonly used during setup, diagnostics and parameter management.
CAN Bus Wiring and Termination
A high-speed CAN network normally uses a linear bus with 120 Ω termination at each physical end. Stubs should remain short, and cable impedance should be appropriate for CAN communication.
Incorrect termination, long stubs, reversed CAN_H and CAN_L wiring or an inconsistent ground reference can cause intermittent errors or prevent communication completely.
PCI-8531 Software Support
The device is controlled through NI-Industrial Communications for CANopen. Install a version that supports the operating system and application-development environment used by the computer.
The PCI-8531 is not an NI-XNET interface and should not be configured using an NI-XNET session intended for newer general-purpose CAN hardware.
PCI-8531 Applications
- CANopen motor-drive communication
- Industrial automation systems
- Servo and motion-control integration
- Distributed I/O communication
- CANopen sensor monitoring
- Embedded-device validation
- Manufacturing equipment control
- Industrial network diagnostics
- Laboratory CANopen development
- Legacy CANopen system maintenance
Motion-Control Systems
The PCI-8531 can communicate with CANopen-compatible servo drives and motion devices. The host application can configure operating parameters, send command values and monitor status information.
Automated Device Testing
During production or validation testing, the PCI-8531 can communicate with a CANopen DUT, change operating states and verify that process data and diagnostic responses match the expected results.
PCI-8531 Installation Workflow
Step 1: Verify Computer and Software Compatibility
Confirm that the computer provides a conventional PCI slot and supports the required NI CANopen software version.
Step 2: Install the PCI-8531
Power down the computer, observe ESD precautions and install the board securely in the PCI slot.
Step 3: Install the CANopen Software
Install NI-Industrial Communications for CANopen and verify that the interface is recognized by the system.
Step 4: Connect the Network
Connect CAN_H, CAN_L and the required reference conductors. Add 120 Ω termination at both physical ends of the CAN bus.
Step 5: Configure Network Parameters
Set the CANopen communication rate and ensure that each node uses a unique node ID.
Step 6: Test Communication
Initialize the network, identify the connected nodes and verify process and service data exchange before starting the full control application.
PCI-8531 Troubleshooting
The interface is not detected
Check PCI seating, driver installation, operating-system compatibility and Windows Device Manager.
No CANopen nodes appear
Verify network power, communication rate, node IDs, CAN_H and CAN_L polarity and bus termination.
Communication is intermittent
Inspect termination resistors, cable shielding, connector condition, stub length and network grounding.
The application cannot configure a node
Confirm that the node is in the correct CANopen state and that the object-dictionary index, subindex and data type are correct.
The PCI-8531 cannot operate as a slave
The PCI-8531 is intended for CANopen manager applications. Select hardware and software supporting the required slave behavior if the computer must emulate a CANopen node.
PCI-8531 Comparison
| Model | Network | Ports | Primary Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCI-8531 | CANopen | 1 | CANopen manager communication |
| PCI-8532 | DeviceNet | 1 | DeviceNet scanner and interface applications |
| NI-9881 | CANopen | 1 | CompactRIO CANopen systems |
| NI-9882 | DeviceNet | 1 | CompactRIO DeviceNet communication |
The PCI-8531 and PCI-8532 are not interchangeable protocol interfaces. Choose the PCI-8531 for CANopen and the PCI-8532 for DeviceNet.
PCI-8531 Frequently Asked Questions
What is the PCI-8531?
It is a one-port PCI CANopen interface used to connect a computer to an industrial CANopen network.
What is the maximum CAN rate?
The high-speed CAN physical layer supports rates up to 1 Mb/s.
Can the PCI-8531 operate as a CANopen slave?
No. Its standard CANopen software is intended primarily for manager or master operation.
Does it use NI-XNET?
No. It uses NI-Industrial Communications for CANopen software.
What is the PCI-8531 part number?
The standard part number is 781060-01.
Recommended Related Products
- PCI-8532 DeviceNet Interface
- PXI-8531 CANopen Interface
- NI-9881 CANopen Module
- NI-9882 DeviceNet Module
Request a Quote for the PCI-8531
Contact us for current availability and pricing for the PCI-8531 CANopen interface. We can also help verify software compatibility, CAN cabling and alternative CANopen hardware.
