Product Introduction
The NI-9861 is a C Series Local Interconnect Network (LIN) interface module designed for communication with LIN networks in automotive and embedded test applications. It provides one LIN interface port for transmitting, receiving, monitoring, and testing LIN network traffic when installed in compatible NI C Series hardware.
The NI-9861 is particularly suitable for automotive electronic control unit (ECU) testing, body electronics validation, sensor and actuator communication, hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) systems, network monitoring, and automated test applications.
When combined with compatible CompactDAQ or CompactRIO hardware and NI-XNET software, the NI-9861 provides a modular platform for developing LIN communication and validation systems.
Product Overview
The National Instruments NI-9861 is designed specifically for the Local Interconnect Network (LIN) communication protocol commonly used in automotive electronics.
A typical system architecture is:
LIN ECU / Sensor / Actuator ↔ NI-9861 ↔ CompactDAQ / CompactRIO ↔ NI-XNET Application
The module enables engineers to communicate with LIN devices, monitor network traffic, simulate network nodes, and integrate LIN communication into larger automated validation systems.
Key Features
1-Port LIN Interface
The NI-9861 provides one LIN network interface for connecting compatible LIN devices and networks to an NI C Series measurement or control system.
The interface can be used for applications such as:
- LIN communication
- Network monitoring
- ECU communication
- LIN node simulation
- Message transmission
- Message reception
- Automated network testing
Local Interconnect Network Support
LIN is a low-cost serial communication network widely used in automotive electronic systems where the performance and complexity of CAN are not required.
Typical LIN-controlled devices include:
- Power windows
- Power seats
- Door modules
- Mirror controls
- Climate-control actuators
- Rain sensors
- Lighting systems
- Sunroof controls
- Steering-wheel controls
- Small motors and actuators
Automotive Network Communication
The NI-9861 is particularly useful in automotive test systems where engineers need to communicate with or simulate LIN devices.
It can be incorporated into systems for:
- ECU development
- ECU validation
- Automotive component testing
- Body control module testing
- Vehicle network analysis
- Production testing
- Hardware-in-the-loop testing
NI-XNET Support
The NI-9861 is designed for use with NI-XNET, NI’s automotive and embedded network interface software and driver architecture.
NI-XNET provides APIs and tools for configuring and accessing automotive network communication within compatible NI systems.
Depending on the application, engineers can use NI-XNET for:
- LIN frame transmission
- LIN frame reception
- Signal-level communication
- Network monitoring
- Automated test sequences
- Database-based network applications
C Series Modular Architecture
The NI-9861 is part of the NI C Series platform and can be combined with compatible measurement and control modules in the same system.
A complete automotive test system can therefore combine:
- LIN communication
- CAN communication
- Analog input
- Analog output
- Digital I/O
- Temperature measurement
- Strain measurement
- Relay control
- Power measurement
CompactDAQ Integration
The NI-9861 can be used with compatible CompactDAQ hardware to build PC-based automotive communication and measurement systems.
A typical architecture is:
LIN Device ↔ NI-9861 → CompactDAQ → PC → NI-XNET / Test Software
CompactRIO Integration
The NI-9861 can also be used with compatible CompactRIO hardware for embedded and real-time automotive network applications.
CompactRIO systems are particularly useful when the application requires:
- Real-time execution
- Standalone operation
- FPGA-based control
- Vehicle network communication
- Deterministic test sequencing
- Embedded data logging
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Product Type | C Series Vehicle Multiprotocol Interface Module |
| Model | NI-9861 |
| Manufacturer | National Instruments |
| Platform | NI C Series |
| Network Protocol | LIN (Local Interconnect Network) |
| Number of Ports | 1 |
| Physical Interface | LIN |
| Software Driver | NI-XNET |
| Primary Application | Automotive and Embedded Network Communication |
| System Integration | Compatible CompactDAQ / CompactRIO Systems |
| Typical Applications | ECU Test, LIN Monitoring, HIL Test and Automotive Component Validation |
What Is LIN?
LIN (Local Interconnect Network) is a serial communication protocol developed primarily for lower-cost automotive electronic networks.
LIN is commonly used for devices that do not require the higher bandwidth and more complex arbitration capabilities of CAN.
Typical LIN applications include:
- Door electronics
- Window controls
- Seat controls
- Mirror adjustment
- Climate-control actuators
- Interior lighting
- Rain sensors
- Sunroof systems
- Small electric motors
How Does the NI-9861 Work?
The NI-9861 provides the physical LIN network interface between a compatible NI C Series system and external LIN devices.
The basic communication path is:
LIN Device ↔ LIN Bus ↔ NI-9861 ↔ CompactDAQ / CompactRIO ↔ NI-XNET Software
The host application can transmit LIN messages, receive network traffic, analyze signals, log communication, or simulate network nodes depending on the test architecture.
LIN Master and Slave Applications
LIN networks use a master-slave communication architecture. The master controls the communication schedule while slave nodes respond according to defined message frames.
Depending on the NI-XNET configuration and test application, the NI-9861 can be incorporated into systems that interact with LIN devices during development and validation.
Typical applications include:
- LIN master simulation
- LIN slave testing
- Network traffic monitoring
- Component communication testing
- ECU validation
ECU Testing
The NI-9861 can be used in automated ECU test systems where LIN communication must be integrated with electrical measurements and control signals.
A typical ECU test system can include:
Test Software → NI-XNET → NI-9861 → ECU LIN Interface
Additional C Series modules can simultaneously measure or control:
- Supply voltage
- Current consumption
- Analog sensor signals
- Digital I/O
- Temperature
- Relay states
Body Control Module Testing
Automotive body control systems commonly communicate with distributed sensors and actuators through LIN networks.
The NI-9861 can be used for validation of systems involving:
- Doors
- Windows
- Seats
- Mirrors
- Interior lighting
- Climate controls
- Sunroofs
- Other body electronics
Automotive Component Testing
Many individual automotive components contain LIN interfaces and require communication testing during development or production.
The NI-9861 can be integrated into automated test systems for components such as:
- LIN sensors
- LIN actuators
- Electric motors
- Switch modules
- Lighting modules
- Climate-control components
- Seat-control modules
Hardware-in-the-Loop Testing
The NI-9861 can be incorporated into hardware-in-the-loop systems where a controller under test must communicate with simulated LIN devices.
A simplified HIL architecture is:
Real-Time Test System → NI-XNET → NI-9861 ↔ ECU Under Test
Other NI I/O hardware can simultaneously simulate sensors, measure outputs, and control electrical loads.
LIN Network Monitoring
The NI-9861 can be used to observe LIN network communication during development and troubleshooting.
Engineers can use network data to investigate:
- LIN frame traffic
- Signal values
- Communication timing
- Network behavior
- Device responses
- Communication errors
LIN Data Logging
LIN communication can be recorded together with physical measurement data in compatible NI systems.
For example:
LIN Messages + Voltage + Current + Temperature + Digital Signals → Synchronized Test Data
This architecture is useful when engineers need to correlate network commands with the physical response of a device under test.
LIN and Physical Measurement
One of the advantages of using the NI-9861 within the C Series platform is the ability to combine network communication with physical measurements.
For example, an automotive actuator test can perform:
Send LIN Command → Measure Current → Measure Position → Verify Response → Record Result
This provides a more complete validation environment than network communication alone.
NI-9861 for CompactDAQ
CompactDAQ is suitable for PC-based development, laboratory validation, portable testing, and automated production test systems.
A CompactDAQ configuration can combine the NI-9861 with:
- Analog input modules
- Current input modules
- Digital I/O modules
- Temperature modules
- Relay modules
- Additional vehicle network interfaces
NI-9861 for CompactRIO
CompactRIO provides an embedded real-time architecture for more advanced automotive test and control applications.
When the NI-9861 is used in a compatible CompactRIO system, engineers can integrate LIN communication with:
- Real-time control
- FPGA processing
- Deterministic I/O
- Data logging
- Vehicle network communication
- Automated test sequences
LIN vs CAN
| Feature | LIN | CAN |
|---|---|---|
| Network Complexity | Lower | Higher |
| Typical Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Typical Data Rate | Lower | Higher |
| Network Architecture | Master-Slave | Multi-Master |
| Typical Automotive Use | Body Electronics / Simple Actuators | Powertrain / Chassis / General ECU Networks |
| Typical NI Interface | NI-9861 | Compatible NI-XNET CAN Module |
NI-9861 vs CAN Interface Modules
The NI-9861 should be selected when the device under test communicates through LIN. It is not a substitute for a CAN interface when the target network uses CAN or CAN FD.
A complete automotive test system may contain both LIN and CAN interfaces when the ECU communicates with multiple vehicle networks.
For example:
CAN Network → CAN Interface Module
LIN Network → NI-9861
Physical Signals → C Series Measurement Modules
NI-XNET Software
The NI-9861 uses the NI-XNET driver and API environment for compatible network communication applications.
NI-XNET provides functionality for automotive network communication and integrates with NI development and test software.
Typical NI-XNET applications can include:
- Frame-based communication
- Signal-based communication
- Network monitoring
- Database-driven communication
- Automated test applications
- Network data logging
LIN Database Applications
LIN networks are commonly described using network database files that define frames, signals, nodes, and scheduling information.
Database-based communication can simplify application development because engineers can work with named signals rather than manually processing every raw network frame.
Automotive Sensor Testing
The NI-9861 can communicate with compatible LIN-based automotive sensors while other NI hardware measures the physical or electrical behavior of the device.
A typical test sequence can be:
Send LIN Request → Receive Sensor Data → Compare with Reference Measurement → Determine Pass / Fail
Automotive Actuator Testing
LIN is widely used for lower-cost distributed automotive actuators.
A test system using the NI-9861 can send commands to an actuator and verify its response through additional measurement hardware.
Examples include:
- Window motors
- Seat motors
- Mirror actuators
- HVAC actuators
- Lighting modules
- Door electronics
Production Test Applications
The NI-9861 can be integrated into automated production test systems for LIN-enabled automotive components.
A typical production sequence can include:
Connect DUT → Power Device → Initialize LIN Communication → Send Commands → Measure Response → Verify Results → Pass / Fail
Automotive Test System Architecture
A modular automotive validation system can combine multiple NI technologies:
LIN → NI-9861
CAN / CAN FD → Compatible NI-XNET Interface
Voltage / Current → C Series Analog Input
Temperature → C Series Temperature Module
Digital Signals → C Series Digital I/O
Control → CompactRIO / Test Software
This architecture allows network communication and physical measurements to be synchronized within one automated test platform.
How to Choose a LIN Interface Module
Before selecting the NI-9861, evaluate:
- Required network protocol
- LIN version requirements
- Number of LIN interfaces
- Required network topology
- Master or slave simulation requirements
- Network database requirements
- CompactDAQ or CompactRIO compatibility
- NI-XNET version compatibility
- Operating system compatibility
- Connector and cabling requirements
- Real-time requirements
- Need for synchronized physical measurements
Software and Programming
The NI-9861 is designed for use with compatible NI-XNET software and NI development environments.
Depending on the system architecture, software can include:
- NI-XNET
- LabVIEW
- LabVIEW Real-Time
- TestStand
- VeriStand
- Compatible NI automotive test software
Always verify the exact software, driver, operating system, and host hardware compatibility before deploying or upgrading an existing NI-9861 system.
Industries
- Automotive Electronics
- Electric Vehicles
- Automotive Component Manufacturing
- ECU Development
- Embedded Systems
- Transportation
- Automated Test
- Research and Development
Applications
ECU Testing
The NI-9861 provides LIN communication for ECU development, validation, and automated testing.
Body Electronics Testing
LIN-based windows, seats, mirrors, lighting, HVAC, and other body electronics can be tested using the NI-9861.
Hardware-in-the-Loop Testing
The module can integrate LIN communication into compatible real-time HIL systems for controller validation.
LIN Network Monitoring
Engineers can monitor and analyze LIN network traffic during development, troubleshooting, and validation.
Automotive Component Testing
LIN sensors, actuators, switches, motors, and electronic modules can be integrated into automated test systems.
Production Testing
The NI-9861 can be used in automated manufacturing test systems to verify communication and functionality of LIN-enabled devices.
Recommended Related Products
| NI-9861 | 1-port C Series LIN interface module for automotive and embedded network communication. |
| NI-9862 | C Series vehicle network interface for CAN communication in automotive and embedded test systems. |
| NI-9860 | C Series vehicle multiprotocol interface module designed for compatible NI-XNET transceiver cables. |
| CompactDAQ Chassis | Modular PC-based platform for combining vehicle network communication with physical measurements. |
| CompactRIO Controllers | Real-time embedded controllers for automotive communication, HIL testing, data acquisition, and deterministic control. |
| C Series Analog Input Modules | Analog measurement modules for voltage, current, sensors, and physical measurements in automotive test systems. |
| C Series Digital I/O Modules | Digital input and output modules for monitoring and controlling automotive and industrial signals. |
Why Choose NI-9861?
- Dedicated LIN network interface
- 1 LIN communication port
- Designed for automotive applications
- NI-XNET software support
- C Series modular architecture
- Suitable for ECU testing
- Suitable for LIN node simulation
- Suitable for network monitoring
- Suitable for automotive component validation
- Suitable for HIL applications
- Suitable for production testing
- Can combine network and physical measurements
- Compatible with supported CompactDAQ systems
- Compatible with supported CompactRIO systems
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the NI-9861?
The NI-9861 is a C Series vehicle network interface module that provides one LIN interface for communicating with Local Interconnect Network devices in automotive and embedded test systems.
What protocol does the NI-9861 support?
The NI-9861 is designed for LIN (Local Interconnect Network) communication.
How many LIN ports does the NI-9861 have?
The NI-9861 provides one LIN network interface.
What software does the NI-9861 use?
The NI-9861 is designed for use with NI-XNET software and APIs.
What is LIN used for?
LIN is commonly used for lower-cost automotive electronics such as windows, seats, mirrors, HVAC actuators, lighting systems, switches, sensors, and small motors.
Can the NI-9861 be used for ECU testing?
Yes. ECU development and validation are major applications for the NI-9861, particularly when the ECU or connected devices communicate through LIN.
Can the NI-9861 monitor LIN traffic?
Yes. The module can be used in compatible NI-XNET applications to receive and monitor LIN network communication.
Can the NI-9861 transmit LIN messages?
Yes. Compatible NI-XNET applications can use the interface for LIN communication, including transmission and reception of network data.
Can the NI-9861 be used for LIN master simulation?
Yes. The NI-9861 can be incorporated into compatible NI-XNET test systems for LIN master and network simulation applications.
Can the NI-9861 be used for HIL testing?
Yes. It can integrate LIN communication into compatible real-time hardware-in-the-loop systems for ECU and controller validation.
Can the NI-9861 be used with CompactDAQ?
Yes, with compatible CompactDAQ hardware. Exact chassis and NI-XNET compatibility should be verified before system configuration.
Can the NI-9861 be used with CompactRIO?
Yes, with compatible CompactRIO hardware. CompactRIO is particularly useful when LIN communication must be integrated with real-time processing, FPGA functionality, or standalone operation.
Is the NI-9861 a CAN interface?
No. The NI-9861 is specifically designed for LIN communication. CAN applications require an appropriate NI-XNET CAN interface such as a compatible CAN C Series module.
What is the difference between LIN and CAN?
LIN is generally a lower-cost, lower-speed master-slave network used for simpler automotive devices. CAN provides higher performance and a more sophisticated multi-master architecture for more demanding vehicle communication applications.
Can LIN communication be synchronized with analog measurements?
Yes. One advantage of the C Series platform is that LIN communication can be integrated with compatible analog, digital, temperature, current, and other measurement hardware within the same test system.
What should I check before purchasing an NI-9861?
Before purchasing the NI-9861, verify the required LIN protocol and network configuration, number of interfaces, CompactDAQ or CompactRIO compatibility, NI-XNET version, software environment, connector and cabling requirements, real-time requirements, and the exact hardware ordering configuration.
Conclusion
The NI-9861 C Series LIN Interface Module provides a dedicated Local Interconnect Network interface for automotive and embedded communication applications. Integrated with compatible CompactDAQ or CompactRIO hardware and NI-XNET software, the NI-9861 is well suited for ECU testing, LIN network monitoring, body electronics validation, sensor and actuator testing, hardware-in-the-loop systems, production testing, and automated automotive component validation.
