Product Introduction
The NI-9881 is a high-speed CAN interface module from the National Instruments C Series family, designed for CompactDAQ and CompactRIO systems. Supporting the CAN 2.0A and CAN 2.0B protocols, the NI-9881 enables reliable communication with automotive ECUs, industrial controllers, embedded devices, and distributed automation systems.
With integrated CAN transceivers, hardware synchronization, and seamless compatibility with National Instruments software, the NI-9881 provides an efficient solution for CAN bus monitoring, message logging, embedded control, Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) simulation, and industrial communication.
Product Overview
The NI-9881 is a single-port high-speed CAN communication module designed for deterministic data exchange within CompactDAQ and CompactRIO measurement systems. The module supports industry-standard CAN protocols and integrates directly into modular C Series platforms without requiring external communication hardware.
Using NI-XNET technology, the NI-9881 provides low-latency communication, hardware-based message processing, and high-performance CAN frame handling for demanding industrial and automotive applications.
Key Features
High-Speed CAN Communication
The NI-9881 supports industry-standard Controller Area Network communication.
- CAN 2.0A support
- CAN 2.0B support
- High-speed CAN interface
- Reliable communication
- Hardware message processing
Advantage: Enables dependable communication with automotive and industrial CAN devices.
Integrated NI-XNET Technology
Built on NI-XNET architecture for efficient CAN network communication.
- Low-latency communication
- Hardware acceleration
- Efficient frame processing
- Bus monitoring
- Deterministic performance
Advantage: Reduces CPU utilization while improving overall communication performance.
CompactDAQ and CompactRIO Compatibility
Designed for seamless integration with National Instruments modular platforms.
- CompactDAQ compatible
- CompactRIO compatible
- C Series architecture
- Easy installation
- Modular expansion
Advantage: Easily expands existing measurement and automation systems.
Deterministic Industrial Communication
Supports real-time CAN communication for industrial automation applications.
- Real-time communication
- FPGA compatibility
- Industrial automation
- Reliable message transfer
- Hardware timing
Advantage: Ideal for embedded control, robotics, and machine automation.
Automotive Test and Validation
Designed for demanding automotive communication systems.
- ECU testing
- Vehicle diagnostics
- CAN monitoring
- Data logging
- HIL simulation
Advantage: Supports development, validation, and production testing of CAN-based systems.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
| Product Type | C Series CAN Communication Module |
| Communication Protocol | CAN 2.0A / CAN 2.0B |
| CAN Ports | 1 |
| Maximum Baud Rate | Up to 1 Mb/s |
| Communication Interface | High-Speed CAN |
| Bus Compatibility | CompactDAQ / CompactRIO |
| Technology | NI-XNET |
| Synchronization | Hardware Timing |
| Driver | NI-XNET |
| Programming | LabVIEW, LabVIEW Real-Time, LabVIEW FPGA, Python, C/C++, .NET |
| Operating Temperature | Industrial Operating Range |
Software Ecosystem
The NI-9881 integrates seamlessly with National Instruments software for CAN communication, industrial automation, and embedded control.
- NI-XNET Driver – High-performance CAN communication and network management.
- LabVIEW – Develop CAN communication and automation applications.
- LabVIEW Real-Time – Deterministic industrial communication.
- LabVIEW FPGA – FPGA-based communication processing with CompactRIO.
- NI MAX – Hardware configuration and diagnostics.
- Python, C/C++, C#, and .NET – Supported through NI-XNET APIs.
Industries
- Automotive Electronics
- Industrial Automation
- Robotics
- Heavy Equipment
- Aerospace and Defense
- Agricultural Machinery
- Research Laboratories
- Transportation Systems
Applications
CAN Bus Communication
Establish reliable communication with CAN-enabled devices.
- CAN messaging
- Network monitoring
- Frame logging
- Communication diagnostics
Automotive ECU Testing
Perform communication validation for vehicle electronic control units.
- ECU development
- Vehicle diagnostics
- Production testing
- CAN validation
Industrial Automation
Integrate CAN communication into machine control systems.
- PLC communication
- Industrial controllers
- Machine networking
- Distributed automation
Hardware-in-the-Loop Simulation
Exchange deterministic CAN messages during HIL testing.
- HIL simulation
- Embedded verification
- Real-time communication
- Control system validation
Comparison with Similar Products
| Model | Main Difference | Best Application |
|---|---|---|
| NI-9881 | Single-port high-speed CAN interface supporting NI-XNET. | General CAN communication |
| NI-9862 | High-speed CAN interface with FPGA compatibility for CompactRIO. | Real-time CAN communication |
| NI-9866 | Dual-port CAN communication module. | Multi-network CAN systems |
| NI-9870 | RS-232 serial communication module. | Serial device communication |
Recommended Related Products
| NI cDAQ-9185 | 4-slot Ethernet CompactDAQ chassis. |
| NI cDAQ-9172 | 8-slot USB CompactDAQ chassis. |
| NI cRIO-9049 | CompactRIO embedded controller for deterministic automation. |
| NI-9205 | 32-channel analog input C Series module. |
| NI-9401 | High-speed digital I/O C Series module. |
Why Choose NI-9881?
- Supports CAN 2.0A and CAN 2.0B protocols
- High-speed communication up to 1 Mb/s
- Integrated NI-XNET hardware acceleration
- Compatible with CompactDAQ and CompactRIO
- Ideal for automotive and industrial CAN networks
- Supports deterministic real-time communication
- Easy integration with LabVIEW and NI-XNET
- Reliable industrial-grade CAN communication module
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the NI-9881 primarily used for?
The NI-9881 is designed for CAN bus communication in automotive testing, industrial automation, embedded control, machine networking, and Hardware-in-the-Loop simulation.
Does the NI-9881 support NI-XNET?
Yes. The NI-9881 is fully supported by the NI-XNET driver, providing hardware-accelerated CAN communication with deterministic performance and low CPU utilization.
Which software supports the NI-9881?
The NI-9881 is supported by NI-XNET, LabVIEW, LabVIEW Real-Time, LabVIEW FPGA, NI MAX, Python, C/C++, and .NET development environments.
Conclusion
The NI-9881 High-Speed CAN Communication Module provides reliable CAN 2.0A/B communication for CompactDAQ and CompactRIO platforms. With NI-XNET hardware acceleration, deterministic performance, and seamless integration into the National Instruments software ecosystem, it is an ideal solution for automotive electronics, industrial automation, embedded control, and distributed CAN network applications.
