The National Instruments PCI-8511/2 is a dual-port CAN interface device designed for low-speed and fault-tolerant operation, making it ideal for a variety of industrial automation applications. This model provides microsecond-level timestamping and supports an outer time base, allowing seamless integration with NI PCI, PXI, and C Series devices. The PCI-8511/2 enables the conversion of CAN, LIN, and FlexRay frames into higher-level signals, which is beneficial for synchronized data acquisition, bus-level measurements, and distributed system error handling. Its architecture is optimized for real-time environments, delivering minimal jitter and high performance for demanding control prototyping and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulations.

The device features a DMA engine that significantly reduces system latency, a common challenge in PC-based CAN interfaces. Compatibility with both Windows and LabVIEW Real-Time applications is assured, enabling developers to maintain consistent code with minimal adjustments across platforms. The PCI-8511/2 is equipped with the NXP TJA1054A or TJA1055T transceiver, supports baud rates from 10 kbps to a maximum of 125 kbps, and includes seven configurable trigger I/O lines along with one clock line. It requires power supply ratings of +5 VDC and +3.3 VDC with a total current draw of up to 940 mA. With dimensions of 4.2 x 6.6 inches and weighing only 0.22 lb, the PCI-8511/2 is a compact yet powerful solution for implementing advanced communication protocols in complex embedded design workflows. A user manual and maintenance documentation are available for download, and pricing can be obtained through a National Instruments sales representative.