The NI PCI-8516 is a 2-port, local interconnect network (LIN) PCI interface for developing LIN applications in NI LabVIEW, NI LabWindows/CVI, and C/C++ on Windows and LabVIEW Real-Time OSs. As part of the NI-XNET platform, the PCI-8516 works well for applications requiring real-time, high-speed manipulation of many LIN frames and signals, such as hardware-in-the-loop simulation, rapid control prototyping, bus monitoring, and automation control.

NI-XNET: One API, Many Embedded Networks and Form Factors
The NI-XNET platform combines a series of high-performance CAN, LIN, and FlexRay interfaces with the NI-XNET API, a common set of easy-to-use functions for reading and writing CAN, LIN, and FlexRay frames and signals in many different platforms including PXI, PCI, NI CompactDAQ, and NI CompactRIO.

Top Performance With Less Programming
NI-XNET interfaces bring together the performance associated with low-level microcontroller programming and the speed and power of Windows and LabVIEW Real-Time OS development. The patent-pending NI-XNET device-driven DMA engine reduces system latency, a common pain point for PC-based CAN and LIN interfaces, from milliseconds to microseconds. The engine enables the onboard processor to move LIN frames and signals between the interface and the user program without CPU interrupts, freeing host processor time for processing complex models and applications.

Click on the first link in the 'Resources' tab for more information and a direct download link to the NI-XNET driver software.


The mark LabWindows is used under a license from Microsoft Corporation. Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and other countries.

Specifications Documents

Specifications Summary

Additional Product Information

• Manuals  (3)
• Product Certifications  

Related Information

• Learn About and Download the NI-XNET Driver
• NI-XNET CAN, LIN, and FlexRay Platform Overview
• Introduction to the Local Interconnect Network (LIN) Bus