NI PCI-8517 – Single-Wire CAN (SW-CAN) Interface Card for Automotive Networks

The NI (National Instruments) PCI-8517 is a hardware-accelerated NI-XNET interface that brings Single-Wire CAN (SW-CAN, SAE J2411/GMW3089, often known as GMLAN) into a standard desktop or industrial PC. From my experience, teams reach for the PCI-8517 when they need dependable body electronics testing, gateway simulation, or in-vehicle network diagnostics without re-architecting an existing PCI-based test bench. You might notice that it behaves like other NI-XNET interfaces you already use—same API, same databases, just optimized for SW-CAN’s wake/sleep behavior and bus characteristics.

Order Placement Process and Guarantees

• Warranty: 365 days
• Delivery time: 1 week for in-stock items; no more than one month at the latest
• Payment: 50% advance payment; full payment before delivery
• Express options: FedEx, UPS, DHL

Key Features

• 1-port Single-Wire CAN (SAE J2411/GMW3089) – Purpose-built for automotive body networks, BCMs, door modules, and infotainment backbones.
• NI-XNET hardware acceleration – High-performance signal/Frame I/O, optimized queues, and low CPU overhead for logging, restbus simulation, and real-time test.
• Bus wake and sleep handling – Supports typical SW-CAN wake-up/sleep states used in GMLAN-style architectures.
• DB-9 connectivity – Simple wiring to existing harnesses or breakout boxes; easy to integrate with standard CAN accessories.
• Database-centric workflows – Use .dbc files for quick mapping of frames to signals; typically shortens setup time during ECU bring-up.
• Robust automotive transceiver – In many cases offers short-circuit and fault protection suited to 12 V vehicle environments.
• Tight LabVIEW and VeriStand integration – One thing I appreciate is how quickly you can pivot from monitoring to simulation without changing hardware.
• Deterministic timestamping – High-resolution time tags help with event correlation across multi-bus test stands.

Technical Specifications

Related or Supporting Products

• NI PCI-8516 (Low-Speed/Fault-Tolerant CAN) – For LS/FT CAN buses when SW-CAN isn’t required.
• NI PCI-8513 (High-Speed CAN) – For ISO 11898 high-speed CAN networks; ideal for powertrain and chassis domains.
• NI PCI-8512 (LIN) – LIN master/slave interface; pairs well for mixed CAN/LIN body electronics testing.
• NI CAN DB‑9 to bare-wire cable and DB‑9 breakout accessories – Simplifies harnessing, termination, and quick rework during debug.

Installation & Maintenance

• PC/chassis: Full‑height PCI slot with adequate airflow; avoid adjacent heat sources. Keep intake filters clean in industrial enclosures.
• Cabinet standards: For rack PCs, follow IEC/EN 60297 practices; ensure grounding continuity to reduce common‑mode noise.
• Ventilation: Maintain unobstructed airflow; typical clearance 25–50 mm around the card’s region within the chassis.
• Wiring: Use automotive‑grade harnessing to DB‑9. Observe SW‑CAN biasing/termination per SAE J2411/GMW3089; in most cases you should not add standard 120 Ω CAN terminations (SW‑CAN uses a different topology).
• Power domains: Reference grounds properly to the DUT. Avoid tying vehicle battery lines directly to the PC ground without review.
• Safety: ESD protection when handling the card; connect/disconnect to a de‑energized harness whenever possible.
• Routine maintenance: Periodic connector inspection/cleaning, verify harness strain relief, and update NI‑XNET drivers/firmware during scheduled downtime.
• Software notes: Keep .dbc files under version control; typically reduces mismatch errors during iterative ECU updates.

Quality & Certifications

• Certifications: CE, RoHS; FCC EMC compliance for IT equipment (typical for NI PCI interfaces)
• Manufacturer’s warranty: Typically 1 year from NI
• Our warranty coverage: 365 days from shipment
• Traceability: Lot/serial tracking available upon request