The National Instruments 781156-01 is the part number associated with the NI 9862 high speed CAN module. The module is a C Series interface for Controller Area Network communication in CompactDAQ and CompactRIO systems. It provides one CAN port for reading and writing CAN frames in vehicle, machine, and industrial network test applications.
CAN is widely used in automotive, off highway, industrial, and embedded systems for communication between controllers and devices. The NI 9862 allows a CompactDAQ or CompactRIO system to monitor CAN traffic, transmit messages, and integrate CAN data with other measurements. This supports test systems that combine bus communication with analog, digital, and sensor data.
Single CAN Port
The module provides one CAN port for connection to a CAN bus. It supports high speed CAN communication for compatible networks. Engineers can configure bit rate, termination, and frame handling according to the network requirements. The port should be connected with proper CAN cabling and termination to maintain signal integrity.
Bus topology and termination are important in CAN systems. The module should be connected to the bus in a way that respects stub length and termination rules. Engineers should verify network voltage, grounding, and isolation requirements. Documentation of bit rate and message identifiers helps maintain reliable communication.
CompactDAQ and CompactRIO Integration
The NI 9862 is a C Series module and operates in compatible CompactDAQ chassis and CompactRIO systems. In CompactDAQ, it adds CAN communication to a USB or Ethernet based measurement system. In CompactRIO, it supports embedded applications that require local CAN communication and control.
The module can be combined with analog input, digital I O, and sensor modules. This integration supports test systems that correlate CAN messages with physical measurements. For example, an engineer can log vehicle bus data while acquiring sensor voltages and temperatures in the same chassis.
Software and Frame Handling
The module is configured through NI software and compatible programming environments. Engineers can set up CAN channels, define frame identifiers, and read or write data. Software can apply scaling, filtering, and logging. The module can be integrated into test sequences and control logic.
CAN frame handling should include error checking, timeout handling, and safe state behavior. Engineers should document message identifiers, data formats, and scaling. For high bus loads, software and hardware buffering should be planned. Logging should capture timestamps for correlation with other measurements.
Applications
The NI 9862 is suited to automotive component test, vehicle network monitoring, machine control, industrial communication testing, and embedded system validation. In automotive test, it can monitor CAN traffic while acquiring sensor data. In machine control, it can exchange commands and status with CAN devices.
The module is also useful for research and development. Engineers can prototype CAN communication, validate network behavior, and integrate bus data with test reports. The C Series platform supports reuse across different chassis and controller configurations.
Installation and Maintenance
Installation requires inserting the module into a compatible C Series slot and connecting CAN wiring according to the product documentation. Termination and bit rate should be verified. The chassis should provide adequate cooling and protection. Cable routing should avoid noise sources and mechanical strain.
Maintenance includes checking connectors, verifying bus termination, and reviewing software configuration. For critical systems, periodic bus monitoring and error counter review are recommended. Documentation of network settings and message maps helps troubleshooting.
Summary
The National Instruments 781156-01 CAN Module corresponds to the NI 9862 high speed CAN interface for CompactDAQ and CompactRIO systems. It provides one CAN port for bus communication, monitoring, and control. The module is a practical choice for engineers who need to integrate CAN data with modular measurement systems.




