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  1. Home
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  4. Interfaces and Instrument Control Hardware

Interfaces and Instrument Control Hardware

NI interfaces and instrument control hardware enable effortless connectivity for automotive, industrial, and aerospace test systems. From GPIB, serial, and Ethernet interfaces to hardware supporting CAN, LIN, FlexRay, OPC UA, EtherCAT, MIL-STD-1553, and ARINC 429 protocols, NI delivers reliable solutions for precise communication and control.

1-port, low-speed/fault tolerant, USB CAN interface device

Interfaces and Instrument Control Applications


  • Integrate third-party instruments into an NI test system
  • Use industry-standard protocols to communicate with equipment
  • Test the communication functionality of a device under test

Types of Vehicle Communication Buses

Types of GPIB, Serial, and Ethernet Products

Types of Industrial Communication Buses

An NI Partner is a business entity independent from NI and has no agency or joint-venture relationship and does not form part of any business associations with NI. 

Automotive Ethernet

NI Automotive Ethernet hardware provides high-speed connectivity for validating advanced in-vehicle systems such as ADAS, infotainment, and ECUs. Built for test and measurement, these devices provide enhanced control over network configuration and reliable, standards-based communication for comprehensive automotive test and measurement. The NI-XNET API powers NI automotive networks hardware, providing simplified synchronization of communication interfaces with mixed I/O for efficient system integration and testing.

Learn more about vehicle communication buses
NI PXIe-8520 Automotive Ethernet module

Serial

NI serial interface hardware connects embedded systems and electronic devices. Supporting RS232, RS485, and RS422 serial standards, NI hardware enables efficient data transmission, device control, and integration for automated test and measurement applications.

Learn more about GPIB, serial, and Ethernet products
C Series Serial Interface Module

Serial Interface Hardware

C Series Serial Interface Module
PXI Serial Interface Module
Serial Interface Device

DeviceNet

NI DeviceNet hardware provides robust connectivity for industrial automation systems, enabling reliable data exchange, network management, and device integration across a wide range of control devices for testing and validation.

Learn more about industrial communication buses
NI PXI DeviceNet Interface Module

DeviceNet Hardware

PXI DeviceNet Interface Module
DeviceNet Interface Device

Types of Avionics Communication Buses

ARINC 429

NI ARINC 429 hardware delivers reliable connectivity for avionics test and simulation. Supporting the industry-standard two-wire data bus, it enables accurate transmission and monitoring of ARINC 429 messages, helping engineers validate and integrate critical aircraft systems with confidence.

Learn more about avionics communication buses
16-Channel ARINC 429 PXI Avionics Multiprotocol Interface Module

NI ARINC 429 Hardware

PXI ARINC 429 Interface Module
PXI Avionics Multiprotocol Interface Module
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Instrument Fundamentals Guide

Get the most out of your measurements by adopting these best practices in acquiring, generating, and interpreting analog and digital signals.
Download the guide

Other Hardware Functions

Learn about the NI hardware portfolio

The NI hardware portfolio includes other functions you can use to create modular, software-connected, automated test and measurement systems.

NI Electronic Test Instruments

NI electronic test instruments enable automated measurement, monitoring, and analysis for verification, validation, and production testing workflows.

NI Data Acquisition (DAQ) and Sensor I/O Hardware

NI DAQ and sensor I/O hardware measures electrical signals and sensor data, supporting data logging and test systems across many deployment environments.

RF and Wireless Instruments

NI RF instruments support wireless design, validation, and production testing with SDRs, wide bandwidths, and frequencies up to 54 GHz.

NI Data Movement and Storage Hardware

NI data movement and storage hardware delivers high‑throughput, low‑latency capture, processing, and scalable storage of large data sets.

Interface and Instrument Control Fundamentals

Protocols

Connect NI Devices to Third-Party Equipment and Supervisory Systems
NI Support for Automotive Standards
Satellite Communication Bus Interface Selection

Third-Party Instrument Control

Instrument Driver Network (IDNet)

Terminology

Specifications Explained: C Series Modules

NI Software for Instrument Control and Communication Interfaces

Selecting Software for Instrument Control and Communication


NI instrument control hardware and third-party hardware interfaces include driver software you can use to create your application using NI LabVIEW or the text-based programming editor of your choice, alongside NI TestStand for test automation and NI SystemLink™ software for hardware and data management.

NI LabVIEW

NI LabVIEW is a graphical programming environment that provides unique productivity accelerators for test system development, such as an intuitive approach to programming, connectivity to any instrument, and fully integrated user interfaces.

NI TestStand

NI TestStand is test management software that helps you develop, debug, and deploy test systems and provides full visibility into testing process and results.

NI SystemLink™ Software

NI SystemLink is web-based software for managing test systems, software configurations, test results, and measurement data.

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Get Help from an NI Partner

The NI Partner Program offers domain, application, and overall test development expertise to help your team get ahead and stay ahead. Connect with our global community of trusted NI Partners ready to give your business a competitive edge.
Find a partner

Frequently Asked Questions About Interfaces and Instrument Control Hardware

  • Engineers use a variety of interface modules and devices to connect and communicate with vehicle electronics for the purposes of automotive test and validation. Common communication modules include those for CAN and LIN, which handle control messages and low-speed sensor data, as well as Automotive Ethernet for vehicle backplanes and high-speed networking in advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and infotainment. FlexRay modules are used for time-critical, safety-related communication. For video systems, engineers rely on protocols such as FPD-Link and GMSL, which provide high-speed links between cameras and displays. These modules are often integrated into platforms like PXI systems, enabling automated testing and combining multiple interfaces in one setup to ensure accurate simulation, measurement, and validation of complex automotive electronics.

  • Engineers use specialized interface modules and devices to connect and verify avionics and communication systems for aerospace test and validation. Common modules include those for ARINC 429, ARINC 664, and MIL-STD-1553, which handle critical flight control and data exchange, as well as Ethernet for high-speed networking and serial interfaces for subsystem communication. These interfaces are implemented through devices such as PXI-based modules, bus analyzers, and signal generators, which enable simulation, monitoring, and automated testing. Together, these tools ensure compliance with aerospace standards and guarantee safety and reliability in mission-critical environments.

  • For industrial test and validation, engineers use interface modules and devices to connect and verify communication between machines, sensors, and control systems. Common interfaces include Ethernet/IP for industrial networking and CAN for machinery and automation equipment. These interfaces are supported by devices such as PXI-based modules, which allow engineers to simulate signals, monitor data, and automate testing. Together, these tools help ensure that industrial systems operate reliably, meet safety standards, and integrate seamlessly across complex production environments.

  • Choosing NI interface modules and hardware offers several advantages for test and validation in automotive, aerospace, and other industries. NI hardware is modular and scalable, meaning you can start small and expand as projects grow. A single chassis can host modules for a wide range of interface options, such as CAN, LIN, Automotive Ethernet, ARINC 429, and MIL-STD-1553, and provide simplified synchronization between communication busses and mixed analog and digital I/O. NI solutions also integrate easily with PXI systems and LabVIEW software, enabling automated testing and faster development. NI technologies give you high accuracy, reliable performance, and flexibility, which reduces setup time and ensures compliance with industry standards.

Automotive Ethernet Products

PXI Automotive Ethernet Interface Module
Automotive Ethernet Device
Browse all automotive ethernet products
View the full NI hardware catalog

CAN

NI CAN devices provide dependable connectivity for testing and validating automotive ECUs and other CAN-based systems. Built for the Controller Area Network (CAN) protocol, this NI hardware’s range of form factors—USB, C-Series, PXI, and PCI—enables efficient communication, simulation, and monitoring across automotive and industrial applications. The NI-XNET API powers NI automotive networks hardware, providing simplified synchronization of communication interfaces with mixed I/O for efficient system integration and testing.

Learn more about vehicle communication buses
NI C-Series Hardware Selectable CAN/LIN Module

CAN Products

CAN Interface Device
C Series CAN Interface Module
C Series Vehicle Multiprotocol Interface Module
PXI CAN Interface Module
PXI Vehicle Multiprotocol Interface Module
Vehicle Multiprotocol Interface Device
Browse all CAN products
View the full NI hardware catalog

LIN

NI LIN devices deliver dependable connectivity for testing automotive systems such as body electronics and comfort features. NI LIN hardware’s range of form-factors—USB, C-Series, PXI, and PCI—can be used for simulating, monitoring, and validating LIN communication in automotive applications. The NI-XNET API powers NI automotive networks hardware, providing simplified synchronization of communication interfaces with mixed I/O for efficient system integration and testing.

Learn more about vehicle communication buses
NI USB LIN Interface Device

LIN Products

C Series LIN Interface Module
C Series Vehicle Multiprotocol Interface Module
LIN Interface Device
PXI LIN Interface Module
PXI Multiprotocol Interface Module
Vehicle Multiprotocol Interface Device
Browse all LIN products
View the full NI hardware catalog

FlexRay

NI FlexRay hardware delivers high-speed, fault-tolerant connectivity for automotive test systems. Designed for precise timing and communication, these devices enable simulation, monitoring, and validation of FlexRay networks to provide reliable performance in advanced vehicle architectures.

Learn more about vehicle communication buses
2-Port NI PXI FlexRay Interface Module

FlexRay Products

FlexRay Interface Device
PXI FlexRay Interface Module
Browse all FlexRay products
View the full NI hardware catalog

FPD-Link™

NI hardware supporting the Flat Panel Display Link (FPD-Link) interface enables high-speed digital video transmission for automotive and embedded display systems. NI solutions simplify testing and validation of camera and display modules for reliable performance across complex, high-bandwidth environments.

Learn more about vehicle communication buses
NI PXI FPD-Link Interface Module

FPD-Link Interfaces

PXI FlexRIO FPD-Link Interface Module
View the full NI hardware catalog

GMSL™

NI solutions provide comprehensive support for Gigabit Multimedia Serial Link (GMSL), the high-speed serial technology widely used for in-vehicle video distribution. With integrated GMSL capabilities, the hardware enables efficient testing and validation of automotive camera and display systems.

Learn more about vehicle communication buses
PXIe, 8 input, 8 output, or 4 input /4 output NI PXI FlexRIO GMSL™ Interface Module

GMSL Products

PXI FlexRIO GMSL Interface Module
View the full NI hardware catalog
Browse all serial interface hardware
View the full NI hardware catalog

GPIB

NI GPIB devices offer dependable connectivity for automating instrument control in test and measurement systems. Supporting the IEEE 488 standard, they enable fast, reliable communication between PCs and instruments, simplifying integration and improving efficiency in automated testing.

Learn more about GPIB, serial, and Ethernet products
NI PCIe GPIB+ Interface Device

GPIB Devices

GPIB Instrument Control Device
PXI GPIB Instrument Control Module
Browse all GPIB devices
View the full NI hardware catalog

Ethernet

NI Ethernet hardware offers high-performance connectivity for automotive and industrial test and validation applications. With support for vehicle Ethernet standards and scalable bandwidth options, these solutions help ensure interoperability, data integrity, and real-time communication across complex electronic architectures.

Learn more about GPIB, serial, and Ethernet products
NI PXIe 20 GB/s high-speed serial and RDMA PXI Ethernet interface module

Ethernet Hardware

PXI Ethernet Interface Module
View the full NI hardware catalog
Browse all DeviceNet hardware
View the full NI hardware catalog

Fieldbus

Designed for industrial automation and process control in real-time distributed systems, NI Fieldbus hardware enables reliable integration of sensors, actuators, and instruments in manufacturing environments, supporting efficient monitoring and testing.

Learn more about industrial communication buses
NI Fieldbus Interface Device

FieldBus Hardware

Fieldbus Interface Device
View the full NI hardware catalog

CANopen

NI CANopen hardware offers reliable connectivity for embedded and industrial systems built on CAN. Designed to implement the CANopen application layer and communication profiles, NI devices enable standardized data exchange, network management, and device configuration for efficient system integration and testing.

Learn more about industrial communication buses
NI C Series CANopen Interface Module

CANopen Hardware

C Series CANopen Interface Module
CANopen Interface Device
PXI CANopen Interface Module
Browse all CANopen hardware
View the full NI hardware catalog

I2C/SPI

NI I2C and SPI devices provide reliable connectivity for embedded system testing and validation. Designed for short-distance, synchronous serial communication between integrated circuits, this hardware is used in the simulation, monitoring, and control of I2C and SPI devices in automated test environments.

Learn more about industrial communication buses
NI SPI I2C/SPI Interface Device

I2C and SPI Devices

I2C/SPI Interface Device
View the full NI hardware catalog
Browse all ARINC 429 hardware
View the full NI hardware catalog

ARINC 664

NI ARINC 664 devices supply deterministic, high-bandwidth connectivity for avionics test and simulation. Built to support safety-critical applications, they enable precision data transmission and monitoring over dedicated Ethernet-based networks, ensuring reliable performance for modern aircraft systems.

Learn more about avionics communication buses
ARINC 664 device

ARINC 664 Devices

PXI ARINC 664 Interface Module
View the full NI hardware catalog

MIL-STD-1553

NI MIL-STD-1553 hardware provides robust connectivity for testing and simulating avionics and defense systems. Supporting the military-standard serial data bus, NI modules and devices enable accurate communication, monitoring, and validation of mission-critical components to ensure compliance and reliability.

Learn more about avionics communication buses
PXI MIL-STD-1553 Interface Module

MIL-STD-1153 Hardware

PXI Avionics Multiprotocol Interface Module
PXI MIL-STD-1553 Interface Module
Browse all MIL-STD-1153 hardware
View the full NI hardware catalog