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