Chapter 2 NI-DNET Hardware Overview
NI-DNET User Manual 2-2 ni.com
Formore informatio n on the DeviceNet physical layer and cables used to
connect to your DeviceNet devices, refer to AppendixB, Cabling
Requirements.
For connection to the network, the PCI-CAN, PXI-8461, and
PCMCIA-CAN for DeviceNet provide combicon-style pluggable screw
terminals, as required by the DeviceNet Specification.
Differences Between CAN Kits and DeviceNet Kits
National Instruments provides hardware/software kits for both CAN and
DeviceNet. Since the CAN kits apply to a broad range of applications such
as automotive testing, the hardware in those kits offers a wide variety of
options. To ensure that the hardware product operates properly on a
DeviceNet network, we recommend that you purchase DeviceNet kits only.
The card provided in your DeviceNet kit can be used with both NI-DNET
and NI-CAN software.
Hardware in CAN kits is referenced as Series 2. Hardware in DeviceNet
kits is referenced as Series 1. Series 2 CAN cards cannot be used with the
NI-DNET software (NI-CAN only). The features of Series 2 CAN cards are
specifically designed for CAN applications, and provide no distinct
advantages for DeviceNet. For more information on Series 2 hardware,
refer to the hardware overview in the NI-CAN Hardware and Software
Manual.
Hardware in CAN kits offers 1-port and 2-port variants. NI-DNET operates
on one port only. If you use NI-DNET on a 2-port Series 1 CAN card, only
the top port can be used.
Hardware in CAN kits offer special transceivers (physical layer) such as
Low-Speed/Fault-Tolerant (LS) and Single-Wire (SW). Hardware in CAN
kits also offer the option to power the transceiver from the card, not the
network. These transceivers cannot be used with DeviceNet. Only
High-Speed (HS) transceivers comply with the DeviceNet specification.
Hardware in CAN kits use the DB-9 D-SUB connector. Hardware in
DeviceNet kits use the combicon-style connector from the DeviceNet
specification.