National Instruments USB-8476 LIN Interface Device

The National Instruments USB-8476 (Part Number: 779794-01) is a LIN Interface Device. This 1-port device is designed to provide connectivity between LIN networks, devices, and PCs. With this device, you can test and log any point of your LAN network since it offers master/slave termination. The NI USB-8476 comes equipped with an ATA6620 LIN transceiver from Atmel and is fully compatible with J2602, LIN 1.3, and LIN 2.0 specifications.

The LIN transceiver incorporated in this LIN Interface Device offers data transmission at rates up to 20 kb/s. Several software resources are available for the NI USB-8476 because it is offered with a Windows-compatible driver. With this device, you can use NI Spy and Bus Monitor. Through Bus Monitor, you will be able to get real-time information about all LIN and CAN frames on the network. Other software packages or application development environments (ADEs) such as LabVIEW, LabWindows/CVI, Visual C++ 6, Borland C/C++, or Microsoft Visual Basic are compatible with the device. The instrument can be configured using the Measurement & Automation Explorer (MAX) tool. The NI USB-8476 is known for its all-in-one convenient design. This device comes with an integrated transceiver and can be used with a 2 m USB cable. Thus, you won’t need additional cables or accessories to get your application up and running.

This LIN Interface Device consumes around 200 mA of current at 5 VDC. No external power supplies or batteries are required for the USB-8476, since it draws required current from the universal serial bus of the host computer. The I/O connector incorporated in this device is a 9-pin DB9 connector. A synchronization capable variant, USB-8476S, is also available from NI.

The non-sync version of the device measures 3.1 x 2.5 x 1.0 in. in physical dimensions, while the sync version has the dimensions: 3.1 x 2.8 x 1.0 in. It has recommended operating and storage temperature ranges of 0 to 55 °C and –20 to 70 °C respectively, noncondensing operating and storage humidity ranges of 10 to 90% and 5 to 95% respectively.

USB-8476 Mature Status has been announced by National Instruments, but the LIN Interface Device will still be available for purchase and repairs by Apex Waves.