The NMEA 2000 Inline Terminator is a key component in the NMEA 2000 network system, used to ensure the stability and integrity of network data communications.
NMEA 2000 is a communication protocol for electronic devices on ships, widely used in navigation systems such as:
- GPS
- Speedometer
- Rudder angle indicator
- Engine monitoring equipment
- Multi-function display (MFD)
To ensure that these devices can communicate properly on a NMEA 2000 network, terminators must be added at both ends of the network. One form of terminator is an inline terminator.
Inline Terminator Functions:
- Electrical Termination: Prevents data reflections on the line, ensuring signal integrity.
- Easy Installation: Typically designed like a cable segment, it plugs directly into the cable, eliminating the need for a special port.
- Used at the end of a network, it's particularly suitable for small or simplified NMEA 2000 networks.
For example:
- If you have a small NMEA 2000 network: MFD ↔ GPS ↔ engine sensor
- Each end of the network requires a termination resistor.
- You can use an inline terminator between the ends of the cables (such as the end of the MFD) instead of a T-junction and separate termination.
Note:
- NMEA 2000 networks must have two 120Ω termination resistors.
- An inline terminator only occupies one termination position; multiple inline terminators cannot replace two.
