The backbone must be terminated at both ends with resistors.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Optional
• D. Only for Lite Cable

Answer: (A)

On a NMEA 2000 network, the backbone is a CAN bus, and proper termination is essential to prevent signal reflections and ensure reliable data transfer. The backbone must be terminated at both ends with 120-ohm resistors connected across the CAN_H and CAN_L lines. This termination provides the correct characteristic impedance for the bus and helps keep the signals clean as they propagate.

Terminations can be located in the last device on each end of the backbone or in dedicated terminator blocks, but the two ends must have termination. This requirement holds even with Lite Cable configurations; the overall bus still needs terminators at both ends to maintain proper impedance and network stability.