The maximum network voltage drop for an NMEA 2000 network powered from a regulated DC Power Supply is:

• A. 3.61 volts
• B. 1.17 Volts
• C. 3%
• D. 9-16V

Answer: (A)

In an NMEA 2000 network, keeping every device within its required voltage range is essential, because the network is powered from a regulated DC supply and there will be some voltage lost as current flows through the trunk and drop cables and through connectors. The standard specifies a maximum total voltage drop that can occur from the supply to any point on the network, so that even in the worst-case path the devices still operate correctly. That maximum drop is 3.61 volts. This limit is chosen to balance practical cable lengths and conductor sizes with the need to keep node voltages within tolerances for proper CAN-style communication and device operation.

The other choices don’t align with how the specification frames the limit. A percentage (3%) isn’t how the NMEA 2000 drop cap is defined; 9–16V describes the allowable supply voltage range, not the allowable drop; 1.17 volts is just a distractor value not tied to the standard’s drop limit.