[White Paper]
CAN (Controller Area Network) and RS485 are popular standards in fieldbus systems. As RS485 only addresses layer 1 (the physical layer) and CAN also adds layer 2 (the data link layer) in the OSI model, it is difficult to compare the two standards. Nevertheless, this paper will compare the two standards in an attempt to assist users in deciding whether or not to employ CAN in their systems…
New PCI Express Mini Card
With the new CAN-IB120/PCIe Mini, IXXAT extends its PCIe card series by a PCIe Mini format board with two CAN channels and galvanically isolated interfaces, which measures only 30 x 51 mm.
In addition to the passive CAN-IB100/PCIe and the active CAN-IB200/PCIe, both available as standard and low-profile versions, CAN-IB120/PCIe Mini now enables the implementation of a CAN interface in applications with limited space.
The VCI V3 (Virtual CAN Interface) can be used for the development of customer specific applications and to run the IXXAT tools under Windows 7 (32/64 bit) and Windows XP/2000/Vista. At this, the latest release 3.4.1 provides, besides a .Net and C-API, also a JAVA-API. Furthermore, the new FlexRay interface board FR-IB100/PCIe is supported.
New features simplify operation and interaction with other tools
IXXAT’s canAnalyser is a powerful analysis tool for CAN, CANopen, SAE J1939 and DeviceNet systems. Both in the development area, for data analysis and device/system stimulation, and for commissioning and troubleshooting, the canAnalyser is successfully used worldwide and proven in practice.
With the new version 2.8, canAnalyser was extended in terms of usability and interaction with other tools.
The new ECI driver (Embedded Communication Interface) for IXXAT’s CAN interfaces can now be downloaded from the IXXAT webpage free of charge. The ECI driver enables the easy programming of applications under Linux, RTX and INtime, and provides a uniform API for all supported real-time operating systems and interfaces.
Cost-effective and flexible low-profile PCIexpress card for CAN, LIN and other bus systems
With the new CAN-IB100/PCIe IXXAT is treading new ways in terms of field bus interface cards. The passive CAN PCIexpress card is based on a modern and highly modular concept. Due to this, it is very flexible and versatile, and all this at a very low price. Besides the standard version, the interface card is also available as low-profile board.
With its new version of the CAN-CR220 repeater IXXAT expanded once again the isolation voltage of the device, which can now be used in areas with higher protection demands.
The CAN-CR220, in the variant 1.01.0067.44300, has an isolation voltage between CAN1, CAN2 and the power supply of 4.0 kV AC / 1 sec. (3.0 kV AC / 3 min.; 3.75 kV AC / 1 min.) and was tested according to DIN/EN 50178 (DIN VDE 0160: 1988-05 and DIN VDE 0160/A1: 1989-04).
With its new CANio 500, IXXAT offers a flexible I/O gateway for the easy and quick connection of analog and digital input and output signals to CAN and CANopen systems – whether in experimental setups, component test stands or vehicles.
A key feature of the device are the inputs and outputs for digital and analog signals, which can be configured very flexible. The device has each four analog inputs and outputs with a 12 bit resolution. The analog inputs are available with different voltage ranges, as well as with differential input circuits or current inputs. The output voltage range can be individually programmed in the working range of -10 V to +10 V for each analog output.
For all customers using CANcheck, we now offer a free firmware update for download on our webpage. New and improved features:
Triggering on identifiers or on error frames possible; Improved message burst handling – All identifiers are captured and measured, even at bursts of CAN messages; Improved baudrate detection – The baudrate is detected after a few messages, even if the message repetition rate is low; New CANcheck USB driver for Windows XP, Vista und Windows 7 (32 bit and 64 bit)
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CAN / CANopen Seminar on Dec. 7-9, 2010.
IXXAT, Inc. will be conducting a three day seminar providing a detailed look into Controller Area Network (CAN) analysis, testing, monitoring and troubleshooting plus an introduction to CANopen.
Unlike conventional CAN training seminars, IXXAT utilizes small class sizes and ensures that each participant obtains a working knowledge of CAN recommended methods and practices.
The seminar will consist of three separate training sessions:
(I) Introduction to CAN,
(II) CAN Network Analysis and
(III) Introduction to CANopen.