By Tobias Frey and
Thomas Waggershauser

With CAN-based systems being used in manifold applications that require continuous operability, also under harsh environmental conditions and extended service-cycles, the verification of CAN operability is essential. Especially, the direct detection of failure sources enabling thorough maintenance before systems may fail…

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With the CANopen Master API, IXXAT offers a proven solution for a quick and easy development of PC based CANopen® control, test and service applications under Microsoft Windows.

IXXAT Automation is pleased to announce the updated and expanded CANopen Master API V6. Along with the active CAN interfaces, CANopen Master API V6 supports IXXAT’s low-priced passive interfaces.
The new API can operate up to 12 CAN interfaces in parallel, and, depending on the used hardware, up to 4 CAN channels per interface board.
New functionality of CANopen Master API V6 includes support for the latest CiA® specifications CiA 301 (CANopen application layer and communication profile) version 4.2 and CiA 305 (CANopen layer setting services (LSS)) and protocols) version 2.2.

An important feature of the most recent CiA 301 specification is the extended CANopen SYNC protocol, which enables the system integrator to avoid temporary message bursts during synchronous operation of large CANopen networks.
CiA 305 includes an enhanced search and configuration protocol (LSS Fastscan) simplifying the dynamic allocation of node IDs for CANopen LSS slave devices.
Currently, the CANopen Master API programming library is offered for 32 and 64 bit Windows 2000, XP, Vista and Windows 7 systems. In addition to the DLL and a detailed user manual, numerous sample applications for C, C++, C#, Delphi and VB.net are included with the delivery.
Also included are examples enabling the easy integration of the CANopen Master API in LabVIEW™ from National Instruments™.

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With its new CANblue II, IXXAT offers an intelligent CAN/Bluetooth module providing both a bridge and gateway operation mode.

Especially in the service area, CANblue II enables easy access to the CAN network via a wireless connection using a laptop or handheld service device. Data and parameters within electric facilities and mobile systems can be read or configured wirelessly without having to directly intervene into the existing network. The Bluetooth communication is performed using simple ASCII commands and CAN-optimized binary messages, so it is possible to access the device via “non-Windows” systems or embedded platforms.

By coupling several CANblue II devices, different can networks can be easily and wirelessly linked with each other. This is particularly interesting in systems with mobile components or rotating parts which need to be linked by using fault-prone slip ring connections. The message exchange is performed transparently, enabling the use of both CANopen and DeviceNet as well as customer-specific protocols.
Due to its compact and rugged design, the CANblue II can be easily integrated into existing systems. The device features an integrated antenna and mounting holes. Its wide supply voltage range from 9 to 30 V DC, the galvanic decoupling and the extended temperature range from -40 °C to +70 °C allow its use in a variety of applications. Not least, the CANblue II is available at an extremely attractive price.
CANblue II is designed according to the Bluetooth specification V2.1 EDR, with a maximum transmission distance of 1000 meters. Depending on the spatial conditions, the device is able to handle up to 100% CAN-bus load at a CAN baudrate of 1 Mbit/s. The radio signal quality can be read out via Bluetooth in order to monitor the quality of the connection.
The CAN interface is implemented in accordance with ISO 11898-2 and is equipped with a CiA 303-1 conformed Sub D9 plug.

For further information on CANblue II visit www.ixxat.com

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IXXAT’s IEEE 1588 protocol stack enables the fast and easy development of IEEE 1588 conform devices. Due to the broad functional range, continuous development and the wide distribution, IXXAT’s IEEE 1588 protocol software can be considered as the leading 1588 reference implementation.

The new release 1.04 now also supports the Intel PCI network card “Intel Ethernet Server Adapter I340-T4″ under Linux, enabling the high accurate system time synchronization on standard PCs using IEEE 1588.

Further new features are, among others, the “Alternate Master Function”, enabling the fast shift of slave devices between a faulty master and a standby master, which results in an improved synchronization behavior, as well as the “Acceptable Master List”, which prevents the synchronization of a slave device using a not approved master device.

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Last orders can be made until 06/30/2012.

• EtherNet/IP Adapter Communication Driver (EIPA)
• EtherNet/IP Adapter Developer Kit (EADK)
• EtherNet/IP Scanner Communication Driver (EIPS)
• EtherNet/IP Scanner Developers Kit (ESDK)

In addition to error corrections and advanced features, the software packages are now prepared for the new version A9 of the ODVA EtherNet/IP Protocol Conformance Test Software.
The example programs, included in the scope of delivery, are available for Microsoft Windows XP, Windows Vista and Windows 7 (32-bit and 64-bit).

Furthermore, a new version 1.30 of the EtherNet/IP Scanner Simulation Test Tool (EIPScan) is available. The tool is based on version 4.2.0 of the EtherNet/IP Scanner Software and, in addition to error corrections and advanced features, supports now also Windows 7

Customers with active maintenance contracts will receive the software automatically free of charge.

IXXAT Automation and System on Chip engineering (SoC-e) Bilbao in Spain started a cooperation on IEEE 1588 in the beginning of 2011. By combining SoC-e’s IP core for Xilinx FPGAs and IXXAT’s field-proven PTP protocol software, a new powerful IEEE 1588 solution was created. SoC-e’s customers can now benefit from IXXAT’s PTP software, which is designed for highly accurate synchronization applications. The protocol software is field-proven in a wide range of applications while being comprehensively supported and maintained by IXXAT.

In addition, IXXAT offers many services covering training and consulting, assistance during system design, implementation support, and customer specific development. By the cooperation with SoC-e, IXXAT can add Xilinx FPGAs to its extensive list of supported hardware platforms.

Detailed information is available via info@soc-e.com and info@ixxat.de.

http://www.soc-e.com/

Since 1998 IXXAT is active on the Italian market, represented by its Italian distributor Tecnologix. With the new sales office IXXAT reacts to the increasing demand for services and products from Italy and forms a base for future expansion on the Italian market in cooperation with its longstanding distributor Tecnologix.

Stefano Bolzoni has been active for over 15 years in sales of electronic components and drive solutions and most recently was responsible as Export Sales Manager for a well-known Italian company providing mechatronic and servo system solutions worldwide.

The main focus of the sales office will be the development of customer relationships, both in products and is in the service sector. IXXAT is a development partner and supplier of customer specific OEM hardware especially for customers with specific requirements for embedded hardware components with respect to data communication and safety functionality. Furthermore, the sales office will take care of the Italian key accounts and will support our local distributor Tecnologix.

IXXAT Sales Office Italy
via 11 Settembre 2001, 13
10074 Lanzo Torinese (TO)

Phone: +39 0123 322510
Fax: +39 0123 326426
E-Mail: info@ixxat.it