New oscilloscope-based vehicle bus analysers decode CAN in symbolic format

September 2006 Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring

LeCroy is launching two new vehicle bus analysers (VBA) which are some of the first conventional oscilloscopes that 'speak the engineer's language' by decoding CAN serial data into symbolic (application layer) text. With these instruments, an engineer has the full range of CAN protocol stack information (symbolic, hex and electrical signal) with the ability to also view additional in-circuit electrical signals (sensor inputs, voltage levels and transients) that influence the CAN bus. Standard and specialised oscilloscope tools can be used to validate and debug their designs. In addition, up to four different CAN buses can be decoded at one time. The VBA offers great value to any designer of CAN electronic control units (ECUs) or complete vehicle networks. This new capability will redefine an engineer's understanding of their ECUs and vehicle bus networks.

The VBA contains features such as:

* 400 MHz and 600 MHz model (in addition to existing 1 GHz model).

* Up to 10 GS/s sample rate.

* Standard 8 Mpts memory (optional up to 24 Mpts).

* Complete CAN physical layer and protocol stack information display for multiple CAN buses.

* Compatibility with industry-standard DBC database files.

* Display of associated non-CAN electrical signals.

* Unique, automated timing measurements with statistical and graph views.

* Ability to extract CAN data from a message stream, rescale it and display/plot decimal values

* Pulse-width modulated (PWM) signal analysis.

* Powerful CAN and electrical signal triggering to isolate events.

The VBA provides Symbolic decoding using industry-standard DBC database files and is based on the popular WaveRunner Xi Series oscilloscopes. The powerful and flexible CAN triggering capability previously released in CAN bus TD has been extended in the VBA. Using the DBC database file that contains information pertinent to the operator's CAN messages and signals, it is easy for the operator to symbolically select a specific CAN message (ie, ID) or signal (ie, ID and DATA), and then apply a data condition for triggering. For example, instead of having to trigger on 'ID=0x410' and 'DATA=3f' in the second data byte, the operator can quickly pick, from a predefined list, the STRSPEED (steering wheel speed of travel) signal that is part of the LWSOUT message, and then define the data condition as desired. Therefore, trigger setup is quick and intuitive, requires little or no cross-reference to other files or programs, and results in higher operator confidence.

The VBA is able to reduce time-to-market and costs. It is widely reported that 50% of warranty problems on new vehicles are caused by electronics failures. With the right tools to adequately debug automotive electronics systems, this failure rate will reduce, and parts and systems reliability would be increased, thereby lowering costs - an important consideration in today's competitive automotive market.

LeCroy vehicle bus analysers are available in 400 MHz and 600 MHz models, both with four input channels. A wide variety of probing and bus connection accessories are also available.

Further reading:

The importance of environmental monitoring and visibility at data centres
Legrand Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
Data centres are one of the most energy-intensive building types, consuming up to 50 times the energy per floor space compared to a typical commercial office building. With organisations embracing advanced technologies, data centres powering these technologies are under increasing pressure around the globe to increase capacities and improve efficiencies.

Read more...

---

Analysers for use in high ambient temperature environments
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
The 993X series of analysers from Ametek Process Industries are now IECEx Zone 2 certified for use in locations with up to 60°C ambient temperature. Built with IP66-rated enclosures and using an integrated cooling system, they can be installed outdoors or in minimally temperature-controlled enclosures, reducing complexity while lowering capital and operating costs.

Read more...

---

ATEQ is adapting to evolving markets
ATEQ South Africa Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
ATEQ is a global company that has established itself as a world leader in leak test technologies and industrial quality control equipment. The company’s mission is to help its customers remain compliant with regulations and maintain product quality through its range of support services.

Read more...

---

The art of precision measurement
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
To achieve precise, reliable measurement results when scanning component parts, use is frequently made of reference points. In optical measuring processes, these permit the referencing of three-dimensional objects during the digitisation.

Read more...

---

Vibration test system supports international space industry
TANDM Technologies Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
Dragonfly Aerospace has launched EOS SAT-1, one of seven satellites in the world’s first agricultural-focused constellation. With optimisation of resources being a key component for Dragonfly, it called on TANDM to assist in creating and heavily expanding its environmental testing capabilities by providing a vibration test system that allowed it to perform in-house vibration and shock testing.

Read more...

---

Sensor technology for brewing
Endress+Hauser South Africa Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
Brewing is a delicate balance, blending tradition with innovation. Now, modern sensor technology is stepping in to perfect the art of fermentation.

Read more...

---

Loesche gets dirty
Loesche South Africa Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
The world’s attention is on environmental sustainability, and the pressure on countries and companies to demonstrate their commitment to preserving the environment and preventing climate change is at an all-time high. As we confront a multitude of environmental and social challenges, managing waste and maximising landfill diversion can play a key role.

Read more...

---

Water systems with energy savings and sustainability
Labotec Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
ELGA Veolia has relaunched its award-winning PURELAB flex range, with features to reduce the system’s environmental footprint and incorporate some of the latest innovations in water purification technologies. The ecological improvements integrated into the flex range have been made to reduce water and power consumption.

Read more...

---

Keeping an eye on invisible radiation
Omniflex Remote Monitoring Specialists Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
At its peak in 1994, the energy generation capacity of the UK’s nuclear power stations was 12,7 GW across 16 plants. In 2024, the capacity has fallen to around 5 GW, and the number of stations is down to nine. However, this is far from the end of the story as spent nuclear fuel remains radioactive for centuries, and requires rigorous safety processes to safeguard against leaks.

Read more...

---

Technology for water sustainability
Endress+Hauser South Africa Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
The sustainability of surface water is critical for South Africa’s economic development, social well-being and environmental health. Endress+Hauser has a full range of liquid analysis sensors and transmitters to measure important parameters and has an excellent global track record in water and wastewater process plants and various surface and industrial water monitoring sites.

Read more...

---