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:

Ensuring occupational health and safety in mining
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
Probe Integrated Mining Technologies (Probe IMT) has partnered with M3SH Technology to offer state-of-the-art environmental monitoring solutions that address these dual requirements.

Read more...

---

Sustainability of surface water
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...

---

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...

---

Effective dust control in sugar processing
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
BLT WORLD specialists work in conjunction with the global ScrapeTec team to offer dependable solutions for specific problems at the transfer points of conveyor systems in many industries where dust and material spillage are concerns, including the sugar sector.

Read more...

---

A benchmark for lubricant reliability in mining
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
According to Craig FitzGerald from ISO-Reliability Partners, mines can save R500 000 or more on their yearly mill cleaning costs, while electricity consumption can be reduced by up to 12%, and lubricant consumption lowered up by up to 60% when using Bel-Ray Clear Gear lubricant.

Read more...

---

Safeguarding precision in industrial radiometric measurements
Mecosa Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
In the complex landscape of industrial plant operations, precision is paramount, especially when it comes to weld inspections to test for structural integrity of pipes. Berthold has the ideal answer to this challenge – X-Ray Interference Protection.

Read more...

---

New indoor air quality monitor
RS South Africa Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
RS South Africa has available a new indoor air quality (IAQ) monitor that provides continuous, easy-to-read, and accurate real-time monitoring of air quality in indoor environments.

Read more...

---

A quick guide to disinfection
Endress+Hauser South Africa Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
The distribution system in a drinking water network provides a reliable supply of high-quality water to consumers. Endress+Hauser’s range of robust, low-maintenance sensors are ideal for monitoring disinfectant levels in the water.

Read more...

---

Multi-parameter measuring system for water quality monitoring
KROHNE Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
Monitoring different parameters in water treatment processes can lead to a situation where different measuring points are scattered across the plant.

Read more...

---

Optimising energy consumption in the chemical industry
Anton Paar Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
To optimise energy consumption and save valuable resources on chemical process plants, operators have to continuously measure parameters such as concentration, raw density, sound velocity and refractive index. With Anton Paar’s wide product range, the process application team has many options for cutting-edge laboratory measurement technologies, and can develop tailor-made mathematical models for every application.

Read more...

---