USB to CAN ^V2 PlugIn

The following software is provided free of charge with the Ixxat USB to CAN ^V2 PlugIn. The current version is available for download.

Ixxat canAnalyser 3 Mini

For simple testing purposes and start-up canAnalyser Mini - a free CAN bus monitor - is installed with the VCI. This monitor can be used to display CAN messages with time stamp, message identifiers and data using the USB to CAN V2 PlugIn. A logging function enables the data received to be recorded directly to hard disk. CAN messages are transmitted via a list wherein CAN messages are entered. Installed interfaces are displayed with the available CAN controllers, the current bus load and the controller status.
canAnalyser Mini also support CAN-FD and LIN in combination with interfaces supporting these protocols.

Ixxat CAN Interface Driver

Two different drivers are available for the software interfacing of the USB to CAN V2 PlugIn: the universal driver "(Virtual Communication Interface" (VCI) for Windows^® and the “Embedded Communication Interface” (ECI) for Linux, INtime, RTX, VxWorks and QNX. The drivers can operate all CAN channels and all CAN interfaces - even different types - within one PC.

These powerful driver packages support all CAN boards, regardless of their PC interface, with a uniform programming interface (API). This means that applications based on VCI-API can be used with all Ixxat CAN boards without modifying the application program. The drivers support multi CAN-channels and/or multiple boards – even different types – to arrange the desired amount of channels.

Features and benefits

• Common application programming interface (API) for all supported operating systems and interfaces
• Simultaneous support of multiple CAN channels and interface boards
• Standard  (11 bit, CAN 2.0A), extended protocol (29 bit, CAN 2.0B) and CAN-FD¹
• Support of protocol-switching on interfaces with low-speed CAN¹ or LIN¹
• Slim communication interface while supporting all required mechanisms for an easy operation of the interface
• Detection and display of error frames on the bus
• Measurement and display of the bus load (only with active CAN cards)
• Possible operation in "Listen only mode"
¹ For interfaces that support these protocols

Ixxat VCI API

The VCI API (Application Programming Interface) is a powerful software library that enables developers to easily communicate with industrial network interfaces, particularly within CAN- and/or LIN-based systems. This API forms an abstraction layer between applications and hardware, allowing developers to avoid working directly with device-specific drivers and instead utilize a uniform and standardized interface.

With the VCI API, applications can send and receive CAN messages in both standard and extended formats. Additionally, the API enables the detection, configuration, and management of connected Ixxat devices. Developers can choose between event-driven communication or polling mechanisms, depending on their application requirements. Thanks to built-in buffering and filtering capabilities, data can be processed efficiently, which is particularly important in real-time environments.

The API is primarily available for programming languages ​​such as C and C++, with additional support for .NET languages via wrappers. This makes the VCI API widely applicable within both low-level and high-level development environments.

• Should I choose a CAN interface with or without galvanic isolation?

  A USB to CAN V2 PlugIn with galvanic isolation offers improved noise immunity and prevents ground loops. The potential differences caused by separate power supplies for different CAN nodes do not affect transmission quality. In addition, it protects the device from damage to the electronics caused by power surges.
  We generally recommend galvanic isolation.
  
  However, galvanic isolation reduces the maximum possible CAN bus length by approximately 10 metres (50 ns delay).
  
  Please note that the CAN_GND is always connected, even when galvanic isolation is used.

• Are CAN terminating resistors built into the USB to CAN V2 PlugIn?

  There are no built-in CAN terminating resistors, and there is no provision for one. If necessary, terminating resistors can be installed across the CAN connections, for each desired CAN channel. Alternatively, we offer the PCAN-Adapter D-Sub to Screw Terminals as an accessory.

• How do I choose the right PC to USB interface card?

  Choosing the right USB CAN interface depends, among other things, on the desired CAN protocol, the intended application, the available USB port, the processing speed, the intended use, and, of course, the available budget. Although CAN is standardized, CAN hardware and PC drivers varies by brand. It is important to consider which software or development tools are required before selecting a specific interface.

  Twincomm is a center of expertise for CAN and has over 30 years of experience with CAN. Please contact us and we’ll provide practical advice to help you make the right choice.

• Which Ixxat CAN analysis software is best suited to my use case?

  The canAnalyser is a versatile analysis tool for the development, testing and servicing of CAN, CAN FD and LIN based systems. The software package is based on a modular concept and available in three versions - Mini, Lite, and Standard - with a different set of functions and modules.
  The Mini version is included free of charge with the VCI driver. It is ideal for quick diagnostics or hardware testing, for example. The Lite and Standard versions are both comprehensive, professional software packages designed for development, debugging, simulation, or testing of CAN, CAN FD and/or LIN-networks.

  Each version of the canAnalyser 3 is intended for typical use case. The table below provides a handy overview of all the differences.

  Functions	Module	canAnalyser3 Mini	canAnalyser 3 Lite	canAnalyser 3 Standard
  Measurement configuration
  Supported bus controllers		1	1	64
  Number of function modules per bus controller (multi-start)		1	1 per function
  Transmission
  Transmitting messages in layer 2 format via broadcasting lists (one-off/cyclic)	Transmit	Max 5
  Transmitting signals based on underlayed databases	Signal/Transmit
  Transmitting sequences in layer 2 format using simple commands for control	Sequencer
  Reception and display
  Display received messages - Scroll view - Overwrite mode	Receive
  Filtering during reception	Receive
  Signal reception and interpreted online display based on databases (overwrite/scroll)	Signal		Max 5
  Graphical display of received signals over the time axis	Signal		Max 5
  Display of statistical values (e.g. bus load, number of error frames)	Signal
  Logging of value range overflows	Signal
  Graphical display of frequency distribution of received messages	Histogram
  Recording/Playback
  Recording on hard disk - Maximum size	Trace	1 GB
  Filter and trigger functions during recording	Trace
  Recording on hard disk for later analysis, including filter and trigger functions	Trace
  Playback of recordings on the buses and/or modules for analyzing	Replay
  Adaptation and Extension
  Development of measurement/analysis functions using C# and Visual-Basic .NET scripts	Scripting/Host
  Open interface for expansion by customer-specific modules (.NET modules)	customized
  Protocol Interpreter
  Display of CANopen messages according to CANopen specification	CANopen
  Display of SAE J1939 messages according to SAE J1939 specification	J1939

• Does this interface support CANopen or J1939?

  Yes, the USB to CAN V2 PlugIn works with all CAN messages, including CANopen and J1939

  However, the CAN messages are not interpreted as CANopen or J1939. Separate software is available for generating or interpreting CANopen or J1939. Please enquire about the options.

• Can I order on account?

  Yes, that's definitely possible! Most customers place their orders through a Purchase Order.
  First request a quote and then send the purchase order (PO) by email, simply from your own purchasing system. For first time buyers, we may ask additional questions in order to perform a credit check. Please contact us if you require our company details for registration in the purchasing system.
  
  For security reasons, customers located in, or wishing to ship to, countries outside the Benelux must always pay in advance.

• Why are all prices available upon request?

  The online webshop is still under construction. As soon as it is available, all prices will naturally be visible.

  However, everything is of course available, and we would be happy to inform you about prices and delivery times. Please contact us or give us a call. We have over 30 years of experience with CAN. We are happy to help you and offer you immediate practical advice or support.