Testing for CANopen Conformance

August 22nd, 2006

The CANopen Conformance Test Suite is a software tool to test devices for conformance to the higher-layer protocol CANopen. The CiA international users’ and manufacturers’ group certifies CANopen devices with the help of this tool.

Since every manufacturer may interpret specifications differently, a conformance test is an important tool for rendering devices with interfaces operable. The manufacturer-independent testing of devices for conformity to the CANopen (EN 50325-4) specification ensures that most of the possible implementation errors are found. The errors discovered during the test are usually simple mix-ups or wrong interpretations of the CANopen specification. Especially the “SDO abort codes” are a common source of error, but also the default values, which may not be implemented as specified.

The device to be tested may even be error-free, however its EDS (electronic data sheet) may be faulty. Since may configuration tools use the EDS as base, a faulty or incomplete EDS may keep the device from being configured correctly. The conformance test tool also requires an EDS that is correct in form and content.

For more information, visit the CANopen website.

Entry Filed under: Network Test, Test Software