Tool lets engineers view and log CAN and FlexRay data

December 17th, 2007

TTTech Automotive’s TTX-Connexion is a universal gateway tool that combines data manipulation, on-line viewing, and logging for FlexRay and CAN networks. The small, portable, autonomous tester allows engineers to test applications running on FlexRay and CAN networks through all work stages, from early prototyping to the start of production.

Efficient tools are required for the development, integration and test phases of FlexRay and CAN networks. In order to test a FlexRay or CAN application, it is necessary to modify messages on the FlexRay bus. TTX-Connexion supports this activity: it allows the user to apply various data and manipulation scenarios in order to simulate a variety of environments without changing the software application in the electronic control unit itself. TTX-Connexion’s data manipulation functionality is used to modify messages on the bus and to simulate the application’s range limits before test runs.

TTX-Connexion is able to translate Fieldbus Exchange Format (FIBEX) communications schemes of various development stages. It supports FlexRay-to-FlexRay connections as well as FlexRay-to-CAN and CAN-to-CAN gateway functionality. FIBEX network descriptions are used for configuring FlexRay network parameters, signals and protocol data units (PDUs). The CANdb description is supported for CAN-based networks. Thus a newly developed electronic control unit can be added to an existing CAN or FlexRay network to handle additional functionalities, even without modifying an existing control unit.

TTX-Connexion supports the integration of FlexRay control units by forming sub-networks with FlexRay schedules of their own. The device connects networks and translates the necessary messages from one FlexRay network into the other. Therefore, control units from different integration stages are merged into a single network.

During test runs all test data can be analyzed and logged on TTX-Connexion’s compact flash card. Intelligent logging ensures that data are recorded only if needed for later analysis. Since the data can be filtered selectively, memory and time usage are minimized. TTX-Connexion comes with TTX-Analyze, a viewing tool that allows real-time monitoring of the manipulated data and their effects, as well as analysis of bus communication.

Entry Filed under: Network Test