CAN PC Interfaces and Driver Software

Through new developments, IXXAT continuously offers state of the art solutions and implement new architectures, yet they never sacrificed compatibility to progress. While incorporating new technologies, they make sure that new products are compatible with existing ones.

Despite the wide variety of PC/CAN interfaces, all IXXAT interfaces can be operated with the hardware-independent, common VCI driver (Virtual CAN Interface). It is therefore conceivably easy to switch between CAN boards. Even future technologies are thus already "integrated" today.

All the PC/CAN interfaces decsribed below an be used to operate wth canAnalyser, the high performace analysis tools for all CANbus networks.

This is a powerful and economic solution for an active CAN board with two CAN channels. The interface is state-of-the-art, supports PCI express and can be easily installed by Plug & Play. Some of the features offered by the on-board microcontroller include filtering, pre-processing, transmission and time-stamped storage of the CAN messages.
Due to the powerful microcontroller, both CAN controllers can operate simultaneously without losing any data, even in systems with a high bus load. In combination with the CAN driver (VCI, part of delivery), the iPC-I XC16/PCIe allows for the seamless integration of PC- supported CAN applications. In addition, the iPC-I XC16/PCIe is well-suited for use with the IXXAT analysis and configuration tools and for use as a CANopen network controller.

The iPC-I320/PCI represents an economic solution of an active CAN board with one or two CAN channels, covering a wide range of CAN applications. The interface reflects the latest technology due to the support of the PCI bus, which allows an installation per Plug&Play. The on-board microcontroller allows, among many other features, the filtering, preprocessing, and storage of CAN messages with timestamp as well as the real-time transmission of CAN messages. In combination with the universal CAN driver (VCI, part of delivery) the iPC-I 320/PCI allows an easy integration of PC supported CAN applications. Due to its optimum ratio between price and functionality it is perfectly suited for high-volume productions. In addition the iPC-I 320/PCI is well suited for the use with the IXXAT analysis (canAnalyser) and configuration tools.

The iPC-I XC16/PCI represents a very powerful and economic solution for an active CAN board with two CAN channels, covering a wide range of industrial and automotive CAN applications. The interface is state-of-the-art, supports PCI and can be easily installed by Plug & Play. Some of the features offered by the on-board microcontroller include filtering, preprocessing, transmission and time stamped storage of the CAN messages .
Due to the powerful microcontroller both CAN controllers can operate simultaneously without losing any data, even in systems with a high bus load. In combination with the CAN driver (VCI, part of delivery) the iPC-I XC16/PCI allows an easy integration of PC supported CAN applications. In addition the iPC-I XC16/PCI is well suited for use with the IXXAT analysis and configuration tools, as well as for use as a CANopen network controller.

Note: the iPC-I C165/PCI interface card has been discontinued - this is the replacement interface card.

The tinCAN is an active PCMCIA/CAN board with two CAN channels. It is the optimum solution for the mobile setup and configuration by means of a notebook computer. The on-board microcontroller allows the filtering, preprocessing and storage of CAN messages, including time stamp. In combination with the universal CAN driver (VCI, part of delivery) the tinCAN allows the easy integration of PC supported applications into CAN systems. In combination with the canAnalyser the tinCAN is the ideal solution for a very powerful mobile analysing tool.

USB-to-CAN compact - Intelligent low-cost PC/CAN module for the USB port

The USB-to-CAN compact is a low-cost, active CAN module (CAN dongle) for connection to the USB bus. The on-board 16-bit microcontroller system is capable of controlling transmission and reception tasks with the greatest possible efficiency, even in networks with high data throughput and high bus load. The microcontroller allows, among many other features, the filtering, preprocessing and storage of CAN messages with timestamp, as well as the real-time transmission of CAN messages. Additionally the board is very well suited for use as a master device, for instance in a CANopen network with numerous nodes. In combination with the universal CAN driver (VCI, part of delivery) the module allows an easy integration of PC supported CAN applications such as canAnalyser.

The USB-to-CAN II is an active interface with two CAN channels and one LIN channel (automotive version) for connection to the USB bus. With its powerful 16-bit microcontroller system, the interface allows filtering, pre-processing and saving of received messages. Transmission and reception processes can be controlled loss-free even with a high transmission rate and bus load. Together with the universal CAN driver VCI also supplied with the delivery, the USB-to-CAN II module enables simple integration of PC-supported applications in CAN systems. In conjunction with the canAnalyser from IXXAT, USB-to-CAN II is a convenient, mobile analysis and development tool. The interface can also be used as a master assembly, e.g. for. CANopen systems with many subscribers.

The CAN@net II allows simple, flexible access from a PC to CAN systems via Ethernet. Due to support of the TCP/IP protocol, the CAN@net II enables worldwide direct connection to a PC, implementation in an LAN or communication with the gateway via the Internet. The main area of application of the CAN@net II is remote access to CAN systems for service and remote maintenance.
With the VCI CAN driver included as standard in the delivery, the CAN@net II can be operated in the same way as all IXXAT CAN PC interface boards. All VCI-based CAN-programs and tools can therefore be run with the CAN@net II. The VCI CAN driver also offers the possibility of communicating via a PC with up to 128 CAN@net II devices simultaneously.
In addition to the CAN@net II/VCI, IXXAT also offers the version CAN@net II/Generic interface, which is addressed via a standard TCP/IP socket interface. This makes it possible to connect CAN@net II to any processor and operating system platforms.

CANblue/VCI is a powerful CAN module that is connected to the PC wirelessly via Bluetooth. It is therefore ideal for servicing to give easy access CAN systems that are otherwise difficult to get at. The maximum distance between the CANblue/VCI and the PC/notebook depends on the space conditions and can be more than 100m. With support from the VCI CAN driver, the CANblue/VCI can be operated with all IXXAT tools and with customer-specific programs. In addition, wireless access to CAN systems via Bluetooth can also be easily achieved with current VCI-based application programs and tools, including canAnalyser for wireless analysis of CANbus networks.

See also CANblue/generic for wireless CAN bridge and attachment to non-PC hosts.