IXXAT CANcheck User manual

CANcheck
Installation Tester for CAN/CANopen Networks
MANUAL
ENGLISH

HMS Technology Center Ravensburg GmbH
Helmut-Vetter-Straße 2
88213 Ravensburg
Germany
Tel.: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Internet: www.hms-networks.de
E-Mail: [e-mail]
Support
For problems or support with this product or other HMS products please
request support at www.ixxat.com/support.
Further international support contacts can be found on our webpage
www.ixxat.com
Copyright
Duplication (copying, printing, microfilm or other forms) and the electronic
distribution of this document is only allowed with explicit permission of HMS
Technology Center Ravensburg GmbH. HMS Technology Center
Ravensburg GmbH reserves the right to change technical data without
prior announcement. The general business conditions and the regulations
of the license agreement do apply. All rights are reserved.
Registered trademarks
All trademarks mentioned in this document and where applicable third
party registered are absolutely subject to the conditions of each valid label
right and the rights
of particular registered proprietor. The absence of
identification of a trademark does not automatically mean that it is not
protected by trademark law.
Document number: 4.01.0097.20000
Version: 2.1

Content
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CANcheck Manual, Version 2.1
1Introduction....................................................................................5
1.1 Overview..................................................................................5
1.2 Functions and Performance Features...................................6
1.3 Support....................................................................................7
1.4 Returning Hardware................................................................7
2Ports ...............................................................................................8
2.1 Pin Assignment.......................................................................8
2.1.1 CAN Connector........................................................................8
2.1.2 USB Connector........................................................................8
2.2 Battery Compartment.............................................................9
2.3 Trigger Output.........................................................................9
3Operation......................................................................................10
3.1 Switching On and Off ...........................................................10
3.2 Display...................................................................................10
3.3 Keyboard...............................................................................10
4Summarized Tests.......................................................................12
4.1 Line Parameters....................................................................12
4.2 Operating Parameters ..........................................................18
4.2.1 Operating Mode Layer 2 ........................................................18
4.2.2 Operating Mode CANopen.....................................................23
5Individual Tests............................................................................24
5.1 Wiring Test ............................................................................25
5.2 Termination Resistors ..........................................................28
5.3Line Length ...........................................................................30
5.4 Line Impedance.....................................................................32
5.5 Power Supply........................................................................34
5.6 Baudrate Detection...............................................................35
5.7 Layer 2 – Identifier Scan.......................................................37
5.8 CANopen – Node ID Scan ....................................................39
5.9 Bus Load ...............................................................................41
5.10Layer 2 – Signal Levels per Identifier..................................44
5.11CANopen – Signal Levels per Node ID................................47
5.12Trigger Output.......................................................................50

Content
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CANcheck Manual, Version 2.1
6Error Messages and Indications.................................................52
6.1 Error Message after Switching On.......................................52
6.2 Error Messages when CAN Nodes Are Not Switched Off..52
6.3 Error Message with Low-Impedance Resistance ...............53
6.4 Error Message with Inverted Polarity..................................54
6.5 Error Message after Cancelling a Test ................................55
6.6 Error Message with Missing Results...................................55
6.7 Indication of a Non-Periodic Identifier ................................56
6.8 Indication of an Identifier without Usable Bits ...................57
7Results..........................................................................................59
7.1 Show and Delete...................................................................59
7.2 Store to File, Load from File, Delete File.............................63
7.3 Plausibility Check.................................................................67
8Remote Control............................................................................68
9Settings.........................................................................................72
10 USB Driver....................................................................................73
10.1Installation of the USB Driver ..............................................73
10.2Initial Connection of CANcheck and PC..............................75
11 Appendix ......................................................................................79
11.1Technical Specifications ......................................................79
11.2Criteria for Plausibility Check..............................................80
11.2.1 Line Length and Termination Resistors................................80
11.2.2 Line Length and Baudrate....................................................80
11.2.3 Line Length and Signal Levels.............................................80
11.3Accessories ..........................................................................81
11.4Information on the Use of CANcheck..................................82
11.5Information on Disposal of Waste Equipment....................82
11.6Information on EMC..............................................................83
11.7Declaration of Conformity....................................................84

Introduction
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CANcheck Manual, Version 2.1
1 Introduction
1.1 Overview
The CANcheck allows simple testing of CAN networks during commissioning,
maintenance and troubleshooting. The battery-operated, portable device is
connected to the CAN network to be tested and operated via a clearly structured
menu.
The CANcheck measures line parameters – with network switched off1– and
operating parameters – with network switched on.
Via line parameters it is checked whether the CAN network was correctly
installed. Short-circuits, interruptions and incorrect cable properties are quickly
detected.
Via operating parameters it is checked whether the nodes in the CAN network
are working correctly. Missing identifiers and poor signal levels are quickly
detected and can be allocated to the individual CAN nodes.
1Generally in the case of tests of line parameters, all CAN nodes should be disconnected from the CAN
network. Switched off nodes with a high internal resistance can remain connected.

Introduction
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CANcheck Manual, Version 2.1
1.2 Functions and Performance Features
Notice
HMS recommends to calibrate the CANcheck every two years to ensure the
accuracy of measurement. For further information please contact HMS.
Tests of the Line Parameters with Network Switched Off
•Resistance measurement between all pins of the CAN connector
(assignment in accordance with CiA) and analysis based on pre-defined limit
values
•Measurement of the termination resistors
•Determination of the cable length
•Determination of the cable impedance
Tests of the Operating Parameters with Network Switched On
•Measurement of the voltage between CAN_V+ and CAN_GND
•Determination of the baudrate of the tested CAN network (list in accordance
with CiA) and test of polarity
•Measurement of the bus load of the tested CAN network and of the
proportion of error telegrams
•Operating mode layer 2: determination of all transmitted 11-bit and 29-bit
identifiers and display of the frequency of reception
•Operating mode layer 2: absolute and differential signal level listed by
identifier
•Operating mode CANopen: frequency of reception and signal level listed by
node ID
Other Performance Features
•Summarized tests with test instructions, test result, continued after
confirmation
•All test results are stored and can be seen on the display after the test
•Plausibility check of stored test results
•Permanent storage of up to 4 test results
•The test results can be transferred to the PC for printing and filing
•Test instructions and results in German or English
•Power save mode
•Power-on self-test of the device

Introduction
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CANcheck Manual, Version 2.1
1.3 Support
Read this manual before using the CANcheck.
For more information on our products, FAQ lists and installation tips, refer to the
support section of our website (www.ixxat.com), which also contains information
on current product versions and available updates.
If you have any further questions after studying the information on our website
and the manuals, please contact our support department. The support section
on our website contains the relevant forms for your support request. In order to
facilitate our support work and enable a fast response, please provide precise
information on the individual points and describe your question or problem in
detail.
If you would prefer to contact our support department by phone, please also
send a support request via our website first, so that our support department has
the relevant information available.
1.4 Returning Hardware
In order to be able to process returns quickly and correctly, please apply for an
RMA number before each return. Use our on-line “RMA form” for your
application, which you can find on our website in the Support section.
After applying for the RMA number, you will receive a return delivery note from
us, which you should enclose with your return delivery. In the case of returns
without an RMA number or return delivery note, we reserve the right to return
them at your expense.
A detailed description of the RMA procedure can be found on our website in the
Support section.

Ports
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CANcheck Manual, Version 2.1
2 Ports
The CANcheck has one CAN connector, one USB connector and a battery
compartment. The trigger output is connected to 2 reserved pins of the CAN
connector.
2.1 Pin Assignment
2.1.1 CAN Connector
The pin assignment on the CAN connector corresponds to CiA DS-102. The
trigger output is connected to 2 pins, which are marked as “reserved” in CiA DS-
102. The trigger output is galvanically isolated from the CANcheck ground and
has an internal resistance of 1 kΩ.
Pin
Signal
Description
1
- Reserved
2
CAN_L
CAN bus signal (dominant low)
3 CAN_GND CAN ground
4 TRIGGER_SHLD
Return wire of the trigger output
5 CAN_SHLD Optional shield
6
GND Optional CAN ground
7
CAN_H CAN bus signal (dominant high)
8
TRIGGER Trigger output
9 CAN_V+
Optional external power supply
Vcc
2.1.2 USB Connector
If the CANcheck and the PC are connected via USB, the device is supplied from
the PC. The USB connector is galvanically isolated from the CANcheck ground.
Pin
Signal
Description
1 +5V Power supply
2 D- Negative data line
3
D+ Positive data line
4
GND Ground

Ports
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CANcheck Manual, Version 2.1
2.2 Battery Compartment
The CANcheck is powered by 4 x 1.5 V batteries or 4 x 1.2 V rechargeable
batteries Mignon (AA). The battery compartment is on the back of the device.
To replace the batteries a slotted screwdriver (blade width approx. 5 mm) is
required. Use it to press the plastic spring of the catch together and carefully lift
off the cover.
Note:
•The rechargeable batteries cannot be recharged via the USB connector.
Remove the rechargeable batteries from the battery compartment and
recharge them in a commercial battery charger.
•For rechargeable batteries, the capacity given by “Settings/Battery voltage”
is not valid. It is only valid for batteries.
•For rechargeable batteries, check the voltage given by “Settings/Battery
voltage”. Recharge the rechargeable batteries when the voltage drops
below 4.8 V.
2.3 Trigger Output
When a configurable 11-bit or 29-bit-identifier or an error frame is received, the
CANcheck generates a signal pulse on the trigger output. The signal pulse has
the following properties:
•positive and negative signal pulse at the end of the telegram
•10 V peak-peak without load
To use the trigger output, connect the CAN/trigger cable (see section 11.2) to
the CANcheck. The SUB-D9 connector with CAN cable and BNC cable belongs
to the CANcheck. The SUB-D9 connector with CAN cable belongs to the CAN
network.
Usually, an oscilloscope is triggered by the trigger output. The telegram of the
configured 11-bit or 29-bit identifier or the error frame is then displayed on the
oscilloscope. In this way the level measurements of the CANcheck can be
supplemented with measurements with the oscilloscope.

Operation
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CANcheck Manual, Version 2.1
3 Operation
The CANcheck has a display and a keyboard. It is switched on and off via the
keyboard.
3.1 Switching On and Off
Switch on the CANcheck by pressing any key for more than 1 second. The
message “Self-test passed” appears for 1 second on the display. Then the
information on the use of CANcheck is displayed (see chapter 11.4). Confirm
this information with the OK key. Then the system menu is displayed.
In power save mode (default setting), the CANcheck automatically switches off
after 10 minutes without a user input. Generally the CANcheck consumes little
power while waiting for a user input.
To switch the CANcheck off immediately select the menu item Settings and the
sub-item Switch off. Confirm the selection with Off.
3.2 Display
The CANcheck is equipped with a graphical display with 128 x 64 pixels. The
display shows the menu items and the test results.
One header line and up to 6 lines of text are shown on the display. If the space
is not sufficient, the content can be moved with the help of the keyboard.
The display has a background illumination. In the default setting the background
illumination is switched off. To switch the background illumination on, select the
menu item Settings and the sub-item background illumination. Select
Automatic and confirm the selection.
In the Automatic setting, the backlight switches on every time a key is pressed
and off again automatically after 20 seconds.
The background illumination is always switched on when the CANcheck is
connected to a PC via a USB cable.
3.3 Keyboard
The CANcheck is operated via a keyboard with 6 membrane switches. Move the
selection bar from menu item to menu item with the keys UP and DOWN.
Confirm your selection with the OK key. The selected menu item then becomes
the new header.
The CANcheck is operated via the system menu and sub-menus. Move from
the system menu to the sub-menu with the OK key. Move back with the ESC
key.
Every menu item and test can be cancelled with the ESC key.
If the pixels of the display are not sufficient, move the contents to the left or right
with the keys LEFT and RIGHT. With long lists scroll through the text with the

Operation
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CANcheck Manual, Version 2.1
keys UP and DOWN. The symbols ◄▲▼►in the header bar indicate whether
moving and scrolling is supported.
In some sub-menus, virtual keys appear on the display. With the keys UP and
DOWN change between the virtual keys shown above or below each other. With
the keys LEFT and RIGHT change between virtual keys shown next to each
other. The selected virtual key appears in black with white lettering.
In some sub-menus, numerical values can be entered. Change the values with
the keys UP and DOWN and the decimal place with the keys LEFT and RIGHT.
The selected place appears in black with a white numerical value.

Summarized Tests
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CANcheck Manual, Version 2.1
4 Summarized Tests
The summarized tests are intended for the routine execution and repetition of
the tests of CAN networks. The user receives test instructions before the test.
When the CANcheck has checked the test result, the user receives one of the
messages:
•TEST PASSED
•TEST FAILED
With some tests the CANcheck cannot check the test result because there are
no generally valid nominal values for it. This applies to the cable length, the
power supply, the baudrate and the bus load. After these tests the user receives
the message:
•TEST EXECUTED
As soon as the user has acknowledged one of these messages, the test is
continued.
Tests with the CAN network switched off are executed with the menu item Line
parameters. With these tests it is checked whether the CAN network was
correctly installed.
Tests with the CAN network switched on are executed with the menu item
Operating parameters. With these tests it is checked whether the nodes in the
CAN network are working correctly.
4.1 Line Parameters
To test the line parameters, connect the CANcheck – if possible – where one of
the two termination resistors of the CAN network is located. With the Y cable
connect the CANcheck between the CAN network and the termination resistor.
From the system menu, start the tests of the line parameters by selecting the
relevant menu item and OK. With the keys UP and DOWN, move the selection
bar from menu item to menu item. Confirm the selection with the OK key. The
selected menu item becomes the new header.
System menu
-Line parameters
-Operat. parameters
-Individual tests
-Stored results
-Remote control
-Maintenance
If the test is started when the CAN network is switched on, the following error
message is displayed, because tests of the line parameters are not possible
when the CAN network is switched on.

Summarized Tests
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CANcheck Manual, Version 2.1
Line parameters
Voltage detected
on CAN bus
Test rejected
Return to the system menu with the ESC key. Start the next test with the CAN
network switched off. The test instructions are displayed.
Wiring test
-Disconnect all nodes
-Terminate CAN bus
on both ends
OK Start test
The header shows that the wiring is tested first. The test instructions are to be
understood as follows: generally for tests of the line parameters, all CAN nodes
should be disconnected from the CAN network. Switched off CAN nodes that
have a high resistance between CAN_H, CAN_L and ground may remain
connected. As the resistors of all connected CAN nodes are parallel, however,
the resistance of every individual CAN node must then be greater than the
“number of CAN nodes” x 1 kΩ.
If this condition is met, press the OK key.
During the measurement a message appears.
Wiring test
Status: scanning
In the case of correct wiring, the message TEST PASSED and two virtual keys
appear on the display at the end of the test.

Summarized Tests
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CANcheck Manual, Version 2.1
Wiring test
TEST PASSED
NEXT INFO
Start the next test with the virtual key NEXT. To look at the test results with the
virtual key INFO, change to the virtual key INFO with the key RIGHT. This
appears in black with white lettering. Confirm the selection with OK.
Here is the first part of a positive test result. The symbol ▼ in the header means
that more lines follow. Scroll down with the key DOWN.
Wiring test ▼
CAN_H ->
CAN_L : 65
Ω
[OK]
CAN_GND : 1.56k
Ω
[OK]
CAN_SHLD: >1M
Ω
[OK]
GND : >1M
Ω
[OK]
Continue the tests of the line parameters by returning to the higher order menu
with the ESC key. There start the next test with the virtual key NEXT and the
OK key.
Before the measurement of the line impedance, the next test instructions are
displayed:
Line impedance
-Disconnect all nodes
-Remove termination R
on near end
OK Start test
The test instructions are to be understood as follows: the termination resistor
must be removed from the line end to which the CANcheck is connected. The
other line end must be terminated.
The line impedance can only be correctly measured if you have connected the
CANcheck where normally one of the two termination resistors of the CAN
network is located.
In the case of correct line impedance, the message TEST PASSED and the
virtual keys NEXT and INFO appear in the display at the end of the test.

Summarized Tests
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CANcheck Manual, Version 2.1
Line impedance
TEST PASSED
NEXT INFO
The stored test results can be seen at the end of the test.
Start the next test with the virtual key NEXT and the OK key. Before the
measurement of the line length, the next test instructions are displayed:
Line length
-Disconnect all nodes
-Remove termination R
on both ends
OK Start test
If test instructions were not followed, the test result is negative.
Line length
TEST FAILED
NEXT INFO
With the virtual key INFO an error message is displayed. A more detailed error
message is only given with the measurement of the line length as an individual
test.
Line length
Test rejected

Summarized Tests
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CANcheck Manual, Version 2.1
To receive an error-free test result, it is necessary to repeat the tests of the line
parameters. Return to the system menu by pressing the ESC key twice. Start
the tests of the line parameters by pressing the OK key.
Confirm the test instructions and the result of the wiring test as well as the test
instructions and the result of the measurement of the termination resistors by
pressing the OK key four times.
Remove the termination resistors at both ends of the CAN network. If switched
off CAN nodes are still connected to the CAN network, the test is only possible
if they have a high resistance between CAN_H, CAN_L and ground.
The line length can only be correctly measured if the CANcheck is connected to
the line end, where normally one of the two termination resistors of the CAN
network is located.
If the measurement is completed successfully, the message TEST EXECUTED
is displayed. The CANcheck has consequently not checked the test result.
Line length
TEST EXECUTED
NEXT INFO
The test result is displayed with the virtual key INFO.
Line length
96 m
Continue the tests of the line parameters by returning to the higher order menu
with the ESC key. Start the next test with the virtual key NEXT and the OK key.
Now the termination resistor is measured. The test instructions are the same as
for the wiring test.

Summarized Tests
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CANcheck Manual, Version 2.1
Term. resistors
-Disconnect all nodes
-Terminate CAN bus
on both ends
OK Start test
In the case of correct termination resistors, the message TEST PASSED and
two virtual keys appear in the display at the end of the test.
Term. resistors
TEST PASSED
END INFO
End the tests of the line parameters with the virtual key END. All test results can
be displayed in Stored results.

Summarized Tests
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CANcheck Manual, Version 2.1
4.2 Operating Parameters
To test the operating parameters, there are two ways to connect the CANcheck
to the CAN network:
•If there is a free SUB-D9 socket in the CAN network, the CANcheck can be
connected to this socket via the 1-to-1 cable.
•If this is not the case, the CANcheck can be looped in between any CAN
node and the CAN network via the Y cable.
Operating parameters can be measured in two operating modes.
•In the operating mode “layer 2”, all 11-bit and 29-bit identifiers are
measured. The signal levels are listed by identifier.
•In the operating mode “CANopen”, only those identifiers are measured
from which the node ID clearly originates. The signal levels are listed by
node ID.
4.2.1 Operating Mode Layer 2
Start the operational tests from the system menu by selecting the relevant menu
item and OK. Move the selection bar from menu item to menu item with the keys
UP and DOWN. Confirm the selection with the OK key. The first test becomes
the new header.
First the power supply is measured. If the measurement is completed
successfully, the message TEST EXECUTED appears in the display at the end
of the test. The CANcheck has consequently not checked the test result.
System menu
-Line parameters
-Operat. parameters
-Individual tests
-Stored results
-Remote control
-Maintenance
Power supply
TEST EXECUTED
NEXT INFO
Start the next test with the virtual key NEXT. First, however, we want to look at
the test results with the virtual key INFO. For this, change to the virtual key INFO
with the key RIGHT. This appears in black with white lettering. Confirm the
selection with OK.

Summarized Tests
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CANcheck Manual, Version 2.1
Power supply
CAN_V+ -> CAN_GND
0.0 V
Continue the operational tests by returning to the higher order menu with the
ESC key. Start the baudrate detection with the virtual key NEXT and the OK
key. If the display shows the following message, either all CAN nodes are
switched off or they are not sending any telegrams.
Baudrate detection
Status: scanning
Wait for CAN traffic
In this case, cancel the test with the ESC key. Due to the cancellation, the test
result is negative.
Baudrate detection
TEST FAILED
NEXT INFO
Via the virtual key INFO an error message is displayed.
Baudrate detection
Test rejected

Summarized Tests
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CANcheck Manual, Version 2.1
To receive an error-free test result, it is necessary to repeat the operational
tests. Return to the system menu by pressing the ESC key twice. Start the
operational tests by pressing the OK key.
Acknowledge the result of the measurement of the power supply by pressing
the OK key. Switch the CAN nodes on and ensure that the CAN nodes are
sending telegrams.
When the baudrate detection is successfully completed, the message TEST
EXECUTED is displayed. The CANcheck has consequently not checked the test
result.
Baudrate detection
TEST EXECUTED
NEXT INFO
Via INFO the test results are displayed.
Baudrate detection
500 kBit/s
If CAN_H and CAN_L are inverted in all nodes in the CAN network – even in
this case communication is possible - the CANcheck detects the baudrate but
classifies the polarity as erroneous. In this case the following error message
appears:
Baudrate detection
H-L inverted [ERROR]
500 kBit/s
Continue the operational tests by returning to the higher order menu with the
ESC key. Start the next test with the virtual key NEXT and the OK key.