Keysight AP1200A User manual

Keysight AP1200A
Multi-Protocol Vehicle
Network Interface
User Guide

2 Keysight AP1200A Multi-Protocol Vehicle Network Interface User Guide
Notices
Copyright Notice
© Keysight Technologies 2020
No part of this manual may be repro-
duced in any form or by any means
(including electronic storage and
retrieval or translation into a foreign
language) without prior agreement and
written consent from Keysight Technol-
ogies, Inc. as governed by United
States and international copyright
laws.
Manual Part Number
AP120-9001A
Edition
September 2020
Published by:
Keysight Technologies
Bayan Lepas Free Industrial Zone,
11900 Penang, Malaysia
Technology Licenses
The hardware and/or software
described in this document are fur-
nished under a license and may be
used or copied only in accordance with
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Declaration of Conformity
Declarations of Conformity for this
product and for other Keysight prod-
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Web. Go to http://www.keysight.com/
go/conformity. You can then search by
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U.S. Government Rights
The Software is “commercial computer
software,” as defined by Federal Acqui-
sition Regulation (“FAR”) 2.101. Pursu-
ant to FAR 12.212 and 27.405-3 and
Department of Defense FAR Supple-
ment (“DFARS”) 227.7202, the U.S.
government acquires commercial com-
puter software under the same terms
by which the software is customarily
provided to the public. Accordingly,
Keysight provides the Software to U.S.
government customers under its stan-
dard commercial license, which is
embodied in its End User License
Agreement (EULA), a copy of which can
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find/sweula. The license set forth in the
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(1) Furnish technical information
related to commercial computer soft-
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where in the EULA. Keysight shall be
under no obligation to update, revise or
otherwise modify the Software. With
respect to any technical data as
defined by FAR 2.101, pursuant to FAR
12.211 and 27.404.2 and DFARS
227.7102, the U.S. government
acquires no greater than Limited Rights
as defined in FAR 27.401 or DFAR
227.7103-5 (c), as applicable in any
technical data.
Warranty
THE MATERIAL CONTAINED IN THIS
DOCUMENT IS PROVIDED “AS IS,”
AND IS SUBJECT TO BEING
CHANGED, WITHOUT NOTICE, IN
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RIAL IN THIS DOCUMENT THAT
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WARRANTY TERMS IN THE SEPARATE
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A CAUTION notice denotes a hazard. It
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could result in damage to the product
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WARNING
A WARNING notice denotes a hazard. It
calls attention to an operating proce-
dure, practice, or the like that, if not
correctly performed or adhered to,
could result in personal injury or death.
Do not proceed beyond a WARNING
notice until the indicated conditions are
fully understood and met.

Keysight AP1200A Multi-Protocol Vehicle Network Interface User Guide 3
Table of Contents
1ProductInspection
Check the Product . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Package Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
Visual Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
2 Introduction and Overview
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
Operational Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
Vehicle Network Interfacing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
Data Acquisition and Standalone Logging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
Simulation and Scripting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
Summary of Key Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
Construction, Controls, and Cabling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
Power and Performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
Network Interfaces and Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
Logging and Simulation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
PC Interface and SD Card Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
Advanced Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
Hardware and Software Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
3 Hardware Overview
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
Case and Overall Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
Temperature Specification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
Left Side Interfaces and Connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29
HD-26 Network Interface Connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29
Red and Green Status LEDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29
Right Side Interfaces and Connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30
USB “B” Connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30
µDB-9 (Micro DB-9) Connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30
USB Host Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30

4 Keysight AP1200A Multi-Protocol Vehicle Network Interface User Guide
microSD Slot and Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Micro-SIM Slot and Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Membrane LED Display and Keypad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Keypad Buttons and LEDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Network/Logger Status RGB LEDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
“Computer Set” LED Status Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
“Car Set” LED Status Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Standard Cables and Cable Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
USB "A/B" Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
µDB-9 (Micro DB-9) to DB-9 Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
AP1200A-J45 Ethernet Cable Adapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
AP1200A-DB9 DB-26HD cable F to 12x DB-9M + 1x RJ-45 + 2x Banana
Plugs (for benchtop use) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Optional OBD Cables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
4 Hardware and Software Setup
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
VSpy and Driver Installation and Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Hardware Connection Diagrams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Basic Hardware Connection Diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
DB-25F to OBD-II (AP1200A-MUL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
OBD Cable with DoIP support, HD26F to DB25M, DB9M to OBDII
(AP1200A-DIP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Vehicle Network and Power Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
HD-26 and OBD Cable Connections to AP1200A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
µDB-9 to DB-9 Cable Connection to AP1200A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
PC Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
5 Device Configuration
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
6 Core Feature Operation
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Interfacing to Automotive Ethernet (BroadR-Reach / 100BASE-T1) . . 61

Keysight AP1200A Multi-Protocol Vehicle Network Interface User Guide 5
7 Advanced Features
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64
neoVI API . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64
USB Host . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64
8 Reference for Connector Pinouts and Cable Signal Mappings
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66
AP1200A-J45 Connector Pinouts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67
HD-26 Connector Pinout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67
µDB-9 Connector Pinout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69
AP1200A-J45 Ethernet Cable Adapter Connector Pinouts and Signal
Mapping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70
DB-25 Connector Pinout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70
DB-9 Connector Pinout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71
RJ-45 Connector Pinout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72
Cable Signal Mapping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .73
AP1200A-DB9 DB-26HD cable F to 12x DB-9M + 1x RJ-45 + 2x Banana
Plugs (for benchtop use) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75
HS CAN, MS CAN and Switchable SW CAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75
LIN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .76
RJ-45 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77
Banana Jacks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77
AP1200A-MUL DB-25F to OBD-II Cable Connector Pinouts and Signal
Mapping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .78
DB-25 Connector Pinout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .78
OBD-II / J1962 Connector Pinout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .79
Cable Signal Mapping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .80
AP1200A-DIP OBD Cable with DoIP support, HD26F to DB25M, DB9M to
OBDII cable Connector Pinouts and Signal Mapping . . . . . . . . . . . .82
DB-25 Connector Pinout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .82
DB-9 Connector Pinout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .83
OBD-II / J1962 Connector Pinout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .84
Cable Signal Mapping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .85

6 Keysight AP1200A Multi-Protocol Vehicle Network Interface User Guide
AP1200A-GMB DB-26HD to OBD x2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
OBD Cable OBD x2 (AP1200A-GMB) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
AAppendix
List of Abbreviations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
BAppendix
Service and Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94

Keysight AP1200A Multi-Protocol Vehicle Network Interface User Guide 7
List of Figures
Figure 1-1 AP1200A Package Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
Figure 3-1 AP1200A Top View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
Figure 3-2 AP1200A Bottom View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
Figure 3-3 AP1200A Left Side View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29
Figure 3-4 AP1200A Right Side View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30
Figure 3-5 AP1200A Membrane LED Display and Keypad . . . . . .32
Figure 3-6 AP1200A Membrane LED Display and Keypad Showing 
Active LEDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35
Figure 3-7 USB “A/B” Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38
Figure 3-8 µDB-9 (Micro DB-9) to DB-9 Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39
Figure 3-9 Close-up of µDB-9 Connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39
Figure 3-10 AP1200A Ethernet Cable Adapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40
Figure 3-11 DB-25 Connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40
Figure 3-12 DB-9 Connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41
Figure 3-13 RJ-45 Socket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41
Figure 3-14 DB-26HD cable F to 12x DB-9M + 1x RJ-45 + 2x Banana
Plugs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42
Figure 3-15 DB-25F to OBD-II . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43
Figure 3-16 AP1200A OBD Cable with DoIP Support . . . . . . . . . . .44
Figure 3-17 DB-26HD to OBD x2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45
Figure 4-1 Basic AP1200A Hardware Connection Diagram . . . . .50
Figure 4-2 AP1200A Hardware Connection Diagram with OBD-II
(AP1200A-MUL) Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51
Figure 4-3 AP1200A Hardware Connection Diagram with AP1200A
OBD Cable with DoIP Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52
Figure 4-4 Connecting the HD-26 Cable Connector to the 
AP1200A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53
Figure 4-5 Attaching the DB-25 Connector of an OBD Cable to the
DB-25 on the AP1200A Ethernet Cable Adapter . .54
Figure 4-6 Connecting the µDB-9 Cable Connector to the 
AP1200A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55
Figure 4-7 Connecting the USB Cable to the AP1200A . . . . . . . .56
Figure 6-1 AP1200A Connection Diagram for Automotive Ethernet
Using APM0100E Media Converter . . . . . . . . . . . . .61

8 Keysight AP1200A Multi-Protocol Vehicle Network Interface User Guide
Figure 8-1 AP1200A HD-26 Connector Pin Numbering . . . . . . . . 68
Figure 8-2 AP1200A µDB-9 Connector Pin Numbering . . . . . . . . 69

Keysight AP1200A Multi-Protocol Vehicle Network Interface User Guide 9
List of Tables
Table 3-1 AP1200A Green/Red LED Flash Patterns . . . . . . . . . .33
Table 3-2 AP1200A Top Membrane Computer Set LED Meanings .
36
Table 3-3 Top Membrane Car Set LED Meanings . . . . . . . . . . . .37
Table 8-1 AP1200A HD-26 Connector Pinout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67
Table 8-2 AP1200A µDB-9 Connector Pinout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69
Table 8-3 AP1200A Ethernet Cable Adapter DB-25 Connector
Pinout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70
Table 8-4 AP1200A Ethernet Cable Adapter DB-9 Connector
Pinout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71
Table 8-5 AP1200A Ethernet Cable Adapter RJ-45 Connector
Pinout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72
Table 8-6 AP1200A Ethernet Cable Adapter Signal Mapping . . .73
Table 8-7 HS CAN, MS CAN, and Switchable SW CAN . . . . . . .75
Table 8-8 LIN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .76
Table 8-9 RJ-45 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77
Table 8-10 Banana Jacks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77
Table 8-11 DB-25 Connector Pinout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .78
Table 8-12 OBD-II / J1962 Connector Pinout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .79
Table 8-13 AP1200A-MUL Cable Signal Mapping . . . . . . . . . . . . .80
Table 8-14 AP1200A OBD Cable with DoIP Support DB-25 Connector
Pinout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .82
Table 8-15 AP1200A OBD Cable with DoIP Support DB-9 Connector
Pinout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .83
Table 8-16 AP1200A OBD Cable with DoIP Support OBD-II / J1962
Connector Pinout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .84
Table 8-17 AP1200A OBD Cable with DoIP Support Signal Mapping
85
Table 8-18 AP1200A-GMB OBD Cable OBD x2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .87
Table A-1 Abbreviation and Definition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .90

10 Keysight AP1200A Multi-Protocol Vehicle Network Interface User Guide
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Keysight AP1200A Multi-Protocol Vehicle Network Interface
User Guide
11
1 Product Inspection
Check the Product 12

1 Product Inspection
12 Keysight AP1200A Multi-Protocol Vehicle Network Interface User Guide
Check the Product
Upon receiving the AP1200A Multi-Protocol Vehicle Network Interface from
Keysight Technologies, perform the following product inspection:
– Inspect the outer shipping container, foam-lined instrument case, and product
for damage.
– Retain the outer cardboard shipping container until you have inspected the
contents of the shipment for completeness, and you have checked the product
mechanically and electrically.
– Locate the shipping list and verify that all items ordered were received.

Product Inspection 1
Keysight AP1200A Multi-Protocol Vehicle Network Interface User Guide 13
Package Contents
Figure 1-1 AP1200A Package Contents
AP1200A
USB 2.0 (A/B) Cable
32 GB Micro SD Card
DB-9F to DB-9M
Cable Adapter
AP1200A-J45 AP1200A-DB9
Standard Items:
Optional Items:
AP1200A-MUL AP1200A-DIP
AP1200A-GMP

1 Product Inspection
14 Keysight AP1200A Multi-Protocol Vehicle Network Interface User Guide
Your Multi-Protocol Vehicle Network Interface package contains the following:
Standard Items:
– One AP1200A Multi-Protocol Vehicle Network Interface device
– One USB 2.0 (A/B) cable
– One 32 GB Micro SD card
– One µDB-9F to DB-9M Cable Adapter
– AP1200A-J45 Ethernet adapter cable, DB-26F- DB-25M, DB9(M)- RJ-45
– AP1200A-DB9 DB-26HD cable F to 12x DB-9M + 1x RJ-45 + 2x Banana Plugs
(for benchtop use)
You will also receive a “Startup Guide” card to help you get going quickly with
your device.
Optional Items:
– AP1200A-MUL DB-25F to OBD-II
– AP1200A-DIP OBD Cable with DoIP support, HD26F to DB25M, DB9M to
OBDII
– AP1200A-GMB DB-26HD to OBD x2
– AP00000A-SPY Vehicle Spy 3 Enterprise (Full Version)
If anything is missing, contact Keysight Technologies “Service and Support” on
page 94 for prompt assistance.
The Vehicle Spy 3 Enterprise (Full Version) comes with the following:
– A copy of Vehicle Spy vehicle network software
– Drivers for the AP1200A
– An API install kit containing the neoVI Explorer utility for configuring the device
NOTE
While the USB cable in the AP1200A package uses industry-standard
connectors and pinouts, not all USB cables are the same. To ensure reliable
operation, use the cable included with the AP1200A. If you need to replace the
original, be sure not to use one longer than 6” (2 m), or you may experience
problems with your hardware. If necessary, contact Keysight for a replacement.

Product Inspection 1
Keysight AP1200A Multi-Protocol Vehicle Network Interface User Guide 15
– Documentation materials
Vehicle Spy (often abbreviated as VSpy), termed as the “Swiss army knife” of
automotive networking tools allows you to monitor and transmit on vehicle
networks easily. VSpy includes capabilities for ECU simulation, data acquisition,
scripting, diagnostics, data analysis, and much more.
The AP1200A and VSpy work together hand in hand. Keysight recommends
purchasing a VSpy license to go along with your new hardware. Install
AP00000A-SPY Vehicle Spy or use a limited Vehicle Spy Trial, available from
Keysight's partner, Intrepid Control Systems here.
It is also possible to control the AP1200A from within other software using one of
the APIs that the device supports
Visual Inspection
Be sure to inspect all instrument cables, Ethernet cables, and devices carefully
before making a connection. Inspect all cables and connectors for metal particles,
scratches, deformed threads, dents, or bent, broken, or misaligned center
conductors. Do not use damaged cables.

1 Product Inspection
16 Keysight AP1200A Multi-Protocol Vehicle Network Interface User Guide
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Keysight AP1200A Multi-Protocol Vehicle Network Interface
User Guide
17
2 Introduction and Overview
Introduction 18
Operational Overview 19
Summary of Key Features 20
Hardware and Software Requirements 23

2 Introduction and Overview
18 Keysight AP1200A Multi-Protocol Vehicle Network Interface User Guide
Introduction
The AP1200A is a general-purpose interface tool, providing access to multiple
channels of CAN, LIN, and other vehicle networks. The AP1200A can be used for
standalone logging based on precise specifications, to monitor and transmit on
networks, and create custom simulations for network analysis and
troubleshooting.
The AP1200A provides more CAN channels, superior performance, more robust
case and connectors, far larger script space, the ability to download data from the
included SD card over USB, and support for a wider input voltage range. It also
adds new revolutionary features to the world of vehicle networking tools, such as
support for CAN FD, Automotive Ethernet and DoIP, individual multi-color
network activity LEDs, USB device hosting, and much more.

Introduction and Overview 2
Keysight AP1200A Multi-Protocol Vehicle Network Interface User Guide 19
Operational Overview
The AP1200A is a compact but powerful hardware tool for working with vehicle
networks. Its operation broadly consists of three categories:
– network interfacing
– data acquisition and logging
– simulation and scripting
Vehicle Network Interfacing
One primary function of the AP1200A is to act as an interface between vehicle
networks and a standard PC. Using the provided cables, you can connect the
AP1200A to either a bench test setup or an actual vehicle, and monitor live
network activity. All channels are captured simultaneously and are hardware
time-stamped with great accuracy. The AP1200A transfers data from the attached
networks over a USB connection. View the data via software such as the VSpy.
Data Acquisition and Standalone Logging
The AP1200A enables the acquisition of data from networks with precise control
over collection parameters. It is designed to operate not just when connected to a
PC, but also in standalone mode, running independently within a vehicle. You can
write custom scripts that run in real-time, logging data to the included microSD
card. You can later download this data to the PC for analysis, and this can be done
conveniently over USB without the need to remove the card.
Simulation and Scripting
The AP1200A not only allows you to receive data from vehicle networks but also to
transmit on them. Using VSpy or other software, you can define transmit
messages with custom data and send them manually or on a schedule of your
choosing. You can also write intelligent scripts that implement arbitrary logic, and
compile them into CoreMinis that run within the AP1200A. This functionality
allows you to create specialized test scenarios, and to simulate ECUs and
gateways. It is also possible to reflash ECUs using data from the AP1200A's
microSD card.

2 Introduction and Overview
20 Keysight AP1200A Multi-Protocol Vehicle Network Interface User Guide
Summary of Key Features
With the AP1200A, Keysight fits a lot of power and functionality into a tough little
package. To give you an idea of how much you can do with the AP1200A, the
following details a summary of the device's most important design, construction,
operational, and performance features.
Construction, Controls, and Cabling
The following details the construction, controls, and cabling of the AP1200A:
– Compact design: 5.5” x 3.5” x 1.5” (14 x 9 x 4 cm)
– Light weight: less than 12 oz (340 g)
– Solid anodized aluminum case
– Thick rubber end boots for shock protection
– Ruggedized metal connectors
– Cable interfaces on sides for easier connections
– Multiple cable options for vehicle networks, including Ethernet, DoIP, and
OBD-II
– Top membrane interface with network and logger status LEDs and two
pushbuttons
– Ability to control LEDs and pushbuttons in custom scripts
Power and Performance
The following details the power and performance of the AP1200A:
– Fourth-generation architecture, offering superior performance
– Memory updated to 32 MB and on-board flash to 64 MB, allowing much more
space for scripting and buffering
–Field-upgradeablefirmware
– Support for 4.5 V to 40 V input power
– Built-in five-second uninterruptible power supply to ensure graceful shutdown
on power loss