Protocol analyser for DeviceNet and CANbus

23 May 2001 Test & Measurement

Industry analysts have predicted that the growth rate of DeviceNet shows no signs of slowing because this device-level network offers key capabilities over hard-wired systems. However, what action does a plant take when a problem has occurred with the device network? Often conventional test equipment such as oscilloscopes and voltmeters may not be effective in troubleshooting a network problem. In this case, a network analyser is needed that interprets the data transmitted over the wires.

Contemporary Controls designed the DeviceNet analyser to assist in both the troubleshooting and development of DeviceNet networks. Traditionally, a controller area network (CAN) analyser has been used for network analysis since CAN is the underlying data link layer technology used by DeviceNet. In addition to being expensive, CAN analysers that only display CAN frames are difficult to use and often provide results that confuse and frustrate the troubleshooting process.

Although the DeviceNet analyser can display raw CAN frames, its main purpose is displaying DeviceNet protocol information in a meaningful format. The operator can view a connection sequence from master to slave and all the data being produced by either a master or a slave.

The DeviceNet analyser consists of a program on a CD and an intelligent PC Card adapter employed in a laptop computer operating Windows 95/98/ME. By integrating intelligence in the PC card adapter, DeviceNet traffic can be captured in realtime to minimise the possibility of missing messages. To remove clutter on the screen, it can filter particular group messages, MAC IDs or type I/O responses. Each message is time-stamped so traffic can be observed or saved to hard disk for off-line analysis.

For further information contact Electronic Products Design, (012) 665 9700.

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