Contemporary Controls has launched the ICPCM series of intelligent controller area network (CAN) network interface modules (NIMs) that can help OEMs connect CAN networks to laptop computers. Since most CAN PC cards have microprocessors and rely on the PC for all buffering and processing, this makes the application susceptible to missed messages due to the interrupt handling in Windows and other non-realtime operating systems. By integrating intelligence in the PC Card adapter, CAN traffic can be captured in realtime to reduce the chance of missed messages. This also relieves the PC from the burden of directly receiving CAN data during periods of heavy traffic, which is important when using the product as a monitoring or commissioning tool.
The ICPCM conforms to release 2.1 of the PC Card standard Type II (5,0 mm thick) cards. The CAN transceiver circuitry is located in a detachable MAU (medium access unit), which plugs into the ICPCM adapter via a short cable.
For realtime capture of high-speed messages, the ICPCM offers enhanced features such as 128 KB onboard CAN buffer for use on high-speed CAN networks and provides 2 KB dual port RAM for high-speed data exchange between the card and an attached PC. Other features include listen-only mode, support for 11-bit and 29-bit identifiers and programmable CAN status LED. The user application can control the colour of the CAN status LED (red, green or off). The LED can also remain solid or flash at a programmable rate.
The ICPCM is outfitted with the latest generation CAN controller chip, the SJA1000-offering Can 2.0B compatibility and the full range of data rates up to 1 Mbps.
There are two models of this product, each with a different MAU to accommodate different physical layers. The ICPCM-DN supports DeviceNet physical layer networks. This MAU provides reverse-voltage and short-circuit protection. The ICPCM-CO supports CANopen physical layer networks. In addition, both of these MAUs have optically-isolated transceiver circuitry.
Plug-and-play Windows drivers are provided for the ICPCM. Also included are DLLs that simplify the interface between these drivers and application programs. A detailed description of the ICPCM API is provided along with the source code for a sample ICPCM application.
The ICPCM is shipped with a CD-ROM containing Windows 98, ME, 2000 and XP drivers, sample applications, and User Manual.
| Tel: | +27 12 493 0852 |
| Email: | [email protected] |
| www: | www.epd.co.za |
| Articles: | More information and articles about Electronic Products Design |
© Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd | All Rights Reserved
printer friendly version