Ixxat SimplyCAN USB-to-CAN Adapter
Important User Information
DisclaimerThe information in this document is for informational purposes only. Please inform HMS Networks of any inaccuracies or omissions found in this document. HMS Networks disclaims any responsibility or liability for any errors that may appear in this document.
HMS Networks reserves the right to modify its products in line with its policy of continuous product development. The information in this document shall therefore not be construed as a commitment on the part of HMS Networks and is subject to change without notice. HMS Networks makes no commitment to update or keep current the information in this document.
The data, examples and illustrations found in this document are included for illustrative purposes and are only intended to help improve understanding of the functionality and handling of the product. In view of the wide range of possible applications of the product, and because of the many variables and requirements associated with any particular implementation, HMS Networks cannot assume responsibility or liability for actual use based on the data, examples or illustrations included in this document nor for any damages incurred during installation of the product. Those responsible for the use of the product must acquire sufficient knowledge in order to ensure that the product is used correctly in their specific application and that the application meets all performance and safety requirements including any applicable laws, regulations, codes and standards. Further, HMS Networks will under no circumstances assume liability or responsibility for any problems that may arise as a result from the use of undocumented features or functional side effects found outside the documented scope of the product. The effects caused by any direct or indirect use of such aspects of the product are undefined and may include e.g. compatibility issues and stability issues.
User Guide
Please read the manual carefully. Make sure you fully understand the manual before using the product.
Target AudienceThis manual addresses trained personnel who are familiar with CAN and the applicable standards. The contents of the manual must be made available to any person authorized to use or operate the product.
Document History
| Version | Date | Description |
| 1.0 | March 2019 | First release |
| 1.1 | January 2020 | Adjusted max. bus load, removed Windows 7 installation |
| 1.2 | October 2020 | Corrections tested OS, minor corrections, added FCC |
Trademark InformationIxxat® is a registered trademark of HMS Industrial Networks AB. All other trademarks mentioned in this document are the property of their respective holders.
ConventionsInstructions and results are structured as follows:
- instruction 1
- instruction 2
- → result 1
- → result 2
Lists are structured as follows:
• item 1• item 2
Bold typeface indicates interactive parts such as connectors and switches on the hardware, or menus and buttons in a graphical user interface.This font is used to indicate program code and other kinds of data input/output such as configuration scripts.
This is a cross-reference within this document: Conventions, p. 4 This is an external link (URL): www.hms-networks.com
Safety Instructions
Information on EMCRisk of interference to radio and television if used in office or home environment! The product is a class B device.Use exclusively included accessories or HMS accessories that are intended for use with the device. Use exclusively shielded cables.Make sure that the shield of the interface is connected with the device plug and the plug on the other side.
General Safety Instructions
- Protect product from moisture and humidity.
- Protect product from too high or too low temperature (see Technical Data, p. 11).
- Protect product from fire.
- Do not paint the product.
- Do not modify or disassemble the product. Service must be carried out by HMS Industrial Networks.
- Store products in dry and dust-free place.
Intended UseThe device is used to connect computer systems to CAN networks to exchange data for example to configure a device via CAN or to read device diagnosis data. The simplyCAN is intended for the connection to a computer via the USB interface.
Scope of Delivery
Included in the scope of delivery:
- simplyCAN deviceThe following is available via download from www.simplycan.info:
- simplyCAN bus monitor
- installation file setup.bat
- programming API
- programming examples
- user manualA CAN bus termination can be ordered separately.
Product Description
The simplyCAN is an active USB adapter which enables the user to connect a computer with a CAN network to monitor the network traffic and to interact with other network devices. The simplyCAN is a plug and play device due to the easy installation and the easy-to-use CAN programming interface.
Features
• USB 1.1 Full-Speed (12 MBit/s)• 1 x CAN high-speed channel according to ISO 11898-2• D-Sub 9 fieldbus connection, pin allocation according to CiA 303-1• USB cable with plug type A
Windows: the simplyCAN is tested Windows 10 (64 bit).Linux: the simplyCAN is tested using Ubuntu 16.04 (32 bit) on Linux kernel version 4.15 as well as Ubuntu 20.04 (64 bit) on Linux kernel version 5.4, and Rasberry OS 10 (buster) kernel version 5.4 (32 bit).
The performance is limited to 50-60 % for Rx and Tx directions each. For a busload higher than 50-60 % data loss is possible.
Installation
Insufficient power supply!Connect the device directly to the computer or to self-powered hubs to ensure sufficient power supply. Extension cables may cause connection issues.
On Windows 10 and Linux the USB interface is automatically installed when plugged in, without a driver installation.Download the simplyCAN package for the operating system in use from www.simplycan.info and unpack the files.
The COM interface for the simplyCAN is showed as USB Serial Device (COMx) in the device manager when plugged in. To show the simplyCAN as Ixxat simplyCAN (COMx) in the device manager, execute the file setup.bat.
- Plug the USB connector in the USB port of computer.→ Hardware is automatically found and installed.→ USB LED is green flashing.
- If necessary install a bus termination (see CAN Bus Termination, p. 10).
- Connect the CAN fieldbus connector to the CAN fieldbus.
- Start the simplyCAN bus monitor (see Operation, p. 8).
ConnectorsThe shield of the USB cable is connected to ground using a 100 nF capacitor. The shield of the CAN connector is connected to CAN ground via a 1 MΩ resistor and a 10 nF capacitor. USB_shield is connected to CAN_shield via a 4.7 nF capacitor.
For best noise immunity connect the shields of the CAN cables directly to the device ground.
| Pin Allocation D-Sub 9 | |
| Signal | Pin No. |
| CAN high | 7 |
| CAN low | 2 |
| CAN GND | 3, 6 |
Operation
simply CAN Bus Monitor
- Start the simplyCAN bus monitor.→ If one simplyCAN is connected to the computer, the device is automatically selected and connected (1).
- If several simplyCAN are connected to the computer, select the desired device (1) and click button Connect (2).→ Information about the device are displayed (4).The simplyCAN bus monitor can be opened several times to connect several simplyCAN devices simultaneously.
- To change the device, click button Disconnect (3), select the device in drop-down list Select device (1) and click button Connect (2).
- Select the desired CiA baudrate (5).
- To start the communication, click button CAN start (6).→ CAN messages are shown in the window Output (8).→ In transmitted messages the time stamp is 0 and the flag S is displayed.
- To send a message, enter the message in the Transmit line (9) (see Transmit Messages, p. 9 for more information).
- Click button Send (9).→ If the entered message is valid, the message is transmitted.→ If the entered message is invalid, the error message Syntax error and a description of the message format is shown.
- Stop the communication with button CAN stop (7).
- Clear the output window with button Clear (10).
- For a busload higher than 50-60 % data loss is possible. Data loss is signalled by the Ovr LED in the simplyCAN bus monitor.
Transmit MessagesSyntax: <id> [R] [E] [<data>…]
• id: identifier (decimal or hexadecimal)• R: remote transmit request for message• E: message in Extended frame format (29 bit)• data: data bytes of the message (decimal or hexadecimal), in RTR messages the first data byte contains the DLC
Examples
| Examples | |
| Message in simplyCAN bus monitor | Description |
| 0x100 0x11 0x22 0x3 0x44 | 11 bit message with ID 100 (hex) and 4 data bytes |
| 0x1FE1200 E 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 | 29 bit message with ID 1FE1200 (hex) and 8 data bytes |
| 123 R 8 | 11 bit remote frame with ID 123 and DLC=8 |
| 0x1FE1200 R 8 | 29 bit remote frame with ID 1FE1200 (hex) and DLC=8 |
USB LED
The USB LED reflects the status of the USB communication.
| LED state | Description | Comments |
| Off | Power off | No power or device defect |
| Green flashing | No active connection | Device ready to use, simplyCAN bus monitor or API must be started to use the device |
| Green | Active connection | Device in use |
CAN LED
The CAN LED reflects the status of CAN communication.
| LED state | Description | Comments |
| Off | No communication | No communication, device not connected to CAN |
| Green flashing | Communication OK | LED is triggered with each message. |
| Red flashing | Communication with errors | Controller is in state error warning or in state error passive, communication is possible. |
| Red | Bus off | Controller is in state bus off, no communication possible. |
Additional Components
CAN Bus Termination
There is no bus termination resistor for the CAN bus integrated in the device. HMS Industrial Networks offers a bus termination resistor as a feed through connector.
For ordering information see www.ixxat.com.
Technical Data
| USB interface | USB 1.1, Full-Speed (12 MBit/s) |
| CAN bitrates | 10 kbit/s to 1 Mbit/s, only CiA recommended bit rates are supported: 10, 20, 50, 125, 250, 500, 800, 1000 |
| CAN transceiver | TI SN65HVD251 |
| CAN bus termination | None |
| Dimensions | 80 x 50 x 22 mm |
| Weight | Approx. 100 g |
| Power supply | Via USB, 5 V DC/100 mA |
| Galvanic isolation | 800 V DC/500 V AC for 1 min |
| Operating temperature | -20 to +70 °C |
| Storage temperature | -40 to +85 °C |
| Relative humidity | 10 % to 95 %, non condensing |
| Housing material | ABS plastic |
| Protection class | IP40 |
Troubleshooting
USB LED is off after connecting.
No power or defect device
- Make sure that the device is correctly connected to the USB port.
- Connect the device directly to the computer or to self-powered hubs.
Extension cable is used and device is not working.
Extension cables may cause connection issues.
- Remove the extension cable.
- Connect the device directly or via an active USB hub to the computer.
Cleaning
- Disconnect the device from power supply.
- Remove dirt with a soft, chemical untreated, dry cloth.
Support/Return Hardware
Support
- For problems or support with the product request support at www.ixxat.com/support.
- If required use support phone contacts on www.ixxat.com.
Return Hardware
- Fill in the form for warranty claims and repair on www.ixxat.com/support/product-returns.
- Print out the Product Return Number (PRN resp. RMA).
- Pack product in a physically- and ESD-safe way, use original packaging if possible.
- Enclose PRN number.
- Observe further notes on www.ixxat.com.
- Return hardware.
State Diagram
Function Calls and the Corresponding Valid States
| Function Calls and the Corresponding Valid States | |
| Function | Valid states |
| simply_open() | Not connected |
| simply_close() | Device connected, CAN initialized |
| simply_initialize_can() | Device connected, CAN initialized |
| simply_reset_can() | Device connected, CAN initialized, CAN running |
| simply_start_can() | CAN initialized |
| simply_stop_can() | Device connected, CAN initialized, CAN running |
| simply_receive() | CAN initialized, CAN running |
| simply_send() | CAN running |
| simply_get_last_error() | All states |
| simply_can_status() | Device connected, CAN initialized, CAN running |
| simply_identify() | Device connected, CAN initialized, CAN running |
| simply_set_filter() | CAN initialized |
Regulatory Compliance
The product is in compliance with the Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive. More information and the Declaration of Conformity is found at www.ixxat.com.FCC Compliance StatementThis device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
• This device may not cause harmful interference.• This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by HMS Industrial Networks could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
- Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
- Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver.
- Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
- Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
Disposal and recycling
You must dispose of this product properly according to local laws and regulations. Because this product contains electronic components, it must be disposed of separately from household waste. When this product reaches its end of life, contact local authorities to learn about disposal and recycling options, or simply drop it off at your local HMS office or return it to HMS.For more information, see www.hms-networks.com.
© 2020 HMS Industrial Networks Box 4126300 04 Halmstad, Sweden[email protected]
References
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