Configuration of CANopen devices and systems

CANopen ConfigurationStudio

The CANopen ConfigurationStudio is a powerful tool for project management and configuration of CANopen devices and systems. Special features of the tool include an ergonomical user interface, modularity, expandability, and the underlying database concept. Based on a client-server structure, the tool is extremely flexible and can be customized using various program modules (client modules).

The range of applications of the CANopen ConfigurationStudio stretches from an economical device configuration tool, which allows the user to comfortably manage and configure CANopen devices to a complex network configuration tool with automated PDO mapping and linking functions. For entry-level users of CANopen devices and systems, the program offers client modules, which allow network configuration directly on the application level and hide all CANopen configuration data, such as PDO mapping, and the assignment of CAN identifiers. In this scenario, the user is only responsible for connecting input and output, or I/Os with network variables. The CANopen ConfigurationStudio is also prepared for integration with programming environments of CANopen PLCs.

The modular design and the option of integrating additional client modules with special configuration characteristics and options, including those programmed by the user, provides a quick and easy way to meet specific customer requirements.

The basis of the ConfigurationStudio is a fast database-oriented management of all configuration and device data required by the user. A very fast import function loads new device data from corresponding EDS files into the database where they are organized in binary. The benefit of this database-oriented design is fast access to all configuration data which are normally stored in separate EDS and DCF files. This limits waiting to start configuration tools, select existing projects, or load and save data.

CANopen devices and systems are configured using various client modules with different functionality. Access of the CAN bus is possible via an integrated CANopen client module, which provides NMT, LSS and LMT functionality and enables the user to scan the network.

Read more about the CANopen ConfigurationStudio

on the IXXAT Webpage.

EDS file creation and maintenance

CANopen EDS Editor

The CANopen EDS Editor is a software utility that allows the comfortable creation and maintenance of EDS files. An effective user interface provides device manufacturers and system integrators with all functions required to create EDS files or to edit existing EDS files. All inputs are evaluated for compliance with the CANopen specifications in order to prevent incorrect EDS files, which may occur when creating these files manually.

The program window is divided into two parts, showing the Object Dictionary as a tree and the EDS sections with intuitive masks. For each section a specialized mask is used so the user can see the contents in specific controls and data can be edited. Special masks are available for the Device Information, Dummy Usage, File Information and Dynamic Channel Sections. This allows easy and consistent set-up of EDS files.

The EDS editor also offers a powerful interface to read and write EDS files, enabling the user to load large files in a very short time, reducing the delay times during loading and writing.

The EDS editor is an indispensable software tool for all manufacturers, and users of CANopen systems, who are involved in the creation and maintenance of EDS files.

Read more about the CANopen EDS Editor

on the IXXAT Webpage.

Online analysis, stimulation and data interpretation

canAnalyser with CANopen Module

The canAnalyser is a powerful and versatile tool for the development, testing and service of CAN/CANopen-based networks.

The basic version of the canAnalyser cover many uses, such as online monitoring of bus traffic, transmission of singular or cyclical messages and whole message sequences, as well as recording of CAN-messages dependent on many trigger conditions which can be set. Further functions enable the statistical evaluation of the message traffic, the registration and representation of the bus load and the graphic representation of message contents over a time axis.

Extended functions are provided via supplementary modules, like the CANopen module for the protocol-specific representation of messages in CANopen-based systems.

Read more about the canAnalyser

on the IXXAT Webpage.

Interfaces

CAN modules and boards

IXXAT offers a wide range of CANopen interface boards which can be used in combination with the CANopen tools offered by IXXAT or with the CANopen Master API (see also Protocol Stacks). The CANopen Master API allows to set-up a PC/Windows based CANopen Master application in a short time.

At the moment interfaces are offered for:

PCI, ISA
PC/104
Ethernet
USB
Bluetooth
PC Card