Microchip CAN Analyzer Road Test - part 1: First trials

27 Oct 2017

I'm reviewing the Microchip CAN Analyzer for a Road Test.

It'll be used in a CAN Bus that I'm designing. This first test is to see if It can capture data in the logic layer.

First Impression

I've filmed my attempts to install and try out the software.

Similar to one of my fellow road testers, I had issues installing from the provided DVD. It worked with the version on Microchip's website.

First Test

I don't have a physical CAN bus yet. That's WIP. My current setup is on the logic level, treading the 3V3 signals directly from the microcontrollers.

I wasn't able to capture data immediately, but after a few hops and bumps I got it working. The Analyzer logs data on the logic level of my CAN setup.

Here's a video capture of that:

That's not a bad result for a noon of playing around. I'll try to send some data from the analyzer in the next blog.

Road Test Blog
part 1: First trials
part 2: Inject CAN Messages
part 3: Analyzer as Test Tool
part 4: Analyze the Physical layer of CAN Bus
Related Blog
part 1: tryout
part 2: Communication between 2 Devices
part 3a: Design a Bus Driver PCB
part 3b: Design a Bus Driver PCB - Schematics and Custom Components
part 3c: Design a Bus Driver PCB - Layout
part 3d: Design a Bus Driver PCB - Test

Top Comments

Jan Cumps over 2 years ago in reply to mechgov

In hardware setup, I set the Mode to Normal, and speed to my CAN bus speed 500000.
Terminator depending if this is the 1st or last node, then on. Else off.

In the 6-pin connector, I connect Hi and Lo of the bus to 2 and 3 (check the manual) and ground to 6.

Then I see traffic when it appears on the bus whn opening one of the trace views.
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mechgov over 2 years ago

Hello,

What parameters did you endup changing to actually read the can messages? I have downloaded all the software and installed under administrator ut my screen is blank, I see message traffic under buts sents and received but no hexadecimal r decimal traffic showing. I am using a OBD2 cable connected to the device, any help would be appreciated. Thanks!
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mcb1 over 5 years ago in reply to Jan Cumps

I hope that one of the other road testers will do that.
Yep I plan to do that one.

I've been trying to see if there is some info on the codes before I start.
I have seen some other bus testing and there are lots of bits flying past.

I have found some very interesting links, which I intend to include.

Mark
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Jan Cumps over 5 years ago in reply to DAB

DAB , I hope that one of the other road testers will do that.
I wrote in my application that I will not use it in an existing vehicle, but as development tool.
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DAB over 5 years ago

Nice update.

I look forward to seeing what happens when you plug it into an actual vehicle.

DAB
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