2. Introduction and Overview

2.1. Introduction

Thank you for purchasing an Intrepid Control Systems ValueLOG which is the next-generation, low-cost, high-performance data logging device for CAN FD and LIN networks. The ValueLOG includes Ethernet (DoIP), four channels of CAN FD (Including SW CAN) and LIN in one tool. All channels run simultaneously and are time-stamped in hardware.

The ValueLOG can be used to monitor and transmit on networks, to create custom simulations for network analysis and troubleshooting, and for standalone logging based on precise specifications.

2.2. Package Contents

Your ValueLOG package includes both hardware and software.

Hardware

You should receive the following:

  • The ValueLOG network interface device
  • OBD to 4x DB9 Adapter Cable (purchase separately)
  • USB Type A To Type C cable (purchase separately)
  • Antennas (purchase separately)

You will also receive a “Getting Started” card to help you get going quickly with your device.

The ValueLOG is packaged using a special cardboard insert with a plastic sheet molded over it to hold it securely during shipment.

Lift up the plastic sheet, remove the ValueLOG, and then fold back the cardboard upon which it rested. Underneath you will find the cables and other accessories listed above. Please remove, unwrap and inspect all of the contents, an example of which is shown in Figure 2.

If anything is missing or damaged, please contact Intrepid for prompt assistance, using the information in Chapter 9. Detailed instructions for attaching the cables to your hardware are provided later in the document

Note

While the optional USB cable in the ValueLOG package uses industry standard connectors and pinouts, not all USB cables are the same. To ensure reliable operation, please use the cable included with the ValueLOG. If you need to replace the original, be sure not to use one longer than 6’ (2 m) or you may experience problems with your hardware. If necessary, contact Intrepid for a replacement.

Software

In the ValueLOG package you will find a software/driver card containing (otherwise you have already received this information via email):

  • A copy of Intrepid’s Vehicle Spy vehicle network software (Optional Purchase)
  • Drivers for the ValueLOG.
  • An API install kit containing the neoVI Explorer utility for configuring the device.

Intrepid’s Vehicle Spy (often abbreviated as VSpy) is the “Swiss army knife” of automotive networking tools. It allows you to easily monitor and transmit on vehicle networks, and includes capabilities for ECU simulation, data acquisition, scripting, diagnostics, data analysis and much more.

The ValueLOG and Vehicle Spy are designed to work together hand in hand, and we recommend purchasing a VSpy license to go along with your new hardware. If you did so, then a full copy of the software will be emailed to you. If you did not purchase Vehicle Spy, you can request an evaluation version of the program, which allows access to VSpy’s basic features. You can find the Evaluation request here: https://intrepidcs.com/products/software/vehicle-spy/vehicle-spy-evaluation/

It is also possible to control the ValueLOG from within other software using one of the APIs that the device supports, visit Github.com/intrepidcs to learn about our open source APIs.

2.3. Operational Overview

The ValueLOG is a compact but powerful hardware tool for working with vehicle networks. Its operation can broadly be broken down into two categories: data acquisition and logging; and simulation and scripting.

Vehicle Network Interfacing

One primary function of the ValueLOG is to act as an interface between vehicle networks and a standard PC. Using the provided cables, you can connect the ValueLOG to either a bench test setup or an actual vehicle, and monitor live network activity. All channels are captured simultaneously, and are hardware time-stamped with great accuracy. Data is transferred by the ValueLOG from attached networks over USB type “C” connection, where it can be viewed in software such as Vehicle Spy.

Data Acquisition and Standalone Logging

The ValueLOG enables the acquisition of data from networks with precise control over collection parameters. It is designed to operate not just when connected to a PC, but also in standalone mode, running independently within a vehicle. You can write custom scripts that run in real time, logging data to the 32GB eMMC storage. This data can later be downloaded to the PC for analysis, and this can be done conveniently over USB.

Simulation and Scripting

The ValueLOG not only allows you to receive data from vehicle networks, but also to transmit on them. Using Vehicle Spy or other software you can define transmit messages with custom data and send them manually or on a schedule of your choosing. You can also write intelligent scripts that implement arbitrary logic, and compile them into CoreMinis that run within the device itself. This functionality allows you to create specialized test scenarios, and to simulate ECUs and gateways. It is also possible to reflash ECUs using data from the ValueLOG’s eMMC storage.

2.4. Summary of Key Features

With the ValueLOG, we’ve fit a lot of power and functionality into a tough little package. To give you an idea of how much you can do with the ValueLOG, here’s a summary of the device’s most important design, construction, operational and performance features.

Construction, Controls and Cabling

  • Compact design: 13.60cm x 11.22cm x 3.97cm.
  • Light weight: less than 12 oz (340 g).
  • Solid anodized aluminum case.
  • Thick rubber end boots for shock protection.
  • Ruggedized metal connectors.
  • Cable interfaces on sides for easier connections.
  • Multiple cable options for vehicle networks, including Ethernet, DoIP and OBD-II.
  • Top membrane interface with network and logger status LEDs and two pushbuttons.
  • Ability to control LEDs and pushbuttons in custom scripts.

Power and Performance

  • Memory updated to 32GB eMMC storage.
  • Field-upgradeable firmware.
  • Support for 4.5-40V operation input power.
  • Built-in five-second uninterruptible power supply to ensure graceful shutdown on power loss.
  • Ability to configure the device and download from eMMC storage on the desktop using only USB.
  • Lower power consumption than earlier generation devices.

Network Interfaces and Features

  • Up to 4 dedicated DW CAN channels (ISO 11898-2): one LIN channels, and one Gigabit Ethernet channels 100BASE-T1 for DoIP, switchable for 2x CAN FD network)
  • All Dual Wire CAN channels have CAN FD support.
  • Initial support for non-ISO CAN FD, with ISO CAN FD upgrade included when it is available.
  • Software-programmable CAN termination.
  • 1 LIN channels.
  • 4 MISC I/O channels, which can be configured as analog / PWM.
  • Software-configurable CAN and LIN channels enables/disables, baud rates and other parameters.
  • 100BASE-T1 Ethernet with low power mode and activation line.
  • Ethernet link usable for DoIP/XCP, or to connect to Automotive Ethernet network through Intrepid RAD-Moon series (sold separately).
  • Real-time clock for 64-bit message timestamping.Optional RTC with battery

Logging and Simulation

  • Fully-programmable scripting and standalone logging functionality.
  • eMMC storage logging of all traffic.
  • Software-configurable sleep mode.
  • Low power modes.

Advanced Features

Device control by external software using open APIs: libicsneo (https://github.com/intrepidcs/libicsneo), Python_ICS (https://github.com/intrepidcs/python_ics), Intrepid SocketCAN Kernel Module (https://github.com/intrepidcs/intrepid-socketcan-kernel-module) , neoVI DLL, SAE J2534, and TMC RP1210 A/B.

2.5. Hardware and Software Requirements

Only a small amount of hardware is required to use the ValueLOG:

  • A vehicle network, either within an actual vehicle or in a test bench environment.
  • A PC with an USB 2.0 (or higher). If you plan to use a USB hub, we recommend that this be a powered hub to ensure that sufficient power is provided.

Intrepid’s Vehicle Spy 3 Professional is recommended for use with the ValueLOG, and provides everything you need to set up your hardware and use all of its capabilities. The setup program for VSpy will also install the necessary drivers for your ValueLOG. If you do not have a VSpy license, you can use the Vehicle Spy evaluation version or download the free neoVI Explorer basic network interfacing and driver setup. Drivers can also be set up using the API kit installer. All of this software can be downloaded from the Intrepid web site at http://www.intrepidcs.com. Installation instructions can be found in Chapter 4.

Please refer to the Vehicle Spy documentation for its more specific PC hardware and operating system requirements and recommendations. Note, however, that Vehicle Spy will run on most modern Windows-based PCs.