2. Introduction and Overview

2.1. Introduction

Thank you for purchasing Intrepid Control System’s neoVI ION, multi-network vehicle network interface with wireless data logging capability. The ION is Intrepid’s fourth-generation Data Logging tool, providing access to multiple channels of CAN/CAN FD, LIN and other vehicle networks with a wireless data access. The ION has its main use case with Data logging and remote reconfiguring to log different data sets. Along with this functionality the neoVI ION can also be used to monitor and transmit on networks, to create custom simulations for network analysis and troubleshooting, remote ECU Flashing, etc. The ION provides numerous additional features to the very successful neoVI FIRE 2, including more CAN /CAN FD channels, greater performance, larger script space, It also inherits neoVI FIRE 2’s features including support for CAN FD, Automotive Ethernet and DoIP, individual multi- color network activity LEDs, USB device hosting, and much more. Combined with the Wireless neoVI, Intrepid Control System’s server solution, logged data is made available remotely. Wireless neoVI’s wide features are helpful for Fleet Management and remotely reconfiguring the logger based on the data needed at that stage of development cycle. It can provide upto 16 different types of data collections with signals of your selections also based on their respective trigger conditions. This gives access for multiple teams to gather data from a single ride.

The neoVI ION contains an additional slot for a VNET of your choice if additional Vehicle interface networks like CAN FD, Flexray, Analog card are required. The different options for the VNETs and the store links are listed in section 2.6. These can be purchased and have installed in the neoVI ION at a later date.

2.2. Package Contents

Your neoVI ION package includes both hardware and software

Hardware

You should receive the following:

  • 1 of OBD Cable
  • 1 of neoVI FIRE 2 Ethernet Cable Adapter (HD-26F to DB-25M + DB-9M + RJ-45)
  • 1 of FIRE2 VNET Module
  • 1 of neoVI ION / neoVI PLASMA 4G GPS Antenna with Adhesive
  • 1 of microSD Card and Reader Package - 32 GB
  • 1 of USB 2.0 A/B Cable - 2m (6’)
  • Will contain an additional VNET module based on your purchase choice
_images/neoVi.png

Figure 1: neoVI ION in its foam packaging.

Please remove, unwrap and inspect all 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 8. Detailed instructions for attaching the cables to your hardware are provided later in the document.

Note

Note: While the USB cable in the ION 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 ION. 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.

_images/module.png

Figure 2: neoVI ION Package Contents. Starting top center with the ION itself and going clockwise: µDB-9 to DB-9 conversion cable; USB cable; microSD card reader; ION Ethernet Cable Adapter; neoVI-OBD-1 cable. The software/driver CD can be found in the center. Note that the OBD cable you receive may differ from the one shown here

Software

In the ION package you will find a software/driver CD containing:

  • A copy of Intrepid’s Vehicle Spy vehicle network software.
  • Drivers for the neoVI ION.
  • An API install kit containing the neoVI Explorer utility for configuring the device.
  • Documentation materials

Intrepid’s Vehicle Spy (often abbreviated as VSpy) is the “Swiss army knife” of automotive networking tools. In addition to wireless data logging 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.

If you have purchased VSpy, these features will be available to you immediately. However if you have not purchased VSPY, you will receive a Trial version and have an option to purchase it later based on your requirements.

Wireless neoVI (often abbreviated as WIVI) server will be installed in your location or rented server from Intrepid Control Systems based on your choice at the time of purchase. You can access WIVI from any browser to configure your neoVI ION or access the logged data.

DataSPY can be used to analyze the data collected on the server. This analysis can then be shared with other members of your team.

2.3. Operational Overview

The neoVI ION is a compact but powerful hardware tool for working with vehicle networks. Its operation can broadly be broken down into three categories: Data acquisition and logging; network interfacing; and simulation and scripting.

Data Acquisition and Standalone Logging

The ION enables the acquisition of data from networks with precise control over collection parameters. It is designed to operate in standalone mode, running independently within a vehicle. You can write custom scripts that run in real time for logging data to the included SD card. This data is then uploaded to WIVI server where you can access it for downloading or further analysis. You can update the custom scripts remotely through WIVI based on changes in your requirements.

Vehicle Network Interfacing

One function of the neoVI ION is to act as an interface between vehicle networks and a standard PC. Using the provided cables, you can connect the neoVI ION 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 neoVI ION from attached networks over a USB connection, where it can be viewed in software such as Vehicle Spy.

Simulation and Scripting

The neoVI ION 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 ION’s SD card.

2.4. Summary of Key Features

With the neoVI ION, 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 ION, here’s a summary of the device’s most important design, construction, operational and performance features.

Construction, Controls and Cabling

  • Compact design: 7.4” x 4.5” x 1.6” (19 x 12 x 4 cm).
  • Light weight: less than 1.31lb (0.595 KG).
  • 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.
  • Ability to control LEDs in custom scripts.

Specifications for the ION. Link is given below. https://cdn.intrepidcs.net/brochures/icsusa/neoVI_Ion.pdf

Networks / Inputs

  • 6-12a Dual Wire CAN (all baud rates supported)

  • 1-2a Single Wire CAN (also referred to as GMLAN)

  • 1-2a Low Speed Fault Tolerant (LSFT) CAN

  • 5-10a,b LIN / K Line / KW2K / ISO 9141

  • 3-6a,c Low range analog inputs (FIRE VNET):

    • 0-3.3V range
    • 12 bit single ended analog inputs with +/-5% error
    • 1K Samples per second

  • 2-4a,c Low range digital inputs/outputs (FIRE VNET):

    • 0-3.3V range
    • Digital I/O (5V tolerant)

a - One VNET included; up to 2 supported for 2x network interfaces

b - Uses K-Line transceiver (simultaneous K-Line and LIN for one network not supported)

c - Analog input pins are shared with 4 digital input pins

Device Specifications

  • Voltage input: 4.5-40V
  • Temperature range: -40°C to +85°C
  • Dimensions: 1.52” × 4.38” × 7.30” (3.88 × 11.12 × 18.67 cm)
  • Number of expansion slots: 1
  • LEDs (user programmable): 8 red
  • Android user microSD card
  • SD card: 1
  • High-speed USB 2.0
  • DAQ Ethernet
  • 4G modem
  • GPS support: 5 Hz

Protocol Support:

  • OBD

  • J1939: Includes J1939 DBC, BAM, RTS/CTS

  • GMLAN:

    • Services include $22, $23, $AA, $A9, $2C
    • DBC, A2L (ASAP2 File) and ODX, and PID file support

  • UDS (ISO14229):

    • Services include $19, $22, $23, $2A, $2C
    • DBC, A2L (ASAP2 File), GDX, MDX, ODX support

  • CCP: Includes A2L (ASAP2 file) and ROB support

  • XCP: Includes A2L (ASAP2 file) and ROB Support

2.5. Hardware and Software Requirements

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

  • A vehicle network, either within an actual vehicle or in a test bench environment.
  • A DC power supply capable of providing 4.5V to 40V of DC power, with a nominal current of 250 mA at 12V. In case of vehicle connection, the power is taken from the CAR Batteries with access from the OBD port near the driver. Your network setup must include wiring capable of providing this power on pin 25 of a female DB-25 connector that connects to a ION cable; see Chapter 7 for pinout details.
  • A PC with an open standard USB 2.0 (or higher) port. You can use a USB hub, but we recommend that this be a powered hub to ensure that sufficient power is provided.

Additional hardware may be required for some uses of the device:

  • Interfacing to a BroadR-Reach (100BASE-T1) Automotive Ethernet network requires an Intrepid RAD-Moon or similar media converter device.
  • Additional cables may be needed, depending on the nature of the network to which the neoVI ION is being connected.

Intrepid’s Vehicle Spy Professional is recommended for use with the ION 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 ION. If you do not have a VSpy license, you can use the Vehicle Spy version provided to you for, configuring the neoVI Ion for logging data and the driver setup. All of this software can be found on the disc that comes with the ION, or if necessary, can be downloaded from the Intrepid web site at http://www.intrepidcs.com. Installation instructions can be found in Chapter 3.

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.