2. Introduction and Overview

2.1. Introduction

The ValueCAN 4-2 EL and ValueCAN4-4 are Intrepid Control Systems’ fourth-generation general purpose interface tools. The ValueCAN4-2EL can be used to monitor and transmit on 2 x CAN and CAN FD networks; 1 x LIN/K- Line network; and 1 x Ethernet/DoIP network. The ValueCAN4-4 can be used to monitor and transmit on 4 x CAN and CAN FD networks. Both tools can be used to create hardware simulations for network analysis.

The ValueCAN4-2EL and ValueCAN4-4 provides numerous improvements over the original ValueCAN3, including CAN FD, Ethernet and LIN/K-Line support, greater performance, more robust case, and connectors.

Note: In this manual, the term “ValueCAN 4-X” will identify those features and functions common to both devices. In the instances where features and functions are specific the individual device will be referenced.

2.2. Package Contents

Both ValueCAN4-2EL and ValueCAN4-4 packages includes both hardware and software:

2.2.1. Hardware

The package contains the following:

  • The ValueCAN4-2EL or ValueCAN4-4 network interface device.
  • Your choice of integrated cable, see Section 2.2.
  • Quick Start Card to help you get going quickly with your device.

2.2.2. Software

The ValueCAN4-2EL or ValueCAN4-4 package includes software obtained electronically from an Email link sent to and downloaded on the Internet:

  • A copy of Intrepid Control Systems’ Vehicle Spy vehicle network software.
  • Drivers for the ValueCAN4-2EL or ValueCAN4-4 series adapters.
  • An API install kit for J2534 and RP1210 containing the neoVI Explorer utility for configuring the device.

If you did not purchase Vehicle Spy, a free trial version of the program can be downloaded from the website, which allows access to Vehicle Spy’s minimum features.

It is also possible to control the ValueCAN4-2EL or ValueCAN4-4 from within other software using the J2534 and RP1210 APIs that the device supports.

_images/VCAN4-4.png

Figure 1: ValueCAN4-2EL or ValueCAN4-4 in packaged form.

If anything is missing or damaged, please contact Intrepid Control Systems for assistance. The contact for your locale can be found at https://www.intrepidcs.com/worldwide or refer to Section 7 within this document.

2.3. Operational Overview

The ValueCAN4-2EL or ValueCAN4-4 operation can broadly be broken down into three categories: network interfacing, data acquisition, and simulation and scripting.

2.3.1. Vehicle Network Interfacing

Using the provided cables, you can connect the ValueCAN4-2EL or ValueCAN4-4 to either a bench test setup or a vehicle to monitor live network activity. All channels are monitored simultaneously and are hardware time- stamped.

2.3.2. Data Acquisition

The ValueCAN4-2EL or ValueCAN4-4 enables the acquisition of data from networks with precise control over collection parameters. The data can be captured in Vehicle Spy or using the Intrepid APIs.

2.3.3. Simulation and Scripting

Using Vehicle Spy, 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 a CoreMini that runs within the device itself. This functionality allows you to create specialized test scenarios, and to simulate ECUs and gateways.

2.4. Summary of Key Features

This section includes a summary of the device’s most important design, construction, operational and performance features:

2.4.1. Construction, Controls and Cabling

  • Compact design: 102 x 45 x 31 mm (4” x 1.75” x 1.2”)
  • Light weight: less than 320 g (0.7 lb)
  • Solid anodized aluminum case
  • Thick rubber boot for shock protection
  • Integrated 1-meter USB cable with USB Type A or USB C option
  • Integrated cable-end ruggedized metal connector – choice between DB26 (1m), OBD2 (1.5m), or 4x DB9 (1m)
  • CAN/CAN FD channel status LEDs
  • USB status LEDs indicating status of device
  • Ability to control CAN/CAN FD termination resistance
  • Operating temperature range: -40°C to +85°C

2.4.2. Performance

  • Fourth-generation neoVI architecture, offering over ten times the performance of earlier devices
  • Field-upgradeable firmware
  • Improved USB latency
  • CAN FD baud rates supported up to 8 Mbps
  • Lower power consumption
  • The ValueCAN 4-4 powered exclusively over USB
  • The ValueCAN 4-4 current draw 350mA @ 5V when online and transmitting
  • The ValueCAN 4-2EL is powered via USB for CAN applications however it requires 12V power from vehicle network connector for LIN / ISO 9141 / Ethernet applications

2.4.3. Simulation

  • Fully programmable scripting using CoreMini or Embedded C Code Interface (CCIF) via Vehicle Spy Professional license or better.

Network Interfaces and Features

2.4.4. ValueCAN 4-2 EL:

  • ISO11898-2/-5:2015 dual wire CAN FD Physical Layer (MCP2562FD) compatible with DeviceNet and CANOpen, backward compatible with CAN 2.0B (Bosch MCAN Core)
  • Two (2) Dual Wire CAN channels have ISO CAN FD (default) and NON-ISO CAN FD (Bosch CAN FD v1.0) support
  • CAN FD baud rates supported up to 8Mbps
  • 1 LIN channel also configurable for K-Line
  • 1 DoIP / XCP / 100BASE-TX Ethernet port 10/100 Ethernet PHY with low power mode
  • Compatible with 100BASE-T1/BroadR-Reach® with RAD-Moon Ethernet converter accessory
  • Software controlled DoIP activation line
  • Vehicle Spy neoVI Explorer Tool for configuring baud rates
  • Software-programmable CAN termination resistance via API or neoVI Explorer
  • Real-time clock for 64-bit time stamping to an accuracy of 25 nanoseconds
  • Certifications: CE compliant

2.4.5. ValueCAN 4-4:

  • ISO11898-2/-5:2015 dual wire CAN FD Physical Layer (MCP2562FD) compatible with DeviceNet and CANOpen, backward compatible with CAN 2.0B (Bosch MCAN Core)
  • Four (4) Dual Wire CAN channels have ISO CAN FD (default) and NON-ISO CAN FD (Bosch CAN FD v1.0) support
  • CAN FD baud rates supported up to 8Mbps
  • Vehicle Spy neoVI Explorer Tool for configuring baud rates
  • Software-programmable CAN termination resistance
  • Real-time clock for 64-bit time stamping to an accuracy of 25 nanoseconds
  • Certifications: CE compliant

2.4.6. PC Interface Support

Advanced Features

  • Device control by external software using three open APIs: neoVI DLL, SAE J2534, and TMC RP1210 A/B.

2.5. Hardware and Software Requirements

2.5.1. Hardware:

A PC with a USB 2.0 port or USB 3.x port (Type A or USB-C connector). We recommend using a native USB port to ensure that sufficient power is provided.

2.5.2. Software:

The setup program for Vehicle Spy will install the necessary drivers for the ValueCAN4-2EL or ValueCAN4-4. If you do not have a Vehicle Spy license, you can use the Vehicle Spy trial version for 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 Control Systems website at https://intrepidcs.com/support/support-resources/.

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.

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

  • Interfacing to a 100BASE-T1 / BroadR-Reach® 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 ValueCAN4-X is being connected.