CAN transceivers conformance test system development

Abstract

The controller area network (CAN) is a serial, multi-master communication protocol for connecting electronic control modules in automotive applications. A CAN node is comprised of three basic parts: a processor, a network controller, and a transceiver, the role of the transceiver is to drive and detect data to and from the bus. Transceivers are provided by various module manufacturers, and supplied obviously by various software and hardware manufacturers, so the interoperability becomes a key problem. The conformance test methodology and architecture are discussed in detail, and a CAN transceiver conformance test system is set up accordingly. According to the CAN communication protocol, the test coordination protocol of the conformance test system and the test process are presented, the hardware and software are also developed for the test system. A PC interface is implemented for configuring the parameters and monitoring the communication in the test network. There are some test cases running in the CAN transceiver conformance test system, the result shows that the system is reliably and efficiently.