Oregon-based test and measurement company Tektronix has released decode, trigger and search support for the Can XL protocol aimed at the growing intelligent transportation network.

This can interpret and display signals transmitted over the Can protocol; the decoder is suited to meet the demands of higher-speed communication for software-defined vehicles.

The Can XL protocol decoder is for engineers incorporating the latest generation of Can communications. With the ability to decode signals representing data packets transmitted using Can XL frames, the decoder runs on its 4, 5 and 6 series MSO oscilloscopes and offers features such as error detection, analysis and debugging of timing and protocol headers.

Can XL is the latest innovation in the Can (Controller Area Network) protocol family, developed and standardised by the Can in Automation (CiA) consortium, of which Tektronix is a member. The standard allows mixed message types – Ethernet tunneling and traditional signal-based Can – at faster data rates of 20Mbit/s. These transmission types and rates are required to handle increasing amounts of sensor data, enabling advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) features and paving the way for the software-defined vehicle (SDV).

“The Tektronix Can XL protocol decoder is a powerful tool that showcases the Tektronix commitment to innovation and meeting our customers’ needs in the automotive, industrial automation segments, and beyond,” said Subhasis Bera, business manager at Tektronix. “We are happy to create versatile options that exceed our valued customers’ expectations.”

Support for the new Can XL frame structure is included in the Automotive Bus Decode & Analysis (SRAuto) software package for Tektronix 4, 5 and 6 series MSO oscilloscopes. Those who already have the SRAuto package can update it adding the ability to decode Can XL data packets, not only displaying normal data, but indicating CRC errors, missing ACKs and XL form errors.

The package includes the ability to trigger on Can XL start and end of frame, as well as search through acquired signals to find specific Can XL packets. The package also decodes Can and Can-FD, supporting mixed mode networks. The presentation of decoded packets is possible in both a waveform view and in a formatted, timestamped table.

More information can be found in a datasheet at www.tek.com/en/datasheet/serial-triggering-and-analysis.

Tektronix (Tek.com), headquartered in Beaverton, Oregon, delivers test, measurement and monitoring products.