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How to Use the Komodo CAN Duo Interface to Troubleshoot a Car Radio and Collect Real-Time CAN Data?
Rena

We are working on an automotive application, and we will be using the KomodoTM CAN Duo Interface. We also have the Data CenterTM Software that was provided with the Komodo.

This purpose of the application is to be able to trouble-shoot the radio outside of the vehicle.  A module that is integrated in the vehicular system controls the radio.  We need to operate the radio in a setup that duplicates the conditions inside the vehicle.  To do so, we need to reproduce the CAN data on the vehicle at both high speed and low speed, so that we can turn the radio on and off under various test conditions.  To reproduce the CAN data, we need to analyze and filter the data while the radio is installed in the vehicle.

What we plan to do:

  1. Cut the radio CAN line and then interface the Komodo between the radio and the control module.
  2. Listen to the bus line on port 1 of the Komodo.
  3. Save, filter and resend the data on port 2 to the radio in real-time.
  4. Listen to the reply from the radio on port 2, and both save the radio reply and return the reply to port 1.

Can this be done with the Data Center Software, or do we need a different tool?

Thanks for your question! What you are suggesting is very possible. There are two main ways to utilize the Komodo interface for working with your application.  One method - you can use our GUIs.  You can use the Data Center software to record the data on port 1, and use the same software export it as a *.kba (Komodo GUI Batch File).  Then, using the Komodo GUI, you can open the exported *.kba file and replay the captured data on port 2.

However, for a more automated solution, and to do this for near real-time data, it involves writing an application with our Komodo API or LabVIEW drivers. Our Komodo API Software allows creating many different scenarios that can work with C, C#, and Python. Many software examples are provided, which you can modify for your specific requirements.

Using the Komodo CAN Duo Interface and API software to analyze and filter CAN data. Figure 1: Komodo CAN Duo Interface

There are a few things to keep in mind: The two interfaces on the Komodo Duo are treated as separate adapters connected to the same USB connection. Also, the limitations to the response speed will be your software's ability to process the information and to send it back to the Komodo. Our USB interface can handle 40 MB/s of data transfer, which is much faster than the CAN rate and brings the data much closer to real-time.

The other limitation is the USB interface turn-around time of 2ms (1ms out and 1ms back). For more details, please refer to section 3.8.4 of the Komodo Interface User Manual.

For more information about the host adapters and other Total Phase products, please refer to the following documents:

We hope this answers your question. If you have other questions about our Host Adapters or other Total Phase products, feel free to email us at sales@totalphase.com or submit a request for technical support.