Vector VN8911, VN8914, VN8970, VN8972 User Manual

VN8900Interface Family

Manual

Version 6.0|English

Imprint

Vector Informatik GmbH
Ingersheimer Straße 24
D-70499 Stuttgart

The information and data given in this user manual can be changed without prior notice. No part of this manual may be reproduced in any
form or by any means without the written permission of the publisher, regardless of which method or which instruments, electronic or
mechanical, are used. All technical information, drafts, etc. ar e liable to law of copyright protection.

© Copyright 2017, Vector Informatik GmbH. All rights reserved.

Contents

Contents

1 Introduction 5

1.1 About this User Manual 6

1.1.1 Certification 7

1.1.2 Warranty 7

1.1.3 Registered Trademarks 7

1.2 Important Notes 8

1.2.1 Safety Instructions and Hazard Warnings 8

1.2.1.1 Proper Use and Intended Purpose 8

1.2.1.2 Hazards 9

1.2.1.3 Disclaimer 9

1.2.2 GRUB Version 0.4.4-r61 10

1.2.3 AutoLaunch V310 10

2 VN8900 Interface Family 11

2.1 System Description 12

2.1.1 Introduction 12

2.1.2 Real Time Processing 14

2.1.3 Stand-Alone Mode 14

2.1.4 Network Extension 15

2.2 Base Modules 16

2.2.1 VN8911 Base Module 16

2.2.2 VN8914 Base Module 22

2.2.3 VN8912 / VN8912A Base Module 28

2.3 Plug-In Module 32

2.3.1 VN8970 FlexRay/CAN/LIN Module 32

2.3.2 VN8972 FlexRay/CAN/LIN Module 44

2.4 Accessories 56

2.5 Mounting of Plug-In Modules and Piggybacks 57

3 Getting Started 60

3.1 Driver Installation 61

3.2 Driver Installation on the Device 63

3.3 Device Configuration 64

3.4 Loop Tests 65

3.4.1 CAN 65

3.4.2 FlexRay 67

4 Vector Hardware Configuration 68

VN8900 Interface Family Manual Version 6.0 3

Contents

4.1 General Information 69

4.2 Tool Description 70

4.2.1 Introduction 70

4.2.2 Tree View 71

5 Time Synchronization 74

5.1 General Information 75

5.2 Software Sync 77

5.3 Hardware Sync 78

VN8900 Interface Family Manual Version 6.0 4

1 Introduction

1 Introduction

In this chapter you find the following information:

1.1 About this User Manual 6

1.1.1 Certification 7

1.1.2 Warranty 7

1.1.3 Registered Trademarks 7

1.2 Important Notes 8

1.2.1 Safety Instructions and Hazard Warnings 8

1.2.2 GRUB Version 0.4.4-r61 10

1.2.3 AutoLaunch V310 10

VN8900 Interface Family Manual Version 6.0 5

1 Introduction

1.1 About this User Manual

Conventions In the two following charts you will find the conventions used in the user manual

regarding utilized spellings and symbols.

Style Utilization

bold Blocks, surface elements, window- and dialog names of the soft-

ware. Accentuation of warnings and advices.

[OK]
File|Save

Microsoft Legally protected proper names and side notes.

Source Code

Hyperlink Hyperlinks and references.
<CTRL>+<S> Notation for shortcuts.

Symbol Utilization

File name and source code.

This symbol calls your attention to warnings.

Push buttons in brackets
Notation for menus and menu entries

Here you can obtain supplemental information.

Here you can find additional information.

Here is an example that has been prepared for you.

Step-by-step instructions provide assistance at these points.

Instructions on editing files are found at these points.

This symbol warns you not to edit the specified file.

VN8900 Interface Family Manual Version 6.0 6

1.1.1 Certification

1 Introduction

Certified Quality
Management System

Vector Informatik GmbH has ISO 9001:2008 certification. The ISO standard is a glob­ally recognized standard.

1.1.2 Warranty

Restriction
of warranty

We reserve the right to change the contents of the documentation and the software
without notice. Vector Informatik GmbH assumes no liability for correct contents or
damages which are resulted from the usage of the documentation. We are grateful for
references to mistakes or for suggestions for improvement to be able to offer you
even more efficient products in the future.

1.1.3 Registered Trademarks

Registered
trademarks

All trademarks mentioned in this documentation and if necessary third party
registered are absolutely subject to the conditions of each valid label right and the
rights of particular registered proprietor. All trademarks, trade names or company
names are or can be trademarks or registered trademarks of their particular pro­prietors. All rights which are not expressly allowed are reserved. If an explicit label of
trademarks, which are used in this documentation, fails, should not mean that a name
is free of third party rights.

> Windows, Windows 7, Windows 8.1, Windows 10

are trademarks of the Microsoft Corporation.

> and

are trademarks of the SD Card Association.

VN8900 Interface Family Manual Version 6.0 7

1.2 Important Notes

1.2.1 Safety Instructions and Hazard Warnings

Caution!

In order to avoid personal injuries and damage to property, you have to read and
understand the following safety instructions and hazard warnings prior to installation
and use of this interface. Keep this documentation (manual) always near the inter­face.

1.2.1.1 Proper Use and Intended Purpose

Caution!

The interface is designed for analyzing, controlling and otherwise influencing control
systems and electronic control units. This includes, inter alia, bus systems like
CAN, LIN, K-Line, MOST, FlexRay, Ethernet, BroadR-Reach and/or ARINC 429.

1 Introduction

The interface may only be operated in a closed state. In particular, printed circuits
must not be visible. The interface may only be operated (i) according to the instruc­tions and descriptions of this manual; (ii) with the electric power supply designed for
the interface, e.g. USB-powered power supply; and (iii) with accessories man­ufactured or approved by Vector.

The interface is exclusively designed for use by skilled personnel as its operation
may result in serious personal injuries and damage to property. Therefore, only
those persons may operate the interface who (i) have understood the possible
effects of the actions which may be caused by the interface; (ii) are specifically
trained in the handling with the interface, bus systems and the system intended to
be influenced; and (iii) have sufficient experience in using the interface safely.

The knowledge necessary for the operation of the interface can be acquired in work­shops and internal or external seminars offered by Vector. Additional and interface
specific information, such as „Known Issues“, are available in the „Vector Know­ledgeBase“on Vector´s website at www.vector.com. Please consult the „Vector
KnowledgeBase“for updated information prior to the operation of the interface.

VN8900 Interface Family Manual Version 6.0 8

1.2.1.2 Hazards

1.2.1.3 Disclaimer

1 Introduction

Caution!

The interface may control and/or otherwise influence the behavior of control sys­tems and electronic control units. Serious hazards for life, body and property may
arise, in particular, without limitation, by interventions in safety relevant systems
(e.g. by deactivating or otherwise manipulating the engine management, steering,
airbag and/or braking system) and/or if the interface is operated in public areas (e.g.
public traffic, airspace). Therefore, you must always ensure that the interface is
used in a safe manner. This includes, inter alia, the ability to put the system in
which the interface is used into a safe state at any time (e.g. by „emergency shut­down“), in particular, without limitation, in the event of errors or hazards.

Comply with all safety standards and public regulations which are relevant for the
operation of the system. Before you operate the system in public areas, it should be
tested on a site which is not accessible to the public and specifically prepared for
performing test drives in order to reduce hazards.

Caution!

Claims based on defects and liability claims against Vector are excluded to the
extent damages or errors are caused by improper use of the interface or use not
according to its intended purpose. The same applies to damages or errors arising
from insufficient training or lack of experience of personnel using the interface.

VN8900 Interface Family Manual Version 6.0 9

1.2.2 GRUB Version 0.4.4-r61

1 Introduction

Copyright and
disclaimer

Source code The product contains the software GRUB Version 0.4.4-r61. We will send anyone a

The product contains the software GRUB Version 0.4.4-r61. Copyright (C) 1989,
1991 Free Software Foundation, Inc. 59 Temple Place, Suite 330, Boston, MA 02111­1307 USA. This program is free software; you can redistribute it and/or modify it
under the terms of the GNU General Public License as published by the Free Soft­ware Foundation, version 2 of the License. This program is distributed by the holder of
the Copyright in the hope that it will be useful, but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY by
the holder of the Copyright; without even the implied warranty of
MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. See the
GNU General Public License for more details.

Reference

The GNU GENERAL PUBLIC LICENSE can be found in the separate text file
manual on the Vector Driver Disk in \Documentation\Licenses.

complete machine-readable copy of the corresponding source code by email without
any charge if so requested by writing to [e-mail]. This offer is valid for
three years starting at the time you received the product.

1.2.3 AutoLaunch V310

Copyright and
disclaimer

The product contains the software AutoLaunch V310. Copyright (c) 2011 Samuel
Phung (Embedded101.com). Permission is hereby granted, free of charge, to any per­son obtaining a copy of this software and associated documentation files (the "Soft­ware"), to deal in the Software without restriction, including without limitation the
rights to use, copy, modify, merge, publish, distribute, sublicense, and/or sell copies
of the Software, and to permit persons to whom the Software is furnished to do so,
subject to the following conditions: The above copyright notice and this permission
notice shall be included in all copies or substantial portions of the Software.

VN8900 Interface Family Manual Version 6.0 10

2 VN8900 Interface Family

2 VN8900 Interface Family

In this chapter you find the following information:

2.1 System Description 12

2.1.1 Introduction 12

2.1.2 Real Time Processing 14

2.1.3 Stand-Alone Mode 14

2.1.4 Network Extension 15

2.2 Base Modules 16

2.2.1 VN8911 Base Module 16

2.2.2 VN8914 Base Module 22

2.2.3 VN8912 / VN8912A Base Module 28

2.3 Plug-In Module 32

2.3.1 VN8970 FlexRay/CAN/LIN Module 32

2.3.2 VN8972 FlexRay/CAN/LIN Module 44

2.4 Accessories 56

2.5 Mounting of Plug-In Modules and Piggybacks 57

VN8900 Interface Family Manual Version 6.0 11

2.1 System Description

User Desktop PC / Notebook

CANalyzer / CANoe / CANape

USB

VN8911

Real-time PC

Intel ATOM

VN8914

Real-time PC

Intel Core-i7

MiniHIL Control & Test Execution

Real-time Simulation and

Model Execution (CAPL, .NET, Simulink)

Measurement, Analysis, Logging

Bypassing

CAN

LIN

J1708

FlexRay

VN8970

VN8972

Up to 8 Channels for

FlexRay CAN/LIN/

J1708/K-Line

bus access

I/O Digital/Analog

IOpiggy8642

2.1.1 Introduction

2 VN8900 Interface Family

Network interface
with real-time
computer

The VN8900 interface family is designed for high-performance applications in combi­nation with CANoe/CANalyzer. The application areas include system simulations or
bypassing applications with Simulink, remaining bus simulations, gateway implemen­tations, test executions (MiniHIL) or data monitoring.

Another key feature is the execution of time-critical CANoe/CANalyzer configurations
without any user PC and without any negative effects on functionality of the running
application.

Figure 1: Operator side ( user PC) and measurement side

VN8900 Interface Family Manual Version 6.0 12

2 VN8900 Interface Family

Hardware flexibility Another important VN8900 product characteristic is the modularity of the network inter-

face, which lets users flexibly adapt it to the measurement environment and existing
buses. The overall system is comprised of these components:

> Base Module

Processor unit with memory for executing simulations and time-critical program
sections in stand-alone mode. The Base Module has an Intel processor and basic
port connections for power supply, synchronization, USB and Ethernet. You will
find further details on Base Modules beginning on page 16.

Figure 2: VN8914 back side

> Plug-In Module

The Plug-In Module represents the actual network interface; it provides the related
interfaces as plug connections (e.g. FlexRay, CAN, LIN or digital-analog in­put/output). You will find additional details on Plug-In Modules beginning on page

32.

Figure 3: VN8914 with inserted VN8972 FlexRay/CAN/LIN Module

VN8900 Interface Family Manual Version 6.0 13

2 VN8900 Interface Family

start-up time

(see technical data)

power/

restart

start time

load user config

auto run measurement

loading time

(depends on config)

total boot-up time

> Piggybacks

Piggybacks establish the connection from the Vector network interface to the us­er’s electrical networks via appropriate transceivers (FlexRay/CAN/LIN...). More­over, the Piggyback usually offers the electrical isolation to protect the measure­ment hardware as well as the system under test.

The amount and kind of supported Piggybacks varies between the Plug-In Mod­ules. Please find the list of valid combinations in section "Transceiver Com­patibility" of the accessories manual on the Vector Driver Disk in
\Documentation\Accessories.

Figure 4: Piggyback

2.1.2 Real Time Processing

General When requirements for timing precision are strict, the measurement hardware must be

able to operate with very low latency. The integrated processor of the VN8900 inter­face family meets this standard and offers significantly improved latency times com­pared to normal PCs.

CANoe The VN8900 interface family is a real-time hardware that is designed for using with

CANoe. CANoe offers the option of executing real-time relevant simulations and test
functions on the VN8900 – separate from the graphic user interface. On the one hand,
this increases overall system performance, and on the other it enables shorter latency
times and more precise timers. Configuration of the simulation and evaluation are per­formed on a standard PC (CANoe), while the simulation and test kernel are executed
on the VN8900 (CANoeRT). Communication between the two computers is routed via
a USB cable or via Ethernet (see figure 1).

2.1.3 Stand-Alone Mode

CANoe configuration The VN8900 interface family offers a stand-alone mode which allows a measurement

without any additional user PC.

For this purpose a measurement application can be configured in CANoe, which is
then written into the permanent memory of the VN8900. After a restart, the configura­tion is loaded and the measurement autonomously started.

Figure 5: Booting overview

VN8900 Interface Family Manual Version 6.0 14

2.1.4 Network Extension

VN8911

USB (device)

CANoe / CANalyzer

User Desktop PC / Notebook

e. g. VN1640A

USB (host)

SYNCcable XL

Power

2 VN8900 Interface Family

Additional
network channels

CANoe/CANalyzer supports a single Base Module at a time. To use more network
channels, the VN8900 interfaces offer additional USB (host) ports to connect to other
Vector network interfaces. Time synchronization of the different network interfaces
can be done via the sync line.

Figure 6: Extension example

VN8900 Interface Family Manual Version 6.0 15

2 VN8900 Interface Family

2.2 Base Modules

2.2.1 VN8911 Base Module

Description Base Module with integrated Intel Atom processor unit for running real-time appli-

cations. Connection to user networks is provided by a Plug-In Module with individual
bus transceivers (see section Plug-In Module on page 32).

The VN8911 also supports the Vector Tool Platform (VTP). With Extended Real Time
as a part of the Vector Tool Platform, the throughput, latency, and determinism of
CANoe and CANape are improved. To achieve this, the device is logically divided into
two areas. A new area provides Extended Real Time in which predefined functions
can be executed under real-time conditions.

Connections

Figure 7: VN8911 back and front side (with Plug-In Module)

Figure 8: VN8911 back side

> Keypad Start/Stop

This key instantly starts or stops a preconfigured CANoe measurement.

> Keypads F2/F3/F4

These keys can be assigned to CAPL functions.

> LED S1/S2

These LEDs offer a visual feedback for active measurements and can be indi­vidually controlled via CAPL.

VN8900 Interface Family Manual Version 6.0 16

2 VN8900 Interface Family

> LEDRun

Multicolored channel LED which indicates the power up/down status.

Color Description

Off Power up/down control line not activated since reboot.
Green Device is running.
Red Inactive power up/down control line. Device shuts down into power-

down mode after time out (has to be defined in CANoe).

> LEDPower

Multicolored channel LED which indicates the power status.

Color Description

Off Power supply disconnected.
Green Power supply connected.

> ETH1/ETH2

These Ethernet ports can be used to connect other Vector Ethernet devices for
use with CANoe, CANalyzer or CANape. Currently supported: VX1121, VX1131,
VX1132, VX1135, VX1060. Furthermore, the Ethernet ports can be used to inter­connect your host PC and the VN8911 to use them with measurement appli­cations (e.g. CANoe, CANalyzer).

> USB 2.0/3.0 (host)

These USB ports can be used to connect other Vector USB devices for use with
CANoe or CANalyzer. The summarized output current at these ports is limited to

1050 mA.

Supported Device

externally powered USB powered

Max. Number of Devices

CANcaseXL / log 2 2
VN0601 not applicable 2
VN1630A / VN1640A not applicable 2
VN1630 log 2 2
VN2610/ VN2640 2 not applicable
VN3600 2 not applicable
VN5610 / VN5610A 2 *
VN5640 1 not applicable
VN7600 2 not applicable
VN7640 2 not applicable

* Depending on use-case.

Note

When using the USBhost connector, the Vector device has to be connected to
the VN8911 before powering the VN8911. Please ensure that the USB logo on
the USB cable is on the bottom side (USB pins at top) before connecting. Do not
force the cable into the USB connector to avoid mechanical damages.

> USB (device)

Interconnect your Host PC and the VN8911 via this USB 3.0 port to install the
device on the Host PC and to use it together with measurement applications (e.g.
CANoe, CANalyzer).

VN8900 Interface Family Manual Version 6.0 17

2 VN8900 Interface Family

3

1

2

ON

OFF

> SD card slot

This slot can be used for recording use cases.
Recommended cards: Industrial Grade SD, SDHC or SDXC.

> Sync/Ctrl

This terminal (Binder type 711) can be used for time synchronization of different
Vector devices (see section Time Synchronization on page 74) or to control the
power up/down function of the device.

Pin Assignment

1 Power up/down control line
2 Synchronization line
3 Ground

Caution!

The power up/down control line uses the same reference to GND as the power
supply input of the device, not pin 3 of the sync/ctrl connector.

Power up/down switch

In order to use the power up/down function, switch off the device and remove the
Plug-In Module. Find the power up/down switch underneath the heat sink and set
it to ON.

Figure 9: Power up/down switch in VN8911

Reassemble the Plug-In Module and connect the power supply. Depending on the
voltage at the power up/down control line, the VN8911 can be powered up or shut
down.

Ctrl Description

0 V If running, the device shuts down after time out (approx. 5 seconds).

Otherwise the device remains in power-up mode.

> 5 V If in power-down mode, the device powers up (please note the start-up

time in section Technical data on page 21). Current consumption in
power-down mode: 2.9mA, max.104mW@36 V.

VN8900 Interface Family Manual Version 6.0 18

2 VN8900 Interface Family

GND

Terminal 30

(battery)

Terminal 15

(battery through

ignition switch)

VN8911

Power Up/Down
Ctrl (pin 1)

Vehicle

Power

1

2

3

1

2

Level at terminal 15 / Power Up/Down Ctrl

[V]

5

0

device in

power-down

mode

at < 5V

t

ignition

switch on

device starts

at > 5 V

device in

power-down

mode

at < 5V

ignition

switch off

1

2

Example

With this wiring, the VN8911 powers up and down with the ignition switch of the
vehicle.

You can use the following Vector accessories to connect the VN8911 to the
vehicle:

> Power up/down control

Connection Cable Binder Type 711 (3-pin), part number 30011

> Power

ODU Connector / Bunch Plugs, part number 05069

> Power

For its power supply, the VN8911 has a two-pin ODU connector (MINI-SNAP
size1, type GG1L0C-P02RP00-0000). Attach the enclosed power cable to power
up the unit (matching ODU connector type S11L0C-P02NPL0-6200).

Pin Assignment

2 GND
1 +

VN8900 Interface Family Manual Version 6.0 19

CFast card

2 VN8900 Interface Family

Figure 10: CF ast card slot in VN8911

The VN8911 operating system is stored on a CFast card and must not be removed dur­ing operation.

Note

The CFast card should only be removed for system recoveries. Please contact the
Vector support for further instructions on system recoveries.

VN8900 Interface Family Manual Version 6.0 20

2 VN8900 Interface Family

Technical data
VN8911

Processor Intel ATOM E3845

Quad-Core with 1.91 GHz

Memory 4 GB
Hard drive CFast card, 16 GB
Transceiver Depends on the Plug-In Module

and its Piggybacks

PC interface USB 3.0 SuperSpeed
Temperature range Operating: -40 °C...+60 °C

Shipping and storage: -40 °C...+85 °C

Relative humidity of ambient air 15 %...95 %, non-condensing
USB 1/2 output current Max. 1050 mA, both ports combined
External power supply 6 V...36 V DC

Power-up: 9 V DC

Power consumption Typ. 7.0 W without Plug-In Module
Start-up time Approx. 30 seconds
Dimensions (LxWxH) 190 mm x 170 mm x 60 mm

(with Plug-In Module)

Operating system requirements Windows 7 SP1 (32 bit / 64 bit)

Windows 8.1 (32 bit / 64 bit)
Windows 10 (64 bit)

Ethernet 1000Base-T/100Base-TX/10Base-T
Supported Plug-In Modules VN8970

Note

EUROPE - Information according REACh:
The battery required for the real-time clock contains 1,2-Dimethoxyethane.

VN8900 Interface Family Manual Version 6.0 21

2 VN8900 Interface Family

2.2.2 VN8914 Base Module

Description Base Module with integrated Intel Core-i7 processor unit for running real-time appli-

cations with high performance demands. Connection to user networks is provided by
a Plug-In Module with individual bus transceivers (see section Plug-In Module on page

32).

The VN8914 also supports the Vector Tool Platform (VTP). With Extended Real Time
as a part of the Vector Tool Platform, the throughput, latency, and determinism of
CANoe and CANape are improved. To achieve this, the device is logically divided into
two areas. A new area provides Extended Real Time in which predefined functions
can be executed under real-time conditions.

Keypads/LEDs

Figure 11: VN8914 front and back side (with Plug-In Module)

Figure 12: VN8914 front side

> Keypad Start/Stop

This key instantly starts or stops a preconfigured CANoe measurement.

> Keypads F2/F3/F4

These keys can be assigned to CAPL functions.

> LED S1/S2

These LEDs offer a visual feedback for active measurements and can be indi­vidually controlled via CAPL.

> LEDRun

Multicolored channel LED which indicates the power up/down status.

Color Description

Off Power up/down control input < 5V. Device in power down mode.
Green Device is running (power up/down control input > 5V).
Red Device shuts down into power down mode after time out if power up/-

down feature is enabled.

VN8900 Interface Family Manual Version 6.0 22

Connectors

2 VN8900 Interface Family

> LEDPower

Multicolored channel LED which indicates the power status.

Color Description

Off Device is not powered.
Green Device is powered.

Figure 13: VN8914 back side

> ETH1/ETH2

These Ethernet ports can be used to connect other Vector Ethernet devices for
use with CANoe, CANalyzer or CANape. Currently supported: VX1060, VX1121,
VX1131, VX1132, VX1135. Furthermore, the Ethernet ports can be used to inter­connect your host PC and the VN8914 to use them with measurement appli­cations (e.g. CANoe, CANalyzer).

> SD card slot

This slot can be used for recording use cases.
Recommended cards: Industrial Grade SD, SDHC or SDXC.

> USB 3.0 Host

These three host ports are used to connect other Vector USB devices for use with
CANoe or CANalyzer. The summarized output current at these ports is limited to

1350 mA.

Supported Device

externally powered USB powered

Max. Number of Devices

CANcaseXL / log 3 2*
VN0601 not applicable 2*
VN1630A / VN1640A not applicable 2
VN2610 / VN2640 3 not applicable
VN3600 3 not applicable
VN5610 / VN5610A 3 **
VN5640 3 not applicable
VN7600 3 not applicable
VN7640 3 not applicable

* Depending on use-case.

Note

When using the USBhost connector, the Vector device has to be connected to
the VN8914 before powering the VN8914. Please ensure that the USB logo on
the USB cable is on the bottom side (USB pins at top) before connecting. Do not
force the cable into the USB connector to avoid mechanical damages.

VN8900 Interface Family Manual Version 6.0 23

2 VN8900 Interface Family

3

1

2

ON

OFF

> USB 3.0

Interconnect your Host PC and the VN8914 via this USB 3.0 port to install the
device on the Host PC and to use it together with measurement applications (e.g.
CANoe, CANalyzer). The USB 3.0 connector has two stand offs to securely
attach the appropriate USB 3.0 cable (see accessories manual).

Power up/down switch

Figure 14: USB 3.0 stand offs

> Sync/Ctrl

This terminal (Binder type 711) can be used for time synchronization of different
Vector devices (see section Time Synchronization on page 74) or to control the
power up/down function of the device.

Pin Assignment

1 Power up/down control line
2 Synchronization line
3 Ground

Caution!

The power up/down control line uses the same reference to GND as the power
supply input of the device, not pin 3 of the sync/ctrl connector.

In order to use the power up/down function, switch off the device and remove the
Plug-In Module. Find the power up/down switch underneath the heat sink and set
it to ON.

Figure 15: Power up/down switch in VN8914

VN8900 Interface Family Manual Version 6.0 24