Ixxat CANnector – The Swiss Army Knife for CAN

Nov. 18, 2020
HMS Networks now introduces Ixxat® CANnector, a flexible solution for logging, bridging and extending CAN networks.
Ca Nnector Montage

A flexible all-rounder – logger, bridge and range extender
Like CAN@net and CANbridge NT, CANnector is a stand-alone device, which means that no PC is needed. In addition to a generic CANnector, three preconfigured versions are offered:

  • CANnector Range – For simple CAN(FD) range extension via Ethernet or as a CAN interface connected to the PC via Ethernet.
  • CANnector Bridge – CAN(FD) bridge/gateway, frame or signal based and with func-tions, like e.g. online floating-point data manipulation for all bus systems.
  • CANnector Log – Data logger with trigger and ring buffer as well as low-power sleep mode with wake-up on CAN(FD), for logging frame or signal based CAN(FD) data.

After unpacking and connecting, all three versions can be used directly. As the base hardware is the same, and the different functions of CANnector are provided by loadable configurations, all CANnectors can be reconfigured to include the functionality of choice.

Performant and versatile
A powerful Linux platform allows CANnector to execute complex applications and data manipulations directly on the device. The support of bus description files also enables operation on signal level. By using "Wake-up on CAN" and the possibility to switch off the TX function on the CAN buses, the device can be used in applications which are sensitive to power and safety.

CANnector is available in different hardware versions, which differ only in the number of supported interfaces. The maximum number of interfaces is eight CAN(FD), two LIN, two Digital IO and one EtherCAT slave interface as well as Ethernet and USB. The EtherCAT slave interface is implemented using an Anybus® CompactCom technology from HMS, allowing future support of other industrial Ethernet protocols as well. USB extensions like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are available as an option.

Cloud and PLC connection
Ixxat CANnector offers numerous additional functions which enable for example live data visualization and simulation using mobile devices (smartphone or tablet) via Wi-Fi, or cloud connectivity via OPC-UA, MQTT or via HMS HubTM - HMS’ own solution for industrial data connectivity.

Using the EtherCAT slave interface, CANnector enables a direct connection of CAN(FD)-based networks to industrial Ethernet networks or a PLC.

All functions can be executed in parallel on the CANnector device, so that e.g. logging of data can be executed in parallel to CAN(FD) bridging and data visualization on mobile devices.

Easy configuration via drag & drop
HMS provides a free Windows tool which enables easy configuration of CANnector, in which the "connections" between source and target are established using a Drag and Drop concept. CAN(FD) bus descriptions can optionally be imported for configuration. The standard range of functions can be extended using the integrated development and debug environment and own C-user code or Matlab/Simulink models, which can be executed directly on the device.

Learn more about CANnector at www.ixxat.com

About HMS Networks
HMS Networks is the leading independent supplier of solutions for industrial communication and the Industrial Internet of Things. HMS develops and manufactures products under the Anybus, Ewon, Intesis and Ixxat brands. Development and manufacturing take place at the headquarters in Halmstad, and in Ravensburg, Nivelles, Igualada, Wetzlar and Buchen. Local sales and support are handled by branch offices in Germany, USA, Japan, China, Singapore, Italy, France, Spain, the Netherlands, India, UK, Sweden, South Korea and UAE, as well as through a worldwide network of distributors and partners. HMS employs over 600 people and reported sales of SEK 1,519 million in 2019. HMS is listed on the NASDAQ OMX in Stockholm, category Mid Cap, Information Technology. 

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