Vector VN5610 Ethernet/CAN Network Interface Manual

Introduction

This chapter provides an overview of the manual, including safety instructions, proper use, hazards, disclaimers, and information about the manual's conventions, certification, and warranty.

1.1 Safety Instructions and Hazard Warnings

• Proper Use and Intended Purpose: The interface is designed for analyzing, controlling, and influencing control systems and electronic control units, including bus systems like CAN, LIN, K-Line, MOST, FlexRay, Ethernet, and BroadR-Reach. It must be operated in a closed state, with printed circuits not visible, and only with the specified electric power supply and accessories. Operation requires skilled personnel trained in interface and bus system handling.
• Hazards: The interface can control or influence control systems, potentially causing serious hazards to life, body, and property, especially in safety-relevant systems (e.g., engine management, steering, airbag, braking) or public areas. Users must ensure safe operation and the ability to bring the system to a safe state at any time. Compliance with safety standards and public regulations is mandatory. Testing in a public area should only occur after site preparation and testing in a non-public area.
• Disclaimer: Vector is not liable for damages or errors caused by improper use, use not according to intended purpose, or insufficient training/experience of personnel.

1.2 About this User Manual

• Conventions: The manual uses specific spellings and symbols for clarity. Bold text indicates software elements and warnings, bracketed text denotes push buttons, and specific formatting is used for menus, file names, and shortcuts. Symbols are used to indicate supplemental information, warnings, examples, step-by-step instructions, and file editing warnings.
• Certification: Vector Informatik GmbH is ISO 9001:2008 certified.
• Warranty: Vector reserves the right to change documentation and software without notice and assumes no liability for correct contents or damages resulting from usage.
• Registered Trademarks: All trademarks mentioned are subject to their respective owners' rights. Windows, Windows 7, and Windows 8 are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.

VN5610 Ethernet/CAN Network Interface

This section details the VN5610, its features, accessories, and use cases.

2.1 Introduction

The VN5610 is a new development from Vector supporting Ethernet physical layers 100BASE-TX, 1000BASE-T, and BroadR-Reach. It enables transparent monitoring and logging of Ethernet data streams and CAN events with high-resolution time stamps, suitable for bus analyses and simulations.

Main Features:

• Two independent Ethernet ports (2x RJ45 or 1x D-SUB9).
• Support for standard Ethernet (IEEE 802.3) and BroadR-Reach.
• Two independent CAN channels (1x D-SUB9).
• High-resolution time stamps for Ethernet and CAN frames.
• Software and hardware time synchronization.
• Internal three-way-routing for multiple Vector network interfaces.
• Robustness and temperature ranges suitable for automotive and industrial applications.

2.2 Accessories

Information on suitable cables and adapters can be found in the separate accessories manual on the driver CD.

2.3 Use Case Examples

• 2.3.1 Standalone Media Converter: The VN5610 can act as a media converter between an ECU using BroadR-Reach and standard Ethernet equipment using IEEE 802.3.
• 2.3.2 Transparent Ethernet Monitoring: The VN5610 can monitor Ethernet traffic between an ECU and a sensor without influencing the bus (bypassing). This involves receiving and forwarding data packages between channels. Two bypassing modes are available: PHY bypassing (maintains constant processing time) and MAC bypassing (allows sending additional packets with dynamic processing time).
• 2.3.3 Remaining Bus Simulation: The VN5610 can send and receive data on two Ethernet channels and events on two CAN channels, making it suitable for remaining bus simulation in complex network development. Requires CANoe.Ethernet for complex simulations.
• 2.3.4 Avionics Full Duplex Switched (X) Ethernet: The VN5610 is suitable for monitoring and stressing safety-critical networks like AFDX, allowing simultaneous sending and receiving of Ethernet frames with high-resolution time stamps. Requires CANalyzer.AFDX or CANoe.AFDX.

2.4 Getting Started

• Step 1: Driver Installation: Execute the Vector Driver Setup from the included Vector Driver Disk before connecting the VN5610. If the Windows Found New Hardware wizard appears, close it and run the setup.
• Step 2: Device Installation: Install drivers, connect the power supply, and connect the VN5610 to a free USB 2.0 port.
• Step 3: Device Configuration: Use the Vector Hardware Config tool (installed with the drivers) to configure the VN5610 for specific use cases. This tool can be accessed via Windows Control Panel.
• Step 4: Quick Test: Connect Ethernet channels, connect BroadR-Reach channels, run ETHloop.exe from the driver CD, select the VN5610, press [Twinkle] to check LED status, and then press [Start Test]. A successful test shows no error messages.

2.5 Device Description

• 2.5.1 Connectors Ethernet Side: Describes the RJ45 connectors for 100BASE-TX and 1000BASE-T, their LED indicators (ACT for link/activity, SPEED for speed), and the D-SUB9 connector for BroadR-Reach, including its pin assignment.
• 2.5.2 Connectors USB Side: Details the two power/sync connectors (Binder type 711) for time synchronization and power, and the USB 2.0 port for PC connection. Notes on power requirements and recommended USB connections are provided.
• 2.5.3 LEDs: Explains the LEDs on the top side: Activity (Ethernet CH1/CH2), Master (Ethernet CH1/CH2), and Status (Green for normal operation/updates, Red for errors).
• 2.5.4 Technical Data: Provides specifications for Ethernet channels (2x RJ45, 1x D-SUB9), CAN channels (2x D-SUB9), PC interface (USB 2.0), temperature range, humidity, operating system requirements (Windows 7/8), dimensions, power supply (6-50V DC), and power consumption (approx. 5W). Includes a diagram illustrating electrical isolation of connectors.

Common Features

This chapter discusses common features across Vector network interfaces.

3.1 Time Synchronization

• 3.1.1 General Information: Time stamps are crucial for analyzing bus events. Each event has an accurate time stamp generated by a common hardware clock within the device. For setups with multiple Vector network interfaces, synchronization of hardware clocks is necessary due to potential drift.
• 3.1.2 Software Sync: This driver-based synchronization synchronizes time stamp deviations to the common PC clock, requiring no additional hardware. Settings can be adjusted in the Vector Hardware Config tool.
• 3.1.3 Hardware Sync: Offers more accurate time synchronization using a SYNCcableXL or distribution box, supported by applications like CANalyzer and CANoe. It synchronizes to a master clock defined by the application. Software synchronization must be disabled when using hardware synchronization.

Driver Installation

This chapter details the driver installation process.

4.1 Minimum Requirements: Lists hardware (CPU, Memory, Network Interface) and software (Operating System, Driver Version) requirements.

4.2 Hints: Provides notes on power managers that might affect time system accuracy and the need for Administrator Rights for installation.

4.3 Vector Driver Setup: Guides through executing the driver setup from the Vector Driver Disk, selecting devices for installation or uninstallation, and completing the process.

4.4 Vector Hardware Configuration: Explains how to access and use the Vector Hardware Config tool in the Control Panel to view device information, status, and configure settings. The tool is divided into Hardware, Application, General Information, and License sections.

4.5 Loop Tests: Describes functional integrity tests for CAN, FlexRay, MOST, and Ethernet.

• 4.5.1 CAN: Details the CAN loop test using the Loop3.exe program, including device compatibility, cable requirements, and test procedure.
• 4.5.2 FlexRay: Outlines the FlexRay operating test using FRLoop.exe, requiring an FRpiggy and specific connection steps.
• 4.5.3 MOST: Explains the MOST functional test using MLoop.exe or M150Loop.exe, requiring a MOST fiber optic cable and fiber coupler, and describes the connection and status checks.
• 4.5.4 Ethernet: Describes the Ethernet loop test using ETHloop.exe, including connection steps for Ethernet and BroadR-Reach channels, and the test procedure.

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