Know-How & Solutions for CAN/CAN FD

CAN technology is used in the automotive, industrial automation and aerospace industries, in which OEMs and suppliers are confronted with many types of challenges. Vector supports you with professional tools, basic software and services.
Trust in our more than 30 years experience as market leader for CAN networking and in our high-quality products and competent services. Achieve maximum efficiency for your projects by:
- Comprehensive and powerful software tool chain for all CAN/CAN FD projects
- Flexible CAN/CAN FD network interfaces
- Global engineering services and training
Watch our webinar recording "Introduction to CAN FD" and learn more about its difference to CAN and how the CANoe and CANalyzer software tools from Vector assist you in your CAN FD projects:
CAN XL
+++ CAN Moves Into the 10 Mbit/s Domain +++
Already Heard From CAN XL ?
Just a few years after the market launch of CAN FD, a new CAN variant, CAN XL, is on the start – sometimes viewed with a little suspicion. In fact, CAN XL owes less to the marketing strategy of electronics suppliers than it does to the dynamic development in automotive electronics over the last few years. In particular, the advent of automotive Ethernet with IP technologies is changing some things fundamentally. Currently, service-oriented communication is establishing itself in the vehicle parallel to signal-based communication. In this context, CAN XL provides the basis for efficient cooperation between IP technology and classic, signal-based communication. With data transmission speeds of up to 10 Mbit/s, it closes the gap between CAN FD and 100-Mbit Ethernet (100BASE-T1).
Discover CAN XL !
Technical Articles by Our Experts
E-Learning for CAN
E-Learning Modules
This E-Learning module is intended for all those who want to gain a better understanding of CAN communication technology. It is also ideal for all those who plan to participate in Vector training courses of the VectorAcademy.
37 free learning units lead you step by step to a better understanding of CAN technology.
Higher Layer Protocols
In addition to the CAN standard ISO 11898, there are a whole series of other protocols that can be set up on CAN or used with CAN. This also shows the manifold application possibilities of CAN in different application domains and industries.
Protocol | Description |
J1939 | Standard for networking and communication in the commercial vehicle. The focal point of the application is the networking of the power train. |
CANopen | CAN protocol that defines communication and device functions for CAN-based systems. CANopen is a standardized network architecture used in industries such as railway, medical, industrial, agriculture, heavy truck & bus, marine, off-highway, factory automation, aerospace. |
ISO 11783 | CAN-based communication on open networks for mobile use in the agricultural sector. ISO 11783 is a multimaster network based on CAN, whose protocol is harmonized with J1939. |
XCP | Measurement and Calibration Protocol for optimal parameterization of ECUs |
CAN FD SIC Transceiver
What is a CAN FD SIC Transceiver?
This technology provides features for building complex network topologies at higher communication bit rates.
With just a few sentences we have summarized the most important for you.
Wake-Up Pattern in CAN/CAN FD Networks
Revised Wake-Up Pattern
With the ISO11898-2: 2016 specification, the wake-up pattern for classic CAN and especially for CAN FD networks has been revised: The new wake-up Pattern is significantly more robust than its predecessor from ISO 11898-5: 2007.
Our short article compares the wake-up patterns of the two ISO documents and describes how to create an appropriate wake-up pattern.
More Know-How
Fact Sheet:
- Brief overview on our "Solutions for CAN/CAN FD" (PDF)
Presentation Slides:
- Detailed slides "CAN FD - An Introduction" about the CAN FD concept and overview about Vector´s CAN FD products (PDF)
Benefit from these presentations, expert tips and tool demonstrations:
Webinar Recording | |
Introduction to CAN XL January 2021, duration 55 min. | play recording |
How to optimally disturb CAN/CAN FD networks with the new VH6501 interface February 2018, duration 45 min. | play recording |
Flashing ECUs over CAN/CAN FD, Ethernet, FlexRay or LIN with vFlash November 2017, duration 45 min. | play recording |
Introduction to CAN FD January 2013, duration 50 min. | |
Speach Recording | |
High-speed reprogramming and calibration with CAN FD: A case study Peter Decker, Vector Germany, at the 14th International CAN Conference in Paris; duration 18 min. | play recording |
Benefit from these most popular technical articles and conference papers:
Title | |
IP Concepts with CAN XL - Transformation of SOME/IP towards SOME/CAN Transformational change in automotive communication systems (2/2) August 2020 in Hanser automotive | |
CAN XL provides the basis for seamless cooperation with Ethernet Transformational change in automotive communication systems (1/2) July 2020 in Hanser automotive | |
Automated analysis for vehicle communication March 2017 in CAN in Automation ICC Paper | |
CAN tools – then and now March 2017 in CAN Newsletter | open the article |
Eye diagram analysis for CAN FD - Fast identification of poor signal quality December 2016 in CAN Newsletter | open the article |
New communication paradigms in automotive networking - Ethernet and CAN FD are the new trailblazers August 2015 in Automobil Elektronik | open the article |
Secure communication for CAN FD November 2014 in CAN Newsletter | |
CAN FD: Fast measurement and reprogramming September 2014 in CAN Newsletter | |
CAN gets even better - Ways to transition from classic CAN to the improved CAN FD April 2013 in Elektronik automotive |
Do you have technical questions and are looking for suitable answers? Our KnowledgeBase provides the most important!
Poster

The clearly structured DIN A1 wall poster provides you with important technical details on the message structures of CAN and CAN FD.
You are provided with the most important innovations with regard to ISO 11898-1:2015 in compressed form.
Training

Seminar for CAN/CAN FD
If you would like to get detailed information on CAN/CAN FD just visit our "CAN Fundamentals" seminar.
You will get a general introduction to serial bus systems in the motor vehicle and a basic knowledge of CAN (Controller Area Network). This includes the characteristics of the physical characteristics of a CAN network and knowledge about characteristics of the CAN/CAN FD protocol.
Get our know-how!
Advantages of Vector Solutions and Products

No matter in which application area you use our products, you benefit from these advantages:
- Practice-proven CAN products and competent services based on Vector’s many years of experience in automotive networking
- Support of the improved CAN protocol CAN FD
- Universal tool chain makes it easy to integrate new technologies in existing vehicle architectures
Development and Testing
Develop and test your ECUs efficiently and reliably with these special software and hardware from Vector:

Monitoring / Remaining Network Simulation | |
Analyze all in-vehicle communications across bus and protocol boundaries and take advantage of functions for analyzing and stimulating CAN, but also LIN, FlexRay and more. | |
Conduct remaining bus simulations across networks and test ECUs and entire networks using a single tool that offers functions for analyzing and stimulating CAN, but also LIN, FlexRay and more. | |
The VN1600 interface family is an advanced development of the proven CANcaseXL product – a USB interface. While the VN1610/VN1611 offers 2 channels, and its focus is on lower size and weight, the VN1630A/VN1640A with 4 channels emphasizes flexibility as well as I/O support. The VN5620 and VN5650 network interfaces also support monitoring and remaining bus simulation. | |
Test Hardware | |
Vector´s VT System is modular test hardware for efficient ECU tests and functional tests. Together with CANoe, the VT System represents a high-performance and flexible test solution. | |
ECU Basic Software | |
The MICROSAR.CAN package contains the basic software (BSW) modules defined in the AUTOSAR architecture for CAN communication and many useful enhancements. Furthermore it is suitable, for example, as a basis for calibration with XCP for gateways or for reprogramming. MICROSAR.CAN is part of MICROSAR – the embedded software for your AUTOSAR ECUs. | |
OEM-specific embedded software for CAN communication in motor vehicles. The exact scope of functions is specified by the OEMs and is often based on the ISO, OSEK, or ASAM standards. | |
Prototyping / Small Production Runs | |
Vector Controllers are ECUs for specific use cases with a focus on data communication. Whether for charging communication (VC-VCCU, VC-EVCC-P) or as multi-gateway (VC121-12, VC36B-12): Benefit from proven hardware already qualified for vehicle use. In addition to CAN, the Vector Controllers have numerous interfaces and features for successful prototype or serial use. |
Diagnostics
The following software products support vehicle diagnostics for CAN/CAN FD:

Simulation and Test Tools | |
With the Diagnostic Feature Set contained in CANoe, you analyze diagnostic communication according to the UDS or KWP2000 standard. CANoe can be used both as a diagnostic tester and for simulation of ECU diagnostics, ODX/PDX, MDX or CANdelaStudio description files are used for parameter assignment. A complete OBD-II Tester is also already integrated in CANoe. | |
With the Diagnostic Feature Set contained in CANalyzer, you analyze the diagnostic communication according to the UDS or KWP2000 standard. CANalyzer can be used as a diagnostic tester for ECU diagnostics, ODX/PDX, MDX or CANdelaStudio description files are used for parameter assignment. A complete OBD-II Tester is also already integrated in CANalyzer. | |
DiVa is a CANoe extension for automated testing of implemented diagnostic software in ECUs. Test cases are generated based on a diagnostic description. CANoe.DiVa is designed for use by the vehicle manufacturer and the supplier. | |
Indigo is an easy-to-operate diagnostic tester that largely configures itself and masks the complexity of the diagnostic protocols. It provides a quick overview of the status of a vehicle and allows detailed diagnostics of individual ECUs. A large number of applications from the vehicle and ECU diagnostics are directly mapped by Indigo. Diagnostic tasks are conveniently handled with a minimum number of user interactions. | |
Embedded Software | |
The MICROSAR.DIAG package contains the basic software (BSW) modules defined in AUTOSAR for implementation of the UDS protocol and other requirements for diagnostics defined by the OEM. For ECUs without a special diagnostics specification, an OEM-independent package is available. For example, the MICROSAR.DIAG is appropriate for:
MICROSAR.DIAG is part of MICROSAR – the embedded software for your AUTOSAR ECUs. | |
CANdesc | CANdesc (diagnostic embedded software component) is used to implement the aspects of the diagnostics that are independent of the function and hardware of the ECU. CANdesc enables both the vehicle manufacturer and the ECU manufacturer to implement a uniform, cross-product diagnostic protocol for different type series and vehicle manufacturers. |
Calibration and Flashing
These Vector software products enable the reprogramming, measurement and calibration of individual control units via CAN/CAN FD:

PC | |
vFlash is an easy-to-operate tool for programming one or more ECUs via CAN/CAN FD, LIN, FlexRay and DoIP. | |
The primary application area of CANape is optimizing the parameter set (calibration) of ECUs. The communication between CANape and the ECUs takes place via protocols such as XCP or via microcontroller-specific interfaces with the VX1000 hardware. CANape and VX1000 enable measuring, calibrating, and flashing via XCP with a high data throughput and minimum runtime influencing of the ECU. | |
ECU | |
The MICROSAR.CAN package contains the basic software (BSW) modules defined in the AUTOSAR architecture for CAN communication and many useful enhancements. Furthermore it is suitable, for example, as a basis for calibration with XCP for gateways or for reprogramming. MICROSAR.CAN is part of MICROSAR – the embedded software for your AUTOSAR ECUs. | |
OEM-specific embedded software for CAN communication in motor vehicles. The exact scope of functions is specified by the OEMs and is often based on the ISO, OSEK, or ASAM standards. | |
The Vector Flash Bootloader is a uniform solution for reprogramming of ECUs during development and during production and service. It conforms to the specifications of the respective manufacturer and is coordinated and further developed with this manufacturer on a continuous basis. |
Real-Time Solutions
Vector offers you solutions with deterministic time behavior for real-time critical applications, such as the simulation of complex networks or bypassing:

Network Simulation | |
Conduct remaining bus simulations across networks and test ECUs and entire networks using a single tool that offers functions for analyzing and stimulating CAN, but also LIN, FlexRay and more. | |
CAPL-on-Board | This special run mode for CAPL network nodes enables time- and performance-critical simulation models to be run directly "on-board" on the network interface. Benefits:
|
High Performance Interfaces as RT Server: | The VN8900 and VT6000 real-time systems consist of these 2 components: User PC:
High performance interfaces: RT server as runtime environment:
Benefits:
|
Bypassing | |
The primary application area of CANape is optimizing the parameter set (calibration) of ECUs. The communication between CANape and the ECUs takes place via protocols such as XCP or via microcontroller-specific interfaces with the VX1000 hardware. CANape and VX1000 for measuring, calibrating, and flashing via XCP with a high data throughput and minimum runtime influencing of the ECU. | |
Interlinked Bypass Solution | Our solution to set up a bypass:
Benefits:
|
Hardware Products
Network Interfaces:
Interface | PC Connection | Network | |
(device is also a CAN disturbance interface; to be used with CANoe only) | USB | CAN/CAN FD | |
PCIe | CAN/CAN FD,J1708, LIN, SENT | ||
VN1600 Interface Family | USB | CAN/CAN FD, J1708, LIN, (SENT) | |
VN4610 | USB | CAN/CAN FD, IEEE 802.11p | |
VN5600 Interface Family | USB | CAN/CAN FD, Ethernet | |
VN7572 | PCIe | CAN/CAN FD, FlexRay, J1708, LIN | |
VN7610 | USB | CAN/CAN FD, FlexRay | |
VN7640 | USB, Ethernet | CAN/CAN FD, DoIP, FlexRay,IEEE 802.11p, J1708, LIN | |
VN8810 | USB, WiFi | CAN/CAN FD, DoIP, LIN | |
VN8900 Family | USB (RT PC), Ethernet | CAN/CAN FD, FlexRay, J1708, LIN | |
Bus transceivers for CAN/CAN FD, FlexRay, J1708, LIN and SENT |
Further Hardware:
Tool | Feature | Network | |
GL1000 Logger Family | Mobile data loggers to record the data communication of small networks | CAN, LIN | |
GL2000 Logger Family | Mobile data loggers to record the data communication of moderate-sized networks | CAN, (CAN FD), LIN | |
Mobile data loggers to record the data communication of extensive networks | CAN, (FlexRay), LIN | ||
GL5000 Logger Family | Mobile data loggers to record the data communication of very extensive networks | CAN/CAN FD, FlexRay, LIN | |
Combination of USB oscilloscope hardware and software for bit-accurate analysis of the network communication | CAN/CAN FD, FlexRay, LIN |
Downloads
-
2021-03-30 Product DescriptionFact Sheet CAN/CAN FD
-
2021-03-29 Product DescriptionVN1600 - Bus Interfaces with USB Interface for CAN, CAN FD, LIN, K-Line, J1708 and IO
-
2021-03-19 Add-On/FreewareVector Logging Exporter 4.0 SP1 (64 bit)
-
2021-03-12 Add-On/FreewareVector Logger Suite 4.0 SP1 (64 bit)
-
2021-02-23 Product DescriptionMICROSAR Fact Sheet
-
2021-02-19 ManualManual XL Driver Library
-
2021-02-16 Product DescriptionWide Availability of the Vector Flash Bootloader and EepM
-
2021-02-16 Product DescriptionWide availability of the communication software CANbedded
-
2021-02-04 Product DescriptionBus-Transceiver-Overview - for Vector CAN/CAN FD, CAN SIC, LIN, FlexRay and Sensor Buses
-
2021-01-25 Product DescriptionCANdelaStudio - User-friendly and Efficient Tool for Specifying Diagnostic Data.
Downloads
- 2021-01-20 Einführung in CAN XL - CAN rückt in den 10-Mbit/s-Bereich vor
- 2020-10-13 PREEvision: Communication Design
- 2020-09-17 Introduction to CAN XL – CAN Moves Into the 10 Mbit/s Domain
- 2020-06-09 The Test Designers Toolbox
- 2020-06-02 Simplifying the Analysis, Simulation and Testing of Complex...
- 2020-05-19 Simplifying ECU and Network Analysis
- 2020-05-19 PREEvision: Communication Design
- 2020-05-12 Introduction to CAN/CAN FD Protocol
- 2020-04-30 CANoe/CANalyzer 13.0 - Was ist neu?
- 2019-10-16 PREEvision: Modelling of Diagnostic Objects
-
2021-01-21 DemoCANalyzer 14 SP2 Demo (64 bit)
-
2021-01-21 DemoCANoe 14 SP2 Demo (64 bit)
-
2020-12-18 DemovSignalyzer 19.0 Demo
-
2020-12-18 DemovMeasure exp 5.0 Demo
-
2019-12-13 Application NoteDiagnostics via CANoe Gateways
-
2014-11-03 Application NoteAN-ANI-1-115 Common High Speed Physical Layer Problems
-
2014-11-03 Application NoteAN-IND-1-013 Logger - How Vector Loggers can be Used with J1939
-
2013-12-05 Application NoteAN-IND-1-018 Timing Analysis of CANdb++ Admin / Network Designer CAN
-
2012-01-05 Application NoteAN-ISC-1-1031 Entering Sleep Mode on Wakeup
-
2020-12-16 Press ReleaseCANoe 14: Perfectly Prepared for Upcoming Challenges
-
2020-05-20 Press ReleaseNew VN5620 Network Interface for Automotive Ethernet + CAN/CAN FD
-
2019-02-14 Press ReleaseNew CAN (FD)/LIN Network Interface for PCIe
-
2019-01-17 Press ReleaseFirst Network Interface for Car2x/V2X Communication
-
2018-08-20 Press ReleaseReproducible Disturbances of CAN (FD) Networks
-
2016-05-10 Press ReleaseEfficient development of multi-sensor applications with vADASdeveloper 2.0
-
2015-03-16 Press ReleaseVector supports the upcoming CAN/CAN FD ISO standard
News & Events
Currently no events are planned. All events can be viewed on the Event Overview page.