CANtrace

A powerful CAN bus analyser software and diagnostic tool

CANtrace Main Feature Overview

CANtrace is an easy-to-use CAN bus analyser that lets you trace, decode and plot CAN messages and signals in real-time or log everything for post-processing in the comfort of your office.

Easy to use

Intuitive Design for Fast Setup

CANtrace’s user-friendly interface allows even beginners to quickly set up their projects and start analyzing CAN bus communication. With comprehensive support for DBC and ASC files, the intuitive design ensures efficient real-time troubleshooting and detailed post-processing, making it an invaluable tool for engineers at any level.

Multiplexing as standard

Seamless Multiplexed Signal Support

CANtrace fully supports multiplexed signals, allowing for easy decoding and editing of complex CAN protocols. This feature simplifies handling and visualizing data from multiplexed signals, enhancing the efficiency of your CAN bus analysis.

Show data on Graph

Plotting the data

CANtrace contains a powerful graphical presentation which allows you to plot the values of multiple signals over time. The intuitive interface lets you easily manipulate the color-coded signals, move or scale them (individually or as a group) and use several types of data-cursor to take measurements for a seamless workflow. Then, the graph can be printed or saved as a file to include in a report or on a website.

Powerful Python scripting

Extensive Python Scripting Environment

User-created scripts can be run in real-time and used to modify, filter or create incoming and outgoing messages. This feature allows for customization of analysis workflows, automation of repetitive tasks, and deeper insights extraction from CAN data.

And of course there is more to explore.
Other noteworthy features are:

Interfaces Logfiles Filesystems Protocols

Works with most common interfaces

With CANtrace you don’t have to invest in expensive CAN hardware to get started. If you are like most CANtrace customers, your engineers already use at least one CAN interface, and with CANtrace it’s possible to tie your CANtrace license to your existing hardware.

If you own a CAN interface from any of the following manufacturers, it will work with CANtrace:

Kvaser AB
Vector Informatik GmbH
Peak System
Softing AG

For Kvaser, Softing and Vector hardware, the license is tied to the interface hardware. For Peak hardware, the license is tied to the PC. CANtrace can be shared by several people as long as you use the same Kvaser, Softing or Vector CAN hardware.

Play logfile

CANtrace supports Vector ASCII format CAN log files. In addition to recording log data from multiple channels, CANtrace can also play back log files directly to the CAN bus. Any log file in ASC format can be used to generate data on the CAN bus. This feature can be very useful for simulation, testing and bus traffic generation.

Seamless Integration with Industry Standard File Systems

CANtrace integrates seamlessly with industry-standard DBC databases and Vector ASCII (ASC) format log files. This compatibility ensures smooth data exchange and efficient workflow management, allowing you to import and export data across various programs. By supporting these widely-used formats, you can efficiently manage and analyze your CAN data. This ensures that your analysis is precise and reliable, facilitating better decision-making and troubleshooting in real-time.

Additionally, CANtrace’s support for these formats means you can leverage existing data and tools without the need for extensive reconfiguration. This makes it easier to adopt CANtrace into your current workflow, maximizing productivity and minimizing setup time. Whether you are working in development, testing, or maintenance, CANtrace provides the flexibility and functionality needed to handle complex CAN bus communications.

The ability to work with DBC and ASC files also means that CANtrace is compatible with a wide range of applications and industries. From automotive to industrial automation, the software’s robust features ensure it meets the diverse needs of professionals dealing with CAN data. By integrating these industry-standard file systems, CANtrace guarantees that your data remains accessible and interpretable, no matter the source or destination.

Moreover, CANtrace’s user-friendly interface and comprehensive support for DBC and ASC files make it an invaluable tool for both beginners and experienced engineers. The intuitive design allows users to quickly set up their projects and start analyzing data without a steep learning curve. This ease of use, combined with powerful features, makes CANtrace a top choice for those seeking a reliable and efficient CAN bus analysis solution.

Supported Protocols in CANtrace

CANtrace supports a comprehensive range of protocols, ensuring versatility and adaptability across various applications. One of the primary protocols supported is CANopen, which is widely used in embedded systems for automation, including industrial automation and medical devices. With CANtrace, users can effectively trace, decode, and analyze CANopen messages, facilitating efficient diagnostics and system optimization.

In addition to CANopen, CANtrace fully supports the J1939 protocol, which is essential for heavy-duty vehicles and machinery, such as trucks, buses, and agricultural equipment. The software can decode J1939 parameter groups, making it easier to interpret and analyze vehicle-specific data. This capability allows for seamless integration with vehicle networks, enabling precise monitoring and troubleshooting.

CANtrace also offers robust support for the standard CAN protocol, the backbone of many automotive and industrial networks. Users can capture, decode, and analyze CAN messages in real-time or from logged data, ensuring that all critical information is accessible and interpretable. Furthermore, the software supports CAN FD (Flexible Data-rate), allowing for the handling of higher data rates and longer messages. This support is crucial for modern applications requiring faster and more efficient data communication.

By supporting these protocols, CANtrace provides a versatile and powerful tool for professionals dealing with a wide range of CAN bus applications. Whether working with traditional CAN networks or more advanced CAN FD systems, CANtrace ensures that all data can be managed effectively and efficiently.

over 20 years

of CAN experience

over 17 years

of CANtrace Updates

Used in over 33

countries

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