Support Question of the Week: What Software Should We Use with the Komodo CAN Duo Interface to Collect Real-Time Data?

We are working on an automotive application, and we will be using the Komodo^TM CAN Duo Interface. We also have the Data Center^TM Software that was provided with the Komodo.

This purpose of the application is to trouble-shoot the radio outside of the vehicle.  A module that is integrated in the vehicular system controls the radio.  We need to operate the radio in a setup that duplicates the conditions inside the vehicle.  To do so, we need to reproduce the CAN data on the vehicle at both high speed and low speed, so that we can turn the radio on and off under various test conditions.  To reproduce the CAN data, we need to analyze and filter the data while the radio is installed in the vehicle.

What we plan to do:

1. Cut the radio CAN line and then interface the Komodo between the radio and the control module.
2. Listen to the bus line on port 1 of the Komodo.
3. Save, filter and resend the data on port 2 to the radio in real-time.
4. Listen to the reply from the radio on port 2, and both save the radio reply and return the reply to port 1.

Can this be done with the Data Center Software, or do we need a different tool?

Thanks for your question! What you are suggesting is very possible.  There are two main ways to utilize the Komodo interface for working with your application.

You can use our GUI applications. For example, use the Data Center Software to record the data on port 1, and then use the same software to export it as a *.kba (Komodo GUI Batch File).  Using the Komodo GUI Software, open the exported *.kba file and replay the captured data on port 2.

However, for a more automated solution and to do this for near real-time data, we recommend writing an application with our Komodo API or LabVIEW drivers.  Our Komodo API Software allows you to create many scenarios, and can be used with the C, C#, and Python programming languages. Many software examples are provided, which you can modify for your requirements.

 

Figure 1: Komodo CAN Duo Interface

 

There are some factors to consider. The two interfaces on the Komodo Duo are treated as separate adapters connected to the same USB connection. Also, The limitations to the response speed are related to your software's ability to process the information and then send it back to the Komodo. Our USB interface can handle 40 MB/s of data transfer, which is much faster than the CAN rate, and brings the data much closer to real-time.

The other factor is the USB interface turn-around time of 2ms (1ms out and 1ms back). For more details, please refer to section 3.8.4 of the Komodo Interface User Manual.

For more information about the host adapters and other Total Phase products, please refer to the following documents:

Komodo Interface User Manual
Komodo GUI Software
Komodo GUI Software User Manual
Data Center Software User Manual
Total Phase Products
Product Selector Guide

We hope this answers your question. If you have other questions about our Host Adapters or other Total Phase products, feel free to email us at sales@totalphase.com or submit a request for technical support.