CAN bus simulator, diagnostics and monitoring

CAN bus simulator

A CAN simulator lets you exercise a network before the hardware is on the bench. CANsignal Suite can run a virtual CAN bus, import an EDS file, and drive signal generators so node values change on a schedule. When the adapter is ready, the same project connects to PEAK, Kvaser, or VSCOM hardware.

Virtual CAN does not need an adapter. Import an EDS, start a simulated node, and run the generators against that node. Trial includes 7 signal generators and 7 visual instruments. Light includes 15 of each. Text boxes are not counted toward those limits. Professional does not cap them. The current release is Classical CAN.

CAN diagnostics

CAN diagnostics starts with the frames on the wire. Trace records traffic, Live Graphs plot signals, and the network screens show which nodes answer, which heartbeats are missing, and how full the bus is. Use that view to separate a quiet node from a bus that is already too busy.

Heartbeat Monitor lists nodes that are online, the last heartbeat, and missed counts. Bus Utilization shows how much of the traffic is PDO, SDO, emergency, or heartbeat. Network Diagnostics names the node and a next step. Live Graphs is the chart screen. Dashboard Builder is a separate Professional tool.

CAN monitoring tool

A CAN monitoring tool should show live frames without hiding the raw traffic. CANsignal Suite keeps Trace next to decoded values, so you can filter messages, inspect a frame, and see the signal that came from it. The 28-day trial includes this monitoring path. Light and Professional keep it after a one-time licence.

Filter Trace by CAN ID or node, then read the raw frame under the table. From there, add a signal to Live Graphs or to the Object Dictionary watch. Trial needs an internet connection for the session. Light and Professional continue offline after activation. CAN AI Online, on Professional, needs internet only while you use it.

Which edition to open

Start with Trial if you want to see the core screens. It lasts 28 days, stays on one computer, and does not include Move. Light is the $800 one-time licence for offline core work, with Move. Professional is the $1,400 one-time licence when you also need Python, CAN AI, Dashboard Builder, EDS validation and comparison, compliance, and device commissioning.

Each setup zip includes the guide for that edition. The pages below are the same files, if you want to read them before you install.

A first session

1. Request the 28-day trial and install the setup. Trial checks the licence online while you use it.
2. Open a project and connect Virtual CAN if no adapter is attached. Import an EDS and start a simulated node.
3. Watch Trace, then open Live Graphs or the heartbeat screen. The PDF for your edition follows those same screens.