Configurable tool for the FlexRay/CAN message conversion

The FlexRay/CAN gateway is a flexible, configurable tool with which FlexRay messages and signals can be transferred to the CAN bus. This works in both directions and is especially useful for applications where existing CAN-based measurement and control technology is to be integrated into new FlexRay environments. Another use is the integration of a FlexRay control unit in the CAN bus of a vehicle. In addition, CAN-to-CAN and FlexRay-to-FlexRay data exchange is possible.

The FlexRay/CAN gateway contains configuration software for the PC and a gateway runtime application which executed on the hardware platform. The software on the PC is required to define the gateway configuration. After downloading to the target hardware, the gateway application runs independently of the PC.





FlexRay gateway configuration software
The configuration software is an application running on the PC which enables simple allocation of signals on the FlexRay bus to signals on the CAN bus (and vice versa) via a graphical interface. The signals specified in the Fibex bus description file or CANdb can be selected and allocated via drag & drop. The software supports user inputs by suggesting signals with relevant names. A description file is optional for the CAN bus. If no description file is available, the user can also specify the messages or signals manually.
The tool checks all allocations for consistency, i.e. the data length and data type of the input and target signal are compared. In the event of inconsistencies, the user is notified of this by means of a warning or error message. All CAN interfaces provided by the hardware platform can be used to transmit signals. Generally, only some of the signals on the FlexRay bus are relevant, so that the bandwidth of the CAN buses is sufficient. If the available bandwidth is exceeded, the user is notified with a message.
After completed configuration, the software calculates the allocation of the signals and provides them in the form of a loadable table. All files of a configuration can be stored in one project and reloaded at a later date for additions or modifications.
With a download dialogue, the necessary files and code can be transferred to the hardware platform. The user can decide whether the configuration is stored in the RAM or in the FLASH memory of the hardware platform. After a successful download, a connection to the PC is no longer necessary.

Residual bus simulation for FlexRay and CAN

The FlexRay/CAN gateway application is based on the IXXAT residual bus simulation for FlexRay and CAN systems. Based on the Fibex description file normally used for the FlexRay bus, code is generated for the hardware platform used, which transmits the messages required for communication with the necessary CRC checksums and alive counters according to the specified cycle. This ensures the operability of the FlexRay.

FlexRay/CAN gateway application

The gateway application is also run on the hardware platform. It interprets the table with the signal allocations and configures the unit accordingly. The CAN bus is provided with messages event-controlled or cyclically. The cycle time is defined by the configuration.

Hardware platform
The hardware platform used for the FlexRay/CAN gateway is the FlexRay CCM or the FRC-EP150. Both units have a robust housing, an extended temperature range and a wide supply voltage range. The units are therefore ideal for use in vehicles or in the rough environment of a test bench.
The FlexRay/CAN gateway configuration can be stored in the Flash memory of the units. In this way it is possible for the units to also start the gateway application independently after a power-on without a connection to the PC. Due to this stand-alone capability, pre-configured units can also be installed in inaccessible places in the vehicle or test bench.
Both units can also be ordered with a dual chip option and can therefore provide the two cold-start nodes required for FlexRay. In combination with the FlexRay/CAN gateway, it is thus possible to connect control units to the vehicle or test bench which do not have a cold-start node themselves.

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