IPETRONIK Announce FleyRay-Extender For M-LOG And IPElog Data Loggers

As this bus system is now being implemented in production vehicles, analysis in prototype state and trial phase becomes increasingly necessary. IPETRONIK’s FlexRay-Extender is used as gateway for data conversion. It supports time-related data recording of FlexRay signals (FlexRay 2.1 Rev.A, chn A/ Chn B) using three different modes: signal measurement, protocol measurement XCPonFlexRay and asynchronous measurement. Asynchronous measurements are typically used for benchmark analysis. As bus parameters are determined by the FlexRay-Extender, users are able to measure “standard signals” at a third-party vehicle in a relatively easy way.

In protocol mode the extender collects data using the standardized XCPonFlexRay protocol. Using XCP, the measurement module functions as a control unit actively communicating with vehicle ECUs. Protocol parameter descriptions are documented in the respective description files. Data logger and FlexRay-Extender communicate using a 10/100Base-TX connection. All functions such as online calculation, trigger and storage function are available for the user. Data logger and FlexRay-Extender are defined in the configuration area of IPEmotion – IPETRONIK’s configuration and data acquisition software. By importing A2L, Fibex or AUTOSAR description files, the required parameters are defined. FlexRay-Extender is supported in IPEmotion Logger PlugIn V03.50 or higher in combination with the corresponding TESTdrive version.

The FlexRay-Extender was designed for automotive in-vehicle use. The ruggedized anodized aluminum enclosure uses dimensions of 158 mm x 102 mm x 26.5 mm (WxHxD) at a total extender module weight of 450 g. The module supports IP54 protection class, as well as a temperature range of -40 °C to +85 °C at a relative humidity of 5 to 95 %. A supply voltage in the range of 9 VDC to 36 VDC is required. Power consumption is max. 3.0 W.

According to Harry Stoerzer, Head of Application & Support at IPETRONIK, with FlexRay-Extender, typical tasks such as analysis, simulation and testing of FlexRay networks in vehicles can be performed reliably and efficiently. IPETRONIK customers, in addition, would benefit from the possibility of adding this module to existing Logger systems, being able to operate the complete system in their known environment.