PCAN-Explorer 6

The PCAN-Explorer 6 is a versatile, professional program for working with CAN and CAN FD networks. The user is not just limited to the observation of the CAN traffic. Manual or periodic transmission of messages or entire transmission lists allows him a direct influence, for example, for control purposes or simulations.

The PCAN-Explorer 6 can connect to several CAN and CAN FD buses at the same time. Unlike previous versions, the hardware type of used PEAK CAN interfaces is no longer a limiting factor.

A central point in the use of the program is the symbolic representation of the CAN messages and their payload. With the help of Symbol files, the hexadecimal information is transformed into a readable and vivid format.

Since version 6, the trace function, in addition to recording the data traffic, allows also the playback of existing traces. The recordings and incoming CAN messages can be filtered using various criteria.

Special requirements as well as the automation of complex processes can be implemented with macros, VBScript, and callback functions. The sophisticated implementation of VBScript accesses the extensive object model of the PCAN-Explorer 6.

Furthermore, the functionality of the PCAN-Explorer can be extended by add-ins. PEAK-System offers add-ins that provide even better opportunities to analyze and influence data. The Plotter produces a graphical representation of the signals‘ time course by live recording or on the basis of traces. The Instruments Panel is used for an own arrangement of various displays, controls, and switches. Further add-ins enable the import of third-party configurations based on the CANdb format and add the support for the J1939 protocol.

• Management of all settings, information, and files in projects
• Exporting entire projects including linked files to handy packets for archiving or sharing
• Extensive revision of the user interface with improved dialogs for creating transmit messages and managing signals
• Automatic notification about new software versions and support with the update process
• Integrated text editor with syntax highlighting for creating and editing of Symbol files, macros and VBScript
• User interface language can be switched (German/English)
• Integration of add-ins to upgrade functionality
  
  

Connection to CAN and CAN FD

• Connection with up to 16 CAN channels
• Simultaneous use of multiple PEAK CAN interfaces independent of the hardware type
• Support for CAN specifications 2.0 A/B and FD
• CAN bit rates (nominal) up to 1 Mbit/s
• Data bit rates up to 12 Mbit/s (only when using a CAN FD interface)
• Optional use of custom bit rates
• Listen-only mode can be activated
• Clear overview of connections with their bit rate, status, error counter, and bus load
• Function to execute a hardware reset of the CAN controller
  
  

Transmission and reception

• Representation of the CAN data traffic in sortable receive and transmit lists with configurable columns display
• Display of messages showing the ID, length, data bytes, time-outs, number of messages received, and receiving interval
• Display of error frames can be activated for each connection
• Representation of CAN IDs in hexadecimal or decimal format
• Display of receive, transmit, and error states
• Message reception with a maximum resolution of 1 µs
• Manual and periodic transmission of messages with a maximum resolution of 1 ms
• Transmission of CAN messages in response to remote frames (only with CAN 2.0 A/B)
• Messages can be grouped as transmit lists, stored and loaded as desired, e.g., in order to emulate CAN nodes
• Multiple flexible filters can be configured and, for example, assigned to the transmit/receive window or to various different tracers
  
  

Recording and playback

• Logging of the CAN data traffic along with the errors that have occurred as an option
• Playback of trace files with optional loop function
• Operation of multiple tracers at the same time
• Representation of the logged messages with details such as time stamp, type, ID, length, and data bytes
• Representation of the data bytes in hexadecimal, decimal, or ASCII format
• Filtering of messages to be logged via message filters during and after a recording
• Recording of CAN data traffic directly to files or to the RAM (in linear, dynamic, or circular buffer mode)
• Playback of logged CAN messages directly from files or the buffer
• Storing of the logged data to readable text files or CSV files for further processing in Excel or similar
• Enhanced processing of huge trace files compared to PCAN-Explorer version 5
• Subsequent examination of the logged data in the buffer via different Symbol files
  
  

Symbolic representation

• Clear and readable representation of CAN messages based on the symbol format from PEAK-System:
  
  • Easy allocation of CAN messages by assigning alphanumeric names
  • Bit-exact division of the data into variables for assigning names, data type, etc.
• Comfortable Symbol file creation with the supplied Windows® software PCAN-Symbol Editor or with the integrated text editor
• User-friendly real-time monitoring of several signals via the Watch window
• Graphical display of up to 4 signals with a simple line writer (Line Writer Add-in)
  
  

Automation

• Automation of small tasks or complex processes with macros or VBScript like for example:
  
  • Test procedures for the implementation or development of CAN systems
  • Send an e-mail if a temperature is exceeded
  • Start an action when a particular message is received
  • Open an Excel sheet when an event occurs and save the data in individual cells
  • Calculate variables from the data of incoming CAN messages
• Creation of macros and scripts with the integrated text editor
• Assignment of function keys to individual macros
• Access with VBScript to almost all program elements via the PCAN-Explorer object model
• VBScript macros also run in the background even without the PCAN-Explorer interface
• Automation with callback libraries
  
  • Integration of self-implemented callback functions as native libraries (*.dll, 32-bit)
  • Freely programmable processing and modification of CAN message data and execution of message-related processes
  • Calling of callback functions on events such as receipt, before transmission, and after transmission of a CAN message
    
    

System requirements

• Windows® 11 (x64/ARM64), 10 (x86/x64)
• Free USB port for installation stick and copy protection dongle
• For the CAN bus connection: PC CAN interface from PEAK-System
• Internet connection recommended for activation

Single Computer License: With this license you get the installation files and a license file. With that you are allowed to install, activate, and use the software on a single computer exclusively. The activation of the software is done online, by phone, or e-mail.

Portable License + USB Copy Protection Dongle: With this type of license, you get a USB copy protection dongle for each purchased license in addition to the installation files. You can install PCAN-Explorer 6 on several computers. In order to unlock and use the software, you must plug the copy protection dongle into a free USB port.

Note: Please enter your license ID as a comment when ordering if you want to extend your portable license with additional licenses. This allows you to use the new and previous copy protection dongle for the same PCAN-Explorer installations.

• Installations files for PCAN-Explorer
• Single computer license or portable license with USB copy protection dongle
• PCAN-Symbol Editor for Windows® Details ...
• Documentation in HTML help format
  
  

Note: Software delivery on USB stick. Alternative installation media or download on request.

Additional information

• PCAN-Explorer 6: Version history
• PCAN-Symbol Editor 6: Version history
• PEAK-System Forum: Section for the PCAN-Explorer 6 & Add-ins for questions and support
• The standard CAN FD: Support and compatible products
  
  

Add-ins

• Plotter Add-in 6: Version history
• Instruments Panel Add-in 6: Version history
• CANdb Import Add-in 6: Version history
• J1939 Add-in 6: Version history