ProCANopen enables the efficient and quick planning of complete CANopen networks as well as devices. The user is supported in all project phases, including planning, development, start-up and service. Through the extensive functions, combined with an intuitive user interface, the user can concentrate immediately on the definition of the system parameters. ProCANopen executes the concrete and CANopen-conforming implementation of projects automatically. This significantly reduces the configuration effort required for extensive systems. The quality of the configuration thus created is increased, which in turn increases security on the system.

CANeds included

ProCANopen includes the EDS editor CANeds.

Graphic representation

Network devices are included and displayed in a graphic overview together with their names, node IDs and bitmaps (see image at the bottom). An existing network can be read-in, analyzed and configured without great effort by scanning the network and all object dictionaries, including automatic detection and allocation of the relevant EDS files.

Network configuration

Network-wide parameters such as the bit-rate or settings for SYNC messages are administered centrally. ProCANopen allows direct access to all device parameters via the CANopen network. The parameters can be read, modified or written back. One of the main tasks of ProCANopen is the convenient generation and clear display of communication channels. Network nodes can be controlled by dialog or linked graphically. ProCANopen automatically performs the implementation of these links to the corresponding CANopen mapping tables. There is no need for the user to become involved in the complex interconnections and details of these tables.
Per CiA 311, EDS files can be saved in XML format. One aspect of this standard is that it permits subdividing an object's value into signals. Accordingly, a digital 8-bit input value can be described by eight separate signals. In accessing a device it is possible to perform specific manipulations and display object values via signals, provided that they have been described in the EDS file.

Device design

Devices that do not exist yet and therefore must first be developed are already considered in the system design. ProCANopen represents the devices as node templates. Such a template can be understood as a CANopen device with the maximum number of PDOs. The system developer now defines which data of the device to be developed should be made available to other devices via the PDOs. This just requires specifying the device's object directory. The task is performed with the EDS editor - CANeds that is supplied with the ProCANopen product.

Interfaces

ProCANopen uses the standardized file formats EDS and DCF to store data. Also the new XML format (XDD and XDC) regarding CiA 311 is supported by ProCANopen Simple data exchange with any other CANopen tool such as CANalyzer.CANopen or CANoe.CANopen is guaranteed.

For more information, application notes and a demo version please refer to Vector's website: www.canopen-solutions.com/canopen_procanopen_en.html.