Development and analysis of avionics networks with CANalyzer.AFDX and CANoe.AFDX

With the new .AFDX option, Vector is extending the application range of its CANoe and CANalyzer development and analysis tools to avionics networks. This gives developers of networked electronic units in an aircraft a solution that provides detailed access to the exchanged data right down to the level of single Ethernet frames.

CANoe and CANalyzer are used as multibus tools to evaluate the AFDX communication in temporal relation to other communication channels such as ARINC 825. If a network description is provided in the form of ICD files, this information is available within the tool. Virtual links, for example, are then displayed not just as numeric values, but with the name specified in the ICD. Likewise, the specified signal name can be used to access the respective data payload. The Data and Graphics windows provide a clear and simple display of the signals. For specific, substantive display of values, custom panels can be defined.

The user can implement complex analysis scenarios using the built-in programming language CAPL. Individual AFDX messages can also be stimulated with ease using this C-like programming language. CANoe handles both the scheduling of the message and its transfer via the corresponding PC interfaces. Playback of previously recorded log files is also possible. The comprehensive and versatile basic functions of CANoe/CANalyzer and the AFDX extension facilitate the analysis of complex networks.