Manual

VCI - Virtual CAN Interface

VCI-V2 Installation Manual
Software Version 2.x

The expert for industrial and automotive communication

IXXAT
Headquarter US Sales Office
IXXAT Automation GmbH IXXAT Inc.
Leibnizstr. 15 120 Bedford Center Road
D-88250 Weingarten USA-Bedford, NH 03110
Tel.: +49 (0)7 51 / 5 61 46-0 Phone: +1-603-471-0800
Fax: +49 (0)7 51 / 5 61 46-29 Fax: +1-603-471-0880
Internet: www.ixxat.de Internet: www.ixxat.com
e-Mail: [email protected] e-Mail: [email protected]

Support
In case of unsolvable problems with this product or other IXXAT products
please contact IXXAT in written form by:
Fax: +49 (0)7 51 / 5 61 46-29
e-Mail: [email protected]

For customers from the USA/Canada

Fax: +1-603-471-0880
e-Mail: [email protected]

Copyright
Duplication (copying, printing, microfilm or other forms) and the electronic
distribution of this document is only allowed with explicit permission of
IXXAT Automation GmbH. IXXAT Automation GmbH reserves the right to
change technical data without prior announcement. The general business
conditions and the regulations of the license agreement do apply. All rights
are reserved.

Document number: 4.02.0250.20000

Version: 2.20
 Contents

1 Overview ............................................................................................. 5
2 Support ............................................................................................... 6
2.1 Returning hardware...................................................................... 6
3 Installation of the VCI driver software ................................................ 6
4 The IXXAT Interfaces Applet ................................................................ 7
4.1 Starting the IXXAT Interfaces Applet ............................................ 7
4.2 Display function of the IXXAT Interfaces Applet .......................... 8
4.3 Access test of the PC/CAN Interface.............................................. 8
5 Hardware installation – Windows 2000............................................. 10
5.1 Installation of CAN@net II .......................................................... 10
5.2 Installation of CANblue .............................................................. 13
5.2.1 Set up Bluetooth connection ............................................................... 13
5.2.2 Installation of CANblue........................................................................ 17
6 Hardware installation – Windows XP and later ................................. 18
6.1 Installation of CAN@net II .......................................................... 18
6.2 Installation of CANblue .............................................................. 21
6.2.1 Set up Bluetooth connection ............................................................... 21
6.2.2 Installation of CANblue........................................................................ 24
7 Important information ...................................................................... 26
7.1 Updating to a new VCI version ................................................... 26

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 Overview

1 Overview
The VCI is a universal CAN-driver for all PC/CAN-cards from IXXAT. As a DLL for Windows
2000 and higher, it forms the interface between the user application and the various
IXXAT PC/CAN-Interfaces. A special feature is its uniform programming interface, which
enables various card types to be interchanged without having to adapt the user software.

Installation of the VCI consists of two steps:

(1) Installation of the software
Please note Section 7.1, if a previous version of the VCI driver is already installed.
Starting with VCI Version 2.20.x the VCI 3.4.x is mandatory to use the
PCI(e) and USB interfaces. Die VCI 2 uses the VCI 3 API to support applications
which were written for VCI V2 on latest windows operating systems without
modifying them. Please install the latest VCI 3.x at first. Therefore consult the VCI V3
installation manual. Without VCI V3 only the CAN@net II and the CANblue will be
supported.
(2) Installation of the hardware

This manual gives instructions on carrying out these two steps for Windows 2000 and
later.
Depending on the operating system and the PC/CAN-interface, different procedures are
necessary for the installation. This manual therefore contains a separate section for each
operating system.
Independently of the operating system and the PC/CAN-Interface used, the following
procedure should be followed:
(1) Install the VCI CAN-driver software.
(2) Select the relevant section in the manual according to the operating system used.
(3) Select the relevant sub-section according to the CAN-hardware to be installed.
(4) If explicit installation is required, install the hardware as described in this manual.
(5) Familiarize yourself with the IXXAT Interfaces Applet with the aid of Section 4.

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Support

2 Support
Further information on our products, as well as FAQ lists and tips on installation are
given in the support section of our homepage (http://www.ixxat.com). There you can
also obtain information on current product versions and available updates.
If you have further questions, after studying the manuals and the information on our
homepage, please contact our support department. The relevant forms for support
enquiries can be found in the support section of our homepage. To facilitate our support
work and enable a quick response, please provide exact details on the relevant points and
describe your question or problem in detail.
If you would prefer to phone our support department, please send a relevant support
enquiry first via our homepage so that our support department has the relevant
information available.

2.1 Returning hardware

If it becomes necessary to return hardware to us, please download the relevant RMA
form from the support section of our homepage and follow the instructions on this form.
In the case of repairs, please describe the problem or error in detail on the RMA form.
This enables us to process your repair quickly.

3 Installation of the VCI driver software

Installation from CD
Insert the IXXAT Drivers and Demos CD into the CD-drive.
Windows will automatically start a menu window where you select the English
language. In the dialog click on “Drivers” and start the installation of the VCI
driver software.
If the menu window was not started automatically then start the installation
manually by executing the file VCIxxx.exe (xxx represents the version of the VCI) in
the directory “Drivers” on the CD.
Follow the instructions in the installation program.

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 The IXXAT Interfaces Applet

4 The IXXAT Interfaces Applet

With the installation of the VCI-driver software, an "IXXAT Interfaces" Applet is installed in
the Windows Control Panel. It provides an overview about the previously installed IXXAT
PC/CAN-Interfaces and is used to test these. Interfaces that are not automatically
detectable by Windows, and for which there is no Windows installation wizard, are to be
installed here manually.

4.1 Starting the IXXAT Interfaces Applet

With Windows 2000 (and Windows XP and later with classic start menu view) the IXXAT
Interfaces Applet can be found directly within the Control Panel window.

Figure 4-1: The IXXAT Interfaces Applet in the Control Panel

With the Windows XP/Vista start menu view the IXXAT Interfaces icon is contained by the
subfolder “Other Control Panel Options”.

Figure 4-2: Windows XP Control Panel

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The IXXAT Interfaces Applet

4.2 Display function of the IXXAT Interfaces Applet

The IXXAT Interfaces Applet supplies the user with information on installed IXXAT
PC/CAN-interfaces and their configuration (address, IRQ etc.).

Figure 4.2-1: Information on an installed iPC-I 165

The entries LOGGING, DOWNLOAD and VERIFY have special functions:
• LOGGING: When Logging is activated, the log files “ccidpram.log” and
“uci20cci.log” are generated by the driver. All call-ups are protocolled to the driver in
these files.
Only activate Logging if there are problems during start-up of the
PC/CAN-interfaces. The log files become large very quickly and performance is
greatly restricted. Please help our support department to solve your
problem by attaching these two log file in zipped from to your support request
to [email protected].
• DOWNLOAD: This entry only exists for active CAN-hardware. With this entry you
can determine whether the firmware is loaded onto the board when the board is
opened.
• VERIFY: This entry also exists only for active CAN-hardware. When VERIFY is
activated, the downloaded firmware is re-checked after the download phase.
Verification of the downloaded firmware may take some time,
depending on the type of PC/CAN-interface.

4.3 Access test of the PC/CAN Interface

Access to an installed PC/CAN-interface can be tested via the “Test“ button. The dialog
then opened provides detailed information on specific properties of the board.

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 The IXXAT Interfaces Applet

Figure 4.3-1: Specific properties of the installed board

The section Versions provides version information about the hardware and the driver.
The version numbers are shown with three digits. The first digit is the major version
number, digit two and three build the minor version number (e.g. “106” means version
1.06).
For each CAN controller on the PC/CAN interface there is a separate register card with the
type of CAN controller, its property and features. Not supported features are displayed in
gray color.

Property / Feature Meaning

Timestamp (100ns) Hardware specific timestamp resolution in 100 nsec
Rx QueueSize The driver’s receive queue size in number of messages
Tx QueueSize The driver’s transmit queue size in number of messages
standard or extended Exclusive operation of standard and extended CAN protocol
standard and extended Simultaneous operation of std. and ext. CAN protocol
remoteframes Reception of RTR frames
errorframe generation Generation of error frames
busload Calculation of busload
sendlist Support of cyclic transmit objects (see UCI Programming
manual)
passiv mode Listen to bus traffic without sending the acknowledge bit
filter Exact filtering of 29-bit identifiers

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Hardware installation – Windows 2000

5 Hardware installation – Windows 2000

Under Windows 2000 the user must be logged in with administrator
authorization in order to carry out new hardware installation.

Hardware type Installation method Section

TCP/IP: CAN@net II via IXXAT Interfaces Applet 5.1
Bluetooth: CANblue via IXXAT Interfaces Applet 5.2

5.1 Installation of CAN@net II

CAN@net II is installed via the IXXAT Interfaces Applet. For this, the VCI V2 driver
software must be previously installed.

(1) Start the IXXAT Interfaces Applet in the Control Panel.

Figure 5.1-1: Starting the IXXAT Interfaces Applet

(2) Click on the “Install” button in the applet in order to install new hardware.
(3) A CAN@net II installation dialog appears after selecting “IXXAT CAN@net II Install”.
Create a new configuration by clicking the “Add” button.

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 Hardware installation – Windows 2000

Figure 5.1-2: Installation of CAN@net II

(4) Define a symbolic name, the IP address and the password. If there is a DNS entry for
the CAN@net II device you may alternatively type in a domain name instead of the
IP address. The default password at delivery time is “IXXAT”

In the Description field you may input additional user defined description text. Add
new text lines with Ctrl+Enter.

Figure 5.1-3: New CAN@net II configuration

IP address and password are configurable via the CAN@net II Configurator
(refer to CAN@net II Hardware Manual).

(5) The new configuration appears within the installation dialog. Clicking the “OK”
button will set up a CAN@net II device based on the selected configuration.

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Hardware installation – Windows 2000

Figure 5.1-4: Installation dialog with new CAN@net II configuration

If there is more than one configuration defined you can use another device by selecting
another configuration. Existing configurations can be edited via the “Edit” button and
deleted via the “Delete” button.

(6) The configured CAN@net II device now appears in the main window of the IXXAT
Interfaces applet. If the configured IP address and password is correct the access
test via the “Test” button can be performed.

Figure 5.1-5: Applet after installation of the CAN@net II interface

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 Hardware installation – Windows 2000

5.2 Installation of CANblue

CANblue is installed via the IXXAT Interfaces Applet. For this, the VCI V2 driver software
must be previously installed. Additionally you need a previously installed Bluetooth
adapter. IXXAT recommends using a Bluetooth adapter which uses the Toshiba
Bluetooth stack. In the following chapter, an installed Toshiba Bluetooth stack is
presupposed. If you use a Bluetooth stack from another supplier, you have to set up the
Bluetooth connection in a corresponding manner.

5.2.1 Set up Bluetooth connection

The following steps illustrate how to set up a Bluetooth connection using the Toshiba
Bluetooth stack.

(1) Open the dialog “Bluetooth Settings“ (Icon on the task bar).

Figure 5.2-1: Bluetooth Settings – New Connection

(2) Click on “New Connection” to open the dialog “Add New Connection Wizard” and
select “Express Mode”.

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Hardware installation – Windows 2000

Figure 5.2-2: Connection Wizard – Select Mode

(3) All available Bluetooth devices will be displayed. Select the IXXAT CANblue
(xxxxxxxxxxxx) device which has to be configured. The field behind the name
“(xxxxxxxxxxxx)“ shows the MAC address which is also shown on the back of the
CANblue device.

Figure 5.2-3: Connection Wizard – Select device

(4) Now the dialog “Bluetooth Manager – Bluetooth Security” appears where you need
to enter the passkey for the Bluetooth device. The passkey for the IXXAT CANblue
device is 7388.
7388

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 Hardware installation – Windows 2000

Figure 5.2-4: Bluetooth Security – Enter passkey

(5) After entering the passkey the virtual COM port of the CANblue device is shown.
Memorize the number of the COM port.

Figure 5.2-5: Connection Wizard – COM port

(6) Furthermore it’s possible to change the connection name and the icon of the
CANblue device. However, it’s recommended to keep the default connection name
of the CANblue device.

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Hardware installation – Windows 2000

Figure 5.2-6: Connection Wizard – Change name and icon

(7) Click on “Finish” to close the dialog “Add New Connection Wizard”. Herewith the
set up of the connection is completed and the CANblue device appears in the
dialog “Bluetooth Settings”.

Figure 5.2-7: Bluetooth Settings – CANblue device

It’s not necessary to connect the CANblue device via the context menu, because
the connection is made automatically.

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 Hardware installation – Windows 2000

5.2.2 Installation of CANblue

(1) Start the IXXAT Interfaces Applet in the Control Panel.

Figure 5.2-8: Starting the IXXAT Interfaces Applet

(2) Click on the “Install” button in the applet in order to install new hardware.
(3) A CANblue installation dialog appears after selecting “IXXAT CANblue Install”.

Figure 5.2-9: Installation of CANblue

(4) Select the previously configured COM port (here COM 40), adjust to the highest
baud rate supported by your Bluetooth stack (for the Toshiba stack set 921,6 kBaud)
and close the dialog with “OK”.
(5) The configured CANblue device now appears in the main window of the IXXAT
Interfaces Applet. If the configured COM port is correct the access test via the “Test”
button can be performed.

Figure 5.2-10: Applet after installation of the CANblue interface

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Hardware installation – Windows XP and later

6 Hardware installation – Windows XP and

later
Under Windows XP the user must be logged in with administrator
authorization in order to carry out new hardware installation.

Hardware type Installation method Section

TCP/IP: CAN@net II via IXXAT Interfaces Applet 6.1
Bluetooth: CANblue via IXXAT Interfaces Applet 6.2

6.1 Installation of CAN@net II

CAN@net II is installed via the IXXAT Interfaces Applet. For this, the VCI V2 software
must be previously installed.

(1) Start the IXXAT Interfaces Applet within the Control Panel category “Other Control
Panel Options”

Figure 6.1-1: Starting the IXXAT Interfaces Applet

(2) Click on the “Install” button in the applet in order to install new hardware.
(3) A CAN@net II installation dialog appears after selecting “IXXAT CAN@net II Install”.
Create a new configuration by clicking the “Add” button.

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Figure 6.1-2: Installation of CAN@net II

(4) Define a symbolic name, the IP address and the password. If there is a DNS entry for
the CAN@net II device you may alternatively type in a domain name instead of the
IP address. The default password at delivery time is “IXXAT”.

In the Description field you may input additional user defined description text. Add
new text lines with Ctrl+Enter.

Figure 6.1-3: New CAN@net II configuration

IP address and password are configurable via the CAN@net II Configurator
(refer to CAN@net II Hardware Manual).

(5) The new configuration appears within the installation dialog. Clicking the “OK”
button will set up a CAN@net II device based on the selected configuration.

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Hardware installation – Windows XP and later

Figure 6.1-4: Installation dialog with new CAN@net II configuration

If there is more than one configuration defined you can use another device by selecting
another configuration. Existing configurations can be edited via the “Edit” button and
deleted via the “Delete” button.

(6) The configured CAN@net II device now appears in the main window of the IXXAT
Interfaces applet. If the configured IP address and password is correct the access
test via the “Test” button can be performed.

Figure 6.1-5: Applet after installation of the CAN@net II interface

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 Hardware installation – Windows XP and later

6.2 Installation of CANblue

CANblue is installed via the IXXAT Interfaces Applet. For this, the VCI V2 driver software
must be previously installed. Additionally you need a previously installed Bluetooth
adapter. IXXAT recommends using a Bluetooth adapter which supports the XP / Vista
Bluetooth stack. The XP Bluetooth stack is included in the Service Pack 2 for Windows XP.
If you use another Bluetooth stack, you have to set up the Bluetooth connection in a
corresponding manner.

6.2.1 Set up Bluetooth connection

The following steps illustrate how to set up a Bluetooth connection using the XP
Bluetooth stack.

(1) Open the dialog “Bluetooth Devices“ (Control Panel
Bluetooth Devices).

Figure 6.2-1: Bluetooth Devices – Add device

(2) Click on “Add…” to open the dialog “Add Bluetooth Device Wizard” and select
“My device is set up and ready to be found”.

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Hardware installation – Windows XP and later

Figure 6.2-2: Add Bluetooth Device Wizard – Find device

(3) All available Bluetooth devices will be displayed. Select the IXXAT CANblue
(xxxxxxxxxxxx) device which has to be configured. The field behind the name
“(xxxxxxxxxxxx)“ shows the MAC address which is also shown on the back of the
CANblue device.

Figure 6.2-3: Add Bluetooth Device Wizard – Select device

(4) Now you have to enter the passkey for the Bluetooth device. Therefore select “Use
the passkey found in the documentation” and enter 7388.
7388

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 Hardware installation – Windows XP and later

Figure 6.2-4: Add Bluetooth Device Wizard – Enter passkey

(5) After entering the passkey the virtual COM ports of the CANblue device are shown.
Memorize the number of the outgoing COM port.

Figure 6.2-5: Add Bluetooth Device Wizard – COM port

(6) Click on “Finish” to close the dialog “Add Bluetooth Device Wizard”. Herewith the
set up of the connection is completed and the CANblue device appears in the
dialog “Bluetooth Devices”.

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Hardware installation – Windows XP and later

Figure 6.2-6: Bluetooth Devices – CANblue device

6.2.2 Installation of CANblue

(1) Start the IXXAT Interfaces Applet in the Control Panel.

Figure 6.2-7: Starting the IXXAT Interfaces Applet

(2) Click on the “Install” button in the applet in order to install new hardware.
(3) A CANblue installation dialog appears after selecting “IXXAT CANblue Install”.

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Figure 6.2-8: Installation of CANblue

(4) Select the previously configured COM port (here COM 4), adjust to the highest
baud rate supported by your Bluetooth stack (for the XP stack set 921,6 kBaud) and
close the dialog with “OK”.

(5) The configured CANblue device now appears in the main window of the IXXAT
Interfaces Applet. If the configured COM port is correct the access test via the
“Test” button can be performed.

Figure 6.2-9: Applet after installation of the CANblue interface

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Important information

7 Important information
7.1 Updating to a new VCI version
If you have already installed VCI-driver software and would now like to update to a
newer version of the VCI, please proceed as follows:

(1) Please download the VCI-Cleaner from our homepage. This will require the
password which you received with the information sheet enclosed with your
hardware.
(2) Uninstall the current VCI via the Applet “Add/Remove Programs“ in the Control
Panel.
(3) Under Windows 2000 and later remove all IXXAT CAN interfaces from the Device
Manager. For this, mark each interface and click the “Remove“ button. If tinCAN or
USB-to-CAN is installed, it must also be plugged in, otherwise it is not visible in the
Device Manager.
(4) Start the VCI Cleaner in order to ensure complete removal of VCI files and VCI
registry entries from your Windows drive. For this, mark the drive on which you have
installed Windows. Ensure that you have activated the option “Search for Inf-file”
under Windows 2000 and later. Always use the latest version that available from
the website. (http://www.ixxat.com)
(5) Without restarting the computer, install the new VCI version by executing the setup.
Then restart the computer.

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