VECTOR VH1160 Test Hardware for CAN and LIN Conformance Tests With CANoe

Condition: New
Part #: VH1160

$2,862.00

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Description

The Vector VH1160 is a specialized USB-powered hardware module designed to automate and streamline CAN and LIN conformance testing. In the high-stakes environment of automotive ECU (Electronic Control Unit) validation, the VH1160 serves as the bridge between software-based test environments and physical network layers.

Engineered for seamless integration with Vector CANoe, it eliminates the need for complex, bulky external test setups by providing integrated power management and fault simulation in a single, compact device.

Core Technology: Automated Network Validation

At its core, the VH1160 leverages USB-based automation technology to control the physical state of the ECU under test. Unlike legacy testing methods that require manual power cycling, the VH1160 utilizes high-speed internal switching to perform hardware-side resets.

By integrating directly into the CANoe test execution sequence, it ensures that every test case begins from a defined, “clean” power state. This is critical for meeting the stringent repeatability requirements of international automotive standards and OEM-specific test specifications.


Mechanism of Action: How the VH1160 Functions

The VH1160 operates by intercepting the communication and power lines of the target ECU. Its internal architecture allows for three simultaneous operations:

  1. Automated Power Cycling: The device executes hardware-side resets by cutting and restoring power to the ECU via software commands from CANoe, ensuring consistent startup behavior for each test case.

  2. Current Analysis: A high-precision internal shunt allows the VH1160 to measure the ECU’s current consumption in real-time. This is vital for verifying if an ECU successfully enters Sleep Mode or responds correctly to Wake-up frames.

  3. Physical Layer Fault Injection: The module can simulate network failures, such as short circuits between CAN High/Low or to ground/battery voltage ($V_{bat}$), to test the transceiver’s robustness and error-handling capabilities.


Targeted Applications and Industry Use

The VH1160 is a versatile tool used across the automotive development lifecycle:

  • OEM Conformance Testing: Validating that Tier-1 supplier ECUs meet specific communication protocols (ISO 11898, ISO 17987).

  • Semiconductor Labs: Stress-testing new CAN/LIN transceiver silicon under various electrical fault conditions.

  • Regression Testing: Automating overnight test suites where manual intervention for ECU resets is impossible.

  • Diagnostic Validation: Monitoring power consumption during diagnostic sessions to ensure the ECU does not exceed thermal or power limits.

Key Advantages: VH1160 vs. Legacy Solutions

The transition from bulky, multi-component test racks to the VH1160 offers significant operational benefits:

Feature Vector VH1160 Legacy Test Equipment
Automation Full CANoe Integration Manual or Partial Scripting
Portability USB-powered & Compact Bulky, AC-powered Racks
Fault Generation Built-in / Software-defined External hardware required
Current Sensing Integrated High-Precision External Shunts/Probes
Setup Time Plug-and-Play Complex Wiring & Calibration

Technical Specifications

The following specifications reflect the VH1160’s role in professional laboratory environments:

  • Supported Protocols: CAN, CAN FD, LIN.

  • Host Interface: USB 2.0 (Bus-powered).

  • Power Control: Integrated switching for ECU power supply (up to 24V typical).

  • Measurement Range: High-resolution current monitoring (microampere to ampere range).

  • Fault Simulation: Short-circuit generation (Bus-to-Bus, Bus-to-GND, Bus-to-VCC).

  • Software Compatibility: Full driver support for CANoe and CANalyzer.


Business Impact and ROI

Implementing the VH1160 directly impacts the bottom line by slashing test cycle times by up to 40% through full automation. By removing the “human element” from ECU resets and fault injection, laboratories reduce the risk of false negatives or damaged hardware. For OEMs, this translates to faster time-to-market and higher confidence in the reliability of the vehicle’s communication backbone.


Frequently Asked Questions

How does the VH1160 integrate with existing CANoe configurations?

The VH1160 is recognized as a native Vector hardware device. Once connected via USB, it can be configured within the CANoe hardware settings. Users can then call specific functions from CAPL scripts or Test Modules to trigger hardware resets, fault injections, or current measurements automatically during test execution.

Does the VH1160 require an external power supply for the ECU?

While the VH1160 is powered by the USB bus for its internal logic, the power supplied to the ECU under test typically comes from an external laboratory power supply. The VH1160 acts as an intelligent switch and measurement bridge between that power supply and the ECU.

Can the VH1160 simulate intermittent wiring faults?

Yes, the VH1160 is designed for physical layer robustness testing. Through software control in CANoe, engineers can program specific durations for short circuits or open circuits on the CAN and LIN lines, effectively mimicking loose connections or damaged wiring harnesses found in real-world field conditions.

What are the primary benefits of the integrated current measurement?

In conformance testing, it is not enough to see if a message is sent; you must know the ECU’s state. The VH1160’s high-precision measurement allows you to verify that an ECU has actually entered low-power “Sleep” mode and monitors the “Wake-up” current spikes to ensure compliance with energy-saving requirements.

Is the VH1160 suitable for both 12V and 24V vehicle systems?

The VH1160 is designed to accommodate the standard voltage ranges used in both passenger cars (12V) and commercial vehicles (24V). Its robust internal switching and measurement components are engineered to handle the typical electrical environments found in automotive ECU development and validation labs.

How does the VH1160 improve test repeatability?

Repeatability is often compromised by manual power cycling, which can vary in timing. The VH1160 automates the reset timing to the millisecond. This ensures that every time a test case is run, the ECU’s internal software state and electrical stabilization period are identical, leading to highly consistent data.

Listing Terms & Conditions

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