eXtend Computer & Instrument has debuted macCAN, a software and hardware package that lets users interface with standard Controller Area Networks (CAN), commonly used in automotive and industrial applications.
macCAN works with all Power Macs using either a serial or USB port running Mac OS 8 through Mac OS X. It supports both standard 11-bit and extended 29-bit CAN message IDs with data rates up to 1Mbps, according to MacTech magazine . All CAN timing parameters are user programmable including propagation time, synchronization jump width and bit phase times. The macCAN interface has 120ohm user selectable termination and CAN connections to the interface are easily made through standard instrumentation banana jacks or via a standard 3-pin header (both provided).
macCAN software uses a 100uS resolution clock to sequence all transmitted messages and log received messages. Transmitted messages may be programmed with 0 to 8 data bytes and all data bytes are easily programmed by the user. Every transmit message can be manually sent at any time, scheduled to be sent at a specific time or sent at a fixed periodic rate. macCAN monitors all messages present on the CAN bus. Messages specified by ID are displayed in the macCAN Message Activity Window when received. Messages may also be selectively logged at the time of reception or transmission and saved in either a comma separated value (CSV) or tab delineated text file format.
The macCAN software is available with either a USB or serial CAN interface. The USB interface powers itself directly from the USB port; the serial interface requires external power provided by an included AC adapter (12 volt auto adapter cord is optional).
The macCAN software and hardware package is priced at US$349 and will begin shipping in August. To purchase macCAN visit the company’s on-line store.