How to Debug CAN FD and CAN XL Signals

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Expert Benchtop Oscilloscope
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Expert Benchtop Oscilloscope
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Analyze CAN FD and CAN XL Communication

Controller Area Network Flexible Data-Rate (CAN FD) extends traditional Controller Area Network (CAN) communication with higher data rates and payloads up to 64 bytes, while Controller Area Network eXtra Long (CAN XL) further expands data capacity with payloads up to 2,048 bytes and higher-speed transmission. Both protocols retain arbitration mechanisms while allowing faster data transmission, creating different timing and physical-layer measurement requirements within a single frame. CAN FD debugging involves examining communication across arbitration and data phases, while CAN XL introduces additional frame structures and operating modes that support larger data transfers. Engineers need to determine whether unexpected communication behavior is associated with protocol activity or the underlying differential signal. CAN protocol analysis provides visibility into decoded messages and their corresponding electrical waveforms, helping engineers investigate timing and communication issues across these higher-capacity automotive networks.

Performing the test requires an oscilloscope capable of acquiring differential CAN signals while triggering on and decoding CAN FD and CAN XL protocol activity. Engineers connect the oscilloscope across the bus using a differential active probe and configure the appropriate protocol settings, including arbitration and data-phase parameters. Automotive protocol decoding software interprets the captured frames and displays decoded information in time alignment with the physical-layer waveform. For CAN FD and CAN XL, engineers can examine the arbitration and data phases to identify timing variations, signal transitions, and unexpected waveform behavior across captured frames. Correlating these measurements with decoded protocol information helps engineers investigate communication issues and determine whether they are associated with the underlying electrical signal, providing a more complete understanding of bus performance during automotive system debugging.

CAN FD and CAN XL Debug Solution

Debugging CAN FD and CAN XL signals requires an oscilloscope that can acquire differential bus waveforms while supporting protocol triggering and decoding across arbitration and data phases. An Expert Benchtop Oscilloscope captures the CAN physical-layer signal, while a differential active probe measures the voltage difference between the bus lines with low circuit loading. Automotive protocol decode and trigger software enables engineers to select CAN FD or CAN XL activity and display decoded frames in time alignment with the captured waveform. For both protocols, the software supports analysis of arbitration and data-phase activity, allowing engineers to examine frame structure, message timing, and transitions between different signaling rates. This helps engineers identify unexpected communication behavior and investigate potential issues within the captured frames. Together, the oscilloscope, software, and differential probe provide an integrated measurement solution for investigating CAN FD and CAN XL communication issues in automotive networks.
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