Product Nov. 22, 2019

Hioki Launches Non-Contact CAN Sensor SP7001/SP7002

Sensor Detects Automotive CAN/CAN FD Signals Electrically without Metal Contact

November 21, 2019 - Nagano, Japan

Hioki is pleased to announce the December 2019 launch of the Non-Contact CAN Sensor SP7001/SP7002, a first for the company.  

The SP7001/SP7002 is a revolutionary no-metal-contact sensor that can detect automotive CAN/CAN FD signals from outside wiring insulation.  Since signals can be detected simply by clipping sensors to wires, there is no need to prepare wires under test or worry about the measurement process affecting the electrical characteristics of the CAN system.
Illustration of the Non-Contact CAN Sensor in use

■ DEVELOPMENT BACKGROUND
Automobiles incorporate numerous components known as electronic control units (ECUs). These computers electronically control an array of vehicle systems, including the engine, motors, transmission, and airbags. The number of ECUs in vehicles continues to rise as those systems require increasingly sophisticated control.  For the ECUs to communicate with one another, a Controller Area Network (CAN) is used.  CAN signals carry important information such as sensor and control data, and it is becoming more and more common for engineers to utilize that data in vehicle development and evaluation.

In the past, capturing CAN signals involved either stripping back the wires’ insulation so that probes could be placed in contact with the exposed conductors, or adding a sub-harness to create a branch off the signal wires for testing use. However, stripping off insulation leaves wires in an unprotected state while they are probed, and using a sub-harness adds man-hours to the preparation process.

Hioki developed the Non-Contact CAN Sensor SP7001/SP7002 to resolve these issues by allowing CAN signals to be detected simply by affixing sensors to insulated wires. The SP7001 also supports CAN FD, a next-generation standard that boosts the speed of CAN signaling.


Comparison of detection methods: Past products and the SP7001/SP7002

■ KEY FEATURES
1. Detect CAN/CAN FD signals from outside insulation


The Non-Contact CAN Sensor SP7001/SP7002 can detect CAN signals from outside signal wires’ insulation, eliminating the need to prepare for testing by stripping wires or fabricating a sub-harness and reducing the number of man-hours needed to carry out development and evaluation work.

Because it detects signals in a contactless manner, the SP7001/SP7002 does not affect the electrical characteristics of the wires under test. Consequently, users no longer need to concern themselves with the possibility of ECU malfunctions being triggered by changes those characteristics, which is an issue with conventional methods.

2. Acquire CAN signals without modifying the network under test

Since the Non-Contact CAN Sensor can detect CAN signals simply by being affixed to the outside of insulated signal wires, there is no need to modify the vehicle under test. As a result, the product can be used at all stages of development, from standalone evaluation of ECUs to testing [BR1] of finished vehicles.

As development of self-driving technologies progresses, it is likely that testing of vehicles on public roads will become increasingly common. Since they do not require modification of the vehicle under test or affect the CAN network’s electrical characteristics, the SP7001/SP7002 can be used with peace of mind on public roads.

3. Connect to other manufacturers’ CAN interfaces (CAN analysis tools)
The Non-Contact CAN Sensor uses a standard 9-pin D-sub output connector that can be used to connect the product to analyzers, loggers, instruments, and other devices that provide a CAN interface.



■ PRINCIPAL APPLICATIONS
Development, design, and evaluation of automobiles and automotive parts

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About HIOKI

Established in 1935, HIOKI E.E. CORPORATION (TSE: 6866) has grown to become a world leader in providing consistent delivery of test and measuring instruments through advanced design, manufacturing, and sales and services. By offering over 200 main products characterized by safety and quality while meeting an expansive range of applications, we aim to contribute to the efficiency and value of our customers' work in research and development, production and electrical maintenance. HIOKI products and services are available around the world through our extensive network of subsidiaries and distributors. Information about HIOKI is available at www.hioki.com.

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