VN1500 Interface Family

Manual
Version 2.1 | English

[Link]
Imprint

Vector Informatik GmbH

Ingersheimer Straße 24
D-70499 Stuttgart

The information and data given in this user manual can be changed without prior notice. No part of this manual may be reproduced in any
form or by any means without the written permission of the publisher, regardless of which method or which instruments, electronic or
mechanical, are used. All technical information, drafts, etc. are liable to law of copyright protection.

© Copyright 2023, Vector Informatik GmbH. All rights reserved.

 Contents

Contents

1 Introduction 5
1.1 About this User Manual 6
1.1.1 Warranty 7
1.1.2 Registered Trademarks 7
1.2 Important Notes 8
1.2.1 Safety Instructions and Hazard Warnings 8
[Link] Proper Use and Intended Purpose 8
[Link] Hazards 9
1.2.2 Disclaimer 9
1.2.3 Disposal of Vector Hardware 10

2 VN1500 Interface Family 11

2.1 Introduction 12
2.2 Accessories 12
2.3 VN1530 13
2.3.1 Main Features 13
2.3.2 Bus Configuration 14
2.3.3 Connectors Bus Side 15
2.3.4 LED 16
2.3.5 Device Preparation 17
[Link] Replacing Piggybacks 17
[Link] Device Installation 18
2.3.6 Technical Data 19
2.4 VN1531 20
2.4.1 Main Features 20
2.4.2 Onboard LIN Channels 21
2.4.3 Bus Configuration 22
2.4.4 Connectors Bus Side 23
2.4.5 LED 24
2.4.6 Device Preparation 25
[Link] Replacing Piggybacks 25
[Link] Device Installation 26
2.4.7 Technical Data 27

3 Getting Started 29
3.1 Driver Installation 30
3.1.1 General Information 30
3.1.2 Installation Instructions 30
3.2 Vector Hardware Manager 32

VN1500 Interface Family Version 2.1 3

 Contents

3.2.1 Hardware Configuration 32

3.2.2 Tool Location and Help 32
3.3 Loop Tests 33
3.3.1 CAN 34

4 Time Synchronization 36
4.1 General Information 37
4.2 Software Sync 39
4.2.1 General Information 39
4.2.2 Configuration 39
4.3 Hardware Sync 40
4.3.1 General Information 40
4.3.2 Configuration 41

VN1500 Interface Family Version 2.1 4

 1 Introduction

1 Introduction
In this chapter you find the following information:

1.1 About this User Manual 6

1.1.1 Warranty 7
1.1.2 Registered Trademarks 7

1.2 Important Notes 8

1.2.1 Safety Instructions and Hazard Warnings 8
1.2.2 Disclaimer 9
1.2.3 Disposal of Vector Hardware 10

VN1500 Interface Family Version 2.1 5

 1.1 About this User Manual

1.1 About this User Manual

Conventions In the two following charts you will find the conventions used in the user manual
regarding utilized spellings and symbols.

Style Utilization
bold Blocks, surface elements, window- and dialog names of the soft-
ware. Accentuation of warnings and advices.
[OK] Push buttons in brackets
File|Save Notation for menus and menu entries
Source Code File name and source code.
Hyperlink Hyperlinks and references.
<CTRL>+<S> Notation for shortcuts.

Symbol Utilization
This symbol calls your attention to warnings.

Warning of damages by electrostatic discharge (ESD = Elec-

trostatically Sensitive Device).

Here you can obtain supplemental information.

Here you can find additional information.

Here is an example that has been prepared for you.

Step-by-step instructions provide assistance at these points.

Instructions on editing files are found at these points.

This symbol warns you not to edit the specified file.

VN1500 Interface Family Version 2.1 6

 1.1.1 Warranty

1.1.1 Warranty
Restriction We reserve the right to change the contents of the documentation and the software
of warranty without notice. Vector Informatik GmbH assumes no liability for correct contents or
damages which are resulted from the usage of the documentation. We are grateful
for references to mistakes or for suggestions for improvement to be able to offer you
even more efficient products in the future.

1.1.2 Registered Trademarks

Registered All trademarks mentioned in this documentation and if necessary third party
trademarks registered are absolutely subject to the conditions of each valid label right and the
rights of particular registered proprietor. All trademarks, trade names or company
names are or can be trademarks or registered trademarks of their particular pro-
prietors. All rights which are not expressly allowed are reserved. If an explicit label
of trademarks, which are used in this documentation, fails, should not mean that a
name is free of third party rights.
► Windows, Windows 7, Windows 8.1, Windows 10, Windows 11
are trademarks of the Microsoft Corporation.

VN1500 Interface Family Version 2.1 7

 1.2 Important Notes

1.2 Important Notes

1.2.1 Safety Instructions and Hazard Warnings

Caution!
In order to avoid personal injuries and damage to property, you have to read and
understand the following safety instructions and hazard warnings prior to instal-
lation and use of this interface. Keep this documentation (manual) always near
the interface.

[Link] Proper Use and Intended Purpose

Caution!
The interface is designed for analyzing, controlling and otherwise influencing con-
trol systems and electronic control units. This includes, inter alia, bus systems
like CAN, LIN, K-Line, MOST, FlexRay, Ethernet, BroadR-Reach and/or ARINC
429.

The interface may only be operated in a closed state. In particular, printed circuits
must not be visible. The interface may only be operated (i) according to the
instructions and descriptions of this manual; (ii) with the electric power supply
designed for the interface, e.g. USB-powered power supply; and (iii) with
accessories manufactured or approved by Vector.

The interface is exclusively designed for use by skilled personnel as its operation
may result in serious personal injuries and damage to property. Therefore, only
those persons may operate the interface who (i) have understood the possible
effects of the actions which may be caused by the interface; (ii) are specifically
trained in the handling with the interface, bus systems and the system intended to
be influenced; and (iii) have sufficient experience in using the interface safely.

The knowledge necessary for the operation of the interface can be acquired in
work-shops and internal or external seminars offered by Vector. Additional and
interface specific information, such as „Known Issues“, are available in the
„Vector KnowledgeBase“ on Vector´s website at [Link]. Please con-
sult the „Vector KnowledgeBase“ for updated information prior to the operation of
the interface.

VN1500 Interface Family Version 2.1 8

 [Link] Hazards

[Link] Hazards
Caution!
The interface may control and/or otherwise influence the behavior of control sys-
tems and electronic control units. Serious hazards for life, body and property may
arise, in particular, without limitation, by interventions in safety relevant systems
(e.g. by deactivating or otherwise manipulating the engine management, steer-
ing, airbag and/or braking system) and/or if the interface is operated in public
areas (e.g. public traffic, airspace). Therefore, you must always ensure that the
interface is used in a safe manner. This includes, inter alia, the ability to put the
system in which the interface is used into a safe state at any time (e.g. by „emer-
gency shutdown“), in particular, without limitation, in the event of errors or haz-
ards.

Comply with all safety standards and public regulations which are relevant for the
operation of the system. Before you operate the system in public areas, it should
be tested on a site which is not accessible to the public and specifically prepared
for performing test drives in order to reduce hazards.

1.2.2 Disclaimer
Caution!
Claims based on defects and liability claims against Vector are excluded to the
extent damages or errors are caused by improper use of the interface or use not
according to its intended purpose. The same applies to damages or errors arising
from insufficient training or lack of experience of personnel using the interface.

VN1500 Interface Family Version 2.1 9

 1.2.3 Disposal of Vector Hardware

1.2.3 Disposal of Vector Hardware

Please handle old devices responsibly and observe the environmental laws applic-
able in your country. Please dispose of the Vector hardware only at the designated
places and not with the household waste.

Within the European Community, the Directive on Waste Electrical and Electronic
Equipment (WEEE Directive) and the Directive on the Restriction of the Use of Cer-
tain Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment (RoHS Directive)
apply.

For Germany and other EU countries, we offer free take-back of old Vector hard-
ware.

Please carefully check the Vector hardware to be disposed of before shipping.

Please remove all items that are not part of the original scope of delivery, e.g. stor-
age media. The Vector hardware must also be free of licenses and must no longer
contain any personal data. Vector does not perform any checks in this regard. Once
the hardware has been shipped, it cannot be returned to you. By shipping the hard-
ware to us, you have relinquished your rights to the hardware.
Before shipping, please register your old device via:

[Link]
posal-of-vector-hardware/

VN1500 Interface Family Version 2.1 10

 2 VN1500 Interface Family

2 VN1500 Interface Family

In this chapter you find the following information:

2.1 Introduction 12

2.2 Accessories 12

2.3 VN1530 13

2.4 VN1531 20

VN1500 Interface Family Version 2.1 11

 2.1 Introduction

2.1 Introduction
General The devices of the VN1500 family offer a future-proof and powerful solution for
information development, simulation, test, measurement or calibration of CAN, LIN, K-Line,
J1708 and SENT networks via FPGA-based communication controllers. With this,
new features can be added in the field via software and FPGA updates.

Depending on the VN1500 interface, built-in transceivers as well as exchangeable

CAN/LIN, J1708 and SENT transceivers can be used. The exchangeable trans-
ceivers are available as plug-in boards (Piggybacks) and are inserted in the
VN1500. A list of compatible Piggybacks can be found in the accessories manual or
on our website.

Figure 1: Piggyback

2.2 Accessories
Reference
Information on available accessories can be found in the separate accessories
manual on our website.

VN1500 Interface Family Version 2.1 12

 2.3 VN1530

2.3 VN1530

2.3.1 Main Features

VN1530 features The main features of the VN1530 interface are:
► 4x onboard CAN / CAN FD channel
► 2x channel for CAN / CAN FD, LIN, K-Line, J1708 and SENT,
configurable via Piggybacks
► Optimized PCIe architecture providing
- Very high receive and transmit performance
- Low latency
- Low host CPU load
► Operating temperature range: -40°C...+65°C
► Synchronization of multiple devices and other bus systems like CAN / CAN FD,
LIN, FlexRay, MOST, Ethernet
- Software time synchronization
- Hardware time synchronization
► Support of CAN Transport Protocol (TP) acceleration
► Support of up to sixteen VN1530 devices in one computer
- Device identification LED
► Licensor: provides Vector licenses
► Support of customer applications via the free XL Driver Library (XL-API)

Figure 2: VN1530 CAN/LIN Interface

VN1500 Interface Family Version 2.1 13

 2.3.2 Bus Configuration

2.3.2 Bus Configuration

Piggybacks for The VN1530 offers two Piggyback plug-in locations (CH3/CH6). Depending on
CH3 and CH6 requirements, electrically decoupled CAN FD, CAN High-Speed, CAN Low-Speed,
LIN, J1708 or SENT transceivers may be used. In addition, four electrically
decoupled onboard CAN 1057G transceivers are available (CH1/CH2 and
CH4/CH5).

Reference
A list of compatible Piggybacks can be found in the accessories manual or on our
website.

CH3
Piggyback 1

CH6
Piggyback 2

Figure 3: Piggyback plug-in locations

Channel Configurations
Onboard Piggyback Onboard Piggyback
CH1 CH2 CH3 CH4 CH5 CH6
CAN CAN CAN CAN CAN CAN
CAN CAN CAN CAN CAN SENT
CAN CAN CAN CAN CAN LIN/K-Line
CAN CAN SENT CAN CAN LIN/K-Line
CAN CAN LIN CAN CAN LIN/K-Line
CAN CAN CAN CAN CAN -
CAN CAN SENT CAN CAN -
CAN CAN - CAN CAN LIN
J1708 should be handled like CAN.

VN1500 Interface Family Version 2.1 14

 2.3.3 Connectors Bus Side

2.3.3 Connectors Bus Side

Device connectors

Figure 4: VN1530 with D-SUB15 connectors and sync

► 2x D-SUB15 (CH1...CH6)
The VN1530 has two D-SUB15HD connectors. Each connector provides two
onboard CAN/CAN FD channels as well as an optional channel via a CAN, LIN,
J1708 or SENT Piggyback. The pin assignment is as follows:

Connector 1 Connector 2
Pin Assignment
Channel Channel
5 Vcc
10 GND
1 4
14 CAN Low
15 CAN High
3 CAN Low
4 CAN High
2 5
9 GND
13 Vcc
1 CAN Low / J1708 B*
6 CAN High / LIN / J1708 A / SENT*
3 6 7 GND*
8 Vcc*
11 Special function / Pdis*
2 Not connected
- -
12 Not connected
* via CAN, LIN, J1708 or SENT Piggyback

► Binder connector (Sync)

This connector (Binder type 711) can be used for time synchronization of dif-
ferent Vector devices (see section Time Synchronization on page 36). The sync
connector is not intended to connect a power supply.
Pin Assignment
3
1 Not connected 2
2 Synchronization line 1

3 Ground

VN1500 Interface Family Version 2.1 15

 2.3.4 LED

► 10-pin connector (internal hardware sync)

The angled 10 pin onboard sync connector can be used for time synchronization
of different PCIe devices, e. g. VN1530, VN1531 or VN7572. For syn-
chronization, a ribbon cable with a 10-pin standard connector is required.
Pin Assignment 2 4 6 8 10

1 GND
1 3 5 7 9
2...8 Reserved. Do not connect.
9 Synchronization line (low active)
10 Internal sync supply (output 5 V, 35 mA)

Note
Forwarding a synchronization pulse from the external to the internal sync con-
nector and vice versa is not possible. The only simultaneous usage of the internal
and external connector is if the device acts as a synchronization master which
generates sync pulses.

2.3.4 LED
Description The VN1530 has a LED that can be used for device identification when using mul-
tiple VN1500 devices. The LED can be twinkled via Vector Hardware Config.

VN1500 Interface Family Version 2.1 16

 2.3.5 Device Preparation

2.3.5 Device Preparation

General With the onboard transceivers, the device can be operated without additional Piggy-
information backs. If you want to extend the channels for specific bus types (see section Bus
Configuration on page 14), one or more Piggybacks have to be inserted before the
device installation.

Reference
Please find a list of compatible Piggybacks in section "Transceiver Compatibility"
in the separate accessories manual on our website.

[Link] Replacing Piggybacks

Caution!
Please follow these instructions if no Piggyback is inserted or if another Piggy-
back needs to be inserted.

Caution!
Ensure an ESD safe working environment during disassembly and assembly.
Avoid touching the top, bottom or connectors of the boards during this process to
avoid ESD damage.

Step by Step Procedure

1. Detach the screw with the screw protection and remove the Piggyback care-
fully.

CH3
Piggyback 1

CH6
Piggyback 2

Figure 5: Piggyback plug-in locations

VN1500 Interface Family Version 2.1 17

 [Link] Device Installation

2. Insert the replacement Piggyback. The connectors must fit and must not be
displaced laterally.
3. The Piggyback has to be fixed again with the screw and the screw protection.

[Link] Device Installation

Caution!
Turn off the main power supply and disconnect your computer’s power cord.
Otherwise systems using an ATX power supply unit with soft power off may still
be powering the PCIe slot. This can damage your PCIe card when it is inserted
into the slot.

Caution!
Do not force the VN1530 into the slot. Make sure that the connectors of the card’s
PCIe connector are aligned with the bus connector on the motherboard before
you insert the card into the slot. If it does not fit properly, gently remove it and try
again.

Note
Please observe all safety precautions prescribed by your PC manufacturer for
card installation!

Step by Step Procedure

1. Install the drivers as described in section Driver Installation on page 30.
2. Turn off the computer and all peripheral devices.
3. Unplug the power cord from the wall outlet.
4. Touch a metal plate on your computer to ground yourself to discharge any
static electricity.
5. Remove the computer cover and the metal brackets from an unused slot.
6. Align the VN1530 with the PCIe slot and press it gently but firmly into the slot.
7. Replace the computer cover.
8. Plug in the power cord.
9. Turn on the computer.

VN1500 Interface Family Version 2.1 18

 2.3.6 Technical Data

2.3.6 Technical Data

CAN channels 4x CAN/CAN FD onboard
- NXP TJA1057G
- electrically decoupled

2x configurable via CANpiggies

Bitrates
- CAN: up to 1 MBit/s (up to 2 MBit/s depend-
ing on wiring and transceivers)
- CAN FD: up to 5 MBit/s (up to 8 MBit/s
depending on wiring and transceivers)
LIN channels Max. 2 (configurable via Piggybacks),

Bitrates
- Normal-Mode: up to 20 kBit/s
- Flash-Mode: up to 115.2 kBit/s (depending
on wiring higher bitrates are possible)
K-Line channels Max. 1 at channel 6
(with LINpiggy 7269mag)
J1708 channels Max. 2 at channel 3/6
(configurable via Piggybacks)
SENT channels Max. 1 at channel 3/6
(with SENSORpiggy SENT)
Time stamps Accuracy (within one device): 1 µs
Accuracy software sync: typ. 10 µs
Accuracy hardware sync: typ. 1 µs
Host PC connection PCIe Gen1 x1
Power consumption 4.5 W
Temperature range Operating: -40 °C...+65 °C
(ambient temperature of VN1530) Shipping and storage: -40 °C...+85 °C
Relative humidity of ambient air 15 %...95 %, non-condensing
Dimensions (LxWxH) Approx. 132 mm x 127 mm x 22 mm
(with mounted Piggybacks)
Weight Approx. 105 g (without Piggybacks)
Operating system requirements Windows 10 (64 bit)
Windows 11 (64 bit)
Software requirements CANoe/CANalyzer V11 SP3 or higher
For SENT: CANoe/CANalyzer V12 or higher

VN1500 Interface Family Version 2.1 19

 2.4 VN1531

2.4 VN1531

2.4.1 Main Features

VN1531 features The main features of the VN1531 interface are:
► 4x onboard LIN channel
- Stress functionality, supports disturbance of the LIN bus by dominant or
recessive disturbing bits
- Flash mode support
► 2x channel for CAN / CAN FD, LIN, K-Line, J1708 and SENT,
configurable via Piggybacks
► Optimized PCIe architecture providing
- Very high receive and transmit performance
- Low latency
- Low host CPU load
► Operating temperature range: -40°C...+65°C
► Synchronization of multiple devices and other bus systems like CAN / CAN FD,
LIN, FlexRay, MOST, Ethernet
- Software time synchronization
- Hardware time synchronization
► Support of CAN Transport Protocol (TP) acceleration
► Support of up to sixteen VN1531 devices in one PC
- Device identification LED
► Licensor: provides Vector licenses
► Support of customer applications via the free XL Driver Library (XL-API)

Figure 6: VN1531 LIN/CAN Interface

VN1500 Interface Family Version 2.1 20

 2.4.2 Onboard LIN Channels

2.4.2 Onboard LIN Channels

Bus-side The onboard LIN channels provide an internal supply voltage. Since the recessive
voltage supply level on the bus depends on the supply voltage of the master, it is advisable to oper-
ate the onboard LIN channel with an external supply voltage that is also used by the
other bus nodes. This prevents cross currents between the individual nodes on the
LIN bus.

An externally applied supply voltage is used by the onboard LIN channels if it has a
higher level than the 12 V internal supply voltage; if the external supply voltage has
a smaller level than the internal supply voltage, the internal supply voltage is used.
To force the onboard LIN channels to use the external supply voltage even if it has a
lower level than the internal supply voltage, the pin Pdis has to be connected to the
GND pin of the same channel.

Properties The onboard LIN channels are designed for usage in 12 V passenger car and 24 V
truck LIN networks. They provide a time limitation to prevent constant dominant
level on the LIN bus (dominant timeout of the transceiver). The minimum switch off
time of the onboard LIN channels is 6 ms.

Minimal baudrate Due to the dominant timeout (6…20 ms) of the transceiver, it may not be possible to
transmit a LIN header at very low baudrates. Therefore intended dominant
sequences longer than 6 ms are created using the onboard channel's integrated
transistor circuitry.

Stress functionality The stress functionality of the onboard LIN channels enable the disturbance of the
LIN bus by dominant or recessive disturbing bits. The disturbing bits can be any
length.

Note
The recessive disturbing unit is protected by a 550 mA fuse, the dominant dis-
turbing unit by a 100 mA fuse.

In case of dominant disturbing bits, the onboard LIN channels have a protection
against thermal overloads. The onboard LIN channels must be externally sup-
plied to use recessive disturbing mode.

Flash mode The flash mode enables higher data transmission rates which can be used for pro-
gramming microcontrollers e. g. during ECU production. This is possible by an
increased slew rate of the transceiver, which may also affect EMC properties.

VN1500 Interface Family Version 2.1 21

 2.4.3 Bus Configuration

2.4.3 Bus Configuration

Piggybacks for The VN1531 offers two Piggyback plug-in locations (CH3/CH6). Depending on
CH3 and CH6 requirements, electrically decoupled CAN FD, CAN High-Speed, CAN Low-Speed,
LIN, J1708 or SENT transceivers may be used. In addition, four electrically
decoupled onboard LIN 7269 transceivers are available (CH1/CH2 and CH4/CH5).

Reference
A list of compatible Piggybacks can be found in the accessories manual or on our
website.

CH3
Piggyback 1

CH6
Piggyback 2

Figure 7: Piggyback plug-in locations

Channel Configurations
Onboard Piggyback Onboard Piggyback
CH1 CH2 CH3 CH4 CH5 CH6
LIN LIN LIN LIN LIN/K-Line LIN
LIN LIN LIN LIN LIN/K-Line CAN
LIN LIN LIN LIN LIN/K-Line SENT
LIN LIN CAN LIN LIN/K-Line CAN
LIN LIN CAN LIN LIN/K-Line SENT
LIN LIN LIN LIN LIN/K-Line -
LIN LIN - LIN LIN/K-Line CAN
LIN LIN - LIN LIN/K-Line SENT
J1708 should be handled like CAN.

VN1500 Interface Family Version 2.1 22

 2.4.4 Connectors Bus Side

2.4.4 Connectors Bus Side

Device connectors

Figure 8: VN1531 with D-SUB15 connectors and sync

► 2x D-SUB15 (CH1...CH6)
The VN1531 has two D-SUB15HD connectors. Each connector provides two
onboard LIN channels as well as an optional channel via a CAN, LIN, J1708 or
SENT Piggyback. The pin assignment is as follows:

Connector 1 Connector 2
Pin Assignment
Channel Channel
5 Vcc
10 GND
1 4
14 Pdis
15 LIN
3 Pdis
4 LIN
2 5
9 GND
13 Vcc
1 CAN Low / J1708 B*
6 CAN High / LIN / J1708 A / SENT*
3 6 7 GND*
8 Vcc*
11 Special function / Pdis*
2 Not connected
- -
12 Not connected
* via CAN, LIN, J1708 or SENT Piggyback

Caution!
Please note when using the LIN signal Pdis via VNcable 3Y:
While Pdis of the Piggyback channel is available on the corresponding D-SUB9
connector at pin 4, Pdis of the onboard channel is available on the corresponding
D-SUB9 connector at pin 2.

► Binder connector (Sync)

This connector (Binder type 711) can be used for time synchronization of dif-
ferent Vector devices (see section Time Synchronization on page 36). The sync
connector is not intended to connect a power supply.
Pin Assignment
3
1 Not connected 2
2 Synchronization line 1

3 Ground

VN1500 Interface Family Version 2.1 23

 2.4.5 LED

► 10-pin connector (internal hardware sync)

The angled 10 pin onboard sync connector can be used for time synchronization
of different PCIe devices, e. g. VN1530, VN1531 or VN7572. For syn-
chronization, a ribbon cable with a 10-pin standard connector is required.
Pin Assignment 2 4 6 8 10

1 GND
1 3 5 7 9
2...8 Reserved. Do not connect.
9 Synchronization line (low active)
10 Internal sync supply (output 5 V, 35 mA)

Note
Forwarding a synchronization pulse from the external to the internal sync con-
nector and vice versa is not possible. The only simultaneous usage of the internal
and external connector is if the device acts as a synchronization master which
generates sync pulses.

2.4.5 LED
Description The VN1531 has a LED that can be used for device identification when using mul-
tiple VN1500 devices. The LED can be twinkled via Vector Hardware Config.

VN1500 Interface Family Version 2.1 24

 2.4.6 Device Preparation

2.4.6 Device Preparation

General With the onboard transceivers, the device can be operated without additional Piggy-
information backs. If you want to extend the channels for specific bus types (see section Bus
Configuration on page 22), one or more Piggybacks have to be inserted before the
device installation.

Reference
Please find a list of compatible Piggybacks in section "Transceiver Compatibility"
in the separate accessories manual on our website.

[Link] Replacing Piggybacks

Caution!
Please follow these instructions if no Piggyback is inserted or if another Piggy-
back needs to be inserted.

Caution!
Ensure an ESD safe working environment during disassembly and assembly.
Avoid touching the top, bottom or connectors of the boards during this process to
avoid ESD damage.

Step by Step Procedure

1. Detach the screw with the screw protection and remove the Piggyback care-
fully.

CH3
Piggyback 1

CH6
Piggyback 2

Figure 9: Piggyback plug-in locations

VN1500 Interface Family Version 2.1 25

 [Link] Device Installation

2. Insert the replacement Piggyback. The connectors must fit and must not be
displaced laterally.
3. The Piggyback has to be fixed again with the screw and the screw protection.

[Link] Device Installation

Caution!
Turn off the main power supply and disconnect your computer’s power cord.
Otherwise systems using an ATX power supply unit with soft power off may still
be powering the PCIe slot. This can damage your PCIe card when it is inserted
into the slot.

Caution!
Do not force the VN1531 into the slot. Make sure that the connectors of the card’s
PCIe connector are aligned with the bus connector on the motherboard before
you insert the card into the slot. If it does not fit properly, gently remove it and try
again.

Note
Please observe all safety precautions prescribed by your PC manufacturer for
card installation!

Step by Step Procedure

1. Install the drivers as described in section Driver Installation on page 30.
2. Turn off the computer and all peripheral devices.
3. Unplug the power cord from the wall outlet.
4. Touch a metal plate on your computer to ground yourself to discharge any
static electricity.
5. Remove the computer cover and the metal brackets from an unused slot.
6. Align the VN1531 with the PCIe slot and press it gently but firmly into the slot.
7. Replace the computer cover.
8. Plug in the power cord.
9. Turn on the computer.

VN1500 Interface Family Version 2.1 26

 2.4.7 Technical Data

2.4.7 Technical Data

LIN channels Piggyback channels:
- 2x configurable via LINpiggies
- for technical specification please refer to
the corresponding manual

Onboard channels:
- 4x LIN
- support of LIN V2.1
- transceiver: TLE7269
- electrically decoupled

External supply voltage:

- normal operation (incl. recessive dis-
turbing mode): 8 V ... 36 V
- extended range: 0 V ... 36 V

Bus termination:
- Master mode: 1 kOhm
- Slave mode: typ. 30 kOhm

Bitrates
- Normal-Mode: up to 20 kBit/s
- Flash-Mode: up to 115.2 kBit/s (depending
on wiring higher bitrates are possible)
CAN channels Max. 2 (configurable via Piggybacks)

Bitrates
- CAN: up to 1 MBit/s (up to 2 MBit/s depend-
ing on wiring and transceivers)
- CAN FD: up to 5 MBit/s (up to 8 MBit/s
depending on wiring and transceivers)
K-Line channels Max. 1 at channel 5
(with onboard LIN transceiver TLE7269)
J1708 channels Max. 2 at channel 3/6
(configurable via Piggybacks)
SENT channels Max. 1 at channel 6
(with SENSORpiggy SENT)
Time stamps Accuracy (within one device): 1 µs
Accuracy software sync: typ. 10 µs
Accuracy hardware sync: typ. 1 µs
Host PC connection PCIe Gen1 x1
Power consumption 4.5 W
Temperature range Operating: -40 °C...+65 °C
(ambient temperature of VN1531) Shipping and storage: -40 °C...+85 °C
Relative humidity of ambient air 15 %...95 %, non-condensing
Dimensions (LxWxH) Approx. 132 mm x 127 mm x 22 mm
(with mounted Piggybacks)
Weight Approx. 108 g (without Piggybacks)

VN1500 Interface Family Version 2.1 27

 2.4.7 Technical Data

Operating system requirements Windows 10 (64 bit)

Windows 11 (64 bit)
Software requirements CANoe/CANalyzer V11 SP3 or higher
For SENT: CANoe/CANalyzer V12 or higher

VN1500 Interface Family Version 2.1 28

 3 Getting Started

3 Getting Started
In this chapter you find the following information:

3.1 Driver Installation 30

3.1.1 General Information 30
3.1.2 Installation Instructions 30

3.2 Vector Hardware Manager 32

3.2.1 Hardware Configuration 32
3.2.2 Tool Location and Help 32

3.3 Loop Tests 33

3.3.1 CAN 34

VN1500 Interface Family Version 2.1 29

 3.1 Driver Installation

3.1 Driver Installation

3.1.1 General Information

The Vector Driver Setup allows the installation or the removal of Vector devices.

Note
Please note that you will need Administrator Rights for the following steps.

3.1.2 Installation Instructions

Step by Step Procedure

1. Execute the driver setup \Drivers\[Link] before the card is inserted

into the PC.

If you have already inserted the card, the Windows found new Hardware
wizard appears. Close this wizard and then execute the driver setup.

2. Click [Next] in the driver setup dialog. The initialization process starts.

VN1500 Interface Family Version 2.1 30

 3.1.2 Installation Instructions

3. In the driver selection dialog, select your devices to be installed (or to be unin-
stalled).

4. Click [Install] to execute the driver installation, or [Uninstall] to remove exist-

ing drivers.
5. A confirmation dialog appears. Click [Close] to exit. After successful instal-
lation, the card is ready for operation and can be inserted into the PC.
Note: Please find further details on PCI/PXI or PCIe card installation in this
manual.

VN1500 Interface Family Version 2.1 31

 3.2 Vector Hardware Manager

3.2 Vector Hardware Manager

3.2.1 Hardware Configuration

General The Vector Hardware Manager is the successor of the Vector Hardware Config
information tool and a newly developed configuration and diagnostic tool for your installed
Vector devices. It is strongly needed to set up your Vector devices for use with your
Vector applications (e. g. CANoe, CANalyzer, CANape, XL API applications, ...).

3.2.2 Tool Location and Help

After successful driver installation of your Vector device, you will find the Vector
Hardware Manager in the Windows Start menu or in the installation folder:
C:\Program Files (x86)\Vector Hardware Manager\[Link]

Reference
Details, tips and instructions for the Vector Hardware Manager can be found in
the supplied help. You can open the help by pressing <F1> in the Vector Hard-
ware Manager or directly via:
C:\Program Files (x86)\Vector Hardware Man-
ager\Help01\HTML5\[Link]

For a brief introduction, we recommend reading the sections Basic Concept and
Quick Start Guide. Furthermore, we have provided additional information for
you in the section Tips and Tutorials.

VN1500 Interface Family Version 2.1 32

 3.3 Loop Tests

3.3 Loop Tests

Operation test The test described here can be performed to check the functional integrity of the
driver and the device. This test is identical for Windows 10 / Windows 11 and inde-
pendent of the used application.

VN1500 Interface Family Version 2.1 33

 3.3.1 CAN

3.3.1 CAN
Device test The operating test for CAN requires either two high-speed or two low-speed trans-
ceivers and can be executed as follows:

Step by Step Procedure

1. Connect two CAN channels with a suitable cable.

If two high-speed transceivers are being used, we recommend our
CANcable1 (CANcable0 for low-speed transceivers).
2. Start \Drivers\Common\[Link] from the Vector Driver Setup.
This program accesses the Vector devices and transmits CAN messages.

3. Select the connected CAN channels of the device(s) to be tested.

VN1500 Interface Family Version 2.1 34

 3.3.1 CAN

4. Set the appropriate baudrate depending on the transceiver being used (high-
speed max. 1,000,000 Bd, low-speed max. 125,000 Bd).
5. Click [Start].
6. You will see statistical data in the lower part of the window if the system has
been configured properly.

7. The test procedure can be terminated with the [Stop] button.

An OK should appear in the upper part of the window.

VN1500 Interface Family Version 2.1 35

 4 Time Synchronization

4 Time Synchronization
In this chapter you find the following information:

4.1 General Information 37

4.2 Software Sync 39

4.2.1 General Information 39
4.2.2 Configuration 39

4.3 Hardware Sync 40

4.3.1 General Information 40
4.3.2 Configuration 41

VN1500 Interface Family Version 2.1 36

 4.1 General Information

4.1 General Information

Time stamps Time stamps are useful when analyzing incoming or outgoing data or event
and events sequences on a specific bus.

Figure 10: Time stamps of two CAN channels in CANalyzer

Generating Each event which is sent or received by a Vector network interface has an accurate
time stamps time stamp. Time stamps are generated for each channel in the Vector network inter-
face. The base for these time stamps is a common hardware clock in the device.

PC
CANalyzer/CANoe
USB

Vector
CAN Interface

Time Stamp Clock

CH1 CH2
CAN
Figure 11: Common time stamp clock for each channel

If the measurement setup requires more than one Vector network interface, a syn-
chronization of all connected interfaces and their hardware clocks is needed.

Due to manufacturing and temperature tolerances, the hardware clocks may vary in
speed, so time stamps of various Vector devices drift over time.

VN1500 Interface Family Version 2.1 37

 4.1 General Information

PC
CANalyzer/CANoe
USB USB
sec sec
Vector 0.000000 0.000000 Vector
0.100376 0.100383
CAN Interface 0.200382 0.200982 FR Interface
0.300372 0.301456
0.400406 0.402612
CH1 CH2 0.500593 0.503885 CHA CHB
Time Stamp Clock Time Stamp Clock
0.600242 0.604092

CAN
FlexRay
Figure 12: Example of unsynchronized network interfaces. Independent time stamps drift apart

To compensate for these time stamp deviations between the Vector network inter-
faces, the time stamps can be either synchronized by software, hardware, PTP or
GNSS (capability depends on the Vector device).

Note
The accuracy of the software, hardware, PTP or GNSS sync depends on the
interface. Further information on specific values can be found in the technical
data of the respective devices.

VN1500 Interface Family Version 2.1 38

 4.2 Software Sync

4.2 Software Sync

4.2.1 General Information

Synchronization The software time synchronization is driver-based and available for all applications
by software without any restrictions. The time stamp deviations from different Vector network
interfaces are calculated and synchronized to the common PC clock. For this pur-
pose no further hardware setup is required.

PC
CANalyzer/CANoe PC clock

synchronization
USB by software (PC clock) USB
sec sec
Vector 0.000000
1.100356
0.000000
1.100413
Vector
CAN Interface 1.200362 1.200421 FR Interface
2.300362 2.300429
2.400356 2.400419
CH1 CH2 3.500353 3.500415 CHA CHB
Time Stamp Clock 3.600362 3.600420 Time Stamp Clock

CAN
FlexRay
Figure 13: Time stamps of devices are synchronized to the PC clock

Note
Software time synchronization may lead to an increased latency for all connected
Vector network interfaces. If a use case requires low latency, deactivate this
option and use another synchronization mechanism.

4.2.2 Configuration
Vector Use the software synchronization if at least one device has no hardware sync con-
Hardware Manager nector. Also to synchronize the device clock to the computer time, use the software
synchronization (legacy).

Reference
Further details and tips on the time sync configuration can be found in the Vector
Hardware Manager help in section User Interface | Navigation Rail | Time
Sync.

VN1500 Interface Family Version 2.1 39

 4.3 Hardware Sync

4.3 Hardware Sync

4.3.1 General Information

Synchronization A more accurate time synchronization of multiple devices is provided by the hard-
by hardware ware synchronization. Two Vector network interfaces can therefore be connected
with the SYNCcableXL (see accessories manual, part number 05018).

In order to synchronize up to five devices at the same time, a distribution box is avail-
able (see accessories manual, part number 05085).

PC

VN5610A
USB PC
Power

VN1630A

USB PC SYNCcable XL
VN7570
Multi USB PC
SYNCcable XL
SYNCbox
VN1640A SYNCcable XL external

USB PC Vector Devices

VN1640A

USB PC SYNCcable XL

Figure 14: Example of a time synchronization with multiple devices

VN8914

USB PC

Power

SYNCcable XL

VN5610A

Power
USB VN8914

VN5610A

Power
Multi
SYNCcable XL
SYNCbox
VN1640A SYNCcable XL external

Figure 15: Example of a time synchronization with VN8914 and additional devices

At each falling edge on the sync line which is initiated by the driver, the Vector net-
work interface generates a time stamp that is provided to the driver. This allows the
driver to calculate the deviations between the network interfaces and to synchronize

VN1500 Interface Family Version 2.1 40

 4.3.2 Configuration

the time stamps to a common time base (master clock) which can be defined by the
user.

PC
CANalyzer/CANoe
synchronization
USB by hardware (SYNCcable) USB
sec sec
Vector 0.000000
1.100375
0.000000
1.100376
Vector
CAN Interface 1.200381 1.200382 FR Interface
2.300371 2.300372
2.400405 2.400406
CH1 CH2 3.500592 3.500593 CHA CHB
Time Stamp Clock 3.600241 3.600242 Master Time Stamp Clock

CAN
FlexRay
Figure 16: Time stamps are synchronized to the master clock

4.3.2 Configuration
Vector Use hardware synchronization if at least one device is connected with USB or PCIe
Hardware Manager to the PC and all devices are hardware sync capable. One device should be con-
figured as master and all other devices as slaves. Therefore, all devices must be
interconnected with SYNCcableXL and Multi SYNCbox external or SYNCbox act-
ive.

Reference
Further details and tips on the time sync configuration can be found in the Vector
Hardware Manager help in section User Interface | Navigation Rail | Time
Sync.

VN1500 Interface Family Version 2.1 41

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