VN7600

The Vector VN7600 is a USB network interface from Vector's FlexRay interface family. It combines one FlexRay cluster (channels A and B) with three CAN channels, and is used to develop, simulate, test, measure and calibrate FlexRay and CAN networks and ECUs.

FlexRay traffic is handled by an FPGA-based Bosch E-Ray communication controller, with a separate Fujitsu MB88121B controller for cluster startup and startup monitoring. A 2 MB transmit memory allows large networks to be simulated, and the interface supports cycle multiplexing, in-cycle response, payloads up to 254 bytes, and detection of invalid frames. New functions can be added in the field through FPGA updates.

Bus transceivers are plug-in piggybacks: an FRpiggy for FlexRay, and CAN piggybacks that set the physical layer of each CAN channel. The unit needs an external supply (5 to 50 V) through its Binder power/sync connectors, which also carry hardware time synchronisation with other Vector FlexRay and XL-family devices. An 8-pin connector carries trigger signals.

It is configured with Vector's hardware configuration tool and used with Vector software such as CANoe; Vector's FlexRay driver library lets users write their own applications. Vector no longer lists the VN7600 in its current product range: its old product address now opens the VN7610 page.