We are using the Aardvark I2C/SPI Host Adapter and the Cheetah SPI Host Adapter for our embedded microprocessor development project. They work great and really help reduce the test and development time for our projects. We are now looking at using Komodo CAN Interfaces, for our application that will use J1939 and NMEA 2000 high-level CAN packet formats.

We realize that the Komodo interface is a low-level protocol analyzer, but can we build additional functionality using the API or LabVIEW drivers as we have for the Aardvark and Cheetah adapters? We are looking to send and receive J1939 and/or NMEA2K packets with a customized application to communicate with the Komodo Interface attached to the CAN network with our embedded target on the other end.

Thanks for your question! Yes, you would be able to build additional functionality using the API or LabVIEW drivers for your application. We have two CAN interfaces that can support your project: the Komodo CAN Duo Interface, a two-channel USB-to-CAN adapter and analyzer, and the Komodo CAN Solo Interface, a single-channel USB-to-CAN adapter and analyzer.

Figure 1: Komodo CAN Duo Interface

The difference is that the Komodo Duo supports two channels independently and simultaneously be an active node and passive analyzer, whereas the Komodo Solo supports one channel and can act as active node or analyzer.

Figure 2: Komodo CAN Solo Interface

Both Komodo interfaces support the features listed below.

• A USB-to-CAN adapter and analyzer
• Operates as a CAN node to send and receive messages, up to a maximum bitrate of 1 Mbps
• Communicates with any type of CAN network, from automotive systems to industrial controllers
• Non-intrusively monitors the CAN bus and see the data as it is captured
• Independent, galvanically isolated channel(s) that and can capture CAN data at up to 1 Mbps.
• Eight GPIO pins that can be configured for input or output, allowing the Komodo interface to communicate with external logic.

You can send and receive CAN data with the Komodo interface using the Komodo GUI, the Komodo Software API and the Komodo LabView Driver. You can capture CAN data with the Komodo interface using the Data Center Software, the Komodo Software API and the Komodo LabView Driver.

• The Komodo GUI provides full access to all Komodo interface functionality, and eliminates the need to write custom software to control the Komodo interface.
• The Data Center Software is a bus monitoring software application that displays captured CAN bus data in true real-time through the Komodo interface. It eliminates the need to write custom software to control the Komodo interface.
• Similar to the Aardvark and Cheetah APIs, the Komodo Software API can be used to control the Komodo interface, and to write a custom program for the specifications of your setup. The Komodo Software API also includes examples, which you can use as is or modify as needed.
• The Komodo LabVIEW Driver is used to control the Komodo interface, and to write a custom program for your specifications. The Komodo LabVIEW also includes program examples.

Additional resources that you may find helpful include the following:

• Komodo CAN Interface User Manual
• Komodo CAN Duo Interface Quick Start Guide
• Komodo CAN Solo Interface Quick Start Guide
• Komodo GUI Software User Manual

• Data Center Software User Manual

• Komodo API Documentation

We hope this answers your question. If you have other questions about our host adapters, CAN interfaces or other Total Phase products, feel free to email us at sales@totalphase.com, or if you already own one of our devices and have a technical question, please submit a request for technical support.