areuBox

Restbus simulation and real-time data logger

Current automobiles are complex networks consisting of numerous, interdependent control units. In order to test individual control units and software states outside the vehicle, the vehicle periphery usually needs to be simulated—a method known as residual bus simulation. With the areuBox, this can be done easily and cost-effectively. The areuBox is freely configurable by the user and can be controlled via app from mobile devices, such as a smartphone or tablet.

In addition to the residual bus simulation, the areuBox can also be used as a real-time data logger, recording the data either on an SD card or an external hard drive. Since the areuBox requires only minimal software knowledge even in complex scenarios, it’s the ideal tool for rapid prototyping. Extensive testing tasks can be easily implemented thanks to the cluster capability.

Possible applications

  • Complex restbus simulation
  • Ignition simulation
  • ECALL simulation
  • Ethernet simulation
  • Data recording
  • Rapid prototyping
  • Audio signal injection/processing
  • ECU / bus data visualization
  • Mobile and in-car tests
  • Decentralized testing at different vehicle positions
  • And much more.

Simply strong—the Lua scripting engine

Simulation logic and test sequences are described in an easy-to-learn scripting language. Despite its extensive options, the scripting engine can be used without a lot of programming knowledge. A large variety of modules contribute to a flexible, cost-effective solution. areuBox combines comfortable editing, debugging and simulation on PC with a compact housing.

Hardware

Core system

CAN
  • Two independent CAN controllers
  • Compliant with ISO 11898-1:2015 (CAN 2.0 A, B) 
  • Compliant with CANFD 1.0
  • Baud rate up to 5 Mbit
  • High resolution message timestamp
  • Support for the BUS power management 
  • Wake-up through bus activity 
  • Wake-up through CAN message ID
FlexRay
  • Dedicated protocol coprocessor
  • Support for variable bit rates: 2.5, 5, 8 or 10 Mbit/s
  • Message filtering
  • DMA-based high-performance, low-latency transmission path
  • Support for power management and bus cold start
LIN
  • Configurable as LIN master/slave
  • Bit rate up to 1 Mbit/s
OK
  • 6 digital I/O ports (configurable as PWM inputs/outputs)
  • External power supply with option for tests at high/low voltage
Power supply
  • Flexible power supply via 12 V power supply unit, UBatt or USB interface
  • USB bus powered; for USB operation on PC or USB hub no additional mains unit is required.
  • USB power supply for external devices
  • Plug and play lab solution
  • Measurement and recording of UBatt
SD card
  • Card can be easily removed without opening the housing.
  • Contains test scripts and remaining bus simulation data
  • Can be used for data storage
  • Configuration of test tasks by simply exchanging the SD card
Extension interfaces
  • I²C interface for flexible extension options
  • I²S interface for audio expansion
Ethernet
  • 100 Mbit interface for low latency / high rate
  • Gbit Ethernet 5-port switch for 4 external interfaces
  • VLAN support
Bluetooth low energy
  • Control option via mobile device (smartphone, tablet)
  • Enables responsive and complex user interfaces
  • Compliant with BTLE 4.1
  • Data rates up to 40 Kbyte/sec
USB host / slave
  • USB 2.0 host interfaces for connecting peripheral
  • Flexible profile support (HID, mass memory, etc.)
  • USB 2.0 slave interface for PC connectivity

Software

Scripting engine
  • Simple and effective to use
  • Contains testing and simulation logic
  • Convenient editing, debugging and simulating on your PC
  • Automatic script generation from .dbc and .xlsx files
Cluster capability
  • Several areuBoxes can be connected to form a cluster.
  • The master synchronizes the cluster and provides connection to the GUI.
  • Slaves take over functions of the remaining bus simulation.
  • Additionally, the master can actively take over tasks of the remaining bus simulation.
  • Cluster synchronization via Ethernet/BTLE