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.

More information

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