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CANoe

CANoe is a comprehensive software tool developed by GmbH for the development, simulation, analysis, and testing of distributed embedded systems, particularly in automotive and other cyber-physical applications. It enables Software-in-the-Loop (SIL) and Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) testing, allowing users to simulate network communications, emulate electronic control units (ECUs), and perform automated diagnostics across protocols like CAN, , , and Ethernet. Originally focused on automotive networking, CANoe has evolved over 30 years to support a wide range of industries, including medical engineering, e-mobility, railway systems, , and industrial automation. Key features of CANoe include its modular architecture, which offers customizable editions and add-on options such as debugging tools, an AI-assisted CAPL scripting environment for , and specialized models like the Model for e-mobility simulations. The tool facilitates execution, injection for , and intuitive , making it essential for development, , and compliance verification in complex networked environments. In version 19, enhancements include support for (DDS) protocols, advanced CANoe MedTech capabilities for medical devices, and an improved Viewer for adaptive platform analysis. CANoe's widespread adoption stems from its role in accelerating the software-defined vehicle era and ensuring reliable communication in safety-critical systems, with integrations available for tools like to streamline workflows. It supports both individual component testing and full-system validation, reducing development time and costs while adhering to standards like for functional safety.

Introduction

Overview

CANoe is a comprehensive software tool for the development, simulation, analysis, and testing of individual software components, subsystems, electronic control units (ECUs), and distributed networks in systems, with a particular emphasis on cyber-physical systems. Developed by , a Stuttgart-based company founded in and specializing in software and hardware solutions for and systems, CANoe supports the creation and validation of complex, networked environments across industries such as automotive, medical, and industrial automation. The tool plays a central role in Software-in-the-Loop (SIL) and Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) testing environments, facilitating the development and testing of distributed embedded systems by allowing virtual execution of software on host computers, virtual machines, or platforms in SIL setups, and with or real in HIL configurations. This dual capability enables early-stage validation without physical prototypes, reducing development time and costs while ensuring reliability in real-world conditions. Key benefits of CANoe include its hardware and software independence, which allows seamless use across diverse platforms and makes it ideal for / (CI/CT) workflows; support for automated testing through reusable test sequences that span multiple development phases; and integration capabilities for server-based automation to streamline large-scale validation processes. Since its initial release in , CANoe has evolved into an industry-standard solution for embedded network development.

Development History

CANoe was developed by GmbH, a company founded on April 1, 1988, in Ditzingen near , , by Eberhard Hinderer, Martin Litschel, and Dr. Helmut Schelling, initially focusing on software solutions for NC-controlled machine tools. In 1992, Vector renamed itself to and delivered the first license for , a tool for analyzing Controller Area Network (CAN) communications. CANoe emerged as an extension of these early tools, with the first license sold in 1996, marking its entry into the market for comprehensive network simulation and testing. From its inception, CANoe targeted the development and testing of systems in automotive electronic control units (ECUs), addressing the rising complexity of vehicle networking during the . By the late , it achieved rapid worldwide adoption, driven by the automotive industry's shift toward distributed electronic systems and supported by Vector's growing international sales efforts following the 1996 license deliveries. Vector's expansion, including hiring its 25th employee in 1994 and surpassing 2 million D-Mark in turnover by 1992, provided the resources to evolve CANoe into a robust suite. Key milestones in CANoe's evolution include its expansion to multi-bus support in the early 2000s, accommodating protocols like and alongside CAN to meet demands for heterogeneous vehicle networks. During the 2010s, integration of Software-in-the-Loop (SIL) and Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) testing capabilities enhanced its role in virtual and physical validation workflows. More recently, version 19, released in May 2025, introduced the MedTech edition tailored for development, reflecting ongoing adaptations to new sectors. Vector's sustained growth—reaching over 100 million euros in turnover by 2006 and establishing subsidiaries in countries like , , and by 2009—has fueled CANoe's maturation into a platform. As of 2025, with nearly three decades of refinement since its debut, CANoe serves diverse industries beyond automotive, including and medical technology, underscoring its status as an industry-standard tool for development.

Technical Features

Core Capabilities

CANoe provides robust simulation tools that enable the modeling of virtual Electronic Control Units () and node simulations to replicate network behaviors without requiring physical hardware. This allows developers to simulate entire systems or individual components in Software-in-the-Loop (SIL) and Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) environments, supporting early-stage validation of communication protocols such as CAN. Virtual ECU modeling facilitates the integration of / models and Functional Mock-up Units (FMUs) for accurate representation of ECU functions, while interactive generators create dynamic signal curves and scenarios for protocols like Ethernet and . The software's testing features include automated test sequences that can be built using predefined functions and the Visual Sequencer for graphical creation of reusable test runs across development phases. Error injection capabilities simulate faults such as bit errors and frame corruptions to assess robustness, with specialized options like the LIN Stress Feature Set for protocol error stimulation. CANoe also supports diagnostic protocols, including (UDS) via OBDonUDS, enabling testing of diagnostics and security-protected units through integrated Security Manager tools. Analysis functions in CANoe encompass to capture bus communications and interactions between ECUs, complemented by windows that display packets along timelines with detail, difference, and statistics views. Graphical and text-based tools, such as the Bus Statistic Window and Window, allow for logical interpretation of physical bus levels and signal evaluation, providing comprehensive insights into . These features support protocol-specific , including GNSS data for standards like ISO 11783. Workflow integration is enhanced through scripting with the CAN Access Programming Language (CAPL), which enables custom automation of tests and simulations, alongside support for .NET and programming. Reusable test modules and the Test Feature Set (TFS) promote consistency in development, while CANoe's compatibility with practices allows seamless incorporation into /Continuous Testing (CI/CT) pipelines. The tool's hardware independence permits execution in pure software virtual environments on Windows, , or cloud platforms, facilitating agile workflows from project inception without dependency on physical interfaces.

Supported Protocols and Interfaces

CANoe primarily supports the Controller Area Network (CAN) protocol, which serves as the foundation for automotive communication, enabling reliable messaging between electronic control units (ECUs) at speeds up to 1 Mbps. It also accommodates CAN with Flexible Data-rate (), an extension that increases payload capacity to 64 bytes and data rates up to 8 Mbps, facilitating higher bandwidth needs in modern vehicle architectures. These core protocols are integral for simulating and analyzing in-vehicle networks, with CANoe providing tools for node emulation and fault insertion directly on these buses. Beyond CAN variants, CANoe extends compatibility to several additional bus systems essential for diverse automotive applications. The Local Interconnect Network (LIN) protocol is supported for cost-effective, low-speed (up to 20 kbps) communication with sensors and actuators, often used in non-critical body electronics. , designed for deterministic, fault-tolerant transmission in safety-critical systems like x-by-wire, operates at up to 10 Mbps with dual-channel redundancy. For high-bandwidth scenarios, Ethernet integration includes protocols such as Scalable service-Oriented over (SOME/IP) for service-based communication and (AVB) for time-sensitive networking in and ADAS. Emerging standards are addressed through recent enhancements, including support for (DDS) introduced in CANoe version 19, which enables real-time, publish-subscribe messaging for distributed systems in autonomous driving and . Wireless protocols like (BLE) are integrated via hardware enablers, allowing testing of connected devices in and contexts without wired constraints. Hardware interfaces compatible with CANoe include Vector's VN-series adapters, such as the VN1630, which provide multi-protocol support for CAN, CAN FD, LIN, , and Ethernet in a single unit, ideal for hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing. with third-party hardware is facilitated for specialized HIL setups, ensuring flexibility across development environments. Extensibility is achieved through add-on options and OEM-specific packages, permitting custom protocol implementations tailored to proprietary or industry-specific standards, such as for aerospace or ISO 11783 for .

Applications and Use Cases

Automotive and Transportation

CANoe plays a central role in (ECU) development and testing within the automotive sector, enabling of complex networks for systems such as , , and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). For , it supports analysis and testing through graphical interfaces that evaluate and features in real-time simulations. In applications, CANoe facilitates hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing of motor control units using models like the Electric Motor Model option, which simulates drive components for closed-loop validation. For ADAS, the ADAS Feature Set provides stimulation, , and replay capabilities to develop and autonomous functions, ensuring robust performance in virtual environments. Network validation with CANoe ensures compliance of in-vehicle communications with standards like , through tools such as the AUTOSAR Viewer and the /XCP option, which enable debugging of internal parameters and reduce development cycles. It supports comprehensive HIL testing for entire vehicle systems, integrating real hardware with simulated networks to verify interactions across CAN, Ethernet, and other buses, thereby identifying faults early in the process. This approach is particularly vital for validating and ADAS integrations, where timing and are critical. In diagnostics and calibration, CANoe integrates support for OBD-II protocols via the OBDonUDS feature, allowing emission-related parameter checks and interactive ECU communication through diagnostic consoles and windows. It also enables flashing of ECUs over CAN, CAN FD, LIN, , and Ethernet (DoIP), streamlining software updates and variant coding with automated test sequences for compliance. These capabilities are essential for calibrating ECUs and diagnosing ADAS faults in and field settings. Beyond traditional automotive uses, CANoe extends to transportation sectors including e-mobility, where it simulates charging communications under standards like and GB/T 27930, supporting (BMS) analysis for safe charging and discharging. In railway signaling, the Railway Signalling Add-On automates testing of systems and object controllers using protocols such as and RaSTA, ensuring conformance in EULYNX-compliant networks. For avionics, CANoe tests communication buses like 825 and AFDX, simulating networked systems for fault injection and validation. A notable case is its integration of Plug&Charge functionality in version 18 SP3 (2024), which enables secure, automated charging with certificate-based authentication in collaboration with Hubject. Additionally, CANoe supports hybrid-electric networks by providing HIL environments for safety-critical , compliant with DO-178 standards, as used in developing electric propulsion controls.

Other Industries

Beyond the automotive sector, CANoe has been adapted for engineering applications through the dedicated CANoe MedTech edition, which supports the , analysis, and testing of systems in devices. Introduced in version 19 in 2025, this variant enables simulation of networks, testing, and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) setups for devices such as ventilators and operating tables, facilitating diagnostics and verification in complex environments. In industrial automation, CANoe is utilized for testing programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and real-time Ethernet-based systems in factory settings. The CANoe.Ethernet option extends the tool to simulate and analyze Ethernet protocols like SOME/IP, TCP, and UDP, supporting the validation of distributed control networks in automation environments. Additionally, the CANoe.For EtherCAT add-on addresses EtherCAT (Ethernet for Control Automation Technology), a real-time Ethernet standard, enabling precise testing of motion control and process automation systems. For and , CANoe provides robust support for protocols such as and AFDX in communication systems. The CANoe.A429 extension allows simulation, testing, and analysis of buses across up to 32 channels, ensuring reliable data exchange in networks. In hardware-in-the-loop configurations, CANoe facilitates flight control simulations, as demonstrated in unmanned systems where it integrates with flight computers like Pixhawk to validate control algorithms under realistic conditions. CANoe also extends to other sectors, including railway systems using protocols such as and RaSTA, e-mobility charging infrastructure, and general embedded systems in devices. In e-mobility, the CANoe.SmartCharging option tests communication between electric vehicles and charging stations (EVSE) per standards, verifying conformance for protocols like and NACS in infrastructure setups. For , CANoe's connectivity features enable testing of distributed embedded devices, simulating network interactions and ensuring interoperability in sensor-heavy applications. Across these industries, CANoe's scalability benefits distributed systems by handling large-scale simulations and error injection in safety-critical controls, such as fault scenarios in industrial networks or flight systems, thereby enhancing reliability without physical dependencies.

Editions and Versions

Product Variants

CANoe is available in several variants tailored to different development and testing needs. The primary variants include CANoe /pro, which provides full-featured capabilities for interactive desktop use, including extensive simulation with CAPL and .NET scripting, test case modeling, and hardware integration for both software-in-the-loop (SIL) and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) environments. In contrast, CANoe /run serves as a runtime variant optimized for quick ECU testing with predefined configurations, offering full analysis functions but limited scripting and customization. The CANoe /pex variant focuses on project execution through a , enabling simulation and test control without advanced message evaluation, suitable for streamlined operator interactions in test benches. Editions of CANoe extend these variants across deployment scenarios. The Desktop Edition (DE) supports interactive use on developer workstations, with or without , while the Test Bench Edition (TBE) is designed for production and test stations requiring user-driven operations. Server Editions, including configurations for / (CI/CT) pipelines, virtual environments, and workflows, facilitate automated testing with or without connectivity. A dedicated CANoe for SIL edition enables pure software-based simulations in environments like Windows, , or cloud setups, without requiring physical . For evaluation purposes, Vector offers a free version of CANoe, which includes sample configurations but restricts features such as CAPL scripting and the number of nodes to provide a limited trial experience. is achieved through a modular add-on system, allowing users to extend core functionality for specific protocols and interfaces, such as the Ethernet Option for advanced network simulations or the LIN Option for low-speed local interconnects. Additionally, OEM-specific packages provide support for protocols, including preconfigured simulations for and transport layers tailored to manufacturers like (VAG) or Daimler. Licensing for CANoe follows a flexible model, offering perpetual licenses for permanent access to a specific version (with maintenance required for updates) or subscription-based licenses (minimum 12 months) that include the latest versions during the term. These licenses scale from single-user named-user setups to enterprise-wide deployments, such as Team licenses that support multiple developers and unlimited instances across projects.

Release History

CANoe was initially released in 1996 with version 1.0, providing foundational tools for the analysis and simulation of Controller Area Network (CAN) systems in automotive and industrial applications. In 2000, CANoe became multibus-capable, supporting CAN, (LIN), and MOST protocols, enabling cost-effective communication for sensors and actuators in vehicle body electronics. In 2001, version 3.2 introduced full multibus capabilities, including initial integration for high-speed deterministic communication. In the mid-2010s, version 10.0, released in 2017, brought significant advancements in hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing and extended protocol support, including automotive Ethernet and Car2x communication for cooperative intelligent transport systems. Version 12.0 followed in May 2019, enhancing for Ethernet-based ECUs and improving integration with diagnostic over (DoIP) standards. More recent releases have focused on emerging technologies in software-defined vehicles. Version 18, launched in May 2024, introduced enhancements for ADAS analysis, a new AUTOSAR Viewer for analyzing Classic and Adaptive AUTOSAR description files, and improved connectivity options including DDS QoS settings. Version 19, released in May 2025, added dedicated options for Data Distribution Service (DDS) connectivity, an Electric Motor Model for HIL simulation of electric drivetrains, and a MedTech edition tailored for medical device development. Vector maintains an annual cadence for major CANoe releases, supplemented by service packs that address bug fixes and minor enhancements, such as SP3 for version 19 released in November 2025; this rhythm aligns with evolving industry standards like 5.0. Throughout its evolution, CANoe emphasizes , ensuring ongoing support for legacy protocols like CAN and across new versions to facilitate seamless upgrades in long-term projects.

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