User´s Manual - I+ME ACTIA GmbH

CAT 

2.0 

CAN ANALYZER TOOL 

User´s Manual 

32 Bit

Welcome to I+ME ACTIA ! 

Before acquainting you with your new CAT CAN Analyzer Tool we would first like to thank you for 

purchasing our product. We are extremely pleased that you have chosen to place your trust in I+ME 

ACTIA and will do our best to satisfy whatever needs you may have. The following is a brief 

explanation highlighting our background, areas of expertise and general product lines. It and the list 

of our world-wide affiliates show that you have found a competent partner in I+ME ACTIA. 

Since its foundation in 1986, I+ME ACTIA has made quite a name for itself. Our employees are 

dedicated to producing high-quality solutions in the field bus and multiplexed systems sectors. The 

knowledge of our experts has allowed them to develop a spectrum of products which have been 

used in the automotive field as well as in general industrial environments. Our products can be used 

in all phases of system development : 

system definition, prototyping, 

evaluation and field application. 

Informatik und MikroElektronik 

Whether your professional background is into industry-process-control or development and test 

tools, we offer six product groups to fulfill your sophisticated needs. Tried and tested under the most 

severe conditions the automotive industry has to offer, our products have proved themselves again 

and again.

Our six products groups are: 

1 CAN System Test & Design Tools 

2 CAN PC Interfaces 

3 CAN Industrial I/O 

4 CAN System Application Software 

5 CAN System Know How 

6 Automotive Diagnostics 

Support of various user application phases: Learning, prototyping, testing 

and evaluation of networked systems. Comfortable Real - Time simulation 

of message transfer characteristics in CAN networks. Tools for mobile 

diagnosis and tests. 

Easy interfacing between PCs, Laptops, notebooks and networks with 

automotive fieldbus - protocols. Available for all PC standard interfaces 

such as ISA-slot, PCI, backplane, RS232, Centronics and PCMCIA. 

Development of applications under DOS/Windows according to Real-Time 

requirements is supported 

NiPC is an intelligent hardware concept for sensor / actuator interfacing. A 

modular architecture allows the flexible change of target micro con-trollers 

for process control. 

Enabling Real-Time system modeling, testing of networked systems as 

well as application support. Offering basic services for network 

communication which is applicable for various processors and 

programming languages. Facilitating the application interface for 

distributed industrial process control according to the CAL standard by 

CiA. Support of Windows 3.1, Windows 95 & NT. 

Promoting the understanding of various network protocols in practice. 

Understanding of CAN networks with CAL in practice. Developing HW/SW 

solutions for customer specific problems. We offer CAN / CAL workshops 

and in-house seminars to enable CAN users to benefit from I+ME ACTIA’s 

extensive knowledge. 

Assistance during the development phases. Diagnostic tools for quality 

control in production lines as well as after sales diagnostic, control and 

servicing tools are provided to manufacturers, suppliers and dealers of the 

car industry by I+ME ACTIA. 

If you have any questions concerning our products or you look for specific solutions within our 

product groups, don’t hesitate to call us and benefit from I+ME’s extensive knowledge - your need is 

our desire.

Our merger with the French corporation ACTIA in 1995 allowed us to become a powerful supplier for 

the European automotive industry. ACTIA products include diagnostic systems for automotive 

service and maintenance as well as development and production of high-quality on-board 

electronics. Joining forces with ACTIA has enabled I+ME to better service it’s international 

customers not only in Europe, but throughout the world. 

ACTIA INC. 

WORLDWIDE REPRESENTATIVES 

Email: info@ime-actia.de 

Internet: http://www.ime-actia.com 

I+ME ACTIA Representatives 

ACTIA SA 

Toulouse, France 

T: +33 05 61176161 

F: +33 05 61554231 

NOHAU ELEK. AB 

Malmö, Sweden 

T: +46 40 592200 

F: +46 40 592229 

If needed, please contact our associates below. 

ACTIA DO BRASIL 

Porte Alegre, Brazil 

T: +55 51 9699802 

F: +55 51 3411989 

ACTIA UK LTD. 

Newtown, UK 

T: +441 686 621067 

F: +441 686 621068 

ACVIBUS SA 

Mexico 

T: +525 368 6169 

F: +525 368 5646 

SI-KWADRAAT 

NOHAU UK LTD. 

NOHAU ELEK. AB 

I+ME 

INDUSTRADE AG 

AiXIA SA ACTIA SA 

DAIWA SANKO 

ACTIA INC. 

Troy, MI 48084, USA 

T: +1 (248) 524-0325 

F: +1 (248) 524-0326 

eM: info@ime-actia.com 

SI-KWADRAAT 

Nuenen, Netherlands 

T: +31 40 2631185 

F: +31 40 2838092 

ATAL SPOL SRO 

Tabor, Czech Rep. 

T: +420 361 251791 

F: +420 361 23043 

ATON SYSTEMS SA 

France 

T: +33 01 42071800 

F: +33 01 42078555 

VIDEOBUS SA 

Madrid, Spain 

T: +34 1 5001950 

F: +34 1 500060 

AIXIA SA 

France 

T: +33 04 79252390 

F: +33 04 79252923 

DAIWA SANKO 

Tokyo, Japan 

T: +813 5256 4030 

F: +813 5256 4033 

Headquarters 

I+ME ACTIA GmbH 

Rebenring 33 

38106 Braunschweig 

Germany 

T: +49 531 38701 0 

F: +49 531 38701 88 

Automotive Division 

Stuttgart 


Zettachring 4, 1.OG 

70567 Stuttgart 

Germany 

T: +49 711 72874 45 

F: +49 711 72874 46

Table of Contents 

Introduction 4 

Introduction ......................................................................................................5 

About I+ME ACTIA ..........................................................................................7 

Installation 8 

System Requirements......................................................................................9 

Software Installation.......................................................................................10 

Installation......................................................................................................11 

Installing the Hardware............................................................................11 

Uninstall .........................................................................................................13 

Re-Install........................................................................................................14 

System Overview 15 

Terms & Phrases ...........................................................................................16 

Software.........................................................................................................17 

Application Structure ...............................................................................18 

Online Mode ............................................................................................20 

Offline Mode ............................................................................................21 

Diagnostic Online Mode ..........................................................................23 

Diagnostic Offline Mode ..........................................................................24 

Windows ........................................................................................................25 

Main Window...........................................................................................26 

Status Bar................................................................................................28 

Frame List View.......................................................................................30 

Signal List View .......................................................................................31 

Trace List View........................................................................................32 

Diagnostic Output....................................................................................33 

Diagnostic Online View ...........................................................................35 

Online Control Windows ................................................................................36 

Transmit Table.........................................................................................37 

Main Diagnostic Launch Table................................................................38 

Online Diagnostic Launch .......................................................................39 

Status Information Windows....................................................................40 

Download Information Window................................................................41 

Upload Information Window ....................................................................42 

Hardware........................................................................................................43 

Hardware System Structure ....................................................................44 

LED Interpretation ...................................................................................45 

Getting Started 46 

Basic Steps ....................................................................................................47 

Being Online ..................................................................................................48 

Being Offline ..................................................................................................49 

Being Diagnostic Online.................................................................................51 

Being Diagnostic Offline.................................................................................52 

File Management 54 

Session Management ....................................................................................55 

Session Template ..........................................................................................56 

Database Management..................................................................................57 

Database Template........................................................................................58 

ECU Template ...............................................................................................59 

CAT Diagnostic Setup....................................................................................60 

Diagnostic Data by ID Edit.............................................................................62 

1

Offline Setup 63 

Session Handling ...........................................................................................64 

Session Menu..........................................................................................65 

Create a new Session .............................................................................66 

Session Description.................................................................................67 

Open a Session.......................................................................................68 

Save as....................................................................................................69 

Close Session..........................................................................................70 

Export logging buffer ...............................................................................71 

Export Diagnostic Buffer..........................................................................72 

Export Read Data by ID ..........................................................................73 

Exit...........................................................................................................74 

Database Maintaining ....................................................................................75 

Database .................................................................................................76 

Vehicle.....................................................................................................77 

ECU .........................................................................................................78 

Frame ......................................................................................................80 

Signal.......................................................................................................82 

Signal Types............................................................................................84 

Diagnostic Data .....................................................................................103 

Configurations..............................................................................................115 

Filter List ................................................................................................116 

Filter Definition.......................................................................................118 

Transmit List..........................................................................................120 

Transmit Definition ................................................................................121 

Trigger ...................................................................................................123 

Trigger on existing Frames....................................................................125 

Diagnostics ............................................................................................126 

Diagnostic Services...............................................................................129 

Layout Setup................................................................................................151 

Frame List..............................................................................................152 

Signal List..............................................................................................153 

Windows Arrangement ..........................................................................155 

Layout Settings......................................................................................156 

Change Language.................................................................................159 

Scrolling Step Size ................................................................................160 

System Setup...............................................................................................161 

CAN Setup.............................................................................................162 

Buffer Setup...........................................................................................164 

Online Mode 165 

Changing CAT Modes..................................................................................166 

Online Analyzing ..........................................................................................167 

Filtering ........................................................................................................168 

Transmitting .................................................................................................169 

Triggering.....................................................................................................171 

Launch Diagnostic Services ........................................................................172 

Diagnostic Online Mode 174 

Diagnostic Online Analyzing ........................................................................175 

Diagnostic Online Filtering...........................................................................176 

Launch Service Diagnostic Online...............................................................177 

Offline Analyzing 178 

Offline Analyzer Mode..................................................................................179 

Error Interpretation.......................................................................................180 

Buffer Handling ............................................................................................182 

Analyzing Buffer content .......................................................................182 

Find It ...........................................................................................................184 

2

Diagnostic Offline Analyzing 186 

Diagnostic Offline Window...........................................................................187 

Tips & Tricks 188 

Hot Keys.......................................................................................................189 

FAQ Installation ...........................................................................................190 

FAQ Offline Setup........................................................................................191 

FAQ Online Mode ........................................................................................192 

FAQ Diagnostic Online Mode ......................................................................193 

FAQ Offline Analyzing..................................................................................194 

FAQ Diagnostic Offline Analyzing................................................................195 

3

Introduction 

4

Introduction 

The I+ME CAT (CAN Analyzer Tool) 

CAT is an improved portable CAN Analyzer Tool. It is designed to connect a PC with RS232 interface 

to CAN (Controller Area Network). With its features it is an ideal general-purpose hardware for 

automotive analyzes and diagnostics on the single wire CAN, the mid speed CAN and the high speed 

CAN. 

I+ME designed CAT specially to use together with Laptops for testing a vehicle. Therefore the user can 

configure the layout of the windows application to his or her specific needs. E.g. it is possible to enlarge 

the used fonts of received signals or frames. 

With CAT the user can visualize and influence bus traffic within a CAN network. CAT supports even 

some Diagnostic Services in accordance to ISO 15765. 

CAT allows to transmit messages to the CAN bus, the user may set filter conditions to focus on special 

CAN ID or on special CAN messages. Trigger functionality supports in analyzing the bus traffic. 

The logged data can be exported into text files that are readable by standard PC applications, e.g. Excel. 

In this way the user can generate statistic diagrams etc. to analyze the acquired data. 

Discover CAT by browsing through this Help document or just use it in real at a CAN system. As long 

as the user is not familiar to the CAN bus and the usage of CAT there must be precautionary measures 

to assure that the CAN system cannot be destroyed or do any harm to the environment. 

I+ME ACTIA appreciates comments for the usage of CAT. Send faxes or e-mails to the After Sales 

Service address below and make clear that the input is a comment or improvement proposal. Please do 

not call the After Sales Service for comments or improvement proposals. 

I+ME ACTIA is always eager to fulfill the needs of our customers. If problems should occur, please 

refer to Frequently Asked Questions. If the problem persists, then feel free to contact our after-sales 

support hotline using the problem report file on our web page: http://www.ime-actia.com or the 

following number: 

After-Sales Service 


Rebenring 33 

D-38106 Braunschweig 

Germany. 

5

6 

Phone: ++ 49 (531) 38 701 38 

Fax: ++ 49 (531) 38 701 88 

E-mail: info@ime-actia.de

About I+ME ACTIA 

The company... 

On December 22nd, 1986 - the I+ME Gesellschaft für Informatik und Mikro-Elektronik Prof. Dr. Ing. 

W. Lawrenz mbH was founded. 

Since then, the company has been developing high quality solutions for field bus- and multiplex 

systems. Based on the knowledge of our experts, I+ME has developed a product range, which is used in 

the whole industry. In the year 1995 I+ME became a subsidiary of the French business group ACTIA - 

supplier for vehicle on-board electronics and European largest system house for vehicle diagnostic. 

In autumn of the year 1996 I+ME ACTIA opened an office in Stuttgart. One year later, it started up the 

North American Support Center in Grand Junction. 

Today, over 45 employees are working in the team of I+ME ACTIA to find solutions for the fast 

changing microelectronic business. At this time there are many leading companies using our products: 

- Atlas 

- Blaupunkt 

- Bosch 

- General Motors 

- General Electric 

- Ford 

- Honeywell 

- Knorr Bremse 

- Mannesmann 

- Micro Compact Car 

- Daimler Chrysler 

- OCE 

- Adam Opel 

- Peugeot 

- Rank Xerox 

- Sahm 

- Siemens 

- Volkswagen 

- Wabco 

- .... 

For more information visit our Web Site: http://www.ime-actia.com 

7

Installation 

8

System Requirements 

The host PC has to fulfill at least the following requirements: 

- Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows NT 4.0, Windows ME or Windows 2000 

- 200 MHz IBM compatible PC, 

- 16 MB RAM, 

- 10 MB free HDD space for CAT software, 

- additional free HDD space for databases, 

- VGA graphic adapter or better, 

- COM port 1 or COM port 2 available, 

9

Software Installation 

Note: It does not matter if the Software or Hardware is installed first. 

Installing the Software 

1) Insert 3.5" floppy (disk1) or CD ROM and start SETUP.EXE. 

2) Follow the instructions to install all necessary files to the hard disk. 

3) Start CAT by clicking on the corresponding icon within the program group. 

CAT will look for the Hardware connected to COM 1 or COM 2 of the PC. If the Hardware has been 

successfully installed, the application will start directly. Otherwise a message box will inform the user 

about missing Hardware. Acknowledging this message allows the use to work in the Offline 

respectively Diagnostic Offline mode only. 

Assuming successful Hardware Installation CAT LED switches from red (Power on State) to green 

displaying the Firmware-Download then indicating the Offline State by blinking 2 times: red, green, 

pause. 

(See the LED Interpretation for more details.) 

10

Installation 

Note: It does not matter if the Software is installed first. 

Installing the Hardware 

CAT has two interfaces. These interfaces are: 

• Host interface (to be connected via the 25 pin D-Sub to 9 pin D-Sub RS232 PC adapter cable) 

• CAN interface (to be connected via the 9 pin D-Sub to 16 pin SAE J1962 (OBD) CAN adapter cable) 

Note: The CAN interface is also the power supply of the tool. Disconnection from the CAN bus 

results in loosing the data in the Hardware. The buffer content is stored on the Hardware as long 

as you load it up into the application. (See Buffer Handling .) 

To install the hardware CAT has to be connected to the serial port COM 1 or COM 2 of the host PC. CAT hardware 

COM port is the female 25 pin SUB-D. If the PC has a 25-pin COM port connect CAT directly. 

If the PC has a 9 pin COM port connect CAT with the RS232 PC Adapter cable. Therefor the female 9 pins D-Sub of 

the PC adapter cable must be plugged into the male 9 pins D-Sub of the PC. The male 25 pins D-Sub of the PC 

adapter cable has to be connected to the female 25 pins D-Sub of CAT Hardware. (See CONNECT in Picture above.) 

Connect the male 9 pins D-Sub of CAT Hardware to the female 9 pins D-Sub of the CAN adapter cable and make 

sure that this cable is connected to a power supply. CAT LED becomes red displaying Power-On State. 

See the following Wire Description of the standard CAN Adapter Cable for details. 

11

Uninstall 

The CAT Software can be uninstalled by using the uninstall feature of the control panel. 

13

Re-Install 

Before Re-Installing CAT software, it is recommended to copy Databases and Sessions that shall be 

used further on into a separate additional folder. Then uninstall the existing software first. 

Nevertheless it is possible to Re-Install on the already existing software without having it uninstalled. In 

this case be aware that the existing CAT specific files are overwritten by the original files. 

This means individually done settings for the diagnostic protocol and templates (see CAT Diagnostic 

Setup , Session and ECU Template) will be replaced by the original standard settings. 

Additionally the Database folder Db1 and the Session folder S1 will be overwritten. (See Session and 

Database Management for details.) 

14

System Overview 

15

Terms & Phrases 

Block Size (BS) The BS (Block Size) defines the maximum number of frames which can be send before another 

flow control frame has to be sent. 

Buffer Used as synonym for the data of the circular buffer on the Hardware. See also Buffer Handling . 

Configurations All the setups that are done to change or modify a session not the database. Though there is an 

access to maintain the databases via the menu item Configurations. 

CPID Control Packet Identifier. 1 Byte value identifies a packet of data bytes to control and manipulate 

ECUs (Devices) externally. 

Database The term database is here used to determine the data that describe vehicles by the build in 

ECUs, the frames of each ECU and the signals of each frame. 

Parts of a Database are: 

16 

- included vehicles, 

- included ECUs, 

- included Frames and Diagnostic data, 

- included Signals. 

Each vehicle contains ECUs; the ECUs contain Frames and Diagnostic data. Frames and 

Diagnostic data each contain Signals. 

DID Data Identifier. 1 Byte value identifies static information stored in the ECUs. 

DPID Data Packet Identifier. 1 Byte value identifies a packet of diagnostic data bytes containing nonstatic 

information. 

DTC Diagnostic Trouble Code. 

ECU Electronic Control Unit. Here in the meaning of electronic boxes that are build in vehicles and that 

communicate via the CAN bus. 

Filter CAT provides Pass Through Filter only. The data are already filtered by the Hardware. 

Frame The frames are the messages that are transported via the CAN bus. 

FSA Functional System Address. Identifies a group of ECUs that build up a functional system. 

Layout The layout means the desktop and desktop configuration of CAT application. 

Padding Padding means to fill up the Data Byte Field of CAN Frames with 0's, so that the frames always 

contain 8 Data Bytes. 

Separation Time The ST (Separation Time) defines the minimum amount of time in ms, which must be between 

consecutive frame transmissions of a multi frame message. 

Session The term session is here used to describe the settings done to work with CAT 

Parts of a Session are: 

- the link to a database, 

- the frames that shall be displayed in the frame list window, 

- the signals that shall be displayed in the signal list window, 

- the configured frames that shall be transmitted inclusive the conditions, 

- the filter conditions, 

- the CAN setups (selected or configured physical layer / Baud Rate), 

- the buffer division sizes, 

- the buffer content (when uploaded) 

- the layout settings for the graphical user interface, column / fonts sizes and windows 

arrangements. 

Signal The signals are the interpreted data of the CAN frame. See also chapter Signal Types. 

Trigger Trigger used as short form for trigger event. There is a trigger event when the trigger conditions 

are fulfilled. Trigger events are not necessarily frames that appear on the bus. See also chapter Configurations | 

Trigger.

Software 

17

Application Structure 

CAT can recognize four different modes. Depending on the mode the user can analyze the traffic on the bus using 

different (Views) windows: 

- ONLINE Mode 

Frame List View 

Signal List View 

Status Bar 

Additional to the View windows to monitor the CAN bus, there are Online Control windows to allow the 

user to send frames and diagnostic services: 

Transmit Table 

Main Diagnostic Launch Table 

- OFFLINE Mode 



Trace List View 

Status Bar 

Additional to the View windows to monitor the CAN bus, there are several windows to configure and set 

up our system. 

- DIAGNOSTIC ONLINE Mode 

Diagnostic Online View 

Additional to the View window to monitor the request and response messages for one diagnostic service, 

there is an Online Control window that allows to launch the service. 

- DIAGNOSTIC OFFLINE Mode 

Diagnostic Output 

Status Bar 

In each mode there can be Status Information windows displaying Status Information e.g. about the 

buffer upload process. 

CAT Application consists of an (opened) Session and a Database the session 

points to. Another important part is the buffer content. 

Main parts of a Session are: 

- the link to a database, 

- the layout settings for the graphical user interface (e.g. windows arrangements), 

- the configurations of filter, trigger, transmit frames and diagnostics, 

- the system setups for the buffer usage and for the connected CAN bus, 

- the buffer content (when uploaded). 

Main parts of a Database are: 

- included vehicles, 

- included ECU's, 

- included Frames, 

- included Signals. 

Each vehicle contains ECU's, the ECU's contain Frames and Frames contain Signals. 

Buffer 

The total 50.000 frame buffer contains two parts: 

- the Normal Buffer, 

The normal buffer contains all CAN data that are received from the bus (unless there is no filter) and the data that are 

transmitted by CAT. 

- the Diagnostic Buffer. 

The diagnostic buffer contains the diagnostic data that are received from the bus (unless there is no filter) and the 

data that are transmitted by CAT. 

See Buffer Handling for details. 

18

! If the user disconnects the Hardware from the Power Supply (by disconnecting the CAN 

adapter cable) and has not uploaded the buffer the user will loose the logged data! 

19

Online Mode 

The Online Mode of CAT allows visualizing and logging the traffic on the bus. See Changing CAT 

Modes for details about how to go Online. 

For visualization the Online Mode offers: 

20 


Displaying up to 10 frames that has been selected to be displayed 


Displaying up to 20 signals that has been selected to be displayed 

Status Bar 

Displaying always the most recently received frame from the bus. 

Additionally the user can open: 


Displaying the names of up to 10 frames that has been defined to be transmitted. 


Displaying the addressing of some Diagnostic Services that are supported by CAT. 

Note: The configuration / setup of the Main Diagnostic Launch Table is even possible when being 

online already by opening the Main Diagnostic Setup dialog under Configurations. 

Being Online the received and transmitted data are logged to the buffer on CAT Hardware. The Buffer 

content is first stored only on the Hardware. Only after uploading the buffer there is access to this data 

in the Offline respectively Diagnostic Offline Mode. 



CAT allows in online mode the following actions: 

- Activating the self defined Filter , 

- Causing a Trigger event, 

- Transmitting self defined transmit frames , 

- Launch Diagnostic services, 

- Arranging the windows.

Offline Mode 

The Offline Mode of CAT allows the user to analyze logged data received from the bus and to 

configure sessions and to maintain databases. (See Session Handling, Database Editing, Configurations) 

See Changing CAT Modes for details about how to go Offline. 

For Analyzing the Offline Mode offers: 


Displaying up to 10 frames that has been selected to be displayed 


Displaying all frames that has been logged (after buffer upload). 

Note: Trace List View and Frame List View exclude each other; opening one closes 

automatically the other. 


Displaying up to 20 signals that has been selected to be displayed 

Status Bar 


For details see also the Offline Analyzer Mode . 



Configuration of a session means to 

- Setup the layout of the windows for all modes. 

- Setup the System (CAN parameters and Buffer usage). 

- Configure the filter and trigger conditions. 

- Define Transmit Frames. 

- Setup Diagnostic services. 

See also the chapters "Layout Setup", "System Setup", "Configurations" and "Session Handling". 

Maintaining a database means to 

- Create, Edit or Remove the database content: 

Vehicles 

ECUs, 

Frame, 

Signals. 

See also chapter "Database Maintaining". 

Export Buffer 

21

In Offline mode the user can export the buffer content into a file readable by Excel to get an even more 

comfortable way to analyze the logged data. See also Buffer Handling . 

22

Diagnostic Online Mode 

The Diagnostic Online Mode gives the user the ability easily to send diagnostic services even periodically and to see 

directly the corresponding responses. The set up of a diagnostic service to be transmitted is much easier in diagnostic 

online mode than in online mode. Opposite to the Online Mode it is possible to visualize the whole communication 

process: Request, Multi-Frame Responses and also Flow Control Frames. 

Additionally the DTC read out by service "Read Trouble Codes" are converted from hexadecimal DTC data into the 

SAE DTC code. 

The Diagnostic Online Mode of CAT allows visualizing and logging the diagnostic service that has 

been launched and the response to this service. See Changing CAT Modes for details about how to go 

Diagnostic Online. 

For visualization the Diagnostic Online Mode offers to open the: 


Displaying the diagnostic service request and even multi frame respond. 

Additionally the user can open the 

it 

Online Diagnostic Launch window 

Displaying the addressing and Tester Present status of the selected Diagnostic Service and how 

will be transmitted. 

Being Diagnostic Online the received and transmitted data are logged to the buffer on CAT Hardware. 

The Buffer content is first stored only on the Hardware. Only after uploading the buffer there is access 

to this data in the Offline respectively Diagnostic Offline Mode. 



23

Diagnostic Offline Mode 

In general the Diagnostic Offline Mode is identical to the Offline Mode. The only difference is that the 

user cannot open Signal List, Frame List or Trace List View but the Diagnostic Output window. 

The Diagnostic Offline Mode of CAT allows to analyze logged diagnostic data received from the bus 

and to configure sessions and to maintain databases. (See Session Handling, Database Editing, 

Configurations) 

See Changing CAT Modes for details about how to go Diagnostic Offline. 

For Analyzing the Diagnostic Offline Mode offers: 

24 


Displaying all frames that have been logged (after buffer upload). 

Status Bar 


For details see also the Offline Analyzer Mode . 



Configuration of a session means to 

- Setup the layout of the windows for all modes. 

- Setup the System (CAN parameters and Buffer usage). 

- Configure the filter and trigger conditions. 

- Define Transmit Frames. 

- Setup Diagnostic services. 

See also the chapters "Layout Setup", "System Setup", "Configurations" and "Session Handling". 

Maintaining a database means to 

- Create, Edit or Remove the database content: 

Vehicles 

ECUs, 

Frame, 

Signals. 

See also chapter "Database Maintaining". 

Export Buffer 

In Diagnostic Offline mode the user can export the buffer content into a file readable by Excel to get an 

even more comfortable way to analyze the logged data. See also Buffer Handling .

Windows 

25

Main Window 

The main window after opening a session is shown below. The Frame List View , Signal List View and 

Status Bar (at the bottom of the window) are opened. The Frame List View and Signal List View are 

arranged horizontal. (See Windows Arrangement ) 

Title Bar 

The Title Bar of the Main window gives an overview about the system status showing: 

- Current Mode: 

[Online], [Diagnostic], [Diag Online] 

- Session Name and assigned folder name (S#) 

- Database and assigned folder name (DB#) 

- Vehicle and assigned folder name (V#) 

26 

Note: In Offline mode there are no [ ] brackets, Offline is not written. 

- additional the sub window name in [ ] if the sub window is enlarged. 

Menu Bar 

The Menu Bar of the Main window gives an access to all possible commands within CAT: 

- Session 

Use the commands of the pull down menu to manage the session file (see also Application Structure and 

chapter "Session Handling" for details) or to export logged data . 

- Configuration 

Use the commands of the pull down menu to maintain a database (see also Application Structure and 

Database Editing for details) and to configure the actions you want to use in Online Mode : Filtering, 

Triggering, Transmitting and Diagnostic services (see also Configurations for details). 

- Commands 

Use the commands of the pull down menu to change the modes and to activate online actions. See chapter 

"Online Mode" for details. 

- Windows 

Use the commands of the pull down menu to open/ close and to arrange windows . 

- Layout 

Use the commands of the pull down menu to set up the layout of the windows or to change the language. 

See Layout Setup for details. 

- Help 

Use the commands of the pull down menu to get information about the Hardware and Software Versions 

and which Software is used. Use it to open this Help.

Status Bar 

The Status Bar shown below displays the most significant data about the CAN bus traffic depending on 

the mode. Online the most recently acquired frame and bus data will be displayed. In Offline or 

Diagnostic Offline the data according to the logged data of the actual buffer entry will be displayed. 

(See Buffer Handling ) 

Note: The Status Bar is not available in Diagnostic Online mode. 

Frame: 

The frame field consists of 4 columns. The CAN Identifier is displayed in the first. Then the format and 

Receive / Transmit Status, followed by the Data in the last column. 

Time: 

The accumulated time after going online is updated each time when a frame is received and displayed. 

Buffer: 

The buffer field contains a bar graph that indicates the actual position inside the buffer. Full bar graph 

means to display the last buffer entry (Independent from chosen buffer size.) 

Overflows: 

The overflow field contains the number that indicates how often the buffer wrapped around. 

BusSts: 

The Bus Status as provided by the CAN chip is displayed. 

RxErr: 

Different to the bus status not the Rx counter as provided by the CAN chip is displayed but the real 

number of Rx Errors that have occurred on the bus since going online are displayed. Independent of the 

Error Type the counter is increased each time by one. (See also Error interpretation ) 

TxErr: 

Different to the bus status not the Tx counter as provided by the CAN chip is displayed but the real 

number of Tx Errors that have occurred on the bus since going online are displayed. Independent of the 

Error Type the counter is increased each time by one. (See also Error interpretation ) 

Trigger: 

When the Trigger is enabled in Offline respectively Diagnostic Offline mode the Trigger field turns 

from white to yellow background color. 

In Online mode, the Trigger field, by turning to red background color, shows the occurrence of a 

Trigger Event. 

Filter: 

When the defined Filter is enabled the Filter field turns from white to yellow background color. 

(Independent of the mode.) 

LS / MS / HS: 

Depending on the chosen CAN Bus (physical layer) LS, MS or HS is displayed, indicating Low Speed, 

Mid Speed or High Speed bus. 

28


The Frame List shown below displays up to 10 frames but only the frames that are selected to be 

displayed (see Frame List Configuration). Online the most recently acquired frames data will be 

displayed. In Offline mode the data according to the logged data of the actual buffer entry will be 

displayed. (See Buffer Handling ) 

The Name, ID and Format will be displayed as soon as the frame is selected to be displayed. 

Time: 

The accumulated time after going online is updated each time when the frame is received. Online the 

time is shown in ms,ms/10. Offline the time is shown as hour:min:sec,ms . 

Delta: 

Only available offline the delta time is shown in ms,ms/10 between the actual receiving of the frame 

and the last receiving of the same frame (with the same ID). 

Name: 

Displays the defined name of the frame. 

ID: 

Displays the CAN Identifier of the frame as hexadecimal value. 

Format: 

Displays the Format of the frame (STD for standard 11bit ID and XTD for extended 29 bit ID). 

Rx/Tx: 

Displays the Receive / Transmit Status of the frame. 

Data: 

Displays the Data that are carried by the frame as hexadecimal value. 

See also how to define a frame and how to configure the Frame List . 

30


The Signal List shown below displays up to 20 signals but only the signals that are selected to be 

displayed (see Signal List Configuration). Online the most recently acquired data carried by a frame 

will be interpreted and displayed. In Offline mode the data according to the logged data of the actual 

buffer entry will be displayed. (See Buffer Handling ) 

The color of the characters for the signal value changes from black to red and vice versa each time the 

same signal is received again. 

Time: 

The accumulated time after going online is updated each time when the frame is received. Online the 

time is shown in ms,ms/10. Offline the time is shown as hour:min:sec,ms. 

Delta: 

Only available offline the delta time is shown in ms,ms/10 between the actual receiving of the frame 

and the last receiving of the same frame (with the same ID). 

Name: 

Displays the defined name of the signal. 

Value: 

Displays the interpreted value in accordance to the Data carried by the received frame. 

Unit: 

Displays the defined Unit of the signal. 

See also how to define a Signal and how to configure the Signal List for more details.) 

31


Different to the Frame List the Trace List View shown below displays all frames that are acquired. The 

Trace List View is only offline available. The data according to the logged data will be displayed. The 

actual buffer entry is shown on the top of the Trace List View. (See also Buffer Handling ) 

Time: 

The accumulated time after going online is updated each time when the frame is received. 

Delta: 

The delta time is shown in ms,ms/10 between the actual receiving of the frame and the last receiving of 

the same frame (with the same ID). 

ID: 

Displays the CAN Identifier of the frame as hexadecimal value. 

Format: 

Displays the Format of the frame (STD for standard 11bit ID and XTD for extended 29 bit ID). 

Rx/Tx: 

Displays the Receive / Transmit Status of the frame. 

Data: 

Displays the Data that are carried by the frame as hexadecimal value. 

32


The Diagnostic Output window shown below displays all diagnostic relevant frames and data that are 

acquired if CAT recognizes them as Diagnostic data. The Diagnostic Output window is only diagnostic 

offline available. The data according to the logged data are displayed. The actual buffer entry is shown 

on the top of the Diagnostic Output window. (See also Buffer Handling) 

Time: 

The accumulated time after going online is updated each time when the diagnostic frame is received. 

Delta: 

The delta time is shown in ms,ms/10 between the actual receiving of the diagnostic frame and the last 

receiving of the same frame (with the same ID). 

Type: 

Displays if the diagnostic frame is in USDT (Unacknowledged Segmented Data Transfer) or UUDT 

(Unacknowledged Unsegmented Data Transfer) messaging format and if the frame is a request (by the 

tester) or a response (by an ECU). 

Service: 

Displays the name of the Diagnostic Service with this frame ID (if known by CAT). 

ID: 

Displays the CAN Identifier of the diagnostic frame as hexadecimal value. 

Format: 

Displays the Format of the diagnostic frame (STD for standard 11bit ID and XTD for extended 29 bit 

ID). 

Data: 

Displays the Data that are carried by the diagnostic frame as hexadecimal value. 

Additional row below Type, Service, etc: 

Displays the Interpretation of the Data that are carried by the diagnostic frame as real text. 

Note: You may assign a color to each service. See Layout Settings for details. 

33


The Diagnostic Online View shown below displays the diagnostic service frames and data (request and 

response) according to the settings done offline respectively diagnostic offline. The Diagnostic Online 

View is only in diagnostic online mode available. The data according to the logged data are displayed. 

Time: 

The accumulated time after going online is updated each time when the diagnostic frame is received. 

Type: 

Displays if the diagnostic frame is in USDT (Unacknowledged Segmented Data Transfer) or UUDT 

(Unacknowledged Unsegmented Data Transfer) messaging format and if the frame is a request (by the 

tester) or a response (by an ECU). 

Service: 

Displays the name of the Diagnostic Service with this frame ID (if known by CAT). 

ID: 

Displays the CAN Identifier of the diagnostic frame as hexadecimal value. 

Format: 

Displays the Format of the diagnostic frame (STD for standard 11bit ID and XTD for extended 29 bit 

ID). 

Data: 

Displays the Data that are carried by the diagnostic frame as hexadecimal value. 

Additional row below Type, Service, etc: 

For service "Read Trouble Codes" only: Displays the Interpretation of the hexadecimal DTC data into 

the standard SAE DTC code. 

Note: When going diagnostic online the Online Diagnostic Launch window is opened automatically. 

35

Online Control Windows 

36


Online Control windows like the Transmit Table can be opened in online mode. The Transmit Table 

might be understood as "post it note" to support the user by showing useful information. Like the * at 

the right side of the table that indicates that this frame is actually transmitted. 

Additionally to the information the table provides an easy access to start actions. 

But there is no need to close the window to work on. Just shift the table aside to have a free view on the 

main application and shift it back when it is needed again. 

See Transmitting for details about the use of the Transmit Table. 

37


Online Control windows like the Main Diagnostic Launch Table can be opened in online mode only. 

The Diagnostic Launch Table might be understood as "post it note" to support the user by showing 

useful information. Like the columns at the right side of the table, which indicate the assigned type of 

addressing for the service. 

Functional Addressing is used to broadcast diagnostic services to groups of CAN nodes (ECUs). 

Physical Addressing is used to communicate to one ECU only according to the offline defined CAN ID. 

If CAT knows the CAN ID and the link to an ECU of the used database, the name of the ECU is shown 

under Physical Addressing respectively the name of the functional system (group) is shown under 

Functional Addressing. 

The service list gives an overview about all the diagnostic services and their ID that are supported by 

CAT. The sub-function ID, corresponding to the Setup of the service, is displayed as well as the 

information if additional Tester Present service has been enabled. 

Beside the information, the table provides an easy access to launch the diagnostic services. 

But there is no need to close the window to work. Just shift the table aside to have a free view on 

the main application and shift it back when it is needed again. 

See Diagnostics for details about the setup of the Main Diagnostic Launch Table and see Launch 

Diagnostic Services for details about the use of the Diagnostic Launch Table. 

38

Online Diagnostic Launch 

The settings for the diagnostic service to be launched in Diagnostic Online Mode are shown in the Online Diagnostic 

Launch window shown below. This control window might be understood as "post it note" to support the user by 

showing useful information. Like the radio buttons at the right side of the table, those indicate the assigned type of 

addressing for the service. 

Functional Addressing is used to broadcast diagnostic services to groups of CAN nodes (ECUs). 

Physical Addressing is used to communicate to one ECU only according to the offline defined CAN ID. 

If CAT knows the CAN ID and the link to an ECU of the used database, the name of the ECU is shown 

under Physical Addressing respectively the name of the functional system (group) is shown under 

Functional Addressing. 

Under service the name of the supported diagnostic service is displayed. The service ID and the subfunction 

ID corresponding to the setup of the service are displayed as well as the information if 

additional Tester Present service has been enabled. Additionally the transmit conditions, one-shot or the 

periodic rate are shown. An actual transmitting is indicated by a " * " behind the periodic rate and the 

button in the lower left corner is titled with "Stop" (otherwise with "Launch"). See also Launch Service 

Diagnostic Online . 

Beside to the information, the table provides an easy access to launch the diagnostic service. 

But there is no need to close the window to work. Just shift the table aside to have a free view on 

the main application and shift it back when it is needed again. 

See Diagnostics for details about the setup of the Online Diagnostic Launch using the Main Diagnostic 

Launch Table. 


39

Status Information Windows 

Status Information windows like the Download Information window start automatically. These 

Information windows might be understood as "post it note" to support the user by showing useful 

information. 

While downloading the settings to the Hardware there is no access to the application. Only the 

Download Cancel button could be used to stop the process. 

Different to the Download Information window the buffer Upload window shown below allows the 

access to the application when open. 

The Upload window does not have to be closed to work on. Just shift the message box aside to have a 

free view on the main application. 

Note: To work on e.g. scrolling the buffer content you have to click into the window you are using to 

visualize the buffer. 

See also Download Information window . 

See also Upload Information window . 

40

Download Information Window 

The Download Information window starts automatically when going online. Each time when going 

online the Firmware is downloaded from the PC to CAT Hardware. This ensures that settings (like 

CAN physical layer, buffer division, filter, trigger, etc.) that have been done offline are considered and 

supported by the Hardware. See chapter Offline Setup for details. 

The green bar indicates the status of the downloading process. 

While downloading the settings to the Hardware there is no access to the application. Only the 

Download Cancel button can be used to stop the process. 

Note: The Downloading needs only short time. It should be finished in seconds. 

41

Upload Information Window 

The Upload Information window starts automatically when activating the buffer upload. This might be 

done by sing the command Upload buffer or the Hot Key F8. The buffer upload could also be activated 

automatically by the Trigger . When uploading the buffer the content is transmitted from CAT 

Hardware to the PC. 

The green bar symbolizes the status of the upload of the logging buffer and the yellow bar symbolizes 

the status of the upload of the diagnostic buffer 

Different to the Download Information window the buffer Upload window shown below allows the 

access to the application when open. 

Do NOT wait when uploading. 

If the information window shown above displaying the status of the buffer upload process is open, shift 

it to the side and click into the window you want to use. 

Although the Upload process is not finished it is possible to jump to the end of the buffer (using the End 

key). CAT will load immediately the required data. So there is no need to wait for the finish of the 

upload. 

42

Hardware 

43

Hardware System Structure 

CAT Hardware system consist of the Interface Box with the implemented LED – usually called CAT 

Hardware - and a PC Adapter Cable. See the Hardware Installation for details about how and when to 

use the PC Adapter cable and how to connect the CAT Hardware system to a CAN system. 

CAT is a CAN-Bus tool that operates in combination with a standard Laptop or PC. The main parts are: 

- CAT Hardware, 

- the main application program (AP) cat.exe. 

Due to the fact, that CAT hardware is intelligent, the software uses the RS 232 interface in order to 

communicate with CAT hardware, therefore a high priority Windows driver is not necessary. 

General Characteristics of CAT 

Interface type Intelligent RS232 – CAN Interface 

CAN Interfaces 2 * Dual Wire CAN according to GMW3122 

1 * Single Wire CAN according to GMW3089 

Connectors 25 pin SUB-D RS232 Connector and 9 pin SUB_D special CAN interface 

Power Supply 6.5 - 16 V DC power supply via CAN interface connector, 

max. 250mA, typical 70mA at 12 V DC with physical interface PCA 82C251 

Temperature 

Range 0° ... + 70 °C := + 32°... + 158 °F 

44

LED Interpretation 

Normal States: 

1) Power-On = red. 

Default after hardware reset. 

2) Firmware-Download = green. 

The 1st part of the firmware loader switches the LED to green. 

3) Normal operation OFFLINE = blinking 2 times: red, green, pause. 

Normally it blinks 2 times, that means all is ok. 

The 1st blink shows the OFFLINE state = red or the ONLINE state = green. 

4) Normal operation ONLINE = blinking 2 times: green, green, pause. 

Normally it blinks 2 times, that means all is ok. 

The 1st blink shows the OFFLINE state = red or the ONLINE state = green. 

5) Block-transfer errors while receiving commands on the RS232 

= blinking 4 times: red|green, green, green, green, pause. 

The RS232 reception module has detected problems with the RS232-block-transfer and waits for a transfer 

pause to reinitialize his buffers. 

6) Normal operation (after RS232-errors) = blinking 3 times: red|green, green, green, pause. 

After detecting RS232-block-transfer-errors and buffer re-initialization it is back to normal operation. It 

never goes back to blinking 2 times. 

Special States: 

7) Firmware-Initialization = red for 20ms, green for 20ms. 

The short red-green makes CAT-firmware in the first part of the initialization. It shows that the firmware 

now starts. 

8) Internal error 

Any other blink code indicates an internal error. 

In this case please note the blink code you see and send a short description about this to I+ME ACTIA. 

To: info@ime-actia.de 

I+ME ACTIA appreciates support. 

45

Getting Started 

46

Basic Steps 

After successful installation there are a few basic steps required to work with CAT: 

1) A session has to be created (See Create a new Session ) or an existing one has to be opened (See Open a 

Session ). 

2) The Baudrate has to be chosen in accordance to the CAN system you want to analyze. See CAN Setup . 

Now CAT is ready to go Online. The CAN traffic is displayed only in the status bar. 

CAT LED displays being in Online State by blinking 2 times: green, green, pause. Additionally 

"Online" is added to the capture of the main application window. 

3) Go Offline and Upload the buffer . 

4) The Trace List View in Offline Analyzer Mode allows reviewing the buffer content. 

CAT LED displays the Offline State by blinking 2 times: red, green, pause. Additionally "Online" is 

removed from the capture of the main application window. 

To get frame and signal information already Online the following steps should be taken. 

5) A database and a vehicle should be selected to choose the "car" to be analyzed. If no database, vehicle and 

ECU exist the user may define them. (See Database , Vehicle and ECU) 

6) Select frames and signals to be displayed in the Frame List and Signal List. If no frames and signals exist 

the user may define them. (See Frame and Signal) 

47

Being Online 

Choose menu item Commands | Online to go Online. See Changing CAT Modes for details and how to 

leave the Online Mode. Being in Online Mode it is possible to perform several actions: 

Analyzing: 

The Frame and Signal List Views and the Status Bar can be used to visualize the bus traffic. 

Choose menu item Windows | to open/ close the windows. 

Note: The user has to configure the Frame and Signal List before in Offline Mode. 

See Offline Setup | Layout Setup for details. 

Filtering: 

Up to 10 Pass Through Filter conditions can be used to filter the bus traffic that is logged and displayed. 

Choose menu item Command | Filter to activate/ deactivate the filter . 

Note: The user has to configure Pass Through Filter conditions before. 

See Offline Setup | Configurations for details. 

Triggering: 

The Online Mode and data logging stop when a defined Trigger Event occurs on the bus, or by manual 

activating of a Trigger. 

Choose menu item Command | Trigger to cause the Trigger event manually. 

Note: To define a Trigger Event that occurs on the bus you have to configure Trigger conditions 

before. 


Transmitting: 

Up to 10 defined Transmit Frames can be used to transmit data to the bus. 

Choose menu item Command | Transmit to open the Transmit Table and click inside to select the frame 

to be send. 

Note: The user has to configure the Transmit Frames and conditions before. 


Launch Diagnostic Services: 

Defined Services can be used to launch diagnostic services to the bus. 

Choose menu item Command | Diagnostics to open the Main Diagnostic Launch Table and select the 

service you want to launch. 



See also Online Mode . 

48

Being Offline 

Choose menu item Commands | Offline to go Offline. See Changing CAT Modes for details and how to 

leave the Offline Mode. Being in Offline Mode it is possible to analyze logged data or to do several 

settings: 

Analyzing: 

To visualize the bus traffic, the Frame or the Trace List View , the Signal List Views and the Status Bar 

can be used. 

Choose menu item Windows | to open/ close the windows. 

Note: After being Online you have to upload the Buffer before you have access to the logged data. 

Otherwise you still see the buffer data that has been uploaded before. 

See Offline Analyzing | Buffer Handling for details. 

Setup Analyzer windows 

The Frame and Signal List Views display, in On- and Offline mode, only the Frames and Signals that 

have been selected to be displayed. 

Choose menu item Configurations | Frame (Signal) List to select Frames (Signals) you want to display. 

See chapter Layout Setup | Frame List (Signal List ) for details. 

Setup Application Layout 

To adopt the Layout of CAT windows application to the different PC platforms and customer needs 

CAT provides the possibility to change the size of character fonts and the column width of the Views. 

Choose menu item Layout | to modify the settings. 

See chapter Layout Setup | View Layout Settings for details. 

Setup CAN 

CAT supports normal "Dual Wire" CAN and additionally the Single Wire CAN. For easy Setup of CAT 

to ones CAN bus application there are already three physical layers predefined: Single Wire CAN, Dual 

Wire CAN (Mid Speed), Dual Wire CAN (High Speed). 

Choose menu item Configurations | CAN Setup from the main window to open the CAN Setup window 

and to adjust the Baud Rates of the physical layers. 

See chapter System Setup | CAN Setup for details. 

Maintain Databases: 

The databases are structured in a strict hierarchical order. A Database contains Vehicles that contain 

ECU's that send Frames that carry Signals. 

Choose menu item Configurations | to create, edit or remove the elements of a 

database. 

See chapter Database Maintaining for details. 

Configure Filter: 

Up to 10 Pass Through Filter can be configured to filter the bus traffic that is logged and displayed. 

Choose menu item Configurations | Filter List to open the Filter List and define the conditions. 

See chapter Configurations | Filter List for details. 

Configure Trigger Conditions: 

CAT allows defining a Trigger Event based on Frame Identifier and Data. This Trigger is used to set a 

mark into the logged buffer and to stop the logging of data. 

Choose menu item Configurations | Trigger to setup the Trigger Conditions. 

See chapter Configurations | Trigger for details. 

Configure Transmit Conditions: 

49

Up to 10 Transmit Frames can be configured to transmit data to the bus. 

Choose menu item Configurations | Transmit to open the Transmit List and define the conditions. 

See chapter Configurations | Transmit List for details. 

Configure Diagnostic Services: 

CAT provides several most common Diagnostic Services. 

Choose menu item Configurations | Diagnostics to open the Main Diagnostic Setup window and to 

configure the services. 

See chapter Configurations | Diagnostics for details. 

See also Offline Mode . 

50

Being Diagnostic Online 

Choose menu item Commands | Diagnostic Online to go Diagnostic Online. See Changing CAT Modes 

for details and how to leave the Diagnostic Online Mode. Being in Diagnostic Online Mode it is 

possible to perform several actions: 

Launch one Diagnostic Service: 

CAT allows launching one diagnostic service that has been determined before in Offline mode by using 

the Online View button in the Main Diagnostic Setup dialog. (See also Diagnostics ) 

Choose menu item Command | Diagnostics to open the Online Diagnostic Launch window and to 

launch the service . 

Note: The Online Diagnostic Launch window is already open when going Diagnostic Online. 

Analyzing: 

The Diagnostic Online View can be used to visualize the launched diagnostic service and the response 

on this service. The DTC read out by service "Read Trouble Codes" are additionally displayed 

converted from hexadecimal DTC data into the SAE DTC code. 

Choose menu item Windows | Diagnostic Online View to open / close the window. 

Filtering: 

Up to 10 Pass Through Filter can be used to filter the bus traffic that is logged and displayed. 

Choose menu item Command | Filter to activate/ deactivate the filter . 

Note: You have to configure Pass Through Filter conditions before in Offline Mode. 


See also Diagnostic Online Mode . 

51

Being Diagnostic Offline 

In general the Diagnostic Offline Mode is identical to the Offline Mode. The only difference is that 

Signal List, Frame List or Trace List View are not available but the Diagnostic Output window can be 

opened. 

Choose menu item Commands | Diagnostic Offline to go Diagnostic Offline. See Changing CAT 

Modes for details and how to leave the Diagnostic Offline Mode. Being in Diagnostic Offline Mode it is 

possible to analyze logged diagnostic data or to do the same settings as being Offline: 

Analyzing: 

To visualize the diagnostic relevant bus traffic, the Diagnostic Output window and the Status Bar can be 

used. 

Choose menu item Windows | Diagnostic View to open/ close the window. 


Otherwise you still see the buffer data that has been uploaded before. 

See Offline Analyzing | Buffer Handling for details. 

Setup Analyzer windows 

The Frame and Signal List Views display in On- and Offline mode only the Frames and Signals that 

have been selected to be displayed. 

Choose menu item Configurations | Frame (Signal) List to select Frames (Signals) you want to display. 

See chapter Layout Setup | Frame List (Signal List ) for details. 

Setup Application Layout 



Choose menu item Layout | to modify the settings. 

See chapter Layout Setup | View Layout Settings for details. 

Setup CAN 


to the CAN bus, there are already three physical layers predefined: Single Wire CAN, Dual Wire CAN 

(Mid Speed) and Dual Wire CAN (High Speed). 

Choose menu item Configurations | CAN Setup of the main window to open the CAN Setup window 

and to adjust the Baud Rates of the physical layers. 

See chapter System Setup | CAN Setup for details. 

Maintain Databases: 

The databases are structured in a strict hierarchical order. A Database contains Vehicles that contain 

ECU's that send Frames that carry Signals. 

Choose menu item Configurations | to create, edit or remove the elements of a 

database. 

See Database Maintaining for details. 

Configure Filter: 

Up to 10 Pass Through Filter can be configured to filter the bus traffic that is logged and displayed. 

Choose menu item Configurations | Filter List to open the Filter List and define the conditions. 

See Configurations | Filter List for details. 

Configure Trigger Conditions: 


mark into the logged buffer and to stop the logging of data. 

Choose menu item Configurations | Trigger to setup the Trigger Conditions. 

See chapter Configurations | Trigger for details. 

52

Configure Transmit Conditions: 

Up to 10 Transmit Frames can be configured to transmit data to the bus. 

Choose menu item Configurations | Transmit to open the Transmit List and define the conditions. 

See chapter Configurations | Transmit List for details. 

Configure Diagnostic Services: 

CAT provides several most common Diagnostic Services. 

Choose menu item Configurations | Diagnostics to open the Main Diagnostic Setup window and to 

configure the services. 

See chapter Configurations | Diagnostics for details. 

See also Diagnostic Offline Mode . 

53

File Management 

54

Session Management 

The following is highly recommended to be done only by experienced PC users. 

All Session related data are stored in session folders named S# (S1, S2, ...). These folders are located in 

the folder "CAT_Destination_Folder"\Session (CAT_Destination_Folder is the folder that have been 

chosen when installing CAT). 

S# in brackets is written in the title bar behind the name given to the session. 

Use the standard file managing programs (like Explorer or File Manager) to copy, rename or even 

delete these folders. 

Copy sessions from one platform to another 

- Copy always the complete S# folder. 

Tip: Directly after copying, before pasting the folder into the target platform, it is recommended to 

rename it. Do not use any S# as name but e.g. user initials and date. Then paste it into the folder 

\Session of the target system and may keep an additional backup. 

- Check the target platform for an unused S# name and rename the folder into this unused S# name. 

- Start CAT on the target system and open the session. Open Database Configuration and select the database 

the session originally was linked to. 

Note: In the session the link to a Db# (Database) Folder e.g. Db2 is stored. But on the target platform 

the database you want to link to might be stored in another Db# folder e.g. Db4, or even does not exist 

on the target platform. 

- If the database does not exist on the target system copy it from the platform. (See Database Management .) 

55

Session Template 

The following is highly recommended to be done only by experienced PC 

users. 

When creating a new session CAT automatically uses the settings of the session template as default 

values for the new session. Depending on the PC system these default values may not fit totally the 

requirements. 

To create the own session template do the following steps: 

- Setup a session corresponding to the PC system and general needs: 

- link to a database, 

- set the layout for the graphical user interface (e.g. windows arrangements), 

- configure the filter, trigger, transmit frames and diagnostics 

- setup the system for the buffer usage and for the usually connected CAN bus. 

- Look for the S# in brackets that is written in the title bar behind the name given to the session. 

Note: All session related data are stored in session folders named S# (S1, S2, ...). These folders are 

located in the folder "CAT_Destination_Folder"\Session (CAT_Destination_Folder is the folder that 

have been chosen when installing CAT). 

- Copy the content of this S# folder into the folder ...\Session\Template, especially the files session.cfg and 

session.wsp. 

Use the standard file managing programs (like Explorer or File Manager) to copy this files. 

The next time when creating a session, the done settings will be the default values. 

56

Database Management 


All Database related data are stored in database folders named Db# (Db1, Db2, ...). These folders are 

located in the folder "CAT_Destination_Folder"\Data (CAT_Destination_Folder is the folder that have 

been chosen when installing CAT). 

Db# in brackets is written in the title bar behind the name given to the database (when a database has 

been chosen in the session). 

Use the standard file managing programs (like Explorer or File Manager) to copy, rename or even 

delete these folders. 

Copy databases from one platform to another 

- Copy always the complete Db# folder. 

Tip: Directly after copying, before pasting the folder into the target platform, it is recommended to 

rename it. Do not use any Db# as name but e.g. user initials and date. Then paste it into the folder \Data 

of the target system and may keep an additional backup. 

- Check the target platform for an unused Db# name and rename your folder into this unused Db# name. 

Now there is access to this database independent from the session that might be open or being created. 

57

Database Template 


When creating a new database CAT automatically uses the settings of the database template as default 

values for the new database. Vehicles, ECUs, Frame and Signals are linked to the Database as well as 

Diagnostic relevant Data. But the original delivery software of CAT contains no default settings cause 

these are mostly company and test bench specific data. 

To create the own database template do the following steps: 

- Use an existing database or 

- Setup a database corresponding to general needs: 

- Create a database 

- Create vehicles that shall be defined as default. 

- Setup ECUs corresponding to the general diagnostic needs of the vehicles: 

- define DPIDs and DPID signals, 

- setup DIDs, 

- define special DTCs, 

- setup the FSA List, 

- and define CPIDs. 

- Create Frames linked to the ECUs that shall be defined as default. 

- Create Signals linked to the Frames that shall be defined as default. 

- Look for the Db# in brackets that are written in the title bar behind the name given to the database. 

Note: All database related data are stored in database folders named Db# (Db1, Db2, ...). These 

folders are located in the folder "CAT_Destination_Folder"\Data (CAT_Destination_Folder is the 

folder that has been chosen when installing CAT). 

- Copy the content of this Db# folder into the folder ...\Data\Temp_db. 

Use the standard file managing programs (like Explorer or File Manager) to copy this files. 

The next time, when creating a database the done settings will be the default values. 

58

ECU Template 


When creating a new ECU, CAT automatically uses the settings of the ECU template as default values 

for the new ECU. Frames and Signal Definitions are linked to the ECU as well as Diagnostic relevant 

Data. But the original delivery software of CAT contains no or only a minimum of default settings 

cause these are mostly company and vehicle specific data. 

To create the own ECU template do the following steps: 

- Create a new vehicle in a database of the choice. 

- Setup an ECU corresponding to the general diagnostic needs of the vehicles: 

- define DPIDs and DPID signals, 

- setup DIDs, 

- define special DTCs, 

- setup the FSA List, 

- and define CPIDs. 

- Create Frames linked to the ECU that shall be defined as default. 

- Create Signals linked to the Frames that shall be defined as default. 

- Look for the Db# and V# in brackets that are written in the title bar behind the names given to the database 

and vehicle. 

Note: All Database related data are stored in Database folders named Db# (Db1, Db2, ...). These 

folders are located in the folder "CAT_Destination_Folder"\Data\(CAT_Destination_Folder is the 

folder that has been chosen when installing CAT. These folder again contain V# folder storing vehicle 

related data and contain also ECU# data. 

- Copy the content of the ECU1 folder located in "CAT_Destination_Folder"\Data\Db#\V# (# corresponding 

to the entries in the title bar) into the folder ...\Data\Temp_ecu, especially the folders Diagnost and 

Standard. 

Use the standard file managing programs (like Explorer or File Manager) to copy these folders. 

The next time, when creating an ECU the done settings will be the default values. 

59

CAT Diagnostic Setup 

Attention: It is highly recommended not to manipulate any files of CAT software e.g. by the use of an editor. 


Professional users of the diagnostic features of CAT may need to change the diagnostic parameters 

defining the handling of diagnostic frames. Therefore an editor has to be used to change the default 

settings in CAT.INI file. 

The file CAT.INI is located in the folder "CAT_Destination_Folder"\BIN. (CAT_Destination_Folder is 

the folder that have been chosen when installing CAT) 

Block Size 

The PCI (Protocol Control Interface) parameter RespFlowCtrl_Bsmax (is set to 5 in sample above). 

The BS (Block Size) defines the maximum number of frames which can be send before another flow 

control frame has to be sent. 

Separation Time 

The PCI (Protocol Control Interface) parameter RespFlowCtrl_STmin (is set to 100 ms in sample 

above). The ST (Separation Time) defines the minimum amount of time in ms that must be between 

consecutive frame transmissions of a multi frame message. 

Padding 

The PCI (Protocol Control Interface) parameters PaddingSWC, PaddingMS, PaddingHS (all are set 

to 0 in sample above meaning No Padding). Padding means to fill up the Data Byte Field of the CAN 

Frames with 0's, so that the frames always contain 8 Data Bytes. 

Set parameter PaddingSWC to 1 to have padding for the Single Wire CAN (SWC), when Single Wire 

CAN has been chosen as physical layer in the CAN Setup . 

Set parameter PaddingMS to 1 to have padding for the Dual Wire CAN Mid Speed (MS), when Dual 

Wire CAN Mid Speed has been chosen as physical layer in the CAN Setup . 

Set parameter PaddingHS to 1 to have padding for the Dual Wire CAN High Speed (HS), when Dual 

Wire CAN High Speed has been chosen as physical layer in the CAN Setup . 

Note: Padding -when activated- is only done for the frames send out by diagnostic services but not 

for frames set up in the Transmission table. 

60

Offline CAN Acknowledge 

The Firmware parameter OfflineWithCANBusOn (is set to 1 in sample above meaning activated). 

CAT is able to acknowledge CAN traffic even when being Offline respectively Diagnostic Offline. This 

is especially then useful when CAT communicates only to one single ECU (CAN node). 

This behavior can be switched off to have no impact to a CAN network when CAT is Offline. 

Set parameter OfflineWithCANBusOn to 1 to have CAN acknowledgement even in (Diagnostic) 

Offline mode. 

Set parameter OfflineWithCANBusOn to 0 to have no CAN acknowledgement in (Diagnostic) 

Offline. 

61

Diagnostic Data by ID Edit 

The following is highly recommended to be done only by experienced PC 

and CAT users. 

Professional users of the diagnostic features of CAT may need to read out the content of pre-defined 

ECU data referenced by a Data Identifier (DID) or to write these data into the ECU. 

To change especially long data (up to 128 Byte) CAT allows to store the data and to import them again. 

The stored data might be manipulated before they are imported and written into the ECU. Therefore an 

editor could be used. See Export Read Data by ID for details about the location of the data file. 

Change only the hexadecimal byte values as required. Do not change the general order of the values. 

62

Offline Setup 

63

Session Handling 

64

Session Menu 

The following screenshot shows the possible commands to handle a session. 

Choose New... to generate a new Session. 

Choose Open... to open an already existing Session. 

Choose Save As ... to save the opened Session under a different name or just to double it (automatically 

stored under different location). 

Choose Close to close an open Session. 

Choose Description ... to edit or view the description text assigned to the opened session. 

Choose Export Logging Buffer ... to export the buffer content into an Excel compatible csv-file. 

Choose Export Diagnostic Buffer ... to export the diagnostic buffer content into an Excel compatible 

csv-file. 

Choose Export Read Data By ID ... to export the data retrieved by the diagnostic service Read Data by 

Identifier . 

Choose Exit to quit CAT windows application. 

Note: The last session that was open when CAT was shut down, is automatically opened when 

starting CAT again. 

65

Create a new Session 

Using the assigned Session Menu item activates the window below. 

Input any Session Name up to 40 characters. Click on OK to acknowledge the input. 

Even already existing names might be used. The existing session will not be overwritten. For clear 

identification and differentiation use the Session Description 

Note: CAT allows two or more sessions with the same name to allow easy exchange of stored 

sessions from one PC system to another. 

66

Session Description 


Input any text up to 128 characters to describe the assigned session. 

Click on OK to acknowledge the input. 

67

Open a Session 


Select a Session Name from the Session List. The assigned Description of the Session will be shown in 

the below display field. Click on OK to acknowledge the selection. 

Note: CAT allows two or more sessions with the same name to allow easy exchange of stored 

sessions from one PC system to another. 

Note: The last session that was open when the CAT was shut down, is automatically opened when 

starting CAT again. 

68

Save as 


Input any Session Name up to 40 characters. Click on OK to acknowledge the input. 

Even already existing names might be used. The existing session will not be overwritten. For clear 

identification and differentiation use the Session Description 

Note: Sessions don't have to be saved. All the settings are automatically saved after acknowledge by 

OK. 

69

Close Session 

Shuts down the actual opened Session. 

CAT windows application will still be open, ready to open any old Session or start a new Session. 

Close is activated by using the assigned Session Menu item. 

Note: Sessions don't have to be saved. 

All settings are stored directly after acknowledging the input. 

70

Export logging buffer 


The default settings for CAT store the buffer content as s#[CAT internal session number]log.csv using 

the s# folder as destination folder. 

The user is free to change names and destinations according to PC system and used operating system. A 

warning appears if the file name already exists and the user is asked if he/she wants to overwrite it. 

Using Excel to review the file the user is allowed to use all the typical Excel features to analyze even 

the content of large tables. 

71

Export Diagnostic Buffer 


The default settings for CAT store the diagnostic buffer content as s#[CAT internal session 

number]diag.csv using the s# folder as destination folder. 

The user is free to change name and destination according to the users PC system and used operating 

system. A warning appears if the file name already exists and asked if he/she want to overwrite it. 

Using Excel to review the file the user is allowed to use all the typical Excel features to analyze even 

the content of large tables. 

72

Export Read Data by ID 

The diagnostic service Read Data by Identifier allows to read the content of pre-defined ECU data 

referenced by a Data Identifier (DID) (e.g.: the VIN Vehicle Identification Number). The Diagnostic 

Output window allows reviewing the diagnostic buffer content including an interpretation of these data. 

To store this data activate the window below by using the assigned Session Menu item. 

Note: The command Export Read Data by ID gets enabled when the first response frame - containing 

the first part of the ECU data – is in the first line of the buffer review window Diagnostic Output. (In 

this case, this frame is displayed in the status bar too.) 

Tip: Use the Find it feature to find the first response frame ( 3 rd data byte must be 5A). 

The default settings of CAT propose to store the logged content as data.s1a (Service 1A file) using the 

s#[CAT internal session number] folder as destination folder. 

The user is free to change name and destination according to the PC system and used operating system. 

There will be a warning if the file name already exists asking if it shall be overwritten. 

Experienced user may manipulate the stored data. (See Diagnostic Data by ID Edit for details.) 

The stored data can be imported again when using the diagnostic service Write Data by Identifier . 

73

Exit 

Shuts down CAT windows application and the actual opened Session. 

Using the assigned Session Menu item activates exit. 

Note: All settings are stored after acknowledging the input. 

74

Database Maintaining 

75

Database 

CAT allows editing or deleting already existing databases. The user can also create new databases 

using CAT. 

New Database 

Choose menu item Configurations | Database from the main window to open the Database 

Configuration ... window shown above. Click on Create to build up a new database. 

The Database Definition ... window will appear (see example below). Input any Database Name up to 

20 characters long. Click on OK to acknowledge the input. 

Note: Even already existing names can be used. The existing database will not be overwritten. 

Edit Database 


Configuration ... window shown above. Choose the database that is to be edited from the Database 

List. Click on Edit to change the name of the database. 

The Database Definition ... window will appear. (See below) Input any Database Name up to 20 

characters long. Click on OK to acknowledge the input. 

Note: Even already existing names can be used. The existing database will not be overwritten. 

Remove Database 


Configuration ... window shown above. Choose the database you want to remove from the Database 

List. Click on Remove to erase the database. 

A warning will appear before the database is removed asking if the database should be removed. 

76

Vehicle 

CAT allows the user to edit or remove already existing vehicles from the databases. The user can also 

create new vehicles using CAT. 

New Vehicle 

Choose menu item Configurations | Vehicle from the main window to open the Vehicle Configuration 

... window shown above. Click on Create to build a new vehicle. 

The Vehicle Definition ... window will appear (see below). Input any Vehicle Name up to 20 

characters. Click on OK to acknowledge the input. 

Edit Vehicle 


... window shown above. Choose the vehicle to be edited from the Vehicle List. Click on Edit to change 

the name of the vehicle. 

The Vehicle Definition ... window will appear. (See below) Input any Vehicle Name up to 20 

characters. Click on OK to acknowledge the input. 

Remove Vehicle 


... window shown above. Choose the vehicle to be removed from the Vehicle List. Click on Remove to 

erase the vehicle. 

The user will be warned before the vehicle is removed and asked if he/she really wants to remove it. 

77

ECU 

CAT allows the user to edit or remove already existing ECU's from the vehicles. The user can also 

create new ECU's using CAT. 

New ECU 

Choose menu item Configurations | ECU from the main window to open the ECU Configuration ... 

window shown above. Click on Create to build a new ECU. 

The ECU Definition ... window will appear below). Input any ECU Name up to 3 characters, assign a 

physical layer (LS = Low Speed, MS = Mid Speed, HS = High Speed) and select the low byte of the 

physical request CAN identifier. Click on OK to acknowledge the input. 

Edit ECU 


window shown above. Choose the ECU to be edited from the ECU List. Click on Edit to change the 

name, assigned physical layer or physical request CAN identifier of the ECU. 

The ECU Definition ... window will appear. (See below) Input any ECU Name up to 3 characters, 

assign a physical layer (LS = Low Speed, MS = Mid Speed, HS = High Speed) and select the physical 

request CAN identifier. Click on OK to acknowledge the input. 

Remove ECU 


window shown above. Choose the ECU to be removed from the ECU List. Click on Remove to erase 

the ECU. The user will be warned before the ECU is removed and asked if he/she really wants to 

remove it. 

78

See also Diagnostics Configuration and the chapter Diagnostic Data for setting up the diagnostic 

options of the ECU. 

79

Frame 

CAT allows the user to edit or remove already existing Frames from the ECU's. The user can also 

create new Frames using CAT. 

The Frame List Configuration window that is used is also used to choose the received frames that shall 

be displayed in the Frame List View . (See also Frame List .) 

New Frame 

Choose menu item Configurations | Frame List from the main window to open the Frame List 

Configuration ... window shown above. Choose the ECU in which you want to create the new frame. 

Then click on Create to build a new Frame. 

The Frame Definition ... window will appear (see below). Input any Frame Name up to 12 characters. 

Choose standard (STD 11bit Identifier) or extended (XTD 29bit Identifier) format and put in the 

Identifier (ID) as hex value. The user may define the frame as an RTR frame or enter the default values 

for the Number of Data Bytes and for the assigned hex values. Click on OK to acknowledge the input. 

Edit Frame 


Configuration ... window shown above. Choose the assigned ECU and then the Frame to be edited 

from the Frame List. Then click on Edit to change the definition of the Frame. 

The Frame Definition ... window will appear (see below). Input any Frame Name up to 12 characters. 

Choose standard (STD 11bit Identifier) or extended (XTD 29bit Identifier) format and input the 

Identifier (ID) as a hex value. The user may define the frame as an RTR frame or enter the default 

values for the Number of Data Bytes and for the assigned hex values. Click on OK to acknowledge the 

input. 

Remove Frame 


Configuration ... window shown above. Choose the assigned ECU and then the Frame to be removed 

from the Frame List. Click on Remove to erase the Frame. 

The user will be warned before the Frame is removed and asked if he/she really wants to remove it. 

80

Signal 

CAT allows the user to edit or remove already existing Signals assigned to Frames. The user can also 

create new Signals using CAT. 

The Signal List Configuration window that is used is also used to choose the received signals that will 

be displayed in the Signal List. 

New Signal 

Choose menu item Configurations | Signal List from the main window to open the Signal List 

Configuration ... window shown above. Choose the ECU and Frame in which you want to create the 

new signal. Then click on Create to build a new Signal. 

The Signal Definition ... window will appear (see below). Input any Signal Name up to 32 characters. 

Choose type and format and input the position inside the frame by choosing the starting Bit & Byte and 

the Data Length. 

You may define an Embedded ID by location (Byte) and Value. Depending on the Signal Type & 

Format the user may add Offset, Resolution and Unit or even an interpreted value. Click on OK to 

acknowledge the input. 

Edit Signal 


Configuration ... window shown above. Choose the assigned ECU, Frame and then the Signal to be 

edited from the Signal List. Then click on Edit to change the definition of the Signal. 

The Signal Definition ... window will appear (see below). Input any Signal Name up to 32 characters. 

Choose type and format and input the position inside the frame by choosing the starting Bit & Byte and 

the Data Length. 

The user may define an Embedded ID by location (Byte) and Value. Depending on the Signal Type & 

Format the user may add Offset, Resolution and Unit or even value corresponding units. Click on OK 

to acknowledge the input. 

82

Remove Signal 


Configuration ... window shown above. Choose the assigned ECU, Frame and then the Signal to be 

removed from the Signal List. Click on Remove to erase the Signal. 

The user will be warned before the Signal is removed and asked if he/she really wants to remove it. 

For more detailed Information about handling the different signal types and formats see also: 

Boolean Signals, 

Engineering Signals, 

Packed Binary Coded Decimal Signals, 

Signed Integer Signals, 

State Encoded Value Signals, 

String Signals, 

Unsigned Integer Signals 

83

Signal Types 

84

Data Byte/Bit Presentation on the CAN Bus 

The samples below depicts how to send data bytes within a CAN frame. 

Condition: Data byte 1 of the frame below will be sent out first to the bus. 

- 3 signals in bytes 2 and 3 16 bits total which start in byte 2 bit 7 

As shown there could be 3 different signals embedded in bytes 2 and 3. For presentation on the bus the important 

thing is byte 2 bit 7 is sent first and byte 3 bit 0 is sent last. The location of the signals in the bytes is only important for 

encoding/decoding signals of frames (see below). 

- A 13 bit unsigned integer which starts in byte 2 bit 7 



85

Boolean 



CAT can recognize eight different types of signals and allows other different formats. To edit or create 

a Boolean Signal open the Signal Definition window shown below. 

Note: If you edit a diagnostic signal assigned to a DPID you see 

DPID: instead of Frame: and Byte is default '1'. 

Format 

A Boolean Signal may have the format Bitmap or Bool. If the format Bitmap is chosen an interpreted 

value can be defined in a Bitmap Definition Table . 

Position in the Frame 

Byte: Describes which Data Byte of the frame is the first one used for this signal. (Starting Byte) Bytes are 

counted upwards: 

Byte 0 means the signal could be maximal 8 Byte long 

Byte 7 would mean that the signal must fit into this single (last) Byte. 

Bit: Describes which Bit of the chosen Data Byte is the first one used for this signal. (Starting Bit) Bits are 

counted downwards: 

Bit 7 means the complete 8 Bits (7 – 0) of the chosen Byte will be used. 

Bit 0 would mean to use only Bit 0 of the Byte and then to use Bit 7, 6, ... of the following Byte. 

Length: Describes the absolute Length of the signal. 

For a Boolean signal the length is always only one Bit. 

See also Data Byte/Bit presentation on the CAN bus. 

Note: For DPID signals Byte 0 is already used. So the selectable starting bytes are Byte 1 to 7. 

86

Embedded ID 

Marks one Byte as an Embedded Identifier by choosing the Byte and the corresponding hexadecimal 

Value. 

Table 

See Bitmap Table for defining interpreted values. 

87

Bitmap Table 

Bitmap Definition Table (Only for Boolean Signals using Bitmap Format) 

If the format Bitmap for a Boolean Signal is chosen when defining the Signal , a Bitmap Table can be 

assigned to the signal. The user can reuse the already existing Tables designed for other Boolean 

Signals. 

CAT allows the user to create new Tables or edit or remove already existing Tables. 

New Table 

Click on Create inside the Signal Definition window to build new Bitmap Table. 

The Bitmap Definition ... window will appear (see below). Input any Symbolic Name for the Table up 

to 20 characters. Put in any names for the On and Off Status up to 12 characters for each. Click on OK 


Edit Table 

Choose an existing Bitmap Table in the Table "List" inside the Signal Definition window. Click on Edit 

to change this Bitmap Table. 

The Bitmap Definition ... window will appear (see below). Input any Symbolic Name for the Table up 

to 20 characters. Input any names for the On and Off Status up to 12 characters for each. Click on OK 


Remove Table 

Choose an existing Bitmap Table in the Table "List" inside the Signal Definition window. Click on 

Remove to erase this Bitmap Table. 

The user will be warned before the Bitmap Table is removed and asked if he/she really want to remove 

it. 

88

Engineering 

Note: The Signal (Data) Type Engineering is also known as Signed Floating Point (SFP). 



CAT can recognize eight different types of signals and allows different formats. To edit or create an 

Engineering Signal open the Signal Definition window shown below. 



Format 

An Engineering Signal has always the format Float. 




Note: Byte 7 cannot be the starting byte of an Engineering signal cause it always 

contains 4 Byte of data. So 4 is the highest Byte No. you must choose. 






For Engineering signals the length is always 32 Bits (4 Byte). 



Embedded ID 

89


Value. 

Resolution 

If selected in the Signal List the displayed value of the signal will be build by multiplying the data value 

by the Resolution. Any defined Offset (see below) will not be multiplied. 

Input signed integer values using the "." to separate decimal places. E.g.: -10.005 

Offset 

If selected in the Signal List the displayed value of the signal will be build by adding the Offset to the 

data value. The Offset will be added to the value that is already multiplied by the Resolution. 

Input signed integer values using the "." to separate decimal places. E.g.: 1.55 

Unit 

If selected into the Signal List the Unit will be displayed as the user defines it here. 

Put in any synonym up to 6 characters for the Unit this signal shall be displayed with. 

90

Packed Binary Coded Decimal 



CAT can recognize eight different types of signals and allows furthermore often different formats. To 

edit or create a Packed Binary Coded Decimal Signal open the Signal Definition window shown below. 



Format 

A Packed Binary Coded Decimal Signal has always the format BCD. 











For a packed BCD signal the length is always a multiple of one Byte. (Up to 8 Bytes possible) 


Note: For DPID signals Byte 0 is already used. So the selectable starting bytes are Byte 1 to 7 and 

the maximal length is 7 Bytes. 

91

Embedded ID 


Value. 

Unit 

If selected in the Signal List the Unit will be displayed as the user defines it here. 


92

Signed Integer 

Note: The Signal (Data) Type Signed Integer is also known as Signed Numeric (SNM). 



CAT can recognize eight different types of signals and allows different formats. To edit or create a 

Signed Integer Signal open the Signal Definition window shown below. 



Format 

A Signed Integer Signal can have three different Formats: Binary, Decimal or Hexadecimal. Only the 

Decimal format foresees Resolution, Offset and Unit (see below). 











For a Signed Integer signal the length is always a multiple of 1 Bit up to maximal 32 Bits. 



93

Embedded ID 


Value. 

Resolution (only for Decimal Format) 

If selected in the Signal List the displayed value of the signal will be build by multiplying the data 

value by the Resolution. Any defined Offset (see below) will not be multiplied. 

Put in signed integer values using the "." to separate decimal places. E.g.: -10.005 

Offset (only for Decimal Format) 



Put in signed integer values using the "." to separate decimal places. E.g.: 1.55 

Unit (only for Decimal Format) 

If selected in the Signal List the Unit will be displayed as the user defines it here. 


94

State Encoded Value 

Note: The Signal (Data) Type State Encoded Value is also known as State Encoded Data (SED) or 

Enumerated. 



CAT can recognize eight different types of signals and allows often different formats. To edit or create 

a State Encoded Value Signal open the Signal Definition window shown below. 



Format 

A State Encoded Value Signal has always the format Enumerated. An interpreted value can be defined 

in a Value Table. 











For a State Encoded Value signal the length is always a multiple of 1 Bit up to maximal 32 Bits. 



95

Embedded ID 


Value. 

Table 

See State Encoded Value Table for defining interpreted values. 

96

State Encode Value Table 

Table Definition (Only for State Encoded Value Signals) 

If the Type State Encoded Value is chosen when defining the Signal, a Value Table can be assigned to 

the signal defining interpreted values. The user can reuse the already existing Tables designed for other 

State Encoded Signals. 

CAT allows the user to create new Tables, edit or remove already existing Tables. 

New Table 

Click on Create inside the Signal Definition window to build a new Table. 

The Table Definition ... window will appear (see below). Input any Symbolic Name for the Table up to 

20 characters. 

Use Create, Edit and Remove to define values and assigned names to the table. 

Edit Table 

Click on Edit inside the Signal Definition window to change an existing Table. 

The Table Definition ... window will appear (see below). Input any Symbolic Name for the Table up to 

20 characters. 

Use Create, Edit and Remove to define values and assigned names to the table. 

Remove Table 

Choose an existing Value Table in the Table "List" inside the Signal Definition window. Click on 

Remove to erase this Bitmap Table. 

The user will be warned before the Bitmap Table is removed and asked if he/she really wants to remove 

it. 

97

State Encoded Value Table Value Definition 

Create 

Click on Create inside the Table Definition window to assign values and names to the table. 

The Value Definition ... window will appear (see below). Under Value put in the data (to be received) 

value as decimal integer. Under Name put in any synonym up to 12 characters you want to assign to this 

value. Click on OK to acknowledge the input. 

Edit 

Click on Edit inside the Table Definition window to assign other values or names to the table. 

The Value Definition ... window will appear (see below). Under Value put in the data (to be received) 

value as decimal integer. Under Name put in any synonym up to 12 characters you want to assign to this 

value. Click on OK to acknowledge the input. 

Remove 

Click on Remove inside the Table Definition window to erase values and assigned names from the 

table. 

The user will not be warned before the value and name are removed from the table. 

98

String 

Note: The Signal (Data) Type String is also known as ASCII or ASCII String. 




a String Signal open the Signal Definition window shown below. 



Format 

A String Signal has always the format ASCII. 






Bit: For String Signals the start Bit is always Bit 7. 


For a String signal the length is always a multiple of one Byte. (Up to 8 Bytes possible) 


Note: For DPID signals Byte 0 is already used. So the selectable starting bytes are Byte 1 to 7 and 

the maximal length is 7 Bytes. 

99

Embedded ID 


Value. 

100

Unsigned Integer 

Note: The Signal (Data) Type Unsigned Integer is also known as Unsigned Numeric (UNM). 




an Unsigned Integer Signal open the Signal Definition window shown below. 



Format 

An Unsigned Integer Signal can have three different Formats: Binary, Decimal or Hexadecimal. Only 

the Decimal format foresees Resolution, Offset and Unit (see below). 











For an Unsigned Integer signal the length is always a multiple of 1 Bit up to maximal 32 Bits. 



101

Embedded ID 


Value. 

Resolution (only for Decimal Format) 

If selected in the Signal List the displayed value of the signal will be build by multiplying the data 

value by the Resolution. Any defined Offset (see below) will not be multiplied. 

Put in signed integer values using the "." to separate decimal places. E.g.: -10.005 

Offset (only for Decimal Format) 



Put in signed integer values using the "." to separate decimal places. E.g.: 1.55 

Unit (only for Decimal Format) 

If selected in the Signal List the Unit will be displayed as the user defined it here. 


102

Diagnostic Data 

103

CPID Table 

CAT provides two different ways to enter the Control Packet Identifier (CPID) Table shown below. 

When editing or creating an ECU of a chosen database there is access to this CPID Table shown below 

by click on the CPID Table button. 

There is another indirect access when setting up the service ($AE) Device Control. See Device Control 

for details. 

The first column shows the Control Packet Identifier (CPID) assigned to the chosen ECU. The 5 Bytecolumns 

contain the CPID Control Bytes that are used to provide output control information. However, 

it is not required that a CPID contains 5 bytes of control information. 

Put in up to ten CPIDs and assigned control bytes by clicking into the corresponding fields. 

Acknowledge the settings by OK. 

104

DPID List 

CAT allows editing or removing already existing Data Packet Identifier (DPID) assigned to an ECU. Also new DPIDs 

might be created using CAT. 

CAT provides two different ways to enter the DPID List shown below. 

When editing or creating an ECU of a chosen database there is access to this list by click on the DPID List button. 

There is another access when configuring the diagnostic service ($AA) Read Data by Packet Identifier . 

New DPID 

Click on Create to build up a new DPID. 

The DPID Definition ... window will appear (see below). Input any Symbolic Name up to 20 characters 

and select an ID hexadecimal value between $01 and $7F. Then the user can create signals for this 

DPID. (See DPID Signals for details.) Click on OK to acknowledge the input. 

Edit DPID 

Choose the DPID you want to edit from the DPID List. Click on Edit to change the name, ID and 

assigned signals of the DPID. 

The DPID Definition ... window will appear (see below). Input any Symbolic Name up to 20 characters 

and select an ID hexadecimal value between $01 and $7F. Then the user can create, edit or remove 

signals for this DPID. (See DPID Signals for details.) Click on OK to acknowledge the input. 

Remove DPID 

Choose the DPID you want to remove from the DPID List. Click on Remove to erase the DPID. There 

will be a warning asking if the DPID really shall be removed. 

105

CAT allows editing or removing of already existing Signals assigned to DPIDs. The user can also create 

new Signals using CAT. (See DPID Signals for details.) 

Note: The DPID Signals describe how to interpret the node respond data that are assigned to the 

DPID. 

106

DPID Signals 

CAT is able to interpret the DPID response data bytes as signals. 

When creating or editing a DPID of the DPID List there is access to the dialog box shown below. CAT 

allows editing or removing already existing Signals assigned to this DPID. The user can also create new 

Signals using CAT. 

Note: The DPID Signals describe how to interpret the node respond data that are assigned to the 

DPID. 

New Signal 

Click on Create to build up a new Signal. The Signal Definition ... window will appear (see below). 

Input any Signal Name up to 32 characters. Choose type and format and put in the position inside the 

DPID frame by choosing the starting Bit & Byte and the Data Length. 


Format you may add Offset, Resolution and Unit or even interpreted value. Click on OK to 


Edit Signal 

Choose the Signal you want to edit from the Signal List. Then click on Edit to change the definition of 

the Signal. The Signal Definition ... window will appear (see below). Input any Signal Name up to 32 

characters. Choose type and format and put in the position inside the frame by choosing the starting Bit 

& Byte and the Data Length. 


Format you may add Offset, Resolution and Unit or even value corresponding units. Click on OK to 


Remove Signal 

Choose the Signal you want to remove from the Signal List. Click on Remove to erase the Signal. 

There will be a warning asking if the Signal really shall be removed. 

107

The first data byte (Byte 0) of the response message frame is used and reserved for the DPID. So there 

are only 7 data bytes left for the signals: Byte 1 to 7. Therefore the selectable starting bytes are Byte 1 

to 7 and depending on Signal Type and Format the maximal length is 7 Bytes, 56 Bits respectively. 

For more detailed Information about handling the different signal types and formats see also chapter 

Signal Types: 

108 

Boolean Signals, 

Engineering Signals, 

Packed Binary Coded Decimal Signals, 

Signed Integer Signals, 

State Encoded Value Signals, 

String Signals, 

Unsigned Integer Signals 

Note: In the screenshots used to describe the different signal types, the signals are always assigned to 

a frame and not to a DPID. So you see as assignment Frame: instead of DPID: .

FSA List 

CAT allows editing or removing already existing Functional System Address (FSA) assigned to an ECU. The user also 

can create new FSA using CAT. 

CAT provides two different ways to enter the FSA List shown below. 

When editing or creating an ECU of a chosen database there is access to this list by click on the FSA List button. 

There is another access when the user opens the Main Diagnostic Setup dialog box by click on the FSA Definition 

button. 

New FSA 

Click on Create to build up a new FSA. 

The FSA Definition ... window will appear (see below). Input any Symbolic Name up to 26 characters 

and select a hexadecimal value for the Extended Address. Click on OK to acknowledge the input. 

Edit FSA 

Choose the FSA you want to edit from the FSA List. Click on Edit to change the name and assigned 

extended address of the FSA. 

The FSA Definition ... window will appear (see below). Input any Symbolic Name up to 26 characters 

and select a hexadecimal value for the Extended Address. Click on OK to acknowledge the input. 

Remove FSA 

Choose the FSA you want to remove from the FSA List. Click on Remove to erase the FSA. There will 

be a warning asking if the FSA really shall be removed. 

109

110

DTC List 

CAT allows editing or removing already existing Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) assigned to an ECU. The user also 

can create new DTCs using CAT. 

CAT provides two different ways to enter the DTC List shown below. 

When editing or creating an ECU of a chosen database there is access to this list by click on the DTC List button. 

There is another access when the user opens the Main Diagnostic Setup dialog box by click on the DTC Definition 

button. 

New DTC 

Click on Create to build up a new DTC. 

The DTC Definition ... window will appear (see below). Input any Symbolic Name up to 20 characters 

and select hexadecimal values for the High and Low Byte of the DTC. Click on OK to acknowledge the 

input. 

Edit DTC 

Choose the DTC you want to edit from the DTC List. Click on Edit to change the name and the 

assigned High and Low Byte of the DTC. 

The DTC Definition ... window will appear (see below). Input any Symbolic Name up to 20 characters 

and select hexadecimal values for the High and Low Byte of the DTC. Click on OK to acknowledge the 

input. 

Remove DTC 

Choose the DTC you want to remove from the DTC List. Click on Remove to erase the DTC. There 

will be a warning asking if the DTC really shall be removed. 

111

112

DID List 

CAT allows editing or removing already existing Data Identifier (DID) assigned to an ECU. The user also can create 

new DID using CAT. 

CAT provides two different ways to enter the DID List shown below. 

When editing or creating an ECU of a chosen database there is access to this list by click on the DID List button. 

There is another access when the user opens the Main Diagnostic Setup dialog box by click on the DID Definition 

button. 

New DID 

Click on Create to build up a new DID. 

The DID Definition ... window will appear (see below). Input any Symbolic Name up to 20 characters 

and select the hexadecimal value for the Data Identifier DID. Click on OK to acknowledge the input. 

Note: The range $80 - $FE is reserved (and partly used) by corporate standard DID. 

Edit DID 

Choose the DID you want to edit from the DID List. Click on Edit to change the name and the assigned 

Identifier. 

The DID Definition ... window will appear (see below). Input any Symbolic Name up to 20 characters 

and select the hexadecimal value for the Data Identifier DID. Click on OK to acknowledge the input. 

Note: The range $80 - $FE is reserved (and partly used) by corporate standard DID. 

Remove FSA 

Choose the DID you want to remove from the DID List. Click on Remove to erase the DID. There will 

be a warning asking if the DID really shall be removed. 

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Configurations 

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Filter List 

CAT allows defining 10 different "Pass Through" Filter based on Frame Identifier and Data. 

The Filter List ... shown below is used as an access to the Filter Definition window and to enable 

already defined Filter. 

Note: After Defining and Enabling the Filter have to be activated. See Filtering for details about 

activating and deactivating. 

Note: The filter has no influence on the transmission of frames by CAT including the launch of 

diagnostic services. 

Choose menu item Configurations | Filter from the main window to open the Filter List... window 

shown above. 

Enable 

To enable already defined filter click right into the box below the text Enable: in the horizontal line to 

the Filter you want to enable. 

Note: Enabling more than one Filter will combine the pass through conditions of all that are selected. 

(E.g. Filter #1 pass through all frames with CAN IDs between $000 and $7FF and Filter #2 all between 

$800 and $8FF. Enable Filter #1 and #2 means all frames with CAN IDs between $000 and $8FF will 

pass through.) 

Assign/Edit 

Click in the Filter List to choose an already defined Filter or to choose the line to be assigned to a new 

filter. 

Note: Choosing a line from the Filter List will enabled the Assign/Edit button. 

Click on Assign/Edit to open the Filter Definition window, which allows setup the filter condition. 

Delete 

Click in the Filter List to choose an already defined Filter to be deleted 

Note: Choosing an existing Filter will enable the Delete Button. 

Click on Delete to erase the chosen Filter and all assigned data. There will be no warning before the 

filter is removed from the table. 

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Filter Definition 

After choosing a filter in the Filter List and clicking the Assign/Edit button, the Frame Pass Filter 

Definition window will appear as shown below. Here the user can setup the conditions for the pass 

through filter. 



Filter: Insert any name for the filter up to 24 characters. 

Format: Choose standard (STD 11bit Identifier) or extended (XTD 29bit Identifier) format. 

Number 

of Data Bytes: Choose the number of data bytes that the frames you want to let through at least have to have. 

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Tip: Input "0" to filter only on the Identifier. The Data Bytes will not be 

considered as filter condition. 

Note: If a frame contains more data bytes then here required it still pass the filter as 

long as the data bytes, which are required, fulfil the Data Byte Filter conditions 

described below. 

Example: Filter conditions are ID = 7XX, Number of Filter Data Bytes = 1, Data Byte 

0 = $A9 then the frame ID $700 and Data A9 23 45 will pass the filter. 

Identifier: Insert Frame Identifiers you want to let through on Bit level. Therefor click directly into the boxes showing 

the binary values of the ID Bits. The value changes by each click, from X to 0 to 1. 

Note: X is used as don't care symbol. 

Identifier HEX: Or insert Frame Identifiers you want to let through on Hex level. Then an X means all assigned 4 

Bits are don't care bits. 

Data Byte 0 – 7: Insert Data Bytes you want to let through on Bit level. Therefor click directly into the boxes 

showing the binary values of the Data Bits. The value changes by each click, from X to 0 to 1. 

Note: X is used as don't care symbol. 

Data Byte HEX: Or insert Data Bytes you want to let through on Hex level. Then an X means all assigned 4 Bits 

are don't care bits.


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Transmit List 

CAT allows defining 10 different Transmit Frames based on Frame Identifier and Data. 

The Transmit List, shown below, is used as an access to the Transmit Definition window. The first 

column describes the hot key that might be used to activate the transmission of the corresponding 

frame. The name of this frame is shown in the next column. The defined periodic transmission rate 

respectively 'one shot' is figured out in the last column. 

Choose menu item Configurations | Transmit from the main window to open the Transmit List... 

window shown above. 

Assign/Edit 

Click in the Transmit List to choose an already defined Transmit frame or to choose the line and hot key 

wanted to assign to a new Transmit frame. 

Note: Choosing a line in the Transmit List will enable the Assign/Edit button. 

Click on Assign/Edit to open the Transmit Definition window which allows to setup the transmit 

definition. 

Delete 

Click in the Transmit List to choose an already defined Transmit frame to be deleted. 

Note: Choosing an existing Transmit frame will enable the Delete button. 

Click on Delete to erase the chosen Transmit frame and all assigned data. CAT will not give a warning 

before the frame is removed from the table. 


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Transmit Definition 

After choosing a Transmit frame in the Transmit List and clicking the Assign button the user reaches 

the Transmit Definition window shown below. Here the frame and conditions for transmitting can be 

setup. 

If frames shall be transmitted that are already defined in the "car" system that shall be analyzed, the user 

can select a frame here by choosing the assigned ECU and then the frame. The frame ID, format, 

number of data bytes and the default data will be implemented automatically. Then the user will only 

have to define the type of transmission and in case of periodic transmission the rate. Nevertheless the 

user can modify the automatic implemented frame corresponding values. 

Key: Shows the hot key that is assigned to this Transmission frame. Depends on the line that has been 

chosen in the Transmit List. 

Database: Shows the database the user is working with. Only predefined frames from this database can be 

chosen. 

Vehicle: Shows the vehicle the user is working with. Only predefined frames from this vehicle can be 

chosen. 

ECU: Here the ECU that the predefined frame is assigned to can be chosen. 

Frame: Here a predefined frame of the database can be chosen. 

Otherwise or even if the user has chosen a predefined frame one can edit another name for the transmission frame. 

These can be: 

a) the name of a predefined frame that has been chosen from the database by selecting the ECU before. 

b) the edited name of a predefined frame. E.g. when the assigned data have been edited too. 

c) a new name that shall be used for the new defined transmission frame. 

In any case the name in this field will be shown as Transmission Name in the Transmission List. 

Note: Editing a frame or defining a new frame here has no influence on the Frames 

listed in the database! 

Type: Choose Periodic or One Shot type of transmission. 

Periodic Rate [ms]: Input an integer value for the transmission rate in ms. 

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Note: This field is only enabled if periodic is chosen as type of transmission. 


Note: This field is given if you choose a predefined frame. 

Number 

of Data Bytes: Select the number of data bytes of the frame. 

RTR: Enable the RTR = Remote Transmission Request field to define a RTR frame. Note that this is a 

frame that includes the data length information but no data bytes. 

High Voltage: This must be enabled if a frame shall be send as a "High Voltage Wakeup Frame" on the Single- 

Wire-CAN. If the user has selected one of the other physical CAN drivers this functionality is ignored. 

Identifier: Insert the Identifier on Bit level of the Frame that shall be transmitted. Click directly into the boxes 

showing the binary values of the ID Bits. The value changes with each click, from 0 to 1. 

Note: Is given if the user chooses a predefined frame. 

Identifier HEX: Insert the Identifier on Hex level of the Frame that shall be transmitted. 


Data Byte 0 – 7: Insert Data Bytes on Bit level that shall be transmitted. Click directly in the boxes showing the 

binary values of the Data Bits. The value changes by each click, from 0 to 1. 


Data Byte HEX: Insert Data Bytes on the Hex level that shall be transmitted. 


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Note: Is given if the user chooses a predefined frame.

Trigger 

CAT allows defining a Trigger Event based on Frame Identifier and Data. This Trigger is used to set a flag into the 

logged buffer and to stop the logging of data. Therefore the user can define by Pre/ Post Trigger how many frames 

shall be stored before and after the trigger event occurs. 

The feature Time Out Trigger allows to trigger on the lacking of a frame. To use a frame from the database there is an 

easy access button to the frame list. (See Trigger on existing Frames) 

Choose menu item Configurations | Trigger from the main window to open the Trigger 

Configuration... window shown above. 

Enable Trigger: Click into this box and get it marked to enable triggering on the defined conditions. Otherwise the 

occurrence of a defined frame will have no influence to the logging process at all. 

Note: Enable trigger has to be marked to enable the input or edit from all other 

input fields in this dialog. 

The trigger sign in the status bar becomes yellow when Trigger is enabled. 

Use Frame List : Click this button to access the Frame List allowing choosing one or more predefined Frame. Then 

the frame ID, format, number of data bytes and the default data will be implemented automatically in order to create a 

trigger condition. 


Number 

of Data Bytes: Choose the number of data bytes that the trigger condition to be triggered on must have. 

Tip: Input "0" to trigger only on the Identifier. The Data Bytes will not be 

considered as trigger condition. 

Note: If a frame contains more data bytes then required it still is a trigger condition 

as long as the data bytes, which are required, fulfil the Data Byte Trigger conditions 

described below. 

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Example: Trigger conditions are ID = 7XX, Number of Trigger Data Bytes = 1, Data 

Byte 0 = $BB then the frame ID $7FF and Data BB BB BB will pass the filter. 

Identifier: Insert Frame Identifier to be triggered on at the Bit level. Click directly in the boxes showing the binary 

values of the ID Bits. The value changes with each click, from X to 0 to 1. 

Identifier HEX: Insert Frame Identifiers to be triggered on at the Hex level. An X is defined as all 4 assigned Bits 

are don't care bits. 

Data Byte 0 – 7: Insert Data Bytes to be triggered on at the Bit level. Click directly into the boxes showing the 

binary values of the Data Bits. The value changes by each click, from X to 0 to 1. 

Data Byte HEX: Insert Data Bytes to be triggered on at the Hex level. An X is defined as all assigned 4 Bits are 

don't care bits. 

Scrollbar: Select "" to define a trigger event if a received data byte is bigger than the defined hexadecimal value. 

Note: Selection is only enabled when a real hexadecimal value is put in. If Data 

Byte HEX field contains any X as don't care this scrollbar is disabled. 

Pre/Post 

Trigger Enable: Click in this box to mark it. This will enable the Pre- and Post Trigger. This feature controls the 

normal buffer content. 

Frames as fit into the defined Pre Trigger buffer size will be stored in the normal buffer before the trigger event occurs. 

The logging of frames into the buffer will stop automatically as soon as the defined Post Trigger buffer size is reached. 

Pre Trigger size: Select the size of the normal buffer in % that shall be used to store the logged data before the 

trigger event occurs. 

Note: The size of the normal buffer is configurable by the user (see Buffer Setup ). 

Only after enabling the Pre/Post Trigger any selection will be possible. 

Post Trigger size: Select the size of the normal buffer that is used to store the logged data after the trigger event 

occurs. 

Note: The size of the normal buffer is configurable by the user (see Buffer Setup ). 

Only after enabling the Pre/Post Trigger any selection will be possible. 

Time Out 

Trigger Enable: Click in this box to mark it. This will enable the Time Out Trigger. 

Disabled: The trigger event is the occurrence of the above defined trigger condition on the bus. 

Enabled: After receiving the above defined trigger condition for the first time CAT looks for a periodic receiving of this 

trigger condition. The trigger event is the missing of the trigger condition on the bus for the defined time. 

Time [ms]: Input the time during a frame that has to occur on the bus, otherwise it is the trigger event. 


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Note: Only after enabling the Time Out Trigger any input will be possible.

Trigger on existing Frames 

When the user is defining the trigger condition in the Trigger Configuration window he/she can activate 

the Frame List for the Trigger Configuration window shown below. 

If the user wants to use frames that are already defined in the "car" system that shall be analyzed, the 

user may select a frame here by choosing the assigned ECU and then the frame. The frame ID, format, 

number of data bytes and the default data will be implemented automatically in the trigger 

configuration. The user still can modify the automatic implemented frame corresponding values. 

Database: Shows the database the user is working with. Only predefined frames from this database can be 

chosen. 

Vehicle: Shows the vehicle the user is working with. Only predefined frames from this vehicle can be chosen. 

ECU: Here the user may choose the ECU the predefined frame is assigned to. 

Frame: Here the user may choose a predefined frame from the database. The data assigned to this frame will occur 

in the Trigger Configuration window. 

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Diagnostics 

CAT allows setup and addressing predefined diagnostic services. In the Main Diagnostic Setup window 

it is possible to define for each service if CAT shall correspond to single nodes (Physical Addressing) or 

to multi nodes (Functional Addressing). Therefore the Diagnostic CAN Ids for the addressing can be set 

up. 

Some services require a preliminary and then continuously sending of the service Tester Present. CAT 

allows defining for each supported service this behavior individually. 

Additionally to this and the addressing of the services there is access to the setup of the sub-functions 

and parameter of the services. There is direct access as well to the DID, DTC and FSA Definition. 

Beside the setup for the launching of the services the user can also define which service and related 

messages shall be displayed in the Diagnostic Online View and the conditions to launch this service 

when being Diagnostic Online. 

Choose menu item Configurations | Diagnostics from the main window to open the Main Diagnostic 

Setup... window shown below. 



Functional Addressing 

Put in the Diagnostic CAN ID corresponding to the Identifier Type to be used. (E.g. $101 for All Node 

request.) Then select the Extended Address (Ext. Addr.) hexadecimal value corresponding to the 

Functional System you wish to communicate with. (E.g. $FE for All Functions.) 

The name of the chosen functional system is displayed above 'CAN ID:'. 

Assign the services to be functional addressed by clicking the left radio button at the end of the line of 

the service name. 

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Physical Addressing 

Put in the Diagnostic CAN ID ($24X) corresponding to the USDT request to be sent. (Here $241 has 

been assigned to the ECU named ECU.) 

The name of the chosen ECU is displayed above 'CAN ID:', if the Diagnostic CAN ID index (here 41) 

has been assigned to an ECU in the database. See ECU for details. Otherwise 'unknown' is displayed. 

Assign the services to be physical addressed by clicking the right radio button at the end of the line of 

the service name. 

Note: It is not required that the ECU corresponding to the CAN ID exists in the chosen database as 

long as a real node within this Diagnostic CAN ID is part of the CAN system. 

Tester Present 

Assign the services to be send out with preliminary and continuously send out of Tester Present by 

marking the box in front of the line of the service name. 

Note: GMLAN requires for some diagnostic services that right before they are sent out by a 

diagnostic tool the service Tester Present has to be sent preliminary and then continuously at least every 

5 seconds. For the services that require this behavior the boxes are marked with a "*". 

Service – Id – sub-function 

This table gives an overview about all the diagnostic services and their ID's that are supported by CAT. 

Additionally the sub-function ID's, corresponding to the Setup of the service, are displayed (see below). 

Setup 

Select a service in the table. If the service provides the setup of the sub-function or data parameter, the 

Setup button becomes enabled. Click the button to open service specific dialog boxes for the setup. 

For more detailed Information about handling and Setup of the different services see: 

Clear Trouble Codes 

Initiate Diagnostic Operation 

Read Failure Record Identifier 

Read Failure Record Parameter 

Read Data By Identifier 

Return to Normal Mode 

Read Memory By Address 

Security Access – request seed 

Security Access – send key 

Disable Normal Communication 

Write Data By Identifier 


Read Trouble Codes 

Read Data By Packet Identifier 

Device Control 

Definition buttons 

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The Definition buttons allow additional access to the corresponding lists so that they also could be 

edited when the ECU is defined. See DID List , DTC List and FSA List for more details. 

Acknowledge the settings with OK. 

Online View button 

Select a service in the table. When selecting any service but Tester Present the Online View button 

becomes enabled. Click the button to open the Online View Parameter dialog box (shown below) for 

the setup. After acknowledging the parameter settings with OK the chosen service is marked by 

displaying the defined value for Periodic Rate (as in picture above for service Read Data By Identifier) 

or the text "one shot" at the end of the line in the table. 

Type: Choose "periodic" or "one shot" to define if the service could be launched periodically or in single shots 

when in Diagnostic Online. 

Periodic Rate: Define the rate the service shall be transmitted periodically in milliseconds (ms). 

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Note: Input field is disabled when one shot is selected. 

Acknowledge the settings with OK.

Diagnostic Services 

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Read Trouble Codes 

This service ($A9) allows a tester to read the status of node-resident Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) 

information from any controller, or group of controllers within a vehicle. This service allows the tester 

to do the following: 

- Retrieve the status of a specific DTC and FaultType combination. 

- Retrieve the list of DTCs that match a tester defined DTC status mask. 

- Enable a node resident algorithm, which periodically calculates the number of DTCs that match a tester 

defined DTC status mask. The ECU shall send a response message each time the calculation yields a 

different result than the one calculated the previous time. 

Depending on the required action the service has to be configured. Therefor the Setup button in the 

Main Diagnostic Setup window could activate the dialog box shown below. 

$80 Read Status Of DTC By DTC Number 

To retrieve the status of a specific DTC and DTC Fault Type Byte (symptom) combination, setup the 

sub-parameter $80 Read Status Of DTC By DTC Number. The user needs to put in the DTC number 

(DTC High Byte and DTC Low Byte) and the DTC Failure Type Byte. Acknowledge the settings by 

OK. 

$81 Read Status Of DTC By Status Mask 

To retrieve a list of DTC numbers and DTC Fault Types, which satisfy the defined status mask, setup 

the sub-parameter byte $81 Read Status Of DTC By Status Mask. The user needs to select a mask. By 

click on Select Mask the user opens the dialog shown below or the user may put in directly a one-byte 

hexadecimal value that defines the mask. 

Note: CAT uses the End Of DTC Report message to determine when all UUDT responses to a level 

$81 request have been sent. For a given node, transmitting another $Level $81 request prior to receiving 

the endOfDTCReport message may result in undefined operation. 

$82 Send On Change DTC Count 

To enable a node-resident DTC count algorithm that periodically calculates the number of DTCs that 

match a defined DTC status mask, setup the sub-parameter $82 Send On Change DTC Count. The user 

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needs to select a mask. By click on Select Mask the dialog shown below appears or the user may put in 

directly a one-byte hexadecimal value that defines the mask. 

Note: The send-on-change status mask and DTC count information are lost upon a $3E time-out, 

after a $20 service request, or after power is cycled. 

The DTC Status Mask contains 8 DTC status bits. To check for a logical '1', a set bit the user has to 

mark it in the list. In the sample above all bits are marked so the DTC Status Mask hexadecimal value is 

a 'FF'. 

Warning Indicator Requested State 

Warning output status reports the status of any warning indicators associated with a particular DTC. 

Warning outputs may consist of indicator lamp(s), displayed text information, etc. 

- Logical '1' = Warning indicator requested to be ON. 

- Logical '0' = Warning indicator not requested to be ON. 

Current DTC Since Power Up 

This indicates that a DTC became current during the current ignition/power cycle. 

- Logical '1' = DTC became current this power up. 

- Logical '0' = DTC did not become current this power up. 

Test Not Passed Since Current Power Up 

This indicates a logical '0' once the test indicates a passed result. A logical '1' indicates that the test has 

not run, or that the test has run and failed. 

- Logical '1' = Test not passed since current power up. 

- Logical '0' = Test passed since current power up. 

Note: This flag is reset to a logical '1' with each ignition cycle. 

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History DTC 

A history DTC indicates that a "current" DTC status has met sufficient criteria for storing a code into 

long-term memory. 

- Logical '1' = DTC is history. 

- Logical '0' = DTC is not history. 

Test Failed Since DTC Cleared 

This indicates that a current DTC is or has been set sometime since the last time the DTC status was 

reset. 

- Logical '1' = Test failed since DTCs have been cleared. 

- Logical '0' = Test not failed since DTCs have been cleared. 

Test Not Passed Since DTC Cleared 

This indicates a logical '0' once the test indicates a passed result. A logical '1' indicates that the test has 

not run, or that the test has run and failed. 

- Logical '1' = Test not passed since DTC cleared. 

- Logical '0' = Test passed since DTC cleared. 

Current DTC 

A current DTC indicates that test conditions have been met and the test results show that a fault is 

currently present. This flag indicates the results of the last diagnostic test performed. 

- Logical '1' = DTC is current. 

- Logical '0' = DTC is not current. 

DTC Supported By Calibration 

This indicates that a node will trigger the test associated with a particular DTC as soon as the criteria for 

performing the test have been satisfied. 

- Logical '1' = DTC supported 

- Logical '0' = DTC not supported 

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Read Failure Record Identifier 

The service Read Failure Record Data ($12) is used to obtain failure record information that was 

captured due to a fault detected within the node. 

CAT provides two already predefined setup levels of the Read Failure Record Data service: 

- The Read Failure Record Identifiers (sub-function parameter = $01), 

- The Read Failure Record Parameters (sub-function parameter = $02). 

Read Failure Record Identifiers (sub-function parameter = $01) allows CAT to obtain the information 

necessary to send a request to retrieve the data parameters associated with a specific failure record 

stored in a node. 

Note: This level is only used to obtain the failureRecordDataStructureIdentifier parameter and the 

failure record identifiers. The data bytes contained within a particular failure record are retrieved with 

the Read Failure Record Parameters ($02) level. 

There are no additional setups needed / allowed for the Read Failure Record Identifiers level. 

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Read Failure Record Parameters 

The service Read Failure Record Data ($12) is used to obtain failure record information that was 

captured due to a fault detected within the node. 

CAT provides two already predefined setup levels of the Read Failure Record Data service: 

- The Read Failure Record Identifiers (sub-function parameter = $01), 

- The Read Failure Record Parameters (sub-function parameter = $02). 

Read Failure Record Parameters (sub-function parameter = $02) allows CAT to retrieve the data 

parameters in the failure record associated with the failure record identifier. Failure record data 

parameters consist of ECU inputs, outputs, and calculated values, which provide information about the 

operating conditions of the vehicle at the time the DTC, is logged. 

To read out the parameters of the failure record the Failure Record Identifier has to be configured. The 

Setup button in the Main Diagnostic Setup window could activate the dialog box shown below. 

The Failure Record Identifier consists of 4 bytes, which include the Failure Record Number and the 

DTC Identifier (2 byte DTC number + 1 byte DTC fault type). 

Note: Valid failure record identifier data values are obtained by CAT from the Read Failure Record 

Identifiers ($01) level of this service. 

Input the desired Identifier and acknowledge the setup by OK. 

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Clear Trouble Codes 

The Clear Trouble Codes service ($04) is used by the tester to clear diagnostic information (Diagnostic 

Trouble Codes and assigned data) in one (physical addressed) or multiple (functional addressed) nodes' 

memory. 

The service Clear Trouble Codes does not need / allow any setup. 

See also Diagnostics for information about functional and physical addressing. 

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Read Data by Identifier 

The purpose of this service ($1A) is to provide the ability to read the content of pre-defined ECU data 

referenced by a Data Identifier (DID) which contains static information such as ECU identification data 

or other information which does not require "real-time" updates (e.g.: the VIN Vehicle Identification 

Number). 

Note: "Real-time" data is intended to be retrieved via the Read Data By Packet Identifier ($AA) 

service. 

This service has to be send out with exactly one DID, that's information is requested. Depending on the 

required information the service has to be configured. The Setup button in the Main Diagnostic Setup 

window could activate the dialog box shown below. 

The corporate defined DIDs could be selected from the provided list or the hexadecimal value of a user 

defined DID might be entered. Acknowledge the setup by OK. 

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Write Data by Identifier 

The purpose of this service ($3B) is to provide the ability to change (write/program) the content of predefined 

ECU data referenced by a Data Identifier (DID), which contains static information like ECU 

identification data, or other information, which does not require "real-time" updates. 

This service has to be send out with exactly one DID and the data that shall replace the previously 

stored information for this DID. Therefore the Setup button in the Main Diagnostic Setup window could 

activate the dialog box shown below. 

DID 

Only one Data Identifier, which is supported by the ECU, shall be included in the request message. 

Corporate defined DIDs could be selected from the provided list or the hexadecimal value of a user 

defined DID might be entered. 

Data 

Input the data that shall be assigned to the DID as hexadecimal values in byte format, divided by 

commas as shown above. The number of data bytes is dependant upon the size of the data referenced by 

the Data Identifier parameter. 

Acknowledge the setup by OK. 

Note: This service should be requested using physical addressing. See the Main Diagnostic Setup 

window for details about addressing. 

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Import 

Use the import button to re-use the data that have been preliminary read out and stored (see Read Data 

by ID and Export Read Data by ID ). 

The dialog box shown below allows selecting any ECU data that have been stored before as Service 1A 

file. 

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Read Data by Packet Identifier 

The purpose of the Read Data By Packet Identifier ($AA) service is to allow a tester to request data 

packets that contain diagnostic information (e.g. sensor input or output values) which are packaged in a 

UUDT diagnostic message format. Each diagnostic data packet includes one byte that contains a Data 

Packet Identifier (DPID) number, and 1 to 7 bytes of additional data. The DPID number occupies the 

message number byte position of the UUDT diagnostic response message and is used to determine the 

data contents of the remaining bytes of the message. 

Note: This service is intended to be used to retrieve ECU data, which is most likely changing during 

normal operation (e.g. ECU sensor inputs, ECU commanded output states, etc). Static information such 

as VIN or Part Numbers should be retrieved via the Read Data By Identifier ($1A) service. 

The DPIDs requested via this service can be sent as a one-time response or scheduled periodically. Each 

DPID scheduled can be transmitted at one of three predefined periodic rates (slow, medium or fast). 

The Read Data By Packet Identifier service request message includes a sub-function parameter and at 

least one DPID number when the request is for a one time response (sub-function parameter $01) or 

periodic transmission (sub-function parameters $02 through $04). A single request to stop sending one 

or multiple periodic DPIDs (sub-function parameter $00) may be sent with or without additional DPID 

data. 

Depending on the required action the service has to be configured. Therefore the Setup button in the 

Main Diagnostic Setup window could activate the dialog box shown below. 

Sub Function Parameter 

Stop Sending $00 

Stops periodic transmission of the DPIDs that have been chosen to be requested. 

Send One Response $01 

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Request for one-shot response message(s) (one UUDT message for each requested DPID). The ECU 

shall send a single UUDT diagnostic response message for each requested DPID. 

Schedule At Slow Rate 

Request to schedule DPID(s) in the request at slow periodic rate. 

Schedule At Medium Rate 

Request to schedule DPID(s) in the request at medium periodic rate. 

Schedule At Fast Rate 

Request to schedule DPID(s) in the request at fast periodic rate. 

DPIDs to be requested 

These are the DPID numbers that are requested. The data values identify to the corresponded node 

which DPID(s) to transmit or stop transmitting (as indicated by the preceding sub-function parameter 

byte). 

Selectable DPIDs 

These are the DPID numbers that have been defined for the ECU that is addressed to this service. See 

Main Diagnostic Setup Window for details about how to choose the ECU and how to address services. 

DPID Definition 

Use the DPID Definition button to create, edit or remove DPIDs of the DPID List of the chosen ECU. 

See DPID List for details how to use it. See Main Diagnostic Setup Window for details about how to 

chose the ECU. 

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Read Memory by Address 

The purpose of this service ($23) is to retrieve data from a contiguous range of ECU memory addresses. 

Depending on the required address range the service has to be configured. Therefore the Setup button in 

the Main Diagnostic Setup window could activate the dialog box shown below. 

The range of ECU addresses is defined by a three-byte memory starting address parameter and a twobyte 

length (memory size) parameter included in the request message. 

Input the ECU address as hexadecimal values and the Memory Size as decimal value (up to 65535). 

Acknowledge the setup by OK. 

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Device Control 

The purpose of the service Device Control ($AE) is to allow CAT to override normal output control 

functions in order to verify proper operation of a component or system, or to reset/clear variables used 

within normal control algorithms. 

Manipulating predefined bits and/or bytes within a message, to indicate to the device which outputs or 

control functions the tool wants to override, performs device control. The first data byte (after the 

service identifier) of a device control request message is a Control Packet Identifier (CPID). The 

remaining 5 bytes are used to provide output control information. However, it is not required that a 

CPID contains 5 bytes of control information. CAT will send out only as many data bytes as defined. 

CAT allows setup up to 10 CPIDs and the assigned CPID Control Bytes. Therefore the Setup button in 

the Main Diagnostic Setup window could activate the dialog box shown below. 

Note: This service should only be requested using physical addressing. See the Main Diagnostic 

Setup window for details about addressing. 

Request to known ECU 

If there is an ECU addressed that is contained in the Database, the CPID Table contains the predefined 

CPID and Control Data. But CAT allows modifying the existing entries. Put in the required CPID and 

control bytes. Use the radio buttons to select the CPIDs that shall be requested. Acknowledge the 

settings by OK. 

Request to unknown ECU 

142

If an ECU has been addressed that is not contained in the Database, CAT allows creating a CPID Table 

without the need to create an ECU that would be added to the database. Put in the required CPID and 

control bytes. Use the radio buttons to select the CPIDs that shall be requested. Acknowledge the 

settings by OK. 

143

Device Control Reset 

The purpose of the service Device Control ($AE) is to allow CAT to override normal output control 

functions in order to verify proper operation of a component or system, or to reset/clear variables used 

within normal control algorithms. See Device Control for details about this service. 

In generally Device Control Reset is absolutely identical to the service Device Control. Even the same 

CPID table as shown below has to be used. But the fact that CAT provides this service twice allows the 

user to set up these both in different ways. Meaning the user selects a different CPID (of the max. 10 

available) for the Device Control Reset service than for the Device Control service. 

This allows the user to launch two different Device Control services without going offline to change the 

settings. Especially to Reset the service this feature is needed. 

Note: This service should only be requested using physical addressing. See the Main Diagnostic 

Setup window for details about addressing. 

144

Security Access - request seed 

The purpose of the service ($27) Security Access is to provide a way to access data and/or diagnostic 

services, which have restricted access for security, emissions, or safety reasons. 

The security concept uses a seed and key relationship. The seed and key are each 16-bit numbers (2 

byte). The key has to be sent to an ECU to enable ("unlock") Cat's access to specific services. The seed 

using an encryption algorithm can derive the key. Therefore an individual seed is stored on each ECU. 

CAT provides two already predefined setup levels of the Security Access service: 

- The Security Access – request seed (sub-function parameter = $01 or $03), 

- The Security Access – send key (sub-function parameter = $02 or $04). 

To setup the sub-function parameter to request seed $01 or $03, the Setup button in the Main Diagnostic 

Setup window could activate the dialog box shown below. 

Sub-function parameter $01 is the request seed level used for ECU programming via the SPS system. 

Sub-function parameter $03 is the request seed level for enabling vehicle manufacturing specific device 

control restrictions (as opposed to having service device control restrictions enabled). 

145

Security access - send key 

The purpose of the service ($27) Security Access is to provide a way to access data and/or diagnostic 

services, which have restricted access for security, emissions, or safety reasons. 

The security concept uses a seed and key relationship. The seed and key are each 16-bit numbers (2 

byte). The key has to be sent to an ECU to enable ("unlock") Cat's access to specific services. The seed 

using an encryption algorithm can derive the key. Therefor an individual seed is stored on each ECU. 

CAT provides two already predefined setup levels of the Security Access service: 

- The Security Access – request seed (sub-function parameter = $01 or $03), 

- The Security Access – send key (sub-function parameter = $02 or $04). 

To setup the sub-function parameter to send key $02 or $04, the Setup button in the Main Diagnostic 

Setup window could activate the dialog box shown below. 

Sub-function parameter $02 is the send key level used for ECU programming via the SPS system. 

Sub-function parameter $04 is the send key level for enabling vehicle manufacturing specific device 

control restrictions (as opposed to having service device control restrictions enabled). 

146


This service ($3E) is used to indicate to a node (or nodes) that a tester is still connected to the vehicle 

and that certain diagnostic services that have been previously activated are to remain active. Some 

diagnostic services require that a diagnostic tool send a request for this service ($3E) preliminary and 

then periodically in order to keep the functionality of the other service active. 

The Tester Present service is activated and transmitted each 2 seconds automatically by CAT, when 

defined in the Main Diagnostic Setup. (See Diagnostics .) 

The service Tester Present does not need / allow any setup. 

Note: Use the service Return to Normal Mode to stop the periodical transmission of the Tester 

Present service or go Offline respectively Diagnostic Offline. 

147

Initiate Diagnostic Operation 

This service ($10) allows the tester to perform the following tasks: 

- Disable the setting of all DTCs while the tool continues to perform other diagnostic services. 

- Allow ECU DTC algorithms to continue to execute while the Device Control ($AE) service is active. 

- Request a gateway ECU to issue a wake up request. 

Depending on the required task the Sub Parameters of this service has to be configured. Therefore the 

Setup button in the Main Diagnostic Setup window could activate the dialog box shown below. 

Choose the desired Sub Parameter and acknowledge the setup with OK. 

The service with Sub Parameter $02 (disable all DTCs) disables setting of all DTCs. 

The service with Sub Parameter $03 (enable DTCs during device control) allows DTC algorithms to 

continue to execute while the DeviceControl ($AE) service is active. 

148

Disable Normal Communication 

The purpose of this service ($28) is to prevent a device from transmitting or receiving all messages, 

which are not the direct result of a diagnostic request. The primary use of the service is to set up a 

programming event. 

The service Disable Normal Communication does not need / allow any setup. 

Note: Use of this service during a programming event should always be targeted to all nodes using 

the 'AllNodes' functional diagnostic request CANId ($101) and the "AllNodes" extended address ($FE). 

See the Main Diagnostic Setup window for details about addressing. 

149

Return to Normal Mode 

The purpose of this service ($20) is to return a node or group of nodes to normal mode operation by 

canceling all active diagnostic services and resetting normal message communications (if they were 

interrupted by a diagnostic operation). 

The service Return to Normal Mode does not need / allow any setup. 

150

Layout Setup 

151

Frame List 

CAT allows the user to select ten frames to display in the On- and Offline Mode of the Frame List View window. The 

user has to choose already defined frames of his/her database. CAT also provides the ability to display diagnostic 

related frames that are predefined automatically for each ECU. 

The Frame List Configuration window - that is also used to edit frames - is used to choose the received 

frames to be displayed in the Frame List View window. 

Add Frames to be displayed 


Configuration ... window shown above. Choose the assigned ECU and then click on the Frame(s) to be 

added to the Frame List View. 

Click on the >> button to add the selected frame(s) to the "Display Frames" List. Click on OK to 


Add Diagnostic Frames to be displayed 


Configuration ... window shown above. Choose the assigned ECU, enable Diagnostic Frames and then 

click on the Diagnostic Frame(s) to be added to the Frame List View. 

Click on the >> button to add the selected frame(s) to the "Display Frames" List. Click on OK to 


Remove (Diagnostic) Frames to be displayed 


Configuration ... window shown above. Choose the Frame(s) to be removed from the "Display 

Frames" List. 

Click on the

Signal List 

CAT allows the user to select twenty signals to be display On- and Offline in the Signal List View 

window. The user has to choose the already defined signals from the database. CAT also provides the 

ability to display DPID related signals that have been defined for each DPID. 

The Signal List Configuration window -that is also used to edit signals is used to choose the received 

signals that shall be displayed in the Signal List View window. 

Add Signals to be displayed 


Configuration ... window shown above. 

Note: If the "Show DPID List" box is unmarked "Frame:" selection field under the ECU selection 

field replaces "DPID:". 

You choose the assigned ECU, Frame and then the Signal(s) to be added to the Signal List View. 

Then click on the >> button to add the selected signals(s) to the "Display Signals" List. Click on OK to 


Add DPID Signals to be displayed 


Configuration ... window shown above. 

Enable "Show DPID List", and then choose the assigned ECU, DPID and then the DPID Signal(s) to be 

added to the Signal List View. 

Click on the >> button to add the selected DPID Signals(s) to the "Display Signals" List. Click on OK 


Remove (DPID) Signals to be displayed 

153


Configuration ... window shown above. Choose the Signals(s) to be removed from the "Display 

Signal" List. 

Click on the

Windows Arrangement 

CAT provides different View windows depending on the mode. 

In Online mode the user can open the: 

- Frame List View, 

- Signal List View, 

- Status Bar. 

In Offline mode the user can open the: 

- Frame List View or the Trace List View (you cannot open both at the same time), 

- Signal List View, 

- Status Bar. 

In Diagnostic Online mode the user can open the: 

- Diagnostic Online View. 

In Diagnostic Offline mode the user can open the: 

- Diagnostic Out window, 

- Status Bar. 

Open / Close Views 

Choose menu item Windows | from the main window to open or close the View. 

Arrange Views 

Choose menu item Windows | Horizontal/ Vertical/ Cascade from the main window to arrange the 

Signal List View and the Frame List View respectively, Trace List View horizontal/ vertical or cascade. 

You are also free to arrange the Views in anyway by using the typical windows features to enlarge, 

reposition, etc. 

Note: The position of the Status Bar is fixed. 

Note: If you have opened an Online Control window (see chapter) like the Transmit Table, the Main 

Diagnostic Launch window or an information message box is opened, displaying e.g. the Buffer Upload 

Process Status, you can shift them anywhere inside the main window. Clicking back into the main 

window you can work on without closing these windows. 

155

Layout Settings 



Note: See above the Diagnostic View Layout symbolically also for: 

- Signal List, 

- Frame List, 

- CAN Trace, 

- Status Bar. 

Choose menu item Layout | from the main window to open the View List Layout ... 

window as shown above for the Frame List View. 

Font Size: 

Select one of the predefined values between 8 and 72 as font size for all characters shown in the View. 

Column Width: 

Put in reasonable integer values for the different column widths of the View. 

Note: To set a column width value to 0 means to hide the complete column. Even the capture 

will not be displayed anymore. 

Default Button: 

Click the Default button to reset all values for font size and column widths to the default values. 

Colors Button: 

Note: The Colors button is only implemented for the Diagnostic View Layout. 

156

CAT allows the user to define for each service the color of the text in the Diagnostic Output window. 

Click the Colors button to open the dialog box shown below. 

Hide Tester Present: 

Note: The Hide Tester Present box is only implemented for the Diagnostic View Layout. 

CAT allows the user to build up the Diagnostic Output window with blanked out Tester Present frames 

in Diagnostic Offline mode. To use this option the Hide Tester Present box has to be activated. 

To reactivate the display of the Tester Present frames upload the buffer again. 

Note: The frames are not deleted from the normal buffer. They are still visible in the CAN Trace 

View in Offline mode. 

Hiding is automatically deactivated each time the user uploads the buffer. 

Note: As default all services are assigned to 'black'. 

Change Color 

Click on the 'color' bar aside the service to open the color selection dialog shown below. Select or 

define the color you want to assign to the service. Acknowledge the settings by OK. 

157

158

Change Language 

CAT is bilingual. The user can choose between German or English as the language used in CAT 

application. 

Note: Some words may depend on the language of the used Operating System and are not controlled 

by CAT. 

Choose menu item Layout | Language of the main window to choose the preferred language. 

Note: The application has to be shut down and restarted to change the language. 

159

Scrolling Step Size 

To scroll more than one entry in the Views in Offline and Diagnostic Offline mode the user may use the 

Page Down and Up keys (PgDn, PgUp) or the scroll bar aside the views. 

CAT allows adjusting how many entries of the buffer are skipped by each use of PgDn or PgUp or click 

into the scroll bar above or below the position mark. 

Choose menu item Layout | Step Size of the main window to open the Step Size ... window shown 

above. Put in any integer value up to 1.000 as step size and acknowledge the input by click on OK. 

160

System Setup 

161

CAN Setup 


to the users CAN bus application there are already three physical layers predefined: Single Wire CAN, 

Dual Wire CAN (Mid Speed), Dual Wire CAN (High Speed). 

The user can configure the Baud Rates for each of the layers as they are in his CAN applications. So the 

user can easy change between Mid Speed and High Speed and does not need to define the Baud Rate 

each time. 

CAT allows the user to determine if CAN messages shall be acknowledged by CAT even if CAT is 

Offline or in Diagnostic Offline. See CAT Diagnostic Setup for details how to set up. 

For the Single Wire CAN the user can setup the Baud Rates for the Low Speed and the High Speed 

mode (used only with the $A5-ProgrammingMode Service). The Baud Rate, defined as Low Speed, 

will be used for the "normal" communication. If the CAN system foresees to switch between two 

different baud rates the user has to define a High Speed baud rate. 

Choose menu item Configurations | CAN Setup from the main window to open the CAN Setup... 

window shown above. 

Physical Layer: 

Click on a radio button to select and mark one of the physical layers. 

Baud Rate: 

Select a predefined Baud Rate from the List assigned to the chosen physical layer. 

BTR 0 + 1: 

The Bit Timing Register (BTR) will be calculated and shown depending on the chosen Baud Rate. 

Note: These are the BTR for the SJA 1000 CAN Controller used by CAT. 

If the Baud Rate of ones CAN System is not listed in any of the Baud Rate Lists of the different layer, the Baud Rate 

can be determined by setting the BTR manually. 

162

The CAN Setup window above shows how to put in BTR values manually. 

Custom: 

Click in this box to enable the BTR input fields. 

BTR 0 + 1: 

Put in the Hex Values for the desired Baud Rate or to adjust the Sample point. The Baud Rate will be 

calculated and shown depending on the inputted BTR values. 

Note: the user has to put in the BTR values for the SJA 1000 CAN Controller used by CAT. 

It is not possible to try out any BTR values and see what 

transfer speed you can get! There are too many values that are not possible and can 

put the CAN chip in an erratic state. Take only exact calculated values 

that take care of the BTR restrictions. See also in the SJA1000 data sheet. 

Here are the values that are already predefined (to be selected by Baud Rate): 

BTR0 / 1 – Speed [kbps] 

40 14 – 1000 

80 25 – 800 

c0 49 – 500 

c1 49 – 250 

c3 49 – 125 

c3 5c – 100 

c6 36 – 95.2 

85 2b – 83.333 

c3 7f – 80 

c5 5a – 75 

c7 49 – 62.5 

c7 5c – 50 

c7 7f – 40 

cb 3e – 33.333 

cf 7f – 20 

df 7f – 10 


163

Buffer Setup 

The complete 50,000-frame buffer of CAT Hardware can be used for logging "normal" CAN data or for 

special Diagnostic data. So there are two different buffers. 

The size of the buffers can be adjusted to the needs by choosing the size of the Normal Buffer. The size 

of the Diagnostic buffer will be calculated and shown automatically. 

164

Online Mode 

165

Changing CAT Modes 

CAT can be used in four different modes. 

- - ONLINE 

- - DIAGNOSTIC ONLINE 

- - OFFLINE 

- - DIAGNOSTIC OFFLINE 

Commands on how to switch from one mode to another: 

To go into Online Mode 

While in Offline or Diagnostic Offline choose menu item Commands | Online or use hot key F9 to start 

the Online Mode. 

While in Diagnostic Online you have to go first into Offline or Diagnostic Offline. 

To go into Diagnostic Online Mode 

While in Offline or Diagnostic Offline choose menu item Commands | Diagnostic Online to start the 

Diagnostic Online Mode. 

While in Online you have to go first into Offline or Diagnostic Offline. 

To go into Offline Mode 

While in Online or Diagnostic Online choose menu item Commands | Offline or use hot key ESC to 

stop the Online / Diagnostic Online Mode and to switch to Offline Mode. 

While in Diagnostic Offline choose menu item Commands | Offline or use hot key ESC to switch to 

Offline Mode. 

To go into Diagnostic Offline Mode 

Being Online or Diagnostic Online choose menu item Commands | Diagnostic Offline or use hot key F7 

to stop the Online / Diagnostic Online Mode and to switch to Diagnostic Offline Mode. 

Being Offline choose menu item Commands | Diagnostic Offline or use hot key F7 to switch to 

Diagnostic Offline Mode. 

! Be aware that the buffer content is not automatically uploaded to the application when the 

Online Mode is left! 

To upload the buffer 

Choose menu item Commands | Upload Buffer or use hot key F8 to start the uploading of the buffer 

content to the PC. It is independent if you are in the Offline or Diagnostic Offline mode before. 

Note: The Upload process may takes some time (depending logging time and bus traffic). 

But you can work on the data during that time. You may even scroll inside the Views. 

166

Online Analyzing 

Choose menu item Commands | Online to go Online. See Changing CAT Modes for details and how to 

leave the Online Mode. The Online Mode of CAT allows visualizing, analyzing and logging the traffic 

on the bus. 

The Frame and Signal List Views and the Status Bar can be used to visualize the bus traffic. Choose 

menu item Windows | to open/ close the windows. 

Note: You have to configure the Frame and Signal List before in Offline Mode. 

See Offline Setup | Layout Setup for details. 

For Analyzing and Visualization the Online Mode offers: 


The Frame List displays up to 10 frames but only the frames that are selected to be displayed (see Frame 

List Configuration). 

Online the most recently acquired frames data will be displayed. The Name, ID and Format will be 

displayed as soon as the frame is selected to be displayed. 


The Signal List displays up to 20 signals but only the signals that are selected to be displayed (see Signal 

List Configuration). 

Online the most recently acquired data carried by a frame will be interpreted and displayed. The color of 

the characters for the signal value changes from black to red and vice versa each time the same signal is 

received again. 

Status Bar 

The Status Bar displays the most significant data about the CAN bus traffic depending on the mode. 

Online the most recently acquired frame and bus data will be displayed. 

Being Online the received and transmitted data are logged to the buffer on CAT Hardware. The Buffer 

content is first stored only on the Hardware. Only after uploading the buffer there is access to this data 

in the Offline respectively Diagnostic Offline Mode. 



167

Filtering 

CAT allows defining 10 different "Pass Through" Filter based on the Frame Identifier and the Data that 

are received. In Offline mode, the 10 filter conditions can be defined and selected to create the 

combined filter. (All selected filter conditions are valid; see Filter List and Filter Definition for more 

details.) 

The selected, combined filter can be activated and deactivated in any mode: Online, Diagnostic Online, 

Offline or Diagnostic Offline. 

To activate selected Filter 

Choose menu item Commands | Filter or use hot key combination CTRL + F to start the Filtering. It is 

independent in which mode CAT has been before. 

Note: The background color of the Filter sign in the Status Bar becomes yellow indicating an 

activated filter. 

To deactivate selected Filter 

Choose menu item Commands | Filter or use hot key combination CTRL + F to stop the Filtering. It is 


Note: The background color of the Filter sign in the Status Bar becomes white indicating no 

activated filter 

Note: The defined filter conditions may cover the defined Trigger conditions so that no Trigger 

Frame could pass the filter. In this case you will be warned going online even if you have not activated 

the filter. 

The filter has no influence on the transmission of frames by CAT himself including the launch of 


168

Transmitting 

CAT allows defining 10 different Transmit Frames based on Frame Identifier and Data. The Transmit 

Frames that shall be used have to be defined in Offline mode. Also the Transmission Frames are 

assigned to a hot key CTRL 0 – 9 in Offline mode. (See Transmit List and Transmit Definition for more 

details.) 

The Transmission of the frame can be activated and deactivated only in online mode one by one. The 

activation of the transmission of all or groups of the defined Transmission Frames at once is not 

possible. 



To activate the Transmission of a Frame 

By Hot key 

Use the assigned hot key combination to transmit the frame. Depending on the defined transmit 

conditions the frame will be transmitted once (one shot) or periodically until you deactivate the 

transmission. 

By Transmit Table 

Choose menu item Commands | Transmit to open the Transmit Table shown below. Select a defined 

frame by clicking into the list. The Send button gets enabled. Click the Send button to transmit the 

frame. Depending on the defined transmit conditions the frame will be transmitted once (one shot) or 

periodically until you deactivate the transmission. 

Close the table or shift it to the side if it is blocking the view to the Frame or Signal List. 

Note: None defined filter has any influence on the transmission of Frames by CAT. 

The Transmit Table 

The first column describes the hot key the frames are assigned to. The Name of this frame is shown in the next 

column. The defined periodic transmission rate respectively 'one shot' is figured out in the last column 

To deactivate the Transmission of a Frame 

By Hot key 

Use the assigned hot key combination to stop the transmission of the frame. 

By Transmit Table 

169

If Transmit Table is closed choose menu item Commands | Transmit to open the Transmit Table shown 

below. 

Select a transmitting frame by clicking into the list. 

The Stop button gets enabled respectively the Send button turns into a stop button. Click the Stop button 

to stop the transmission of the frame. 

Note: Activated Transmit Frames are mark in the table by a * at the end of the line. (See below) 

170

Triggering 


mark into the logged buffer and to stop the logging of data. Therefore it can be defined by Pre/ Post 

Trigger how many frames shall be stored before and after the trigger event occurs. 

The feature Time Out Trigger allows to trigger on the lacking of a frame. To use a frame of the database 

there is an easy access button to the frame list. (See Trigger and Trigger on existing Frames for more 

details.) 

Triggering is enabled and the trigger conditions are defined in Offline mode. If the trigger is enabled the 

Trigger is activated by the data on the bus or the Trigger Event can be activated manually (CTRL +T). 

Note: The defined filter conditions may cover the defined Trigger conditions so that no Trigger 

Frame could pass the filter. In this case you will be warned going online even if you did not activate the 

filter. 

Trigger Event by Data on the bus 

Depending on the defined Trigger conditions a Trigger Event occurs: 

Without 

Time Out Trigger: When the defined Frame and Data are received 

With 

Time Out Trigger: When the defined Frame and Data are received once and then are not received again periodically 

in the defined maximal periodic time. The missing of this Frame and Data for exactly this defined time is the trigger 

event. 

Note: The Trigger Event can be activated also by the data you are transmitting to the bus by CAT. 

Transmitted Frames will not be filtered. 

When the Trigger event occurs the Trigger sign in the Status Bar switches to red. 

Trigger Event by manual input 

Choose menu item Commands | Trigger or press the hot key combination CTRL + T to enforce a 

Trigger Event even if the Trigger is not enabled. 

Note: When the Trigger event occurs the Trigger sign in the Status Bar switches to red. 

Stopping the Online Mode 

Depending on the defined Trigger conditions (Pre/Post Trigger) the Online mode stops immediately 

when the Trigger Event occurs. CAT switches to the Offline Mode and a message box informs the user 

that Trigger stops the Online Mode. After acknowledge of this message the Upload of the buffer content 

starts automatically. 

If Pre/Post Trigger is defined CAT stays in the Online Mode logging as long data as the amount of 

frames is reached filling up the defined post trigger buffer size. Then the Online mode stops and CAT 

switches to the Offline Mode and a message box informs the user that Trigger stops the Online Mode. 

After acknowledge of this message the Upload of the buffer content starts automatically. 

For more details about the Trigger conditions and defining them see also Trigger Definition . 

171

Launch Diagnostic Services 

Choose menu item Commands | Diagnostics to open the Main Diagnostic Launch Table shown below. 

As an Online Control window there is no need to close the window to work on. Just shift the table aside 

to have a free view on the main application and shift it back when it is needed again. 

This Table allows launching the services in accordance to the settings that have been done offline 

before. See Diagnostics for details about the setup of the Main Diagnostic Launch Table. 



To transmit a CAN Frame representing a service, the service has to be selected first in the list and then 

the launch button has to be clicked. 

Note: All diagnostic services are sent out as USDT (Unacknowledged Segmented Data Transfer) 

requests. 



According to GMLAN the following services require a tester present service. For these services the 

boxes in the Tester Present column on the left side of the dialog are marked by a *. 

- - ($AA) Read Data by Packet Identifier, 

- - ($AE) Device Control. 

- - ($27) Security Access, 

- - ($10) Initiate Diagnostic Operation, 

- - ($28) Disable Normal Communication, 

172

CAT sends out the tester present service automatically just before the wished service and then every 2 

seconds (may vary, depending on the bus traffic) when Tester Present box has been marked. 

The tester present service is sent until either the Service Return to Normal Mode is sent or when 

changing into Offline respectively Diagnostic Offline Mode. 

173

Diagnostic Online Mode 

174

Diagnostic Online Analyzing 

Choose menu item Commands | Diagnostic Online to go Diagnostic Online. See Changing CAT Modes 

for details and how to leave the Diagnostic Online Mode. The Diagnostic Online Mode of CAT allows 

visualizing, analyzing and logging of certain traffic on the bus (a diagnostic service and the 

corresponding response). 

For Analyzing and Visualization the Diagnostic Online Mode offers to open the: 


Displaying the diagnostic service request and even multi frame respond. 

Being Diagnostic Online the received and transmitted data are logged to the buffer on CAT Hardware. 

The Buffer content is first stored only on the Hardware. Only after uploading the buffer there is access 

to this data in the Offline respectively Diagnostic Offline Mode. 



175

Diagnostic Online Filtering 

The Diagnostic Online mode still supports the filtering features of CAT even if filtering in Diagnostic 

Online mode is usually not needed. 

CAT allows defining 10 different "Pass Through" Filter based on Frame Identifier and Data that are 

received. The filter have to be defined and selected in Offline mode. (See Filter List and Filter 

Definition for more details.) 

The selected filter can be activated and deactivated in any mode: Online, Diagnostic Online, Offline or 

Diagnostic Offline. 

To activate selected Filter 

Choose menu item Commands | Filter or use hot key combination CTRL + F to start the Filtering. It is 


To deactivate selected Filter 

Choose menu item Commands | Filter or use hot key combination CTRL + F to stop the Filtering. It is 




176

Launch Service Diagnostic Online 

Choose menu item Commands | Diagnostics to open the Online Diagnostic Launch dialog as shown 

below. As an Online Control window there is no need to close the window to work on. Just shift it aside 

to have a free view on the main application and shift it back when it is needed again. 

This dialog allows launching a diagnostic service in accordance to the settings that have been done 

offline before. See Diagnostics for details about the setup of the Main Diagnostic Launch Table and so 

the Online Diagnostic Launch dialog. 

Click on the launch button to transmit the displayed service. If periodic transmission of the service is 

adjusted the Launch button turns into a Stop button. 

Press the Stop button to stop the transmission. The Stop button turns back into a Launch button. 

Note: All diagnostic services are sent out as USDT (Unacknowledged Segmented Data Transfer) 

requests. 




According to GMLAN the following services require a tester present service. For these services the box 

under "Tester Present" on the left side of the dialog should be marked if not otherwise required for 

testing purposes. 

- ($AA) Read Data by Packet Identifier, 

- ($AE) Device Control. 

- ($27) Security Access, 

- ($10) Initiate Diagnostic Operation, 

- ($28) Disable Normal Communication, 

CAT sends out the tester present service automatically just before the wished service and then every 2 

seconds (may vary, depending on the bus traffic) when Tester Present box has been marked before in 

Offline or Diagnostic Offline mode. 

The tester present service is sent until either the Service Return to Normal Mode is sent or when 

changing into Offline respectively Diagnostic Offline Mode. 

177

Offline Analyzing 

178

Offline Analyzer Mode 

Choose menu item Commands | Offline to go Offline. See Changing CAT Modes for details and how to 

leave the Offline Mode. While in Offline Mode the user can analyze logged data or do several settings. 

The Frame or the Trace List View , the Signal List and the Status Bar can be used to visualize the bus 

traffic. Choose menu item Windows | to open/ close the windows. 

Note: After being Online the Buffer has to be uploaded before accessing the logged data. Otherwise 

the buffer data that have been uploaded before will still be shown. This could be helpful if a short 

review of the last test is wished before opening the new results. See Buffer Handling for details. 

For Analyzing the Offline Mode offers to open the: 


The Frame List displays up to 10 frames but only the frames that are selected to be displayed (see 

Frame List Configuration). 

In Offline mode the data according to the logged data of the actual buffer entry will be displayed. 

The Name, ID and Format will be displayed if the frame is selected to be displayed. 


Different from the Frame List the Trace List View displays all frames that are acquired. The data 

according to the logged data will be displayed. The actual buffer entry is shown on the top of the 

Trace List View. 

Note: Trace List View and Frame List View exclude each other; 

opening one closes automatically the other. 


The Signal List displays up to 20 signals but only the signals that are selected to be displayed (see 

Signal List Configuration). 

In Offline mode the data, according to the logged data, of the actual buffer entry will be displayed. 

The color of the characters for the signal value changes from black to red and vice versa each time 

the same signal has been received again. 

Status Bar 

The Status Bar displays the most significant data about the CAN bus traffic. In Offline Mode the 

data, according to the logged data, of the actual buffer entry will be displayed. 

(See also Buffer Handling and Find It ) 



179

Error Interpretation 

The status bar of CAT provides in any mode but the Diagnostic Online mode information about the 

CAN bus status: 

Bus Status: 

The Bus Status as provided by the status flag of the CAN chip is displayed. 

Rx Errors: 

Different to the bus status not the Rx counter as provided by CAN chip is displayed but the real number 

of Rx Errors that have occurred on the bus since going online are displayed. Independent of the Error 

Type the counter is increased each time by one. 

Tx Errors: 

Different to the bus status not the Tx counter as provided by the CAN chip is displayed but the real 

number of Tx Errors that have occurred on the bus since going online are displayed. Independent of the 

Error Type the counter is increased each time by one. 

In Offline Mode the Trace List View as shown below provides additionally an interpretation of the 

Error Code Capture register of the SJA1000 CAN controller used by CAT. 

Accu: 

The accumulated numbers of Rx and Tx errors occurred on the bus are displayed. (The same value that 

is provided by the status bar.) 

Chip: 

The Rx and Tx error counter values are displayed, as provided by the CAN chip. 

Note: The error counters are modified according to certain rules. So the step size of increasing a 

counter allows already an interpretation. Generally the counter increases by 8 if the node probably is 

responsible for the error itself. Otherwise it is increased by 1. 

180

ECC: 

CAT reads out The Error Code Capture (ECC) register of the SJA1000 CAN controller. The 

hexadecimal value (here D9) is displayed and interpreted. The meaning is displayed as real text. 

The first text part (here Tx) is the interpretation of the ECC.5 Bit, indicating if the error occurred during 

reception or transmission. 

The second text part (here Other) is the interpretation of the ECC.6 Bit & ECC.7 Bit, indicating the 

error type. Possible types are Bit, Form, Stuff and Other Errors. Other stands for CRC or 

Acknowledgement Errors. 

The third text part (here Acknowledge Slot) is the interpretation of the ECC.0 Bit to ECC.4 Bit, 

indicating the error event. 

181

Buffer Handling 

CAT uses the serial COM ports to communicate with the PC. So it is not possible to transfer and store 

the bus traffic directly in real time on the PC. Not to miss any CAN message CAT Hardware provides 

enough buffer space to store about 50,000 CAN frames. 

The buffer is build up as a circular buffer. When logging more than 50,000 frames the first entries will 

be overwritten (No. of Overflows is displayed in Status Bar). Use the filter possibilities or stop logging 

by time to assure not to loose data by overwriting them. 

The total 50.000 frame buffer on CAT Hardware contains two parts: 

- - the Logging Buffer, 

The logging buffer contains all CAN data that are received from the bus (unless there is no filter) and the 

data that are transmitted by CAT. 

- - the Diagnostic Buffer. 

The diagnostic buffer contains the diagnostic data that are received from the bus (unless there is no filter) 

and the data that are transmitted by CAT. 

The user can configure how much of the total 50.000 frame space is used for the Logging and how 

much for the Diagnostic Buffer. See Buffer Setup for details. 

Being Online the Buffer content is first stored only on the Hardware. Only after uploading the buffer 

there is access to this data in the Offline respectively Diagnostic Offline mode. 



Analyzing Buffer content 

After being Online the Buffer has to be uploaded before there is access to the logged data. Otherwise 

the buffer data are still displayed that has been uploaded before. This could be helpful if a short review 

of the last test is wished before opening the new results. 

Being Offline, after uploading the buffer it is possible to Export Logging Buffer, respectively to Export 

Diagnostic Buffer to save the results of a test. The created files are readable by Excel so the buffer 

content can be analyzed using the typical Excel features. 

Otherwise the user can scroll through the buffer using in CAT Offline respectively Diagnostic Offline 

Mode the: 

- Trace List View 

In the Trace List View every buffer entry is visible. 

- Diagnostic Output 

In the Diagnostic Output every diagnostic related buffer entry is visible. 

- Frame List View 

In the Frame List View only the buffer entries are visible that are defined to be displayed. 

182 

Note: There is no visible scrolling by changing the position of the entries only the data 

change. Have a look to the Status Bar where the time is changing. 

- Signal List View 

In the Signal List View only the buffer entries are visible that are defined to be displayed. Each time 

the same signal has been received again the color of the value character switches from black to red 

and vice versa.

Note: There is no visible scrolling by changing the position of the entries only the data and 

color change. Have a look to the Status Bar where the time is changing. 

- Status Bar 

In the Status Bar every buffer entry is visible. 

To review the buffer content there are several auxiliary features to support the user. The user may use 

hot keys or the scroll bar to scroll one by one or stepwise in a defined step size. See Scrolling Step Size 

for details. To jump directly to certain entries use the command Find It . To reach the Trigger event 

simply press "T" as hot key. 

Do NOT wait when uploading. 

If the information window shown below displaying the status of the buffer upload process should be 

open, shift it to the side and click into the window that shall be used. Then use the hot keys for buffer 

scrolling to review the logged data. 

Although the Upload process is not finished the user can jump to the end of the buffer (using the End 

key). CAT will load immediately the required data. So there is no need to wait for the finish of the 

upload. 

Note: The green bar symbolizes the status of the upload of the logging buffer and the yellow bar 

symbolizes the status of the upload of the diagnostic buffer. 

183

Find It 

CAT provides a search command to allow the user easily to find certain frames in the buffer. Using the 

different possible Views in Offline respectively Diagnostic Offline, the user can open the dialog box 

shown below by activating Commands | Find It ... 

Define the search criteria as described below and press the Find Next button to start the search. Press 

the button again to find the next buffer entry that fulfils the done description. 

Note: If no next entry fits to the defined frame, you will be asked if you want to continue the search 

at the top / bottom of the buffer (depending on search direction). 

ID 

Input the CAN ID of the frame you are looking for. (Here $641: ID of Diagnostic Response to a request 

with ID $241.) 

Note: Let input field blank to search independent of the CAN ID. 

Format 

Input the CAN Format of the frame you are looking for. (STD for standard 11bit ID and XTD for 

extended 29 bit ID) 

Data 

Input the Data Bytes as hexadecimal values of the frame you are looking for. (Here 3 rd Byte = 5A: 

Indicating a positive respond to a diagnostic service $1A request Read Data by ID.) 

Note: Let any of the 8 input fields blank to search independent this field. 

Direction 

Depending on the current location in the buffer you can select if you search for the specified frame 

Down: checking the following frames starting with the most recently received frame after the actual 

positioned frame, 

or Up: checking the preliminary frames starting with the most recently received frame before the actual 

positioned one. 

Find Next 

Press this button to start searching the frame according to the defined description and setup for the 

search algorithm. 

Cancel 

Press Cancel to re-do the inputs that have been done and to close the window. 

184

Note: But you don't have to close the dialog to work on. Just shift it aside to have a free view on the 

main application and shift it back when you need it again. 

185

Diagnostic Offline Analyzing 

186

Diagnostic Offline Window 

In general the Diagnostic Offline Mode is identical to the Offline Mode. The only difference is that Signal List, Frame 

List or Trace List View are not available but the Diagnostic Output window can be opened. 

Choose menu item Commands | Diagnostic Offline to go Diagnostic Offline. See Changing CAT 

Modes for details and how to leave the Diagnostic Offline Mode. Being in Diagnostic Offline Mode it is 

possible to analyze logged data or to do several settings as being in Offline Mode. 

To visualize the diagnostic relevant bus traffic the Diagnostic Output window and the Status Bar can be 

used. 

Choose menu item Windows | Diagnostic View to open/ close the window. 


Otherwise you will still see the buffer data that have been uploaded before. This could be helpful if a 

short review of the last test is wished before opening the new results. See Buffer Handling for details. 

For Analyzing while in the Offline Mode the user must open the: 


The Diagnostic Output window displays all diagnostic relevant frames and data that are acquired if CAT recognizes 

them as Diagnostic data. The data according to the logged data are displayed and interpreted. The data the buffer 

pointer faces are shown on the top of the Diagnostic Output window. 

Status Bar 

The Status Bar displays the most significant data about the CAN bus traffic. In Offline Mode the data according to the 

logged data of the actual buffer entry will be displayed. 

(See also Buffer Handling and Find It) 



187

Tips & Tricks 

188

Hot Keys 

Implemented Hot Keys: 

Note: When the focus of the application is on a Control Window, the first hit on the ESC key closes 

this window. Then the next hit on ESC starts the Offline Mode. 

189

FAQ Installation 

If there is a question that is not answered by this HELP and that is not listed above, please 

use the problem report file on our web page: 

190 

http://www.ime-actia.com 

or send a short description about the problem to I+ME ACTIA. 


info@ime-actia.de

FAQ Offline Setup 

64 bit UNM Unsigned Numeric Signals 

Q1: I would like to setup a 64 bit UNM Unsigned Numeric signal as defined for my system. But there 

are maximal 32 bit adjustable for Unsigned Numeric signals. 

A1: CAT does not support 64 bit UNM Unsigned Numeric signals but there is an easy workaround. 

Setup this particular signals as BCD (packed binary coded) signals. So you can display them with 

hexadecimal values. To display 64 bit UNM Unsigned Numeric signals with decimal values is not 

possible. 

Saving of sessions 

Q2: I tried to save the session, but I couldn't find a SAVE command, instead I used the menu item 

"SAVE AS..." and found after executing the "SAVE AS..." command several times multiple equally 

named sessions. 

A2: You never have to save any of your sessions. As soon as you click on OK of a dialog window, the 

last settings are stored immediately. The "SAVE AS..." command is used as in any other MS 

application, e.g. word. But: The currently opened session can be saved again under same name. You can 

stay with the same session name or change it. The currently open session will not overwrite the old one, 

even if the old and current one have the same name. (This allows to exchange sessions even with the 

same name.) See Session Management in the Online Help for details. 






info@ime-actia.de 

191

FAQ Online Mode 

Bus Status : Error Active 

Q1: Going Online, the status bar displays the bus status (BusSts):Error active . Did a bus error 

occur? 

A1: This is a CAN protocol specific term. The displayed Bus Status is provided by the status flag of 

the CAN chip. Error active is the normal status of the CAN bus communication. It indicates that the 

"CAT" is taking part in the communication of the bus and is allowed to send active error flags 

(dominant). If the bus status would be "Error passive", it would indicate that the "CAT" is still 

taking part on the communication but is only allowed to send passive error flags (recessive). 

See also Introduction to CAN on our Web Page http://www.ime-actia.com for Details. (It takes a while 

to open this site, because of its extensive content.) 



192 




info@ime-actia.de

FAQ Diagnostic Online Mode 







193

FAQ Offline Analyzing 



194 




info@ime-actia.de

FAQ Diagnostic Offline Analyzing 







195

Index 

A 

About I+ME ACTIA ..................................................................................................................... 7 

Activate the Transmission ................................................................................................... 169 

Analyzing Buffer content......................................................................................................... 182 

Application Structure................................................................................................................. 18 

Arrange windows .................................................................................................................... 155 

B 

Basic Steps ............................................................................................................................... 47 

Being Diagnostic Offline............................................................................................................ 52 

Being Diagnostic Online............................................................................................................ 51 

Being Offline ............................................................................................................................. 49 

Being Online ............................................................................................................................. 48 

Bitmap Definition Table............................................................................................................. 88 

Bitmap Table............................................................................................................................. 88 

Boolean..................................................................................................................................... 86 

BS ....................................................................................................................................... 16, 60 

Buffer Handling ....................................................................................................................... 182 

Buffer Setup ............................................................................................................................ 164 

Buffer Upload .......................................................................................................................... 183 

C 

CAN Setup ......................................................................................................................162, 163 

CAT Diagnostic Setup............................................................................................................... 60 

CAT LED................................................................................................................................... 45 

Cause Trigger ......................................................................................................................... 171 

Change Language .................................................................................................................. 159 

Changing CAT Modes.............................................................................................................166 

Circular Buffer ...........................................................................................................16, 164, 182 

Clear Buffer............................................................................................................................. 182 

Clear Trouble Codes............................................................................................................... 135 

Close Session ........................................................................................................................... 70 

Commands................................................................................................................................ 26 

Configurations........................................................................................................................... 26 

Configure Diagnostic Service ................................................................................................. 126 

Configure Filter ....................................................................................................................... 116 

Configure Transmit Conditions ............................................................................................... 120 

Configure Trigger Conditions.................................................................................................. 123 

Copy Database ......................................................................................................................... 57 

Copy Session............................................................................................................................ 55 

CPID Table ............................................................................................................................. 104 

Create a new Session............................................................................................................... 66 

D 

Data Byte/Bit Presentation on the CAN bus ............................................................................. 85 

Database .................................................................................................................................. 76 

Database Management.............................................................................................................57 

Database Template................................................................................................................... 58 

Define Filter............................................................................................................................. 118 

Define Transmit Frames ......................................................................................................... 121 

Define Trigger ......................................................................................................................... 123 

Define Values............................................................................................................................ 98 

Description ................................................................................................................................ 67 

196

Device Control ........................................................................................................................ 142 

Device Control Reset .............................................................................................................. 144 

Diagnostic Data by ID Edit........................................................................................................ 62 

Diagnostic Offline Mode............................................................................................................ 24 

Diagnostic Offline Window...................................................................................................... 187 

Diagnostic Online Analyzing ................................................................................................... 175 

Diagnostic Online Filtering...................................................................................................... 176 

Diagnostic Online Mode............................................................................................................ 23 

Diagnostic Online View............................................................................................................. 35 

Diagnostic Output ..................................................................................................................... 33 

Diagnostics ............................................................................................................................. 126 

Diagnostics Configuration....................................................................................................... 126 

DID List ................................................................................................................................... 113 

Disable Normal Communication ............................................................................................. 149 

Download Information Window ................................................................................................. 41 

DPID List................................................................................................................................. 105 

DPID Signals........................................................................................................................... 107 

DTC List .................................................................................................................................. 111 

E 

ECU..................................................................................................................................... 78, 79 

ECU Template .......................................................................................................................... 59 

Edit Frames............................................................................................................................... 80 

Edit Signals ............................................................................................................................... 82 

Engineering...............................................................................................................................89 

Error Interpretation.................................................................................................................. 180 

Exit ............................................................................................................................................ 74 

Export Diagnostic Buffer ........................................................................................................... 72 

Export Logged Data .................................................................................................................. 71 

Export Logging Buffer ............................................................................................................... 71 

Export Read Data by ID............................................................................................................ 73 

F 

FAQ Diagnostic Offline Analyzing........................................................................................... 195 

FAQ Diagnostic Online Mode ................................................................................................. 193 

FAQ Installation ...................................................................................................................... 190 

FAQ Offline Analyzing............................................................................................................. 194 

FAQ Offline Setup................................................................................................................... 191 

FAQ Online Mode ................................................................................................................... 192 

Filter ........................................................................................................................................ 116 

Filter Definition ........................................................................................................................ 118 

Filter List.................................................................................................................................. 116 

Filtering ................................................................................................................................... 168 

Find Frame.............................................................................................................................. 184 

Find It ...................................................................................................................................... 184 

Frame........................................................................................................................................ 80 

Frame List ............................................................................................................................... 152 

Frame List View ........................................................................................................................ 30 

FSA List................................................................................................................................... 109 

G 

go online.................................................................................................................................. 166 

H 

Hardware Installation ................................................................................................................ 11 

Hot Key ................................................................................................................................... 189 

Hot Keys.................................................................................................................................. 189 

I 

Import Data by ID.................................................................................................................... 137 

197

Initiate Diagnostic Operation................................................................................................... 148 

Installation................................................................................................................................. 11 

Introduction ................................................................................................................................. 5 

L 

Launch Service Diagnostic Online.......................................................................................... 177 

Launch_Diagnostic_Services ................................................................................................. 172 

Layout ...............................................................................................................16, 155, 156, 157 

Layout Settings ....................................................................................................................... 156 

LED Interpretation..................................................................................................................... 45 

M 

Main Diagnostic Launch Table ................................................................................................. 38 

Main Diagnostic Setup............................................................................................................ 126 

Main Window ............................................................................................................................ 26 

N 

New........................................................................................................................................... 66 

O 

Offline Analyzer Mode............................................................................................................. 179 

Offline Mode........................................................................................................................ 21, 22 

Online Actions........................................................................................................................... 20 

Online Analyzing ..................................................................................................................... 167 

Online Diagnostic Launch................................................................................................... 35, 39 

Online Mode.............................................................................................................................. 20 

Open ................................................................................................................................... 11, 68 

Open a Session ........................................................................................................................ 68 

Open Transmit Table .............................................................................................................. 169 

P 

Packed Binary Coded Decimal ................................................................................................. 91 

Padding............................................................................................................................... 16, 60 

Pass Through Filter................................................................................................................. 116 

R 

Read Data by Identifier ........................................................................................................... 136 

Read Data by Packet Identifier ............................................................................................... 139 

Read Failure Record Identifier................................................................................................ 133 

Read Failure Record Parameters ........................................................................................... 134 

Read Memory by Address ...................................................................................................... 141 

Read Trouble Codes............................................................................................................... 130 

Re-install ................................................................................................................................... 14 

Return to Normal Mode........................................................................................................... 150 

S 

Save As..................................................................................................................................... 69 

Scrolling Step Size.................................................................................................................. 160 

Security Access - request seed .............................................................................................. 145 

Security access - send key ..................................................................................................... 146 

Session ..................................................................................................................................... 65 

Session Description .................................................................................................................. 67 

Session Management ............................................................................................................... 55 

Session Template ..................................................................................................................... 56 

Signal .................................................................................................................................. 82, 83 

Signal List ....................................................................................................................... 153, 154 

Signal List View......................................................................................................................... 31 

Signed Integer..................................................................................................................... 93, 94 

Software Installation.................................................................................................................. 10 

ST........................................................................................................................................ 16, 60 

198

State Encode Value Table ........................................................................................................97 

State Encoded Value .......................................................................................................... 95, 96 

State Encoded Value Table Value Definition............................................................................ 98 

Status Bar ................................................................................................................................. 28 

Status Information Windows ..................................................................................................... 40 

String......................................................................................................................................... 99 

System ............................................................................................................................ 9, 18, 44 

System Requirements................................................................................................................. 9 

System Structure ................................................................................................................ 44, 65 

T 

Table Definition ....................................................................................................................... 97 

Templates .....................................................................................................................56, 58, 59 

Terms & Phrases ...................................................................................................................... 16 

Tester Present ........................................................................................................................ 147 

Trace List View ......................................................................................................................... 32 

Transmit .................................................................................................................................. 120 

Transmit Definition .................................................................................................................. 121 

Transmit List ........................................................................................................................... 120 

Transmit Table .......................................................................................................................... 37 

Transmitting ............................................................................................................................ 170 

Trigger............................................................................................................................. 123, 124 

Trigger Configuration .............................................................................................................. 123 

Trigger Definition..................................................................................................................... 123 

Trigger on existing Frames ..................................................................................................... 125 

Triggering................................................................................................................................ 171 

U 

Uninstall .................................................................................................................................... 13 

Unsigned Integer..................................................................................................................... 101 

Upload Information Window...................................................................................................... 42 

Use Frame List........................................................................................................................ 125 

V 

Value Table............................................................................................................................... 97 

Vehicle...................................................................................................................................... 77 

W 

Windows .............................................................................................28, 30, 31, 32, 33, 40, 155 

Windows Arrangement............................................................................................................155 

Write Data by Identifier ........................................................................................................... 137 

199

User´s Manual - I+ME ACTIA GmbH

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