Global Manpower Development

Troubleshooting Controller
Area Network (CAN) Data
links using 152-7213 (Fluke 123)
scopemeter

Dan Kentner - Machine Electrical/Electronics

Global Manpower Development
Text Reference
11/08 -2- Troubleshooting CAN Data Links

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2_1
Controller Area Network (CAN) is a serial bus that connects multiple ECUs, or
nodes, together to send or receive messages in order to facilitate correct machine/
engine operation. This data link consists of two copper wires twisted as a pair,
with approximately one twist per inch (40 twists per meter). Often this twisted pair
is shielded, but not always. One wire of the pair is designated as CAN High (+),
and the other wire is designated as CAN Low (-). CAN data links transfer real time
communication between ECUs, displays, service tools, and other components that
require network communication for proper operation. A typical CAN bus is illustrated
above.

CAN is a simple two-wire differential serial bus—information is transferred using

a differential voltage between CAN High and CAN Low. Voltages of both CAN
High and CAN Low are relative to shield or ground. The formula used to define the
relationship of the differential to these relative voltages is:

CANdiff = CANhigh - CANlow

CAN busses can have one of two logic states—dominant and recessive. Typically,
the voltage level associated with recessive (logic state “1”) is 2.5 V for CAN High and
Low. Voltage levels for dominant information (logic state “0”) are 3.5 V for CAN high
and 1.5 V for CAN low. The voltage level on the bus is recessive (2.5 V) when the
bus is idle.

The CAN bus is terminated with a 120 ohm resistor on each end. These resistors
aid in keeping the total circuit impedance to 60 ohms (two 120 ohm resistors in
parallel=60 ohms).
© 2008 Caterpillar Inc.
11/08 -3- Troubleshooting CAN Data Links

3_1
The CAN bus carries signals in opposite directions in order to minimize noise
interruption that can occur. As one phase of the bus enters a rise time for bit
transmission, the other phase enters a fall time for bit transmission. The resultant
waveform looks like a box-shaped signal when viewed on the scope (see photo
above).

The time required for tracking down and solving root causes on a CAN bus can be
difficult and time-consuming, especially on machines that contain multiple ECUs.
Determining root causes becomes a problem if communication is not possible due
to faults in the bus system, and more powerful diagnostic tools like the 152-7213
Scopemeter are required.

Many faults on a CAN bus are due to physical problems, such as poorly terminated
busses, poor signal quality due to high electromagnetic interference, incorrectly
installed cables, and dirty or corroded pins and sockets. A technician can quickly
reveal these problems using a Scopemeter.

NOTE: Troubleshooting CAN data links on CAT machines using a 152-7213

Scopemeter is intended for advanced technicians that have a solid fundamental
knowledge of electronic systems, as well as the ability to learn and use basic
functions of the Scopemeter. An advanced technician should be able to read and
comprehend the instructions that are included with the Scopemeter and perform
the tasks necessary for viewing, moving, and interpreting the CAN signal.

© 2008 Caterpillar Inc.

11/08 -4- Troubleshooting CAN Data Links

2 1

4_1

4_2
To view the data link signal for an application, a technician will need a couple of
fabricated tools. One can easily make the test leads shown in the top photograph.
Each lead consists of a 186-3736 Deutsch socket terminated on one end (1), and a
7N-7779 Sure Seal socket on the other end of the wire (2). These leads enable a
technician to access the recessed Deutsch pin at the Service Tool Connector, as well
as firmly hold the test leads of the meter.

Once the leads are fabricated, connect both A and B inputs of the Scopemeter to the
CAN terminals at the Service Tool Connector. These terminals are usually terminal
F and terminal G of the connector (bottom photo). Both shielded leads will need
to have the ground leads with an alligator clip (included with meter) connected to
Ground (terminal B), as indicated by the arrow in the bottom photo.

NOTE: Do not use the Common connection of the Scopemeter when performing
measurements. Use the black ground leads that attach to the shielded leads for
inputs A and B of the meter.

Viewing the signal at the Service Tool Connector provides quick and easy access
for a technician to view the CAN signal. This can help a technician quickly identify
whether or not a physical fault exists on the bus before the labor intensive task
of disconnecting the plugs at all ECUs and testing for faults (as outlined in the
Troubleshooting Guide). The time saved by viewing the signal at the Service Tool
Connector to verify that a physical fault actually exists before troubleshooting further
will more than pay for the cost of the Scopemeter in the long run.

© 2008 Caterpillar Inc.

11/08 -5- Troubleshooting CAN Data Links

5_1
The photograph above shows a healthy CAN signal. Notice that the rise and fall
times (arrows) of each bit appear to be vertical. Rise and fall times are determined
in 1/32 bit time. Rise or fall times greater than 5/32 of total bit time are considered = 15%
to be a bus fault. The vertical rise and fall times in the photo indicate a healthy CAN
signal with no physical faults present on the bus.

Measuring rise and fall times of a signal is very difficult to do with the 152-7213, and
some estimation is required. Fortunately, very minor bus faults will greatly influence
the shape of the CAN signal, eliminating the need to measure rise and fall times.
The faults that affect the CAN signal and their shape will be discussed in greater
detail on the following pages.

© 2008 Caterpillar Inc.

11/08 -6- Troubleshooting CAN Data Links

6_1
The above photo shows CAN Low (Input A) and CAN High (Input B) separated from
each other. Notice that the zero reference lines (arrows) have been moved from their
original locations depicted on the previous page. This is not necessary to do during
troubleshooting—This has been done to provide ease of identification of the signals.
Also note the settings at the bottom of the Scopemeter screen. The waveform
has been enlarged to 1 V per division, and the time base has been reduced to 10
microseconds per division. This has been done to zoom in on a section of the signal
for ease of viewing. Trigger parameters are set on Free Run (default) and Auto
Range triggering has been set to 1 Hz in order to slow down signal measurements.

The above photo also shows the relationship of the two signals. As CAN Low (1)
rises during the bit time, CAN High (2) falls during the bit time.

If a diagnostic code (Abnormal Update Rate or Special Instruction) for CAN data link
is present, and the signal looks healthy, then it is most likely that the code is not due
to a physical fault on the bus. Software issues may be the root cause. Contact your
Technical Communicator for further assistance.

© 2008 Caterpillar Inc.

11/08 -7- Troubleshooting CAN Data Links

7_1
This signal was taken while troubleshooting an FMI 09 (Abnormal Update Rate).
The above signal indicates an abnormal signal on the data link. Note how the rise
and fall times are extended to nearly 100% of the total bit time. Also notice that the
voltage level for CAN High (Input B) appears normal, but the voltage level on CAN
Low appears to be higher than normal. The signal indicates a physical fault, and
the voltage levels indicated led to further inspection of the CAN Low section of the
bus. The root cause of this failure was additional resistance on CAN Low due to a
corroded wire.

© 2008 Caterpillar Inc.

11/08 -8- Troubleshooting CAN Data Links

8_1
The above photo clearly indicates an abnormal state on the data link. Note the
voltage levels for both data links are idle, and there are no bits of data to view on the
screen. Root cause for this failure was CAN Low shorted to CAN High in a branch
of the data link.

© 2008 Caterpillar Inc.

11/08 -9- Troubleshooting CAN Data Links

9_1
This photo shows the voltage for CAN Low to be 0 V, and voltage on CAN High to be
lower than normal. The data signal for CAN High is also very irregular, with sharp
spikes on the rise times of the bits (arrow). It would be logical to troubleshoot the
more severe of the two faults, so CAN Low should be the first fault to be investigated.
The root cause of this fault was a short to ground on CAN Low. After repairing the
fault, both signals returned to their normal state.

© 2008 Caterpillar Inc.

11/08 -10- Troubleshooting CAN Data Links

10_1
This above signal did not present itself at first glance. Data seemed to be normal, but
an FMI 09 (Abnormal Update Rate) was still present. Erratic data then appeared only
intermittenly on the screen, leading to a suspected intermittent fault. The waveform
on the screen was then manually moved to the right in order to view more of the
signal bandwidth, and the erratic signal on the left appeared. This clearly indicates a
physical fault rather than an intermittent fault; the full bandwidth of the signal needed
to be explored in order to find it. A ten pound pull test on the data link wires revealed
an open on CAN High at the Engine ECU due to the wire not being fully inserted into
the connector.

© 2008 Caterpillar Inc.

11/08 -11- Troubleshooting CAN Data Links

Conclusion

Troubleshooting data links using a Scopemeter seems like a daunting task,

especially when working with a Scopemeter for the first time. The 152-7213 (Fluke
123) is user friendly, and has a wide variety of functions that enable the user to view
a signal’s full bandwidth in great detail. It also aids the technician in determining
communication loss from software or configuration problems. Other uses for a
Scopemeter are intermittent fault detection, IVA rail pressure tracing, passive speed
sensor troubleshooting, and more. More articles will be written in the future as these
procedures are validated.

It is important for a technician to become familiar with the Scopemeter before

performing any real world troubleshooting. Read the manual thoroughly, and work
with simple circuits and signals at first. One should try different functions on the
meter to become familiar with manipulating and moving the signal waveform. A
little practice will go a long way in improving one’s skill and confidence, as well as
reducing repair times.

© 2008 Caterpillar Inc.