Help Center - CANalyzer Level 2

The generator block is a simple and easy way to send messages out on the bus.  Messages are entered into the generator block either by identifier (if no database is associated) or by symbolic message name.  Messages in the G block are then sent out based on the triggering conditions, either on an event or periodically.  Changes cannot be made to this block during measurement runtime.

How is this block configured?

Transmit List - Configuration of the contents of the G block can be accessed by double clicking on the G block, or by right-clicking and selecting Configuration of Transmit List.

• Adding a message to the transmit list
  • With a database associated
    • With the Generator Sendlist window open, click the Symbol button
    • Select the message you want from the messages list
    • Click OK

  • Without a database associated
    • With the Generator Sendlist window open, enter the hexadecimal ID of the message to be sent. (There is no need to place “0x” in front of the identifier, doing so will cause an error box appear)
    • Enter the DLC of the message
    • Enter the data bytes contained in the message

• Adding an Error Frame to the Transmit List
  • Click the Error Frame button to add an error frame to the transmit list
  • Adding a Remote frame to the Transmit List
  • Click the Remote Frame button
    Enter the ID

Triggering - Configuration of Triggering is configured by right-clicking and selecting Configuration of triggering.

What are the triggering conditions for this block?

• On a Keystroke
  Every time a defined key is pressed on the keyboard, the generator block will output the message.
• Cyclically
  A timer is defined in milliseconds, and the message is output upon the timer expiration.
• On a Message
• Each time the defined message appears on the bus, the G block is triggered to send a message
• The message can be sent directly after the message, or a delay in milliseconds can be added.

The default selection for triggering is repetitive, where the message is transmitted every time the event occurs.  This can also be changed to single if you want to be sure the event happens once and only once during the measurement.

What types of data can a Generator block send?

Generator blocks can send Messages, Error Frames, and Remote Frames.

Where can Generator blocks be placed in the measurement setup window?

Generator blocks can be placed on a “hot spot” in the transmit branch to send information out to the bus, or placed within the analysis branch to output data to the measurement windows.

Can I place more than one Generator Block in the measurement?

Yes, you can have as many generator blocks as you need. 

What is the waveform generator?

The waveform generator will automatically fill in a G block with the message listing from a customized waveform.

How does it work?

With a database associated, the user grabs a message and sets the rise, hold and fall period.  The generator then fills the generator block with the necessary periodic messages required to output the signal in that fashion.

Can I setup a Generator block to send more than one message at a time?

No.  The G block send list is sequential so it sends one event each time it is triggered.  In order to send two events at the same time you will either need to create more than one G block and match the trigger setting of the first block, or use an Interactive Generator Block.

Can I import/export information about the Generator Block?

Yes.  Generator block information files are stored with the extension .gen.  The .gen file stores the transmit list as well as the triggering conditions of the block.  Import and export features are available by right-clicking on a G block.