J1939 Simulator FAQ.

[F. N.]

>I'm looking for J1939 simulator which has a CAN interface to connect with a
>PLC.

One of the main applications for Au J1939 simulators is: product test and validation. A PLC or a J1939 device can be connected to an Au J1939 simulator, which generates the same J1939 signals as what are obtained from a real vehicle.

>I want to setup all vehicle parameters on the PC computer and them read >them with PLC (using 29
>bit CAN identifier).

All Au J1939 simulators are stand-alone devices.  All of them can work without a PC.
Parameters can be changed automatically or manually via the push buttons on the device.

However, as an option, a “Remote Terminal” PC software is available to all “Plus” editions. It provides remote control capability to the J1939 device. The “Remote Terminal” PC software also displays simulated values on a computer screen. This feature is useful for product development and validation.

>Is it possible to do it with SIMJ1939-004: Engine Basic+ Edition (1.00A) ?

The “Engine Basic Plus editions (1.00A)” provides 29 most frequently used J1939 parameters.  It includes the remote terminal software. A few of our J1939 clients started to use the “Engine Basic” editions. When they need more features and parameters, they purchased a new license, which can upgrade the device in-field to higher editions.

If you are only interested in engine parameters and don’t worry about the DM1, DM2, DM3 warning messages, I would say the “Engine Basic Plus editions (1.00A)” is a good option to start.

[F. N.]

Hello,
Can you please be kind enough to advise me as I would like to build and ecu simulator tester.As on your website I noticed you sell J1939 imulator unit.If I understand correctly this unit can simulate Signals to the ecu for example the crank and camshaft signal ,engine temp,air temp and so on and you can than   measure or monitor on a pc screen with your software from the J1939 the output signals.

If I miss-understood do except my apology as my electronics is not that good.

I`m basically looking for a circuit that can provide power to the ecu,send all the required signals (input) to the ecu and check if the injectors,spark and fuel pump turn on and drive the ecu to the full Range.

Also my second problem is the immobilizer signal to the ecu ,is there a unit or device you can assist me as if I understand correctly no immo signal the ecu will not turn on.

Greeting xxx,

Our J1939 simulators are different than the device you are looking for.

The Au J1939 simulator generates digital engine data in J1939 format just like a real diesel engine does, but it doesn’t feed any analog or switch signal to an engine.
 

> Signals to the ecu for example the crank and camshaft signal ,engine temp,air temp and so on and you can than   measure or monitor on a pc screen with your software from the J1939 the output signals.

Indeed those signals can be custom made for bench test and demonstration purposes.  Since each engine uses slightly different signals, we don’t make standard signal feed products for engines. But technically, it is doable.
 

> crank and camshaft signal

We have made a few wheel speed signal simulator for OEMs. Crankshaft and camshaft signals can be simulated too.

>I`m basically looking for a circuit that can provide power to the ecu,send all the required signals (input) to the ecu and check if the injectors,spark and fuel pump turn on and drive the ecu to the full Range.

We did exactly the same thing you are looking for on a VW 2VQS gasoline engine ECU and a GM North-star Engine Control Module (ECM) 10 years ago. It is just a matter of cost and time.

> Also my second problem is the immobilizer signal to the ecu ,is there a unit or device you can assist me as if I understand correctly no immo >signal the ecu will not turn on.

It depends on what engine model you are looking for. A simple solution is getting the authorized key and related devices.

We have recently successfully simulated the Immobilizer function on a major OEM engine ECU.

[Mikeduan]

Where would I find a complete list of J1939 messages sent from the Au Electronics simulators?

There are two major online resources from which you can find full list of Au J1939 simulator supported parameters:
 
1. main web site:
http://www.auelectronics.com/System-J1939Simulator.htm
(A simplified user manual can be found at this web link:  http://www.auelectronics.com/UserManual-SAE-J1939Simulator.htm )
 
2. Online store:
http://www.auelectronics.com/products/system/simj1939.html?limit=all
 
Online store also provides detail info for each single edition, such as:
http://www.auelectronics.com/products/system/simj1939/simj1939-012.html
 
For example, you can find the following information for SIMJ1939-012:
 

"The SIMJ1939-012, Au SAE J1939 Simulator 2.00A Vehicle Platinum Plus Edition (Ra), can generate SAE J1939 signal for up to three controller applications (CA): Engine, ABS and Transmission. It includes all Vehicle Platinum Edition functions, plus the following capabilities:
1. Display simulated J1939 information on a PC screen
2. Remote control capability from a PC.

The following J1939 parameters and features are supported:
Engine Speed (RPM)
Wheel Based Vehicle Speed (MPH)
Engine Total Hours of Operation
Response Request for Engine Total Hours of Operation
Engine Clock
Response for Engine Clock Request
Engine Clock setup
Engine Oil Pressure
Engine Coolant Temperature
Battery Potential (Voltage) Switched
SAE J1939 Fuel Level
Engine Turbocharger Boost Pressure
Engine Instant Fuel Economy
Engine Fuel Rate
Accelerator Pedal Position
Engine Intake Manifold 1 Temperature
Engine Load % at Current Speed
Engine Trip Distance
Total Vehicle Distance
Cruise light
Engine Address Claim
Engine Address CANNOT Claim
Engine Response Request for Address Claim
Engine Address Conflict Response with Contention
SAE-J1939 Acknowledge protocol
Engine DM1
Water in fuel Indicator
Engine Oil Temperature
Engine Fuel Temperature (F)
Engine Oil Level (%)
Engine Coolant Pressure (PSI)
Engine Coolant Level (%)
Engine IS (Idle Shutdown) has Shutdown Engine
Engine IS Driver Alert Mode
Engine IS Timer Override
Engine IS Timer State
Engine IS Timer Function
A/C High Pressure Fan Switch
Refrigerant Low Pressure Switch
Refrigerant High Pressure Switch
Engine Wait to Start Lamp
EPS (Engine Protection System)has Shutdown Engine
EPS Approaching shutdown
EPS Timer Override
EPS Timer State
EPS Configuration
Engine Alarm Acknowledge
Engine Alarm Output Command Status
Engine Air Shutoff Command Status
Engine Overspeed Test
Engine Air Inlet Pressure
Engine Exhaust Gas Temperature
Actual Engine - Percent Torque
Nominal Friction - Percent Torque
Engine Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Mass Flow Rate (MFR)
Engine Inlet Air Mass Flow Rate (MFR)
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
Response for VIN global request
Response for VIN specific request
SAE-J1939 Transport Protocol: TP.CM.BAM, TP.DT
SAE-J1939 Transport Protocol: TP.CM.RTS, TP.CM.CTS, TP.DT, TP.CM.EndOfMsgACK, TP.Conn.Abort
Engine DM1 Warning On/Off control
Engine DM2 On/Reset control
Engine Red Stop Lamp On/Off
Engine Amber Lamp On/Off
Water in fuel Indicator On/Off
Engine DM1 Single-Packet warning (e.g. Low Battery Voltage, etc.)
Engine DM1 Multi-packet warnings
Engine DM2 Single-Packet warning
Engine DM2 Multi-Packet warnings
Response for DM2 global request
Response for DM2 specific request
Engine DM3
Engine Configuration
ABS address claim
ABS Address CANNOT Claim
ABS Response Request for Address Claim
ABS Address Conflict Response with Contention
ABS Red Stop Lamp On/Off
ABS Amber Lamp On/Off
ABS DM1 (No warning or 1 warning)
ABS Heart-beat PGN-EBC1
Transmission address claim
Transmission Address CANNOT Claim
Transmission Response Request for Address Claim
Transmission Address Conflict Response with Contention
Transmission Oil Temperature
Transmission Red Stop Lamp On/Off
Transmission Amber Lamp On/Off
Transmission DM1 (No warning or 1 warning)
Transmission Heart-beat PGN-ETC1"

[Mikeduan]

>Q: Do your J1939 simulators look to attached equipment like the ECM on a Kenworth type truck?
>Or are they intended for automotive ECM J1939 simulations?

The Au J1939 simulators mimic the J1939 signals from ECMs on a real truck/Diesel Engines. It can work as a standalone device without software installation or CAN bus configuration. Signals can be changed via push buttons on the device or the device can be put into a dynamic mode, in which the device automatically cycles data in a SAE defined range. An optional PC "Remote Terminal" (which displays simulated data on a PC screen) is recommended for new product developments and validations.

All 12 editions of Au J1939 simulators are designed strictly per SAE J1939 protocols which are widely used on On-highway trucks including Kenworth. Up to three CA (Controller Applications) can be simulated at the same time: Engine, ABS, transmission.

Kenworth used to use Cummins Diesel engines, now they formed a joint venture with Cummins to make their own brand of diesel engines. We know Cummins did a good job of implementing the SAE J1939 recommended practices. So, at the signal level, the J1939 signals from the Au J1939 simulators are identical to what are generated by the diesel ECMs which implements the same standard.

>I have a piece of equipment that polls information from a heavy truck ECM, and we are looking for a better way of testing it than driving around in a heavy truck.

This is one of the purposes for Au J1939 simulators: new product development and testing.

Au J1939 simulator wasn’t designed to totally get rid of the in-field test; however it does help reducing the total development and test time for new products.

Our recommended approach is: spend about 70~80% of test time with Au J1939 simulator to make sure everything works fine in an office environment. Then move forward to test in the field. This step-by-step approach should help developer concentrating more on the design and reduce the testing/debugging complexity at the early stage. The finial in-field test is always recommended for new products. With Au J1939 simulator, the total developing and testing time can be significantly reduced.

Overall, With the AU J1939 simulator, you should be able to verify/test most of the parameters in your lab or office without driving the truck around. After most of the data/parameters are tested in the lab/office, you can do the finial test on the trucks. This approach will save a lot of test time and fuel/labor cost.

[Mikeduan]

>I have a 1939 simulator and need to upgrade it to engine basic plus to allow the software provided to work with the simulator what do I need to do to upgrade.

You can upgrade your J1939 Simulator from “engine basic non-plus edition” to “engine basic plus edition" by ordering the upgrade code (Au Group Electronics Item # : LICJ1939-003) from one of the following links:

http://www.auelectronics.com/products/system/simj1939/licj1939-003.html

http://www.auelectronics.com/System-J1939Simulator.htm

After payment is received, a new license code will be sent to you through both email and a mail.

The new license code will enable you to upgrade your unit from "Engine Basic Non-plus Edition" to “Engine Basic Plus Edition" by using the “License management software”, which can be found in the SIMJ1939 software disc.

Here is a step by step user’s guide about how to use the license management software:

http://www.auelectronics.com/UserManual-SAE-J1939_Simulator_License_Management.htm

[Mikeduan]

Also, is there a reason why FMS specs such as 'Current Gear' are not offered on the J1939 simulator?

No particular reason. The J1939 simulator was originally designed for on-highway vehicles. By the time the J1939 simulator was designed, the 'Current Gear' wasn't on the parameter list or on the wish list.  We can add this parameter to the J1939 simulator wish list, so it can be considered in future releases.

[Mikeduan]

> What is the node ID of this device?  SIMJ1939-004

Since the Engine Basic Plus edition of Au J1939 simulator generates engine signal, the SAE assigned “engine (0)” source address is used.
Same source address (node ID) “engine - 0” is used for the Engine Premium editions.
For Vehicle Platinum editions, since the simulator generates three controller applications (CA) signals: Engine, ABS and Transmission. There are three source addresses (node ID) used as:
1. Engine: 0
2. ABS: 11
3. Transmission: 3

[F. N.]

The following video demonstrates the J1939 signal is used to drive traditional gauge (through a third party gauge driver):

SIMJ1939_Meter.wmv

In the video,  a coolant temperature gauge and a tachometer is used.

[F. N.]

Customized Au SAE J1939 Simulator for Bendix ABS ECU



Full product info are available at our online store:
SIMJ1939-015: Customized Au SAE J1939 Simulator for Bendix ABS ECU Au Group Electronics

Introduction

The customized Au SAE J1939 simulator for the Bendix ABS ECU (part# SIMJ1939-015) is a standalone, palm-size device capable of generating SAE J1939 signals dedicated for the Bendix ABS ECU. The device can be connected to J1939 network and +12V power supply via the 9-pin DB9 male “BUS” connector.

The Bendix ABS is widely used in today’s on-highway trucks/vehicles. To test full functions of the Bendix ABS without error codes, the same J1939 data as what present on a truck must be fed into the Bendix ABS ECU. The customized Au SAE-J1939 simulator (SIMJ1939-015) is designed to generate all of these required J1939 signals without the present of these expensive vehicle controllers. This device is custom designed for regular Bendix ABS ECU and special configured Bendix ABS ECU, such as: Hill Start Aid Configured ABS systems, Volvo configured ABS systems, special EAC prototype configured ABS systems, etc. Optional customized VIN number feature can also be ordered for Advanced ABS6 system.

Major Features
• SAE J1939-15 Type II ECU: contains an internal 120 ohm terminal resistor for easy network setup
• Common-Mode Choke and TVS (Transient Voltage Suppressor) protection on CAN bus
• Compact size: 4-1/8" L X 1-3/4"W X 7/8”H
• Enclosure color: Black or PC white
• Operating temperature: -40 ˚F to 185 ˚F (-40 ˚C to 85 ˚C)
• Power supply: +9V~+12V DC, 250mA max.
• 9 LED indicators
• 1 buzzer and 3 push buttons
• 1 DB9 Male "BUS" Interface
• Ease of use: No software setup experience is required; no CAN protocol configuration skill is required. After power connection and a J1939 network is physically connected, it will automatically generate the J1939 signals required by Bendix ABS ECU.
• Annual support and minor upgrade services are available (SVS-SIM-J1939)
• Optional VIN assignment feature is available.

Operation
To operate this device, simply connect the power supply and the J1939/CAN network, then the device will work.

A four-wire cable (e.g. Au Part#: CBL-CAN-01, order separately) can be used for the power supply and the SAE J1939 network connection.

After power on, The Power LED and Range LED on the device will lit up; the Top LED line (including seven LEDs: “Warning, ▼0%, 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%,▲100%”) will blink from the left to the right indicating the device is functioning.

The push buttons, buzzer, and RS232 connector is not used at normal operation.

[F. N.]

Customized Au SAE J1939 Simulator for Wabco ABS ECU.
This is A standalone, palm-size device capable of generating SAE J1939 signals dedicated for the Wabco ABS ECU.
SIMJ1939-016: Customized Au SAE J1939 Simulator for Wabco ABS ECU




Introduction

The customized Au SAE J1939 simulator for the Wabco ABS ECU (part# SIMJ1939-016), is a standalone, palm-size device capable of generating SAE J1939 signals dedicated for the Wabco ABS ECU. The device can be connected to J1939 network and +12V power supply via the 9-pin DB9 male “BUS” connector.

The Wabco ABS is widely used in today’s on-highway trucks/vehicles. To test full functions of the Wabco ABS without error codes, the same J1939 data as what present on a truck must be fed into the Wabco ABS ECU. The customized Au SAE-J1939 simulator (SIMJ1939-016) is designed to generate all of these required J1939 signals without the present of these expensive vehicle controllers. This device is custom designed for regular Wabco ABS ECU.

Major Features
• SAE J1939-15 Type II ECU: contains an internal 120 ohm terminal resistor for easy network setup
• Common-Mode Choke and TVS (Transient Voltage Suppressor) protection on CAN bus
• Compact size: 4-1/8" L X 1-3/4"W X 7/8”H
• Enclosure color: Black or PC white
• Operating temperature: -40 ˚F to 185 ˚F (-40 ˚C to 85 ˚C)
• Power supply: +9V~+12V DC, 250mA max.
• 9 LED indicators
• 1 buzzer
• 3 push buttons
• 1 DB9 Male "BUS" Interface
• Ease of use: No software setup experience is required; no CAN protocol configuration skill is required. After power connection and a J1939 network is physically connected, it will automatically generate the J1939 signals required by Wabco ABS ECU.
• Annual support and minor upgrade services are available (SVS-SIM-J1939)


Operation
To operate this device, simply connect the power supply and the J1939/CAN network, then the device will work.

A four-wire cable (e.g. Au Part#: CBL-CAN-01, order separately) can be used for the power supply and the SAE J1939 network connection.

After power on, The Power LED and Range LED on the device will lit up; the Top LED line (including seven LEDs: “Warning, ▼0%, 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%,▲100%”) will blink from the left to the right indicating the device is functioning.

The push buttons, buzzer, and RS232 connector is not used at normal operation.

[F. N.]

To response a common question:
"CAN Au J1939 simulator drive third party gauge drive device?"
A you tube video is released:

SIMJ1939_Meter.wmv

[F. N.]

Caterpillar diesel engines uses different protocols, on-highway engines uses SAE J1939 protocols, off highway engines uses CDL, some of the marine engines use J1939 too.

Older engines used the ATA (American Trucking Association) data link, then CDL (CAT data link) was introduced. CDL is not used on all but a very few of the engines and controls, such as some of the excavators, some hydraulics controls, and some early transmission shift controls. But it's likely if it got designed by CAT E&E, it has CDL. Older engines and controls used the ATA data link for installing flash files when they came out (instead of doing hardware/chip changes). CAT then started using the J1939 data link, this is similar to CAN BUS. Newer engines use the J1939 to flash, and the field programming interface is now J1939. None of the engine or machine controls directly have MODBUS RTU or TCPIP. CAT originally used the CCM (Customer Communications Module) with a ASCII serial output protocol called M5X. It was not a user friendly protocol and folks like Monico and Millie came to make good money converting M5X to Modbus RTU. The PL1000 is the latest communication interface, there is a version to replace the CCM, and version that has enhanced capability to directly provide Modbus RTU or Modbus TCPIP. The EMCP 3.X control panels communicate with the engine ECM's via J1939, and can provide Modbus RTU data.

[Mikeduan]

Thanks a lot for yout last support.

I have been working with the AU J1939 Simulator and everything is fine.

New topic:
I want to test (in lab) the code I wrote for the J1939 "Claim Address Process" and I want to know if it is possible that the AU J1939 Simulator responds to the "Claim Address messages" that I send to the CAN bus.

Thanks in advance,

The Au J1939 simulator only response to address claim for engine (ABS and Transmission for Vehicle Platinum editions), which is (are) the source address(es) used by the simulator.

According to J1939 protocol, if another node try to declare the same source address on the network, the Au Simulator will enter bus contention procedure, if it loss the address arbitration, it will send “address CANNOT claim” and keep quiet thereafter.

The following are feature implemented in Au Simulators which are related to source address:
“Engine Address Claim
Engine Address CANNOT Claim
Engine Response Request for Address Claim
Engine Address Conflict Response with Contention”

[Mikeduan]

I am writing a program to pickup DM1 (65226) (0xFECA) warning lamp status data.  I was using your simulator (Vehicle Platinum Edition) and a CAN packet analyzer. I set your simulator in steps 1-9% to give me a simulated signal for SPN 168 and activate Engine Amber lamp. For this, the simulator appears to output three different frames.

Could you tell me what 18FECA0B and  18FECA03 means ?   

18FECA0B800FF00000000FFFF
other frames
........................
18FECA00804FFA8000101FFFF
other frames
..................
18FECA03800FF00000000FFFF

I can see that the second frame contains the data for SPN168 (0xA8).

I bought the standards document number 21, 71, 73 but could not clearly establish what makes PS and PF. I can see that it is PDU format and PDU Specific but I can't see reference to what they mean or how they are generated.

0xFECA is PGN65226, 0x0B and 0x03 are source address of ABS (Brakes-System Controller) and Transmission. 0x00 is source address of Engine.
18FECA0B… This PGN is from ABS,
18FECA00… This PGN is from Engine,
18FECA03… This PGN is from Transmission,
All above PGN (PF=0xFE, PS=0xCA, SA=0xnn) are PGN 65226-DM1, but from different controller. The source address (Please refer to SAE J1939-21 section 5.2.6) is used to identify the sender information on each PGN.

5.2.6  Source Address (SA)
The Source Address field is 8 bits long.  There shall only be one device on the network with a given source address.  Therefore, the source address field assures that the CAN identifier is unique, as required by CAN.  Address management and allocation is detailed in SAE J1939-81.  Procedures are  defined in SAE J1939-81 to prevent duplication of source addresses.  Reference SAE J1939 Appendix B, Tables B2 through B9, for source address assignments.   

[Mikeduan]

Hello,

We would like to purchase one of your J1939 Simulators to help us design some software that will be used on automotive trucks. We will be using it to help us understand the packets and to ensure our software can correctly read and hopefully write to the network.

It doesn’t look like we will need the platinum edition as we are not dealing with the ABS or transmission so we would need either the Basic or Premium in the plus editions. The major difference between the 2 seems to be the ability to have multi packet warnings and being able to send requests? Please correct me if i am incorrect we are only just starting to get into the J1939 part of CAN comms.

The Engine Basic Editions only have the most frequently used Engine data and they don’t support engine warning function.
The Engine Premium editions have all “Engine Basic” functions plus Engine Warning Information (DM1, DM2, DM3).

Are we able to look at all the packets that the simulator is producing like the DCS system outputs? This is something that would be very helpful

No. The Engine Premium Plus edition (and all Plus editions) only display the result on the graphic user interface, it doesn’t provide “CAN Bus raw data capture and display” function on the J1939 network.
A few of our J1939 simulator clients also get the DCS at the same time when they buy the J1939 simulator, so, they will not only have a J1939 signal source, but also a CAN capture tool (the Au J1939 Data center) to debug their CAN devices.

Something we are interested in is actual engine rpm, does this mean we would need to get v2.00?

No. Engine RPM is supported in release V1.00.