OEM Scan Tools - GM - MDI

Product Overview

The ETAS VCI Vehicle Communication Interface is the newest generation, high-performance interface between a control PC and vehicle ECU networks, based on leading edge MVCI (Modular VCI) industry-standards technology. The VCI provides a powerful platform for supporting advanced vehicle diagnostics, ECU reprogramming and other functions. The VCI supports virtually all vehicle interface protocols and OEM diagnostic connector pin-outs in use today and has update and expansion capability for future growth as new protocols are introduced. The VCI can communicate with multiple vehicle ECUs simultaneously enabling sophisticated system-level diagnostics.

The ETAS VCI communicates with a host (client) computer using high-speed wired or wireless interfaces for flexible configuration and support of multiple system topologies. The wireless communication interface provides for enhanced ergonomics and freedom from interface cables. The ETAS VCI firmware is built on a powerful industry-proven RTOS and its functionality includes J2534 pass-thru/gateway, D-PDU API interface, multiple diagnostic and host session management, secure host communications, protocol drivers, built-in data logging, and is field updateable.

Functions at a Glance

    * Powerful vehicle communications platform
    * D-PDU and J2534 compliant
    * Customizable for unique OEM requirements High performance processor
    * Allows for simultaneous communication on
    * multiple vehicle links
    * Secure access to vehicle networks
    * Industry-standard host interfaces
    * Point-to-point or network connection
    * Supports Java and C++ runtime environments
    * Customizable vehicle communication interfaces
    * Adaptable to vehicle diagnostic connector

System Architecture

A VCI-based automotive diagnostic system consists of a host computer, the VCI hardware and firmware, and the diagnostic (or service) application software. The ETAS VCI is a microprocessor-based module that provides the gateway between the host computer and the vehicle ECU network. The VCI provides data transfer between the host computer and the vehicle ECUs and controls vehicle functions via the vehicles diagnostic connector. Communications with the host can be either wired or wireless. Communications with the vehicle ECU can be via a variety and multitude of physical communication links and protocols present on todays vehicles. The ETAS VCI can be upgraded in the field to support future vehicle interface requirements. The VCI is highly configurable in both wired and wireless networks and thus can be adapted
to support various system topologies.

An internal MMC/SD card slot provides secure mass storage memory and is expandable by opening the
VCI and replacing the SD card. Provisions are included for in-field protocol expansion when a new vehicle
communication interface is needed or an existing one needs to be upgraded. The processor and memory
can also be upgraded and/or customized to meet specific requirements. Operational ride-through of momentary power interruptions is provided by an optional battery pack.

ETAS Services

The ETAS Group has more than 20 years of experience in the development of quality diagnostic equipment.
As a technical and industry leader, the ETAS Group is committed to working with each OEM to identify and support critical program success factors. The VCI is designed as a platform for customizable hardware and firmware that can be partitioned per the OEMs unique requirements. It is able to interface to an OEM?s existing runtime and authoring environments and can be integrated with existing OEM shop data.
ETAS offers dedicated global customer sales and support staff experienced in vehicle development and service to achieve the VCI solution with the best price and the best performance for our customers.

Please contact our local experts to discuss your VCI application in detail.

Software Integration

The ETAS VCI implements the emerging MVCI software architecture. This architecture also supports J2534 and RP1210A pass-thru functionality for J2534 and RP1210A client applications. The intent of this architecture is to abstract the lower-level details of the vehicle communication protocols from the application thereby facilitating exchange of VCI hardware and software among diagnostic applications. In addition, the use of ODX (open diagnostic data exchange) allows a common method of exchanging and sharing vehicle and ECU data. The VCI layer physically interfaces with the vehicle networks and provides ECU communication protocol processing functions for all supported protocols. The VCI interfaces with the MVCI D-Server via the D-PDU API (diagnostic protocol data unit API). For systems without an MVCI D-Server, the application can interface directly with the VCI via either the D-PDU J2534 or RP1210A APIs. The D-PDU API has advanced features beyond J2534 and RP1210A, allowing for complete abstraction of all ECU protocol information (physical, data link, network, and transport layers) from the client application.

Compliance to Standards
ETAS is a major contributor to the MVCI and SAE standards activities. The ETAS VCI fully complies with ISO/ CD 22900-1 Road Vehicles Modular VCI Part 1: Hardware design requirements: Mechanical compliance. It also fulfils the requirements for Software Compliance (Tier 1) and Electrical Compliance (Tier 2).

What You See
The ETAS VCI has been designed with ergonomic features that facilitate its daily use in the automotive service environment. These features include:

    * Contoured design
    * Highly-visible LEDs indicate VCI status-at-a-glance.
    * Recessed On/Off switch prevents accidental activation.
    * Connectorized interface cables for easy removal/ replacement.
    * Rubber end-boots provide VCI and vehicle protection.
    * In-line design vehicle cables on one side, PC cables on the other.

Hardware Characteristics

The ETAS VCI hardware features a modular, flexible architecture which promotes low risk for systems integration and is future growth capable. The VCI hardware consists of a high-performance microprocessor, memory, power supply with battery back-up, and the following interfaces: vehicle I/O, host computer and user. The VCI is completely connectorized to facilitate cable replacement without disassembling the VCI.