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How do I create mappings and understand mapping types in the Advanced Configuration Tool (ACT)?

10 Oct 2024

In this third part of the ACT Tool video series, we explore the process of creating mappings and understanding the different types of mappings in the Advanced Configuration Tool (ACT). These mapping types are crucial for configuring communication between devices in your CAN and CAN FD networks. The video tutorial demonstrates how to utilize ACT’s drag-and-drop feature to efficiently create and manage mappings.

APPLICABLE PRODUCTS

CANnector Series, FRC Series Gateways, Advanced Configuration Tool (ACT)

ISSUE / QUESTION / SYMPTOM

How do I create mappings and understand mapping types in the Advanced Configuration Tool (ACT)?

POSSIBLE CAUSES / ANSWER

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Watch the video to learn more...

 

Creating mappings and selecting the right mapping type is essential when configuring communication in the ACT Tool for CANnector or FRC Gateways. This guide walks you through how to set up standard mappings and explains the different mapping types available in ACT.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Creating Standard Mappings:

  • Open your project in the Advanced Configuration Tool (ACT).
  • Navigate to the Mapping section within the tool.
  • Use the drag-and-drop feature to map communication channels between devices in your CAN or CAN FD networks.
  • You can create mappings by selecting data objects (signals, messages) from the source network and dragging them to the destination network.

2. Understanding the Three Primary Mapping Types: In the ACT, there are three primary mapping types. Choosing the right type ensures proper communication between devices. These types are:

  • Message Mapping: Message mapping deals with entire CAN or CAN FD messages. This type is used when you need to transfer complete messages from one bus to another without altering individual components. This is ideal for applications where the entire message is relevant.
  • PDU (Protocol Data Unit) Mapping: PDU mapping is more granular than message mapping and is used to handle the protocol data units within the messages. This type is useful for when you need to extract specific sections of a message and forward them independently.
  • Signal Mapping: Signal mapping refers to the individual data elements within a CAN message. This is the most specific type of mapping and allows you to transfer or manipulate individual signals, such as sensor data, within a message. Signal mapping is ideal for applications where only parts of the data are needed for communication.

3. Selecting the Appropriate Mapping Type: Before creating a mapping, it's essential to select the appropriate mapping type based on your communication needs. For example:

  • Message Mapping is ideal for complete data transfer between buses.
  • PDU Mapping is used when specific message components need to be routed.
  • Signal Mapping is best when you only need to send or manipulate individual signals within a message.

4. Finalizing and Saving Mappings: Once you’ve created the necessary mappings, review the configuration to ensure everything is set up correctly. Save the project, and deploy the configuration to your CANnector or FRC Gateway to activate the mappings.