Frequently Asked Questions

Below you will find answers to frequently asked questions (FAQ) about our products. For more information about ViGEM devices, please visit the respective product pages or contact our sales experts. 

What is a CCA?

What is a CCA?

The Car Communication Analyzer (CCA) is a requirement-specific, configurable automotive high-end data logger. All data loggers are characterized by high performance in demanding environments.

CCA systems are used during the development and qualification of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and autonomous driving (AD) projects. ViGEM data loggers ensure lossless recording in real time of all vehicle communication data during test drives, with robustness for weeks and weeks of testing operation in the field, worldwide.

A range of CCA systems with different performance levels are available as well as matching Capture Modules, removable data storage devices and copy stations.

Which applications need a CCA?

Which applications need a CCA?

CCA data loggers are used in vehicle development and for the validation and qualification of advanced driver assistance systems  (ADAS) and automated driving functions (SAE level 2-5). CCAs are developed for use in vehicles, laboratories and on test benches.

The CCA records the internal and external communication of ECUs and sensors on the different vehicle bus systems and stores this data with a common, synchronous time stamp. Thus, you get the complete data communication clearly documented in its temporal sequences and dependencies become verifiable.

What makes CCA data loggers unique?

What makes CCA data loggers unique?

High bandwidth

Sustained data rates (*) up to 25 Gbit/s and storage capacities up to 122 TB make the CCA data logger a valuable tool for data collection during advanced vehicle development and verification. * typical vehicle data mix with small and big packets.  > CCA Products

Mobile data handling

The concept of easy-to-swap data storage modules with up to 122 TB capacity in combination with a Copy Station featuring up to 50 Gbit/s upload speed enables comfortable handling of the enormous amounts of data with quick turnaround cycles. The CCA 9010 system features an integrated hardware encryption that ensures the authentic and secure data transfer from vehicles in the field to an ingest station, worldwide.  > Mobile data handling

Flexibility

Depending on the series, the system architecture of the CCA data loggers allows the easy integration of capture modules or capture units as well as the subsequent adaptation to new projects and requirements. In addition, our engineering services develop optimal connections of ViGEM products to existing on-board networks or toolchains. From the first prototype to series production.

Synchronous timestamps

All incoming data receive a common hardware-based timestamp. The distribution of time is detailed below, see FAQ "Timestamps" or website gPTP Timestamp.

Intuitive software user interface

The browser-based CCA software interface allows you to operate your CCA data logger and copy station from any PC, tablet or smartphone without installing drivers or tools and without license model for use, updates and upgrades.

Sustainability

The modular configuration of a CCA data logger means it can also be retrofitted to adapt to new projects and requirements.

What are Capture Modules?

What are Capture Modules?

Capture Modules are external devices which are connected to the CCA 9010 and CCA 7010 data loggers to enlarge the type and number of bus interfaces (Distributed Data Logging).

What are Capture Units?

What are Capture Units?

Capture Units are internal modules for the data logger CCA 9002 and CCA 9003. With Capture Units the type and number of bus interfaces of the CCA 9002 or CCA 9003 data loggers can be adapted to individual project requirements. Installation and configuration of Capture Units takes place in the ViGEM factory in Germany.

Is it possible to retrofit or replace Capture Units?

Is it possible to retrofit or replace Capture Units?

The CCA 9002/9003 data loggers can be equipped with various capture units according to your project-specific requirements. Our engineering services will be pleased to make adjustments to new projects and requirements for you. Contact our technical experts to benefit from the flexible application possibilities of the CCA 9002/9003 series: sales @vigem .de

How do timestamps work in the data logger CCA 9010?

How do timestamps work in the data logger CCA 9010?

The CCA 9010 uses time synchronization according to gPTP IEEE 802.1 AS.

The resolution on the Ethernet ports E01 to E39 is 1 nanosecond. On the remaining host Ethernet ports E45 to E49 the accuracy is in the order of hundreds of microseconds.

Interfaces on external devices get their own synchronized timestamp, for example CAN-FD, 1000baseT1, LVDS (GMSL/FPD), … The timestamp is given by the probe or capture module which itself is synchronized by gPTP from the connected data logger CCA 9010.

The data logger itself can receive a reference time from an external time device and it then distributes that time to all probes and capture modules attached.

How do timestamps work in CCA 9002/9003?

How do timestamps work in CCA 9002/9003?

The CCA 9002/9003 series uses an internal real-time clock (RTC) with a 64-bit counter. These timestamps have a resolution of 100 ns and their accuracy is ± 1 µs across the whole CCA. The RTC maximum deviation is 1 minute per month. When messages arrive at the CCA data logger or any of its capture units, the data logger records the hardware generated 64-bit timestamp which gets assigned on detection of the first bit of an incoming data frame.

The data logger CCA 9002/9003 supports passive gPTP time synchronization, meaning the device records the gPTP messages together with its own timestamp so that the time difference can be recalculated in later processing stages.

In which format do CCA data loggers store the incoming data?

In which format do CCA data loggers store the incoming data?

The data logger supports different storage formats for individual bus interfaces or interface groups. Incoming data can be stored in the following file formats:

  • PCAP: The standard format of the freeware Wireshark. It can only contain Ethernet messages.
  • VPCAP: The VPCAP format differs by an additional header from the standard Wireshark format PCAP. This header enables the CCA data logger to save not only Ethernet messages (as with PCAP), but also save messages of all other automotive buses (CAN, FlexRay, etc.) as well as video frames from LVDS inputs. VPCAP is readable with Wireshark after installation of the ViGEM dissector utility file which can be obtained in the ViGEM download center. 
  • ADTF DAT: The DAT file format was specified by Elektrobit Automotive. The CCA 9002/3 can write a DAT variant specified by ViGEM. The specification can be downloaded from the ViGEM Download Center.
  • MDF 4.1.1: The MDF file format was specified by ASAM e.V. (Association for Standardisation of Automation and Measuring Systems). The CCA data logger writes the MDF with extensions specified by ViGEM. The specification can be downloaded from the ViGEM Download Center.

Which data formats can the CCA Converter generate?

Which data formats can the CCA Converter generate?

The CCA Tools contain the CCA Converter software, which allows conversion of the VPCAP or MDF format to other formats such as:

  • Vector ASC
  • Vector BLF
  • MOST Data Analyser (img file)
  • VPCAP
  • PCAP (Ethernet only)
  • Telemotive ASCII
  • TXT (RS232 and Ethernet only)
  • MP4 (video stream only)
  • AUTOSAR DLT (default)
  • ADTF DAT
  • MDF 4

The CCA tools are available for registered users in the Download Center of the ViGEM website. The CCA Converter is available with a GUI for Windows as well as with command line interface for both Windows and Linux.

How is the recorded data stored onto the removable data storage?

How is the recorded data stored onto the removable data storage?

The recorded data is bundled by type and saved in directories and files.

A new directory is created for every recording session and every writer. Files are created within this directory. In addition, a meta file is created (with the “.vci” extension) that contains a description of the recording. By default, every directory name starts with the configurable name of the CCA data logger and ends with the date and starting time of the recording session.

How works the fast swap of the removable data storage module?

How works the fast swap of the removable data storage module?

The CCA 9010 system allows the so-called "hot plugging" for the exchange of data storage devices without data loss or data corruption within a very short time. The CCA data logger or the CCA copy station do not have to be shut down, but only be disconnected from the removable data storage. To do this, press the "Unmount" button and wait until the "Disk Mounted" LED on the data logger has changed from yellow to off or a corresponding message appears on the display of the CCA copy station. Though the CCA RACK10 is equipped with a button for hot plugging, its function must be implemented by the customer himself.

As soon as the new removable data storage has been recognized by the system after the exchange, the recording or reading out of the data can proceed.

How is the security of the data ensured during the transfer?

How is the security of the data ensured during the transfer?

To ensure the security of the collected data during the complete recording and transfer process, ViGEM has integrated the Self Encrypting Drive feature according to OPAL 2.0 standard. This hardware-based AES-256 encryption ensures data security across the entire CCA 9010 system, from the data logger to the removable data storage device to the copy station.

For more details, please contact our technical experts: sales @vigem .de

Can CCA data loggers be cascaded or synchronized?

Can CCA data loggers be cascaded or synchronized?

Yes, this has the following advantages: More available ports, even higher data rates and even more storage space. Either two CCA 9003 or up to eight CCA 9010 can be synchronized for common time stamps and operation.

How does the synchronization of the data loggers work when cascading?
After cabling in accordance with the operating instructions, one CCA data logger is configured as the timer and the other data logger(s) as the timekeeper. When all devices are started, the timer sets the date and time, which are decisive for all connected CCA data loggers. The deviation of the times is a maximum of 1 microsecond.

The recorded data can be merged with the CCA Converter. The CCA software tools are available for registered users in the Download Center of the ViGEM website. The CCA Converter is available with a GUI for Windows as well as with command line interface for both Windows and Linux.

Where can I find current data sheets and manuals, or software and firmware releases for the CCA system families?

Where can I find current data sheets and manuals, or software and firmware releases for the CCA system families?

The Download Center of our website offers customers and users extensive information about ViGEM products. Please register at myViGEM to use this service. After authorization of your registration you will get unlimited access to software updates, firmware, tutorials, data sheets, etc

What are the CCA Safety Instructions?

What are the CCA Safety Instructions?

The documents "CCA Safety Instructions" contain important, safety-related information that is required for the reliable, safe, and intended use of ViGEM devices. The CCA Safety Instructions are available to registered users in the Download Center of the ViGEM website.

Where can I get technical support for my ViGEM products?

Where can I get technical support for my ViGEM products?

On our Technical Support page you will find comprehensive options for contacting us. If you have any questions about your ViGEM products, it is best to address the ViGEM Service Desk (VSD), the direct interface to our support ticketing system. 

How to generate a VSD ticket? -> Please watch our tutorial videos 

For general inquiries, we have prepared this contact form.

How can old appliances (§ 3 Para. 3 ElektroG) be disposed of?

How can old appliances (§ 3 Para. 3 ElektroG) be disposed of?

For environmentally sound recycling, electronic units, accessories, batteries, and packaging must be disposed of separately from household waste. Dispose of the respective parts in accordance with your local legal and company-based regulations or agreements with the supplier or return them to the manufacturer.

If you decide that you would like us to take care of the disposal of your old equipment, please send us an email to support @vigem .de. Your e-mail must contain the following:

  1. The written declaration that ViGEM should take over the disposal of your old device(s)
  2. The number of your  old devices with indication of the device types
  3. The binding, written declaration to take over the costs arising from the disposal

As soon as we receive your e-mail, we will contact you and inform you about the further procedure. Please note that if you dispose of your old equipment via ViGEM, you will be responsible for the costs of shipping to our headquarters in Karlsruhe as well as the costs of disposal at the disposal company.