Features

Product Overview

The ARCNET? Network Analyzer (ANA) allows engineers to capture and decode low-level messages that controllers use to initiate and control a packet transmission. This device proves indispensable when examining the data sent over embedded ARCNET networks.

The ANA views all frame types including invitations to transmit (ITT), free buffer enquiry (FBE), acknowledgements (ACK), negative acknowledgements (NAK). It also provides the ability to view ARCNET packets (PAC).

Typically, ARCNET analyzers only display transmitted packets because they incorporate an ARCNET controller chip for capturing packets. However, the ANA does not use an ARCNET chip, but reconstructs complete ARCNET activity by observing the symbols on the cable.

ARCNET is a token-passing network and the ANA will display the tokens along with a time stamp. The device has a 2.5 microsecond timer resolution for all recorded events and will operate at the 10 Mbps upper limit of ARCNET.

It operates on a standard PC or notebook computer with a USB interface, and directly accommodates coaxial or twisted-pair cabling—including DC- or AC-coupled EIA-485. Data rates can range from 156 kbps to 10 Mbps.

The product does not rely on the PC for real-time acquisition. Its USB module contains its own CPU, memory and custom triggering hardware to facilitate capture of all frames.

Unrecognizable transmissions will be captured and displayed as well. This includes noise transients and reconfiguration bursts.

The ANA is a necessary tool for developing and troubleshooting embedded ARCNET networks.

Ordering Information

* ARCNET Network Analyzer includes the program on CD-ROM, an intelligent data acquisition unit, a USB interface cable and external power supply. The CD contains a manual of instructions, an ARCNET tutorial and supplementary information.