VECTOR VH4110 IoT Enabler User Manual
- June 4, 2024
- VECTOR
Table of Contents
VECTOR VH4110 IoT Enabler
Imprint
Vector Informatic GmbH Ingersheimer Straße 24 D-70499 Stuttgart
Vector reserves the right to modify any information and/or data in this user
documentation without notice. This documentation nor any of its parts may be
reproduced in any form or by any means without the prior written consent of
Vector. To the maximum extent permitted under law, all technical data, texts,
graphics, images and their design are protected by copyright law, various
international treaties and other applicable law. Any unauthorized use may
violate copyright and other applicable laws or regulations. © Copyright 2021
Vector Informatik GmbH. Printed in Germany. All rights reserved.
Overview
There exists a large variety of wireless interfaces and protocols for small
connected devices. Such devices are increasingly used in many fields, for
example in the automotive industry, in medical technology, and in IoT
applications. Testing them can be a complex endeavor.
The aim of the VH4110 IoT Enabler is to provide the ability to connect your
wireless devices to CANoe locally and without an Internet connection. In a
typical testing setup, the VH4110 IoT Enabler can serve as a router for IP-
based communication between the CANoe host and the devices under test which
are connected to a local network via (wireless) LAN for example. In addition,
devices with non-IP-based wireless protocols such as BLE can also be connected
locally.
Since the networking of the VH4110 IoT Enabler is only available to CANoe,
users do not need particular networking privileges or additional firewall
filters. If a wireless protocol is not yet implemented in the device software
supplied by Vector, customers can even add their own modifications to add
proprietary network interfaces and devices.
Key Features
Open system
-
The software on the device is customizable to specific needs.
Extendable
Four USB-A ports (two USB 2.0, two USB 3.0) are available to attach wireless interfaces. A wide variety of wireless USB network devices is supported.
Plug-and-play -
No Windows driver installation is necessary on the CANoe host computer.
-
The device can be configured and used via CANoe.
-
No direct device configuration is necessary.
Requirements
- CANoe/CANoe4SW version 15 or later.
- Available USB-A port on a CANoe host computer with minimum 3A current.
Scope of delivery
- VH4110 IoT Enabler (includes firmware)
- USB-C to USB-A cable, 1.8 m
About This User Manual
Conventions
In the two tables below you will find the notation and icon conventions used
throughout the manual.
| Style | Utilization |
|---|---|
| bold | Fields/blocks, user/surface interface elements, window- and dialog |
names of the software, special emphasis of terms
[OK] Buttons in brackets
File|Save Notation for menus and menu commands
Microsoft| Legally protected proper names
Source Code| File and directory names, source code, class and object names,
object attributes and values
Hyperlink| Hyperlinks and references
< CTRL>+ < S>| Notation for key combinations
Symbol| Utilization
---|---
| Dangers that could lead to damage
| Notes and tips that facilitate your work
| More detailed information
| Examples
| Step-by-step instructions
| Text areas where changes of the currently described file are allowed or
necessary
| Files you must not change
| Multimedia files e.g. video clips
Symbol| Utilization
---|---
| Introduction into a specific topic
| Text areas containing basic knowledge
| Text areas containing expert knowledge
| Something has changed
Certification
Vector Informatik GmbH has ISO 9001:2008 certification. The ISO standard is a
globally recognized standard
Warranty
We reserve the right to modify the contents of the documentation or the
software without notice. Vector disclaims all liabilities for the completeness
or correctness of the contents and for damages which may result from the use
of this documentation.
Support
You can get through to our hotline at the phone number +49 (711) 80670-200 or
you send a problem report to the Vector Informatik GmbH Support.
Trademarks
All brand names in this documentation are either registered or non registered
trademarks of their respective owners.
Important Notes
Safety Instructions and Hazard Warnings
Caution!
In order to avoid personal injuries and damage to property, you have to read
and understand the following safety instructions and hazard warnings prior to
installation and use of this device. Keep this documentation (manual) always
near the device.
Proper Use and Intended Purpose
Caution!
The device may only be operated in a closed state. In particular, printed
circuits must not be visible. The device may only be operated (i) according to
the instructions and descriptions of this manual; (ii) with accessories
manufactured or approved by Vector. The device is exclusively designed for use
by skilled personnel as its operation may result in serious personal injuries
and damage to property. Therefore, only those persons may operate the device
who (i) have understood the possible effects of the actions which may be
caused by the device; (ii) are specifically trained in the handling with the
device, bus systems and the system intended to be influenced; and (iii) have
sufficient experience in using the device safely.
The VH4110 IoT Enabler is designed to be as open and modifiable as possible.
The operating system is based on Linux and thus allows you to customize it to
your needs. The control software for the communication with CANoe is written
in Python and therefore easy to modify. It is published under the permissive
MIT license. It is your responsibility that any modification to the hardware
or software on the device is compatible with your local laws and regulations.
Officially supported is only the Vector software, which is available via the
Vector support. The officially supported software has been tested with focus
on security and robustness. However, due to the open design and the wireless
interfaces of the device, you must take special care, for example, but not
exclusively, by following these measures:
- Ensure strict security policies on the CANoe host computer, e.g. do not operate it with administrator rights.
- Ensure that wireless endpoints or access points are under your full control.
- Leave the VH4110 IoT Enabler in an enclosed space with restricted access, to prevent anyone from physically accessing the device and modifying its software.
The device is intended for use in a typical desktop environment. The use in other environments (for example industrial environments with strong vibrations or high temperatures) might be possible but it is not recommended.
Caution!
The device gets warm during operation and must not be covered to allow a
sufficient air flow.
Caution!
Ensure that the USB port of the CANoe host computer fulfills the power
requirements of minimum 3A current. If in doubt, a Y-cable USB-C to 2x USB-A
can be used together with a suitable USB power supply. Another alternative is
the use of a powered USB hub that provides sufficient current to power the
VH4110 IoT Enabler. Additional and device specific information, such as Known
Issues, are available in the Vector KnowledgeBase on Vector´s website at
www.vector.com. Please consult the Vector KnowledgeBase for updated
information prior to the operation of the device.
Hazards
Caution!
The device may control and/or otherwise influence the behavior of control
systems and and other connected devices. Serious hazards for life, body and
property may arise, in particular, without limitation, by interventions in
safety relevant systems (e.g. by deactivating or otherwise manipulating the
engine management, steering, airbag and/or braking system) and/or if the
device is operated in public areas (e.g. public traffic, airspace). Therefore,
you must always ensure that the device is used in a safe manner. This
includes, inter alia, the ability to put the system in which the device is
used into a safe state at any time (e.g. by „emergency shutdown“), in
particular, without limitation, in the event of errors or hazards. Comply with
all safety standards and public regulations which are relevant for the
operation of the system. Before you operate the system in public areas, it
should be tested on a site which is not accessible to the public in order to
reduce hazards.
Disclaimer
Caution!
Claims based on defects and liability claims against Vector are excluded to
the extent damages or errors are caused by improper use of the device or use
not according to its intended purpose. The same applies to damages or errors
arising from insufficient training or lack of experience of personnel using
the device.
Licenses
This product contains software with various licenses, including free
software licenses. The license texts and, if applicable, the source codes can
be found on the device.
Hardware Description
In this chapter you find the following information:
Device Description
Connectors
| Connector | Short Description |
|---|---|
| RJ45 Ethernet connector | Can be connected to wired network/devices, e.g. to a |
router. This port cannot be used to connect the CANoe host computer.
two USB-A 2.0 ports two USB-A 3.0 Ports| Used to add further network
interfaces. Total summed device current should not exceed 1200 mA, each device
should draw 600 mA at maximum.
USB-C port| Power and data connection to CANoe host computer.
Micro SD card slot| Holds micro SD card with software.
two Micro HDMI
3.5mm audio/video port
GPIO pin header| Not used/reserved for future or custom use.
Accessories
- USB-C to USB-A cable for power and data transmission.
Technical Data
| Technical Data | Details |
|---|---|
| Host interface | Interface type |
| USB current requirement | Minimum 3 A |
| Temperature range (environment) | 0°C … 40°C |
Note: The IoT Enabler is designed for reliable operation at normal room
temperatures. It might work outside these ranges though. Always ensure a good
ventilation.
Connectors| Available| 2 x USB 2.0, 2 x USB 3.0, RJ45 Ethernet
In use| USB-C port, microSD card slot
Not used/reserved for future applications| 2 x microHDMI, 3.5 mm audio/video
port, GPIO pin header
USB port specifications| Total summed device current should not exceed 1200
mA, each device should draw 600 mA at maximum.
Technical Data| Details
---|---
Dimension (LxWxH, approx.)| 91 mm x 65 mm x 34 mm
Case material| Aluminium
Weight (approx.)| 210 g
Power consumption (typical)| 3 W
Software requirements| CANoe/CANoe4SW version 15 or later
More information and technical datasheets can be found on
https://www.raspberrypi.org/documentation/hardware/raspberrypi/README.md.
Getting Started
In this chapter you find the following information:
Installation in CANoe
Cross Reference
For information about the use and installation of the VH4110 IoT Enabler,
refer to the CANoe help.
Device Preparation
- Use the included cable to connect the VH4110 IoT Enabler to a USB port that supports at least 3 A of current. Alternatively, a powered USB hub can be used.
- The device itself boots within less than one minute and is ready for use with CANoe.
Typical Setups
In a typical setup of the VH4110 IoT Enabler, access point/router and the Device under test (DUT) are part of the user‘s setup. Wireless devices, which allow the communication with the router or via over-the-air protocols like BLE are attached by the user to the USB ports of the IoT Enabler
Flash the Device.
The device can be flashed with binary images. The latest software images are available via the Vector Support.
Prerequisites
- A computer with micro SD card reader. Modern notebooks often have card readers for micro SD cards. Alternatively, a USB-SD card adapter can be used.
- Software for the OS on this computer to flash SD cards, for example, balena Etcher, which is free of charge.
- A small pliers is helpful for removing the SD card from the slot.
Procedure
Step by Step Procedure
-
Disconnect the VH4110 IoT Enabler from external cables and power.
-
Remove the micro SD card from the SD card slot of the VH4110 IoT Enabler.
-
Connect the SD card to the computer.
-
Use the flashing software according to its manual to write the binary Vector software image to the SD card.
Note: Be extra careful to flash the correct drive/device. -
After validation, insert the SD card into the SD card slot of the VH4110 IoT Enabler.
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