"Need Help with SAE J1939 Protocol Implementation and Data Visualization Tools"

Knowledge Base
#1

Hi everyone,

I’m currently working on implementing the SAE J1939 protocol for a vehicle diagnostics project, and I could really use some help. I’ve read through the basics of PGNs, SPNs, and the CAN layers, but I’m struggling to understand how to properly structure the messages and decode the parameter groups in real-time.

Is there a practical way to simulate or test J1939 communication without connecting to a real ECU or engine system? Also, I’m curious about how others here have handled message prioritization and broadcast intervals when dealing with multiple ECUs on the same bus.

Additionally, once I start getting data, I’d like to analyze it visually for better understanding. Could anyone suggest the best data visualization tools for interpreting J1939 data logs or CAN traffic in general?

Any examples, tools, or guidance would be greatly appreciated. I want to ensure my implementation is both accurate and efficient. Thanks in advance!

Best Regards,
Darcie

#2

Hello Darcie,
As you can imagine there are various tools available to simulate CAN as well as CAN based J1939 communication. One is CANoe from Vector Informatik.
If you would like to learn more about the J1939 protocol you can visit the free E-Learing class from Vector, see [J1939_E: Learning Module J1939 | Vector E-Learning](Vector’s free J1939 E-Learning training). Also additional information about the J1939 protocol can be found here: [SAE J1939 Know-how | Vector](SAE J1939 Know-how | Vector).
Kind Regards,
Peter