Update: J2534 Bus Analysis Tool (and specs!)

I spent a few round-toit's digging into the details on the J2534 bus, its specs, and the free Bus Analysis Tool. Here's what I learned. (NOTE: I've not yet used any of these tools )

There are two versions of the tool, for two different versions of the J2534 spec

• Link to main download page
• 2004-12 '0404' version (msi installer)
• 2015-10 '0500' version (msi installer)

Does it matter which version? I think it may make a BIG difference. This could explain many incompatibilities. NOTE: 2004-12 was the first rev since 2002-02 version. And 2015-10 was first since 2004-12!

While SAE charges over $150 for a copy of the specs, there's no charge for a preview of the Table of Contents. That told me much of what I needed!

• The 2004-12 version standardized many things, not least the ability to "Pass-Thru" various communications.
  • More importantly, it standardized support for seven communication protocols (ISO 9141, ISO 14230-4 (KWP2000), SAE J1850 41.6 kbps PWM, SAE J1850 10.4 kbps VPW, CAN, ISO 15765-4 CAN, SAE J2610 DaimlerCHrysler SCI)
  • And it standardized Simul-cast on multiple protocols
• The 2015-10 version made significant improvements
  • Support for ISO 15765 both full and half duplex; individual per-channel timing/control
  • Specs refined to handle ambiguities, error handling and more.
  • Support for combined/same-link CAN + ISO 15765
  • Pass-Thru Device Discovery added (and specific support for wireless/BT devices)
  • Support for larger messages (original:4-4101 bytes; 4128 for J1850VPW; not sure how much more the newer spec supports, but I am pretty sure it's needed for various reprogramming/update tasks.)

Since the 2015-10 revision, of course there's been an ongoing series of further refinements.

AFAIK, 2015-10 is now known as J2534-2 while 2004-12 is J2534-1.

I'm hoping the above bit of research may help our community untangle why some cables and dongles work well, and others don't.

 

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