(openPR) - IXXAT is pleased to announce the availability of a new tool that enables the user to inspect respectively convert CANopen and POWERLINK device description files conforming to the CiA 306 and CiA 311, as well as the upcoming EPL V2.0 XML specifications.

In 2007 CAN in Automation (CiA), the international users’ and manufacturers’ group governing the development of the CANopen specifications introduced a new XML based device description file format as CiA 311 – CANopen device description. CiA 311 is based on the ISO 15745-1:2003 specification which defines generic elements and rules for describing integration models and application interoperability profiles.
A new and more flexible device description format was required due to the numerous enhancements introduced in CANopen that were not covered by the original EDS format as specified in CiA 306. In addition to the general benefits of a XML based syntax, the CiA 311 format has the particular advantage of allowing for localized device description files, a feature becoming increasingly important with the global acceptance of CANopen.

To facilitate the transition from the previously used EDS file format to CiA 311 compliant files, IXXAT offers the Device Description Explorer as an application that not only converts device description files between the two formats but also allows for a graphical user interface supported inspection of basic device functionality and the devices’ object dictionary. In version 1.1 the IXXAT Device Description Explorer has been enhanced to support the most recent XML schema definitions as introduced by the CiA task force “XML”.

The IXXAT Device Description Explorercan be downloaded free of charge on the IXXAT homepage www.ixxat.com.

IXXAT Automation GmbH is a leading supplier of data communication systems for industrial automation and automotive applications. The main technologies in the field of industrial communication systems are solutions based on CAN (CANopen, DeviceNet), Ethernet (ETHERNET Powerlink, EtherNet/IP, Profinet, EtherCAT) as well as TCP/IP with the associated Internet protocols. For automotive applications, IXXAT focuses on solutions based on CAN (diagnosis protocols, SAE J1939), FlexRay and LIN. The product range comprises interface boards, test systems, analyzing tools and protocol software.

As of December 2007, IXXAT provides work for 70 employees, predominantly engineers skilled in electronic engineering and computer science and has a certified quality assurance management according to ISO9001.
Our customers are well-known companies all over the world from the industrial and automotive sectors.

IXXAT supports its customers completely in the establishment and application of communication systems based on CAN and TCP/IP, from seminars and consulting, design of system solutions, development and implementation of hardware and software to the supply of a complete product line. Furthermore IXXAT is able to perform safety relevant hardware and software development according to IEC61508.

IXXAT Automation GmbH
Leibnizstr. 15
D-88250 Weingarten
Tel.: +49-(0)7 51 / 5 61 46-0
Fax: +49-(0)7 51 / 5 61 46-29
E-mail: info@ixxat.de
Internet: www.ixxat.de