ADVANCED VEHICLE TECHNOLOGIES, Inc.
Press Release
4 September, 1997

Triple Interface for Auto Networks

Advanced Vehicle Technologies, Inc. announces its latest automotive network product: the AVT-716 Triple Interface. The AVT-716 was designed to be connected to and provide a communications interface between a PC and J1850 VPW, J1850 PWM, or ISO 9141-2 automotive networks. It is a stand alone interface that communicates with a host PC via a serial data link.

As the existence of networks in automobiles increases so do the number of different standards and implementations. Current laws (Federal and some States) now require that vehicles be equipped with an On-Board Diagnostics phase 2 (OBD-II) connector. Through this connector off-vehicle equipment must be able to establish communications with the vehicle electronics using any one of three protocols: J1850 VPW; J1850 PWM; and ISO 9141-2.

J1850 is a Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) standard specifying a network designed for automotive applications. The standard exists in two parts: VPW and PWM. The two implementations are different and are not compatible.

ISO 9141-2 is an international standard for an automotive network architecture and implementation. It is different from both versions of J1850 and not compatible with either.

The AVT-716 addresses these protocol incompatibilities by providing all three interfaces in a single unit. Using a simple software command, the controller PC switches the AVT-716 to the desired mode of operation. (Simultaneous operations in more than one mode at a time are not permitted.)

The AVT-716 functions as a protocol translator and message buffer between a controller PC and the vehicle network. Communications between the AVT-716 and the controller PC is via either an RS-232 or RS-422 serial link (jumper selected). The serial data rate is jumper selected among four baud rates (9.6, 19.2, 38.4, and 57.6 kbps).

The AVT-716 is being offered as a ready-to-use package or as an OEM module.

The ready-to-use package includes the AVT-716 Triple Interface board set housed in a rugged polycarbonate enclosure, a serial interface cable, an OBD-II compatible cable, MS-Windows 3.1x Controller software, and a User’s Manual. The enclosure overall dimensions are: 55.9 x 121.9 x 170.2 mm [2.2 x 4.8 x 6.7 inches] (excluding connectors).

The OEM module consists of the AVT-716 Triple Interface board set and the User’s Manual (with programmer’s information). The board set overall dimensions are: 43.2 x 101.6 x 142.2 mm [1.7 x 4.0 x 5.6 inches] (excluding connectors).

The AVT-716 Triple Interface ready-to-use package and the OEM module will be available in October 1997. Questions and requests for additional information can be directed to Michael Riley.

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