The CANopen CC device conformance testing is used to assess if CANopen CC devices is conform to the requirements of the CANopen CC application layer and communication profile (CiA 301). CiA engineers evaluate the device conformance assessment, using the automated test bench CANopen CC conformance test tool, developed by CiA. The CANopen CC conformance test tool is implemented according to the CANopen CC conformance test plan (CiA 310-1) and is available free of charge for CiA members. CiA members can use the tool to accompany their device development by testing their devices already in early development stages, to verify the correctness of the CANopen CC implementation.

The CANopen CC device conformance testing by CiA is not mandatory, but it provides an independent CANopen CC product conformance approval, especially if customers require it.

In addition to the rather static CANopen CC conformance testing, the CANopen CC device interoperability testing allows detecting issues in dynamic processes such as e.g., timing issues, different interpretations and calls of sequence orders, etc. CANopen CC device interoperability testing is a basic generic system integration testing of CANopen CC devices. It evaluates if CANopen CC device under test (DUT), can be integrated into a “real” multi-vendor CANopen CC network. This covers testing the DUT’s functions during device configuration, network start-up as well as system at a runtime. For this purpose, CiA engineers set up a CANopen CC network, where pre-configured CANopen CC devices, submitted by CiA members, are managed by a PLC from Schneider Electric (Modicon).

CiA plugfest is an interoperability testing event, dedicated for CiA members, to verify the interoperability of their CAN-based devices or components, on any communication layer, in a real multi-vendor system. This covers testing the interoperability of CANopen CC devices, designed for specific application fields e.g. controllers, sensors, and actuators designed for CANopen application profile for lift systems (CiA 417). Additionally, this may include testing of CAN-based devices, supporting the same safety, redundancy, or security concept.

CiA has already organized interoperability testing for CAN components such as CAN FD and CAN XL controller as well as CAN SIC  and CAN XL SIC transceiver implementations.