Overview
ISO 16845-2:2018 specifies a conformance test plan for the Controller Area Network (CAN) physical layer as defined in ISO 11898-2:2016. Focused on the high‑speed medium access unit (HS‑PMA), the standard defines both static (datasheet information) and dynamic test suites covering Classical CAN and CAN FD behavior (as referenced in ISO 11898-1:2015). ISO 16845-2 is intended to verify conformity, interoperability and robust operation of CAN transceivers and HS‑PMA implementations.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Test methodology and organization
- OSI-based conformance test method and hierarchical test case structure
- Definitions of setup state, test state and elementary tests
- Test types
- Type 1 - Static tests: required datasheet entries and static conformance requirements
- Type 2 - Normal CAN communication acceptance: valid frame formats, error detection, error-frame handling, bit decoding and timing tolerance (applies to Classical CAN and partly to CAN FD)
- Type 3 - Wake-up Frame (WUF) evaluation: message ID, data and DLC filtering, optional mask bit behavior and remote-frame handling
- Type 4 - FEC management: handling of frame/error conditions and FEC behavior in presence of errors and valid frames
- Type 5 - HS‑PMA implementation: wake-up, low-power operation, biasing and transmitter behavior under low-power or V availability conditions
- Support for CAN variants
- Test cases include behavior for Classical CAN and CAN FD (FD‑tolerant implementations), and for partly implemented protocol options
- Practical test elements
- Stuff/CRC/form error tests, glitch filtering, clock tolerance, arbitration loss, idle detection and low‑power wake‑up timers
Practical applications - who uses this standard
- Automotive OEMs and Tier‑1 suppliers validating ECU and transceiver hardware
- Semiconductor and CAN transceiver vendors ensuring physical‑layer conformance
- Independent test laboratories and certification bodies performing CAN compliance tests
- System integrators and quality engineers who require predictable wake‑up, error handling and timing behavior for CAN networks
Related standards
- ISO 11898-2:2016 - CAN physical layer (referenced normative standard)
- ISO 11898-1:2015 - CAN protocol specification (Classical CAN and CAN FD behavior used in dynamic tests)
ISO 16845-2:2018 is essential for ensuring CAN physical‑layer interoperability, robust wake‑up behavior and reliable error handling, making it a key document for anyone building or validating high‑speed CAN hardware and networks.
Open preview (PDF)Road vehicles — Controller area network (CAN) conformance test plan — Part 2: High-speed medium access unit — Conformance test plan
