When communication problems occur on a CAN-bus a powerful diagnostic tool is required, as many tools actually require the physical layers to be up and running before they can be used. The Fluke 120 enables a detailed investigation of the ‘physical layer’ bus signals themselves, to find the cause of communications problems. A free, downloadable Fluke Application Note ‘Verifying CAN bus signals with a Fluke ScopeMeter 120 Series’ explains how the 125 ScopeMeter, with its dual-input and steady signal display capability, can display, measure and zoom in on the bus signals. This can be downloaded via the Applications drop-down menu on the www.fluke.co.uk homepage.

The unique ‘Connect-and-View’ hands-off trigger functionality of the Fluke 125 recognises signal patterns and automatically sets up correct triggering. It provides a stable and repeatable display of virtually any signal. On-screen cursor measurements offer more detailed analysis of scope waveforms.
TrendPlot™ enables the Fluke 125 to act as a ‘paperless recorder’, capturing minimum and maximum peak values and averages over time for up to 16 days. The two inputs can plot any combination of volts, amps and temperature, with time and date stamps, to help to locate even the most intermittent of faults.

More information about Fluke products can be obtained from Fluke authorised distributors or via the Fluke UK web site at www.fluke.co.uk.