CAN Bus Logger: Record CAN and CAN FD Data

A CAN bus logger records messages so you can review what happened on the bus after the fact. That is essential for intermittent faults, long test drives and validation runs. SeRoSys offers two ways to log: through the PC with the Desk CAN Pro, or standalone to an SD card with the Lab CAN Pro. Standalone logging needs no computer, so it suits long unattended runs and in-vehicle use. Read our standalone CAN logging guide to see how it works.

Logging with Desk CAN Pro

Connect the Desk CAN Pro to your PC and use SLSS CANAnalyser to record traffic from two CAN 2.0 or CAN FD channels. Timestamps have 1 microsecond resolution, and a ring buffer holds 1,000,000 messages so short events are not lost. The DataViewer then lets you analyse and visualise the recording, with DBC decoding if you load a DBC file.

Logging with Lab CAN Pro

The Lab CAN Pro adds a micro-SD card slot for data logging, so it can record without a computer attached. It also has GPIO and a Qwiic interface, and can log A2B in parallel with CAN with a compatible A2B bus monitor. Use it for in-vehicle logging and long unattended runs. See the standalone CAN logging guide for setup options, triggers and file formats.

Trigger options and file formats

Standalone logging on the Lab CAN Pro can start on the first message, on a specific CAN ID, or on an external I/O trigger, or it can log continuously and save a buffer of the last few seconds or minutes when a trigger occurs. See our standalone logging guide. Recorded data can be saved in the native format or exported as CSV, TRC, ASC or BLF files, and to Excel. See our CAN log file formats guide.

What to look for in a logger

Timestamp accuracy to line up events with other measurements.
Buffering so bursts of traffic are not dropped.
Format and tools that let you review, filter and export data.
Power and protection for in-vehicle use.

Which one should you pick?

If you analyse live with a laptop, the Desk CAN Pro is enough and costs $389. If you need to record without a PC or combine CAN with other signals, choose the Lab CAN Pro ($495). Compare both in the technical specifications.

Not sure? Send your use case to technical support and we will tell you which fits.

Frequently asked questions

Can I log CAN FD as well as classic CAN?

Yes. Both products support CAN 2.0 and CAN FD, and SLSS CANAnalyser records the traffic.

Do I need a PC to log?

With the Desk CAN Pro, yes. With the Lab CAN Pro, its micro-SD slot allows logging without a computer attached. This is standalone logging, covered in our standalone CAN logging guide.

Can I add GPIO or other signals?

The Lab CAN Pro has GPIO and a Qwiic interface. It can also log A2B in parallel with CAN when connected to a compatible A2B bus monitor with the SeRoSys Qwiic cable.

How do I read the log afterwards?

Use the DataViewer in SLSS CANAnalyser to analyse and visualise recordings, and apply a DBC file if you want physical values. Get the latest software from the Downloads page.