ISO 16845-1-2016 PDF

Full title and description

Road vehicles — Controller area network (CAN) conformance test plan — Part 1: Data link layer and physical signalling. This International Standard specifies the conformance test plan for the CAN data link layer and the physical signalling defined in ISO 11898‑1 and covers both Classical CAN and CAN FD implementations.

Abstract

ISO 16845-1:2016 defines a conformance test plan to verify that CAN implementations conform to the data link layer and physical signalling requirements of ISO 11898‑1. The standard provides the structure for test cases and test procedures applicable to both Classical CAN and CAN FD protocols, establishing criteria for test execution and reporting.

General information

• Status: Published (current; last reviewed and confirmed by ISO in 2024).
• Publication date: November 2016 (Edition 1, 2016).
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• ICS / categories: 43.040.15 (Car informatics; on‑board computer systems).
• Edition / version: Edition 1 (2016).
• Number of pages: 126 (ISO published page count).

Scope

Specifies conformance test plan elements and test-case organization for the CAN data link layer and its physical signalling as defined in ISO 11898‑1. The scope includes test identification, preconditions, test procedures, expected behaviour and pass/fail criteria for both Classical CAN and CAN FD devices, allowing manufacturers, test houses and certification bodies to verify compliance with the referenced CAN protocol specifications.

Key topics and requirements

• Test plan structure for data link layer (frame handling, bit timing, arbitration and error-handling behaviors).
• Test procedures and verdict criteria for physical signalling (bus timing, dominant/recessive signalling, edge characteristics relevant to ISO 11898‑1).
• Support for both Classical CAN and CAN FD protocol variants in test cases.
• Requirements for test instrumentation, test setup and environmental preconditions.
• Test reporting format and conformity assessment recommendations.
• Normative references to ISO 11898 series and to related CAN physical‑layer standards.

Typical use and users

Used by automotive OEMs, ECU and microcontroller manufacturers, transceiver vendors, test laboratories, tool vendors and certification bodies to design and execute conformance tests for CAN interfaces and devices. It is also used by system integrators and developers of diagnostic and test equipment to ensure interoperability and protocol conformance in vehicle networks.

Related standards

Directly references and is intended to be used alongside ISO 11898‑1 (CAN data link layer and physical signalling). ISO 16845-1:2016 replaces ISO 16845:2004 and is part of the ISO 16845 series (other parts cover additional physical‑layer and transceiver aspects; work on subsequent parts such as ISO/AWI 16845-2 has been recorded by ISO). These related items provide the complementary test plans and physical‑layer tests required for full CAN conformance assessment.

Keywords

Controller Area Network, CAN, CAN FD, conformance test plan, data link layer, physical signalling, ISO 11898, ECU, vehicle network testing, ISO 16845.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 16845-1:2016 is an International Standard defining the conformance test plan for the CAN data link layer and physical signalling (Part 1 of the ISO 16845 series), applicable to both Classical CAN and CAN FD implementations.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers the structure and content of conformance tests: test identification, preconditions, detailed procedures, expected results and pass/fail criteria for verifying data link layer behaviour and physical signalling in accordance with ISO 11898‑1.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Automotive OEMs, ECU and transceiver manufacturers, semiconductor vendors, independent test laboratories, tool vendors and certification bodies use this standard to design and perform CAN conformance testing and to ensure interoperability.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: ISO 16845-1:2016 supersedes ISO 16845:2004. According to ISO, the 2016 edition was reviewed and confirmed in 2024 and therefore remains the current published version.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is Part 1 of the ISO 16845 series (conformance test plans for CAN). Other parts address additional physical-layer and transceiver tests (for example, Part 2 items and work items for subsequent parts are recorded by ISO).

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Controller Area Network (CAN), CAN FD, conformance, data link layer, physical signalling, ISO 11898, automotive networking, test plan.