RTaW-Sim : Controller Area Network simulation


RTaW-Sim is a free simulator of CAN networks (Controller Area Network) that enables the designer to quickly set the best communication parameters and assess the performances and reliability of the system

Key Benefits

RTaW-Sim provides users with precise performance evaluation of their communication networks and enables them to compare the impact of different design and configuration choices. In particular, RTaW-Sim helps the designer to choose the right communication stack and the right communication controllers and configure them. RTaW-Sim is fast – for instance, the total lifetime time of a vehicle is simulated in just a couple of hours.

RTaW-Sim is free for all uses – we provide professional support and custom extensions, see our offer.
Download RTaW-Sim for Windows or Linux (32 and 64bits)

Screenshot of RTaW-Sim

Predict network performance with RTaW-Sim. Here an example where the bottom-right graphic shows the maximum transmission delays for the frames exchanged on a CAN bus with and without transmission errors.

Key Features

  • Simulate CAN buses interconnected by gateways,
  • Comprehensive statistics for frame transmission delays and waiting queue length,
  • Graphical visualization environment with distribution plots and Gantt diagrams,
  • Take into account all relevant characteristics of the communication stack and communication controller,
  • Support fault injection with user-defined models (ex: transmission errors),
  • Gateway support: forwarding of frames from one network to another,
  • Predict network performance using real traffic in a simulated mode when coupled with RTaW-TraceInspector,
  • Import configurations generated with NETCARBENCH: the GPL benchmark generator for CAN-based communication systems,
  • Extremely fast / runs on all 32 or 64 bit platforms supporting Java,
  • Used in the automotive industry to conceive new vehicles and used as an academic research tool since 2009,
  • Professional support and custom extensions available – see our offer. Software developers SDK are available for licensing in 3rd party software products.


Screenshot of RTaW-Sim

Gantt diagramms are a powerful help to understand specific situations occurring at run-time, for instance it helps to analyze the situations leading to the worst-case performances.

More info about RTaW-Sim in use? Download this case-study. Want to know more about Controller Area Network? Download this review of embedded automotive protocols – additional studies on CAN here