6/26/25, 9:55 AM CAPL Scripting Tutorial For Automotive Engineers - CSEE

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CAPL Scripting Tutorial For Automotive Engineers

March 8, 2025 Chetan Shidling

Hello guys, welcome back to our blog. This article will be on the CAPL scripting tutorial for automotive
engineers, and this CAPL scripting tutorial is dedicated to beginners.

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CAPL Scripting Tutorial For Automotive

Engineers
CAPL (Communication Access Programming Language) is a scripting language specifically developed
for use with Vector’s CANoe and CANalyzer tools. It provides a structured way to simulate and test
automotive communication networks, making it a crucial tool for engineers working with Controller
Area Network (CAN), Local Interconnect Network (LIN), FlexRay, and Ethernet protocols.

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The primary goal of CAPL is to allow users to define event-driven behaviors, automate network
interactions, and analyze communication data. It enables users to create test cases, simulate
Electronic Control Units (ECUs), and inject faults into a network, ensuring the robustness of automotive
systems.

CAPL scripts operate based on event-driven programming, meaning actions are executed when
specific events occur on the network. These events include message reception, timer triggers, and user
inputs, making CAPL an essential tool for real-time testing and automation.

With CAPL scripting, automotive engineers can replicate real-world scenarios efficiently, reducing the
need for physical ECUs and hardware components. This enhances testing efficiency, lowers costs, and
speeds up the development cycle of vehicle communication networks.

Why Use CAPL Scripting?

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CAPL scripting offers multiple advantages in the development and validation of automotive
communication systems. One of its biggest strengths is its ability to automate testing, enabling
engineers to simulate CAN and LIN network messages without requiring actual vehicle components.
This feature is particularly useful in hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) and software-in-the-loop (SIL) testing.

Another major benefit of CAPL is its support for custom event handling. Engineers can define specific
behaviors for messages, timers, and user inputs, allowing for precise control over test scenarios. This
flexibility ensures that various real-world conditions can be replicated with ease.

CAPL is also widely used in network gateway development, where messages from different
communication protocols need to be converted and transmitted between ECUs. This makes it a
valuable tool in designing advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and connected vehicle
technologies.

Additionally, CAPL helps improve efficiency in debugging and analysis. Engineers can log and analyze
network behavior using CAPL scripts, identifying issues in communication flow, timing, and signal
integrity. This capability significantly reduces development time and enhances system reliability.

CAPL Script Structure

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It all starts with data

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S&P Global

CAPL scripts follow a structured format consisting of includes, global variables, event procedures, and
user-defined functions. These elements work together to enable effective automation and simulation
of network behaviors.

01. Includes and Defines

Includes and defines are used to specify constants, libraries, and macros that will be utilized in the
script. This helps improve code organization and maintainability.

1 #define ENGINE_RPM 1000 // Defining a constant

02. Global Variables

Global variables store persistent data that is used throughout the script. These variables are
accessible across multiple event procedures and functions.

1 int counter; // Global variable to store count

03. Event Procedures

CAPL scripts are based on event-driven programming, meaning different event handlers execute code
when a specific event occurs on the CAN bus.

a. on start()

The on start() event is triggered when the CAPL script is executed. It is commonly used to initialize
variables, set timers, or send startup messages.

1 on start {
2 write("CAPL Script Started");
3 }

b. on message

The on message event is triggered when a specific message is received on the network. It is useful for
monitoring and responding to incoming data.

1 on message CAN1.EngineData {
2 write("Engine Data Received: %d", this.RPM);
3 }

c. on timer

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Timers in CAPL are used for the periodic execution of functions. This is useful for generating cyclic
messages or implementing delays.

01 timer myTimer;
02
03 on start {
04 setTimer(myTimer, 1000); // Set a timer for 1 second
05 }
06
07 on timer myTimer {
08 write("Timer Triggered");
09 setTimer(myTimer, 1000); // Restart the timer
10 }

d. User-Defined Functions

CAPL allows users to create custom functions to enhance script modularity. These functions help avoid
code repetition and improve maintainability.

1 void sendMessage(int rpm) {

2 message CAN1.EngineData msg;
3 msg.RPM = rpm;
4 output(msg);
5 }

Coding-Based CAPL Script Interview Questions

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01. Write a basic CAPL script and explain the structure.

Code:

1 variables {
2 int counter; // Global variable
3 }
4
5 on start {
6 counter = 0;
7 write("CAPL Program Initialized");
8 }

Explanation:

variables {} section declares global variables.

on start {} is an event that triggers when the simulation starts.

02. Write a CAPL script to send a CAN message.

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Code:

1 message 0x100 msgExample; // Declare CAN message with ID 0x100

2
3 on start {
4 msgExample.dlc = 8; // Set Data Length Code (DLC)
5 msgExample.byte(0) = 0x11;
6 msgExample.byte(1) = 0x22;
7 output(msgExample); // Send message
8 }

Explanation:

The message msgExample with ID 0x100 is defined.

DLC (Data Length Code) is set to 8 bytes.
Bytes are assigned values.
output(msgExample); sends the message.

03. Write a CAPL script to receive a CAN message and process its data.

Code:

1 on message 0x200 {
2 write("Received Message: ID=0x200, Data= %02X %02X", this.byte(0), this.byte(1));
3 }

Explanation:

The event on message 0x200 triggers when a message with ID 0x200 is received.
this.byte(n) extracts data bytes from the received message.

04. Write a CAPL script to execute a function every 100ms using a timer.

Code:

01 variables {
02 timer myTimer;
03 }
04
05 on start {
06 setTimer(myTimer, 100);
07 }
08
09 on timer myTimer {
10 write("Timer Event Triggered");
11 setTimer(myTimer, 100);
12 }

Explanation:

setTimer(myTimer, 100); starts the timer.

on timer myTimer {} executes every 100ms.

05. Write a CAPL script to log CAN messages to a file.

Code:

01 variables {
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02 dword fileHandle;
03 }
04
05 on start {
06 fileHandle = fopen("log.txt", "w");
07 if (fileHandle == 0) write("File opening failed!");
08 }
09
10 on message * {
11 fprintf(fileHandle, "Msg ID: 0x%X Data: %02X %02X %02X\n", this.ID, this.byte(0), this.byte(1),
12 }
13
14 on stop {
15 fclose(fileHandle);
16 }

 
Explanation:

fopen(“log.txt”, “w”); opens a file for writing.

on message * logs all received CAN messages.
fclose(fileHandle); closes the file when the simulation stops.

06. Write a CAPL function to calculate the sum of two numbers.

Code:

1 int add(int a, int b) {

2 return a + b;
3 }
4
5 on start {
6 int result = add(5, 10);
7 write("Sum = %d", result);
8 }

Explanation:

int add(int a, int b) defines a function.

result = add(5, 10); calls the function.

07. Write a CAPL script to execute code when a key is pressed.

Code:

1 on key 'A' {
2 write("Key A Pressed");
3 }

Explanation:

The on key ‘A’ event triggers when the ‘A’ key is pressed.

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08. Write a CAPL script to check if a received message has a specific byte value.

Code:

1 on message 0x300 {
2 if (this.byte(0) == 0xAA) {
3 write("Special Byte Received!");
4 }
5 }

Explanation:

if (this.byte(0) == 0xAA) checks if the first byte is 0xAA.

09. Write a CAPL script using a for loop.

Code:

1 on start {
2 int i;
3 for (i = 0; i < 5; i++) {
4 write("Loop iteration %d", i);
5 }
6 }

Explanation:

A for loop runs 5 times, printing the iteration number.

10. Write a CAPL script using an array.

Code:

1 variables {
2 int dataArray[5];
3 }
4
5 on start {
6 dataArray[0] = 10;
7 dataArray[1] = 20;
8 write("First Value: %d, Second Value: %d", dataArray[0], dataArray[1]);
9 }

Explanation:

dataArray[5] defines an array of 5 integers.

Values are stored and accessed.

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11. Write a CAPL script to send a CAN message every 500ms.

Code:

01 variables {
02 message 0x400 msgCyclic;
03 timer cyclicTimer;
04 }
05
06 on start {
07 setTimer(cyclicTimer, 500); // Start the cyclic timer
08 }
09
10 on timer cyclicTimer {
11 msgCyclic.dlc = 2;
12 msgCyclic.byte(0) = 0xAB;
13 msgCyclic.byte(1) = 0xCD;
14 output(msgCyclic);
15 setTimer(cyclicTimer, 500); // Restart the timer
16 }

Explanation:

A timer is used to send a CAN message every 500ms.

The message 0x400 is sent with 2 bytes of data.

12. Write a CAPL script to process only messages with IDs 0x500 and 0x600.

Code:

1 on message * {
2 if (this.ID == 0x500 || this.ID == 0x600) {
3 write("Filtered Message ID: 0x%X", this.ID);
4 }
5 }

Explanation:

if (this.ID == 0x500 || this.ID == 0x600) filters messages with specific IDs.

13. Write a CAPL script using a switch-case to process different message IDs.

Code:

01 on message * {
02 switch (this.ID) {
03 case 0x700:
04 write("Message ID 0x700 received");
05 break;
06 case 0x701:
07 write("Message ID 0x701 received");
08 break;
09 default:
10 write("Unknown message ID: 0x%X", this.ID);
11 }
12 }

Explanation:

switch (this.ID) allows processing different message IDs efficiently.

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14. Write a CAPL script to check if a specific bit is set in a message byte.

Code:

1 on message 0x800 {
2 if (this.byte(0) & 0x01) {
3 write("Bit 0 is set in byte 0");
4 }
5 }

Explanation:

this.byte(0) & 0x01 checks if bit 0 of the first byte is set.

15. Write a CAPL script using a structure for CAN messages.

Code:

01 typedef struct {
02 int id;
03 byte data[8];
04 } CanMessage;
05
06 variables {
07 CanMessage msg;
08 }
09
10 on start {
11 msg.id = 0x900;
12 msg.data[0] = 0x11;
13 msg.data[1] = 0x22;
14 write("Struct Message ID: 0x%X, Data[0]: %02X", msg.id, msg.data[0]);
15 }

Explanation:

typedef struct defines a custom CAN message structure.

16. Write a CAPL script to log events to a file.

Code:

01 variables {
02 dword logFile;
03 }
04
05 on start {
06 logFile = fopen("event_log.txt", "w");
07 if (logFile == 0) write("Error opening log file!");
08 }
09
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10 on message * {
11 fprintf(logFile, "Received Message ID: 0x%X\n", this.ID);
12 }
13
14 on stop {
15 fclose(logFile);
16 }

Explanation:

fopen(“event_log.txt”, “w”) opens a log file for writing.

fprintf(logFile, …); logs received message IDs.

17. Write a CAPL script to detect bus-off and restart CAN communication.

Code:

1 on busOff {
2 write("Bus Off detected! Restarting CAN...");
3 restartCAN();
4 }

Explanation:

The on busOff {} event detects bus-off and calls restartCAN();.

18. Write a CAPL script to calculate and display the CAN bus load.

Code:

1 variables {
2 float busLoad;
3 }
4
5 on timer 1s {
6 busLoad = getBusLoad();
7 write("Current CAN Bus Load: %f%%", busLoad);
8 setTimer(1s, 1000);
9 }

Explanation:

getBusLoad(); retrieves the current CAN bus load in percentage.

19. Write a CAPL script to extract and process a signal from a CAN message.

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Code:

1 on message 0xA00 {
2 int rpm = (this.byte(1) << 8) | this.byte(0);
3 write("Engine RPM: %d", rpm);
4 }

Explanation:

The RPM signal is extracted using bitwise operations from 2 bytes.

20. Write a CAPL script to handle CAN error frames.

Code:

1 on errorFrame {
2 write("Error Frame Detected! Error Type: %d", this.errorType);
3 }

Explanation:

The on errorFrame {} event triggers when a CAN error occurs.

this.errorType provides the error type.

CAPL Scripting in Real-World Applications

CAPL scripting is widely used in various automotive testing and validation processes. One of its most
common applications is automated testing, where engineers use CAPL scripts to send, receive, and
validate network messages without requiring actual vehicle hardware.

Another key use case is fault injection testing, where CAPL is used to introduce errors into network
communication. This helps in assessing the robustness of automotive systems and identifying
potential failure points.

Logging and data analysis is another significant area where CAPL is beneficial. Engineers use CAPL
scripts to capture network traffic, analyze communication patterns, and identify anomalies in data
transmission.

CAPL is also used in gateway development, where messages from different protocols (e.g., CAN to LIN)
need to be converted and transmitted. This is crucial in vehicle network architectures where multiple
ECUs need to communicate seamlessly.

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Best Practices for CAPL Scripting

To maximize efficiency and maintainability, it is essential to follow best practices when writing CAPL
scripts. One important practice is to use meaningful variable names, which enhances code readability
and debugging.

Avoiding global variables where possible is another recommended practice. Instead, use function
parameters and local variables to ensure better data encapsulation.

Keeping scripts modular by defining reusable functions helps in maintaining clean and structured
code. This approach makes debugging and extending the script much easier.

Lastly, using write() statements for debugging during development can help in monitoring the
execution flow and identifying potential issues early in the testing process.

Conclusion
CAPL scripting is a powerful tool for automotive network simulation and testing. By leveraging CAPL,
engineers can automate complex testing scenarios, analyze network behavior, and ensure the
robustness of vehicle communication systems. Mastering CAPL can significantly improve efficiency in
CAN, LIN, and other automotive communication protocols.

Further Learning

Vector’s official CAPL documentation

Hands-on practice with CANoe/CANalyzer
CAPL scripting forums and online communities

This was about “CAPL Scripting Tutorial For Automotive Engineers“. Thank you for reading.

Also, read:

100 (AI) Artificial Intelligence Applications In The Automotive Industry

1000+ Automotive Interview Questions With Answers
2024 Is About To End, Let’s Recall Electric Vehicles Launched In 2024
50 Advanced Level Interview Questions On CAPL Scripting
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8 Reasons Why EVs Can’t Fully Replace ICE Vehicles in India
A Complete Guide To FlexRay Automotive Protocol
Adaptive AUTOSAR Vs Classic AUTOSAR: Which One For Future Vehicles?

About The Author

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Chetan Shidling
Automotive | Technical Blogger | Engineer | Content Creator

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