R&D Labs
Protocol research, performance benchmarking, and embedded systems development
Research and development teams need flexible, programmable tools that adapt to whatever they are working on today. Helix's plugin system, built-in database editor, and open API make it ideal for R&D — you can extend it with custom decoders, automate test scenarios, and integrate it into your existing lab infrastructure.
The Landscape
R&D labs work across a wide range of CAN-based projects — from prototyping new ECUs to benchmarking communication stacks to developing custom higher-layer protocols. Lab engineers need tools that can be adapted quickly to new requirements without waiting for vendor updates. Programmability, open APIs, and integration with existing lab equipment (oscilloscopes, power supplies, test automation frameworks) are essential.
Key Figures
¹ Expected Q3–Q4 2026.
How It Works
¹ Simultaneous use requires Helix to be connected via a switch or router.
Industry Challenges
What makes CAN bus work in r&d labs uniquely demanding.
Rapid prototyping
R&D projects change direction frequently. Rigid, firmware-based tools require vendor updates or hardware swaps to support new protocols — slowing iteration cycles when speed matters most.
Custom protocol work
Proprietary or experimental protocols have no existing decoder support in commercial tools. Engineers must build custom decoding logic, but most CAN tools offer no extension mechanism beyond standard database formats.
Lab integration
Lab setups involve many instruments — oscilloscopes, power supplies, load generators — that need to be coordinated programmatically. CAN tools that only offer a GUI with no API become bottlenecks in automated test benches.
Data analysis
Research data needs to flow into analysis tools like Python, MATLAB, or Jupyter notebooks. Proprietary log file formats and closed ecosystems create friction at every step of the data pipeline.
How Helix Helps
Built-in capabilities that address r&d labs requirements.
Plugin development
Write custom plugins in TypeScript with the Orbit SDK — create custom readers, triggers, UI components, and data transformations directly on the device.
VSCode extension
Develop and test plugins using the Orbit extension for VSCode with full TypeScript support, IntelliSense, and direct deployment to the device.
REST & WebSocket API
Programmatically control Helix — start/stop logging, read signals, send frames, and configure dashboards through documented APIs.
Interactive database editor
Create and modify CAN database definitions interactively while monitoring live traffic for immediate validation.
Related Solutions
Extensibility
Extend Helix with custom plugins using the Orbit framework
Custom Protocol Decoding
Turn proprietary CAN protocols into readable signals with an Orbit plugin
Protocol Analysis
Decode, visualize, and understand CAN bus communication in real time
Ready to get started?
See how Helix fits into your workflow. Browse our hardware, software, and plugin products.