PCAN-Explorer 7 is here, and as the UK's exclusive distribution partner for PEAK-System, it's our job to help you understand what's changed, what it means for your work, and how to make the transition smoothly.

Here's a detailed look at what's new in PCAN-Explorer 7, and how to make the move.

At a Glance - What's New in Version 7

  • Full support for CAN CC, CAN FD, and CAN XL
  • 64-bit architecture for better performance with large trace files and high bus loads
  • Python scripting support (VBScript also retained)
  • Multiple symbol files per connection - load databases from different suppliers simultaneously
  • Advanced filtering across CAN, CAN FD, and CAN XL
  • Floating licence option for engineering teams
  • Modernised interface with project-based workflow
  • 12 months of maintenance included as standard

Read on for a detailed breakdown of every change in Version 7.

N.B. When you're ready to make the move, head over to our upgrade guide where you can fill in our migration form and we'll walk you through the whole process.

Detailed Breakdown - What's New in PCAN-Explorer 7?

The Headline Change: CAN XL Support

The biggest addition in version 7 is support for CAN XL, the next generation of the CAN protocol standardised under ISO 11898-1:2024. 

CAN XL offers substantially higher data rates and larger payloads than even CAN FD, making it relevant for next-generation vehicle architectures where bandwidth demands continue to grow.

PCAN-Explorer 7 handles all three specifications - classic CAN (CAN CC), CAN FD, and CAN XL - across up to 64 simultaneous bus connections. For teams already working with CAN FD and beginning to evaluate CAN XL, this means a single tool can cover your entire protocol stack.

CAN XL data rates of up to 20 Mbit/s are achievable using transceiver mode switching, compared to up to 8 Mbit/s for CAN FD. Worth knowing when specifying future test infrastructure.

Under the Hood: A 64-Bit Rebuild

Version 7 has been rebuilt on a 64-bit foundation, with communication processing and the user interface handled as separate threads. In practice, this matters when you're working with large trace files or high bus loads — both increasingly common in complex vehicle programmes with multiple ECUs.

Python Replaces VBA Scripting

For anyone who has used PCAN-Explorer's scripting capabilities, the move from VBA-style automation to Python in version 7 is a meaningful improvement. Python is more capable, better supported, and widely understood across engineering teams. It opens the door to more sophisticated automated test sequences, post-processing workflows, and integration with external tools.

Version 7 also supports automation via callback libraries — native 64-bit .dll files that can process or modify CAN message data at the point of receipt or transmission. For teams building structured test environments, compatibility with Robot Framework-based testing is a particularly useful addition.

Trace Analysis and Playback

Recording and reviewing CAN traffic has been improved in several ways. Traces can be recorded directly to files or RAM using linear, dynamic, or circular buffer modes. Playback now supports breakpoints and single-step mode — useful when tracking down intermittent faults or stepping through a recorded sequence to understand system behaviour.

Third-party file formats including MDF4 and BLF can be imported via PEAK's free PEAK-Converter tool, helpful if you're receiving recorded data from suppliers using different logging tools.

The receive and watch windows now visually highlight data byte changes as they occur, both in raw and symbolic form. A small but time-saving feature for repetitive signal monitoring work.

Symbolic Representation and Multi-File Support

PCAN-Explorer 7 supports PEAK's own Symbol file format for assigning human-readable names to CAN IDs and signals. With version 7, multiple Symbol files can be applied to a single connection simultaneously — genuinely useful in vehicle programmes where different ECU suppliers each provide their own database.

Direct support for .dbc and .arxml files is available via the Bus Descriptions Add-in (see below).

The Add-In Ecosystem

PCAN-Explorer 7 uses a modular add-in model. The core software handles connection management, monitoring, recording, scripting, and filtering. Additional capabilities are available through four optional add-ins:

Bus Descriptions Add-in

Adds direct support for CANdb (.dbc) and AUTOSAR XML (.arxml) symbol files. If your team works with standard automotive database formats — as most engineers will — this add-in is essentially essential. It also enables loading symbol files from multiple sources onto a single CAN connection.

J1939 Add-in

For teams working with heavy vehicles, agricultural machinery, or off-highway equipment, this add-in provides full J1939 and J1939 FD support, including diagnostics and parameter group handling. J1939 FD support enables higher throughput on upgraded networks.

Plotter Add-in

Provides graphical, time-based visualisation of signal values from CAN messages, virtual variables, and macro results. Axes are fully configurable and can be zoomed during live capture. Recordings can be exported to CSV. A practical tool for anyone who needs to see signal behaviour over time rather than just raw message data.

Instruments Panel Add-in

Lets you build custom graphical dashboards using display instruments such as gauges and indicators, alongside input controls - potentiometers, switches, sliders, and text inputs — that can actively generate messages on the bus. This makes it well-suited for simulation and test bench setups where you need to both observe and stimulate the system under test. SVG-based graphics are supported from version 7 onwards.

All four add-ins are available together as the Full Bundle - likely the most straightforward route if your work regularly requires the complete feature set.

Licensing - Including a New Floating Option

PCAN-Explorer 7 introduces a floating licence option.

Rather than being tied to a single machine, a floating licence is hosted on a server and can be used by any machine on the network, with one concurrent user per licence seat. A welcome addition for engineering teams where multiple people need access but not all at the same time.

Single computer licences remain available, and both types can be made portable using a USB licence dongle (USB-A or USB-C). All licences are perpetual, with 12 months of maintenance included. Extended maintenance can be purchased beyond that, covering updates and future major version upgrades.

What About PCAN-Explorer 6?

PCAN-Explorer 6 will continue to receive security updates and bug fixes until January 2027, so there is no immediate pressure to migrate. That said, all new features are exclusive to version 7, and that gap will only grow over time.

If you purchased PCAN-Explorer 6 within the last four years, you may be eligible for a discounted upgrade - get in touch and we can check your eligibility.

Ready to Upgrade? Get in Touch.

Upgrading from PCAN-Explorer 6 to version 7 involves a few considerations; licence type, whether you're eligible for a discount based on your existing purchase, and which add-ins you need. As the UK's exclusive PEAK-System partner, we handle all of that.

We've put together a dedicated upgrade page that walks through the full process, including pricing, licence options, and how to find out if you qualify for a discounted upgrade.

Find out how to upgrade to PCAN-Explorer 7 →

If you'd prefer to talk it through first, you can reach us directly:

📞 +44 (0)1234 247 176

📧 info@controltech.uk.com

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