PCAN-Explorer 7 License Options Explained: How to Choose the Right One for Your Setup

If you're evaluating PCAN-Explorer 7 for your CAN, CAN FD, or CAN XL monitoring and analysis needs, you're probably wondering which licensing option is right for you — especially if you're planning a multi-machine deployment, a shared team environment, or using add-ins.

This guide breaks the decision down into two layers — which license type fits your team, and how you want to access it — plus what maintenance covers once you've purchased.

Step 1: Choose Your Base License — Single Computer vs. Floating

The first decision is which license type best suits your workflow: a Single Computer License or a Floating License. Both offer the same core functionality and analysis capabilities — the difference is how the license is assigned.

Single Computer License

• Usage: Activate and run on one PC or dongle (more on this in a minute) at a time. The license can be moved to a different machine later via the PEAK licensing system.

• Best for: Users who will exclusively run PCAN-Explorer 7 on a dedicated workstation.

Floating License

• Usage: Hosted on your own license server, allowing a defined number of concurrent users to share access across a network. Ideal for teams where not everyone needs simultaneous access.

• Best for: Team environments where multiple engineers use the software at different times.

Step 2: Choose How You Access It — USB Dongle vs. License Borrowing

Once you've picked a base license, the second decision is how you want to use it away from your primary PC or network. This is a separate purchase/setup decision from Layer 1 above — not a third license type — and the two options aren't quite symmetrical, so it's worth being clear on which applies to which base license.

USB Dongle

• Usage: A license dongle stores your license and can be plugged into any compatible computer to activate and run the software. Existing Single Computer or Floating licenses can be transferred to a dongle at any time (a 24-hour waiting period applies between transfers).

• Works with: Both Single Computer and Floating licenses.

• Best for: Engineers who move between workstations, split time between office and field, or need indefinite/frequent offline use.

• Sold separately from the license itself — it's a portable container for a license you already own.

License Borrowing

• Usage: Added in the v7.1 update, License Borrowing lets you check out a license from the server and use it offline for a defined period — up to 30 days, depending on administrator settings. The borrowed license is stored locally on the computer or on a connected dongle, with no server connection required during the borrowing period. A borrowed license can be returned early, and can't extend beyond the Floating License's own expiration date. 

• Works with: Floating licenses only. There's no dongle or additional hardware to buy — it's a built-in feature of PCAN-Explorer 7.1.

• Admin controls: Your software administrator can set a shorter maximum borrowing duration than 30 days, or disable License Borrowing entirely. Confirm with your admin that it's enabled before relying on it for field work. 

• Best for: Occasional, time-limited offline needs — field tests, commissioning, service work, or test drives.

Note: If you're on a Single Computer License and need portability, the USB dongle is your only offline access option. If you're on a Floating License, you can choose either: License Borrowing for occasional short-term offline use with no hardware, or a dongle for indefinite or very frequent offline use.

Step 3: Decide How You'll Stay Current — Maintenance

The third layer isn't about how you use the software day to day — it's about how you keep it up to date over time.

Every PCAN-Explorer 7 license includes 12 months of software maintenance, which covers bug fixes, standard updates, new features, and upgrades to major new versions — at no additional cost. The v7.1 update (License Borrowing, the Trace Converter Add-in, and updated HTML5 documentation) is a recent example of what's included.

After the initial 12 months, continued access to new versions requires an active maintenance license. Maintenance can be renewed annually and applies per license — worth budgeting for if you want to stay current on future releases without re-purchasing.

Step 4: Add-in Modules to Extend PCAN-Explorer 7

While PCAN-Explorer 7 is a powerful CAN analysis tool on its own, its functionality can be expanded further with software add-ins. These optional modules let you tailor the software to your specific application, whether you're working with J1939 protocols, visualizing real-time data, or importing DBC/AUTOSAR files for signal decoding.

Add-in options include:

• Plotter Add-in — enables configurable, real-time graphical display of signal curves. Ideal for engineers who need to visualize signal behavior over time.

• Bus Descriptions Add-in (previously CANdb) — adds direct support for CANdb and AUTOSAR XML (.dbc, .arxml) formats. Once applied, raw CAN IDs and data bytes are translated into readable signal names and values.

• J1939 Add-in — designed for applications using the SAE J1939 protocol, simplifying message parsing and transmission with tools for PGNs, SPNs, and address claiming.

• Instrument Panel Add-in — lets you build custom virtual dashboards to monitor and control CAN data in real time, with gauges, sliders, buttons, LEDs, and digital readouts tied to specific CAN signals.

Reminder: Add-in license type must match your base software license type — Single Computer, Portable, or Floating. You can also purchase the "Base + All Add-Ins" bundle up front to simplify licensing and ensure access to the full feature set.

Try Before You Buy: Free 30-Day Evaluation

Not ready to commit? Explore the full functionality of PCAN-Explorer 7 with a free 30-day evaluation trial.

Still Not Sure Which License to Choose?

We've helped hundreds of teams set up PCAN-Explorer 7 in the most efficient way for their workflows. If you're unsure what license structure fits best, please reach out to us. We're happy to walk through your setup.