CAN Communication for Beginners: Building a Strong Foundation

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In today’s world of networked devices and systems, communication protocols are critical to facilitating seamless data interchange. The Controller Area Network, or CAN, is one such protocol that has acquired widespread use, particularly in the automotive and industrial industries. The article seeks to provide a detailed explanation of the CAN communication protocol, making it understandable to novices and putting light on its essential principles.

  • CAN stands for Controller Area Network. It is a communication protocol.
  • CAN is developed by Robert Bosch in 1986.
  • It is developed for use in the automation industry but is used in automation industries as well as medical types of equipment.
  • CAN is a serial communication protocol that uses a Multi-Master, distributed control system.
  • CAN allows microcontrollers and other devices to communicate with each other without any host computer.
  • Any device in the network is called a “ Node ”. Any node is able to start communication and all the other nodes in the network can participate in the communication.
  • Without a centralized controller, the devices can synchronize their operations and exchange information.
  • The protocol uses collision detection and arbitration methods to prevent multiple nodes from transmitting at the same time and ensure only one node can transmit at a time.
  • CAN comprises the broadcast type of bus.
  • Broadcast refers to the transmission of information to all nodes. The computer can communicate via the network using a USB cable or Ethernet port by connecting to the node, which may comprise a sensor, microcontroller, or gateway.
  • CAN is a message-based protocol, which means the message carries the message identifier. Based on the identifiers priority is decided.
  • There is no need for node identification in the CAN network. Therefore it is very easy to insert or delete it from the network.
  • It is a serial half-duplex and asynchronous type of communication protocol.
  • It is connected through two wired bus systems. The wires are twisted pairs having 120-ohm characteristics impedance connected at each end.

Why to use CAN?

  • CAN is a centralized standard communication protocol.
  • It requires only two wires i.e. CAN high and CAN low.
  • CAN is very efficient as it uses message prioritization. Also, a node can be easily inserted or removed without disturbing the network.

As automobiles became more complicated and included more electrical systems, a number of problems occurred that the CAN standard was created to address. Some of the main reasons include

  1. Scalability: Nodes can be added or removed as needed to grow or modify CAN networks.
  2. Low Cost: Because of its straightforward and effective signaling approach, the may protocol may be implemented at a minimal cost, which is crucial in the automobile industry where expenditures are important.
  3. Reliability: Since CAN is renowned for its dependability and durability, it is appropriate for critical systems wherever data integrity is crucial.
  4. Multi-node network: Multiple nodes (devices) can be supported over a single network, eliminating complicated systems with many parts.
  5. Real-time communication: Data is delivered and received within constrained timeframes thanks to its real-time communication capabilities.

Applications :

Wherever dependable and robust communication is necessary, the Controller Area Network (CAN) protocol has applications in a variety of systems and sectors.

  • Automotive: Wherever dependable and robust communication is necessary, the Controller Area Network (CAN) protocol has applications in a variety of systems and sectors.

Engine Control Units (ECUs)

Transmission Control Units (TCUs)

Anti-lock Braking Systems (ABS)

Airbag Systems

Vehicle Diagnostics (OBD-II)

Body Control Modules (BCMs)

Entertainment and Infotainment Systems

  • Medical Equipment: Medical equipment uses the CAN protocol to communicate data between devices and control a variety of operations. The protocol, for instance, is used by patient monitoring systems to transfer information about patients’ vital signs across devices.

Ventilators

Infusion Pumps

Diagnostic Equipment

Imaging Systems

  • Industrial Automation: In industrial automation systems, the CAN protocol is used to let devices communicate and coordinate their functions, such as managing motors, sensors, and other machinery.

Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs)

Robotics Control

Conveyor Systems

Manufacturing Equipment

  • Robotics: Robotics uses the protocol to monitor and operate a variety of devices, including motors, sensors, and other equipment, enabling robots to communicate and plan their activities.

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