Controller Area Network - Efficient Control System For Vehicles

The Controller Area Network or CAN bus is an integrated electronic control system installed in the vehicles and machineries to save construction, building and cabling. It is a specifically designed computer network protocol and bus that enables communication between devices and micro controllers without any hosting computer. The CAN bus control system has been widely successful and popular with the vehicles.        

Initially developed for automotive application, CAN bus is compatible with international standards. For this reason, it is extensively used to for generating control system. Since CAN bus is used in huge volumes, all its components are available at affordable rates. It has high transmitter reliability and high transfer rate. In addition to recognizing data error, the system is perfect for controlling noisy environments.   

 Most of the automobiles today have Electronic Control Units (ECU) for different subsystems. Normally, engine control unit is the biggest processor in such a system. Other units are also included like cruise control, audio systems, windows, mirror adjustment, transmission, airbags, anti-lock braking etc. Out of these, there are some subsystems, which work independently, however the others need to communicate with each other to function. The subsystem must obtain feedback from sensors as well as manage the actuators. This communication is accomplished through CAN.  

PD1 CAN Bus Wiring Systems

 One of the most compatible CAN bus wiring systems - Parking Dynamics PD1 is easy to install and requires no adjustment or extra equipments to install. This CAN Bus multiplex wiring system are successfully used in cars and vehicles. Moreover, these systems are more popular than other ultrasonic systems which require extra wiring and relay components to integrate with the CAN bus.  

How it works?

CAN is connected to Electronic Control Units (ECUs) through different serial bus standards. Each node uses a host-processor to send or receive message. However, this is not done simultaneously. The message with an ID (chosen to identify the message sender or type) is transmitted serially onto the bus. A message of up to eight bytes can be sent with each bit transferred one-by-one. The signal-pattern codes the message and all the nodes interpret it.  

The vehicles may use the CAN bus to connect the transmission to engine control unit, or connect the seat control, door locks, climate control, etc. on a different bus. Due to the low cost of CAN controllers and processors, these also serve as field bus in general automation environments.  However, for official use of CAN, it is required to pay a fee to acquire a CAN Protocol License.