In order for microcontrollers to work effectively they need to be able to communicate with devices without needing to be connected to a host computer. This is important otherwise the micro part would be lost; in order to accommodate the computer controllers would have to be far larger and more expensive.
The CAN bus (Computer Area Network) protocol is designed to allow this communication. It was originally devised for use in automobiles, accounting for the complex wiring in vehicles and the number of functions that need to be fulfilled. The first version was released in 1986 with the chips entering the market the following year. They were used in the 1988 BMW 8 Series, making it the first production vehicle with a CAN-based wiring system.
Although initially devised for automobiles the CAN protocol is now used in a number of applications. There are several interesting ones including use in brake systems for road bikes, general automaton environments, and even underwater vehicles. Incredibly the CAN bus is also used to communicate between microcontrollers in prosthetic limbs.
When using the CAN Bus system a user interface is needed, so the CAN Bus can be connected to a PC for debugging and other requirements. The easiest way to do this is with a USB connection. It is a popular choice because it is so simple and cost effective. Additionally the power comes from the USB so there is no need to connect to an external source.
At Kanda we stock the best USB to CAN adaptor – the CANUSB. It is a small dongle that provides an instant interface between your CAN system and a PC or laptop. The product is designed to be durable and provide a fast, reliable connection. We offer it for a really great price for the quality.
The CAN USB has a 9-pin DB9 connector that can be connected simply to your other equipment. All the signals needed, including CAN_GND are easily available. Data transfer rates up to 1Mbit/s can be achieved.
The PC USB connection can be treated as a Virtual COM port, for easy integration into existing monitor programs. There is a DLL and ActiveX controller for more advanced users or it can be controlled by low level AT commands for even more control. Free monitor software is also available.
If you are looking for a top of the line adapter, the CANUSB will tick all of the right boxes. You can find it on our website and learn more about the specifications; there is a great deal of information available. When you are ready to purchase, you can do so directly on the site here: