Controller Area Network (CAN) bus has revolutionized communication in embedded systems, particularly in automotive and industrial automation. Wilfried Voss’s “A Comprehensible Guide to Controller Area Network” stands as a definitive resource, providing in-depth coverage and clear explanations of this crucial technology. This guide offers a comprehensive understanding of CAN bus principles, implementation, and applications.
The book, published by Copperhill Technologies Corporation, provides complete information on all CAN Bus features and aspects combined with a high level of readability.
Why CAN Bus Matters
CAN bus is a serial network technology initially developed for the automotive industry, particularly in European vehicles. Its efficiency and reliability have led to its adoption in various industrial automation systems and other applications. The CAN bus facilitates high-speed communication between microcontrollers, fulfilling real-time requirements and negating the need for costly Dual-Ported RAM.
About the Author: Wilfried Voss
Wilfried Voss, President and owner of Copperhill Technologies, brings extensive expertise to this comprehensive guide. With years of experience in CAN Bus technology and embedded solutions, Mr. Voss has become a leading authority in the field. His academic background includes a master’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of Wuppertal in Germany. He has also conducted many seminars on CAN Bus and CANopen during various Real Time Embedded And Computing Conferences (RTECC) and ISA (Instrumentation, Systems, and Automation Society) events all over the United States and Canada.
Inside “A Comprehensible Guide to Controller Area Network”
This book addresses the gap in accessible English literature on CAN basics, making complex concepts understandable. It goes beyond the official CAN standard documents (Bosch CAN Specification Version 2.0, CiA CAN Specification, and ISO 11898), providing detailed explanations, examples, and illustrations.
Key aspects covered in the book include:
- CAN Message Frames: Detailed architecture and functionality.
- Message Broadcasting: How messages are efficiently distributed across the network.
- Bus Arbitration: The mechanism for prioritizing message transmission.
- Data Transfer Synchronization: Ensuring data consistency between nodes.
- Error Detection and Fault Confinement: Robust error handling and recovery methods.
- Physical Layer: Bus medium, topology, and connection considerations.
What Sets This Book Apart?
Unlike some other resources, this guide avoids ambiguity and offers clarity on challenging topics like CAN Overload Flags, Bit Stuffing, and Bit Resynchronization. Furthermore, it avoids the pitfalls of poor translations and provides a focused, commercially unbiased perspective.
The book is structured into three sections:
Part 1: CAN Bus Fundamentals (Chapters 1-3)
- Overview: History of CAN, CAN applications.
- Main Characteristics: Message frames, bus access, message priorities, data length and baud rate, bus arbitration and error handling.
- Benefits of using CAN: Low cost implementation, speed, reliability, error-resistance and worldwide acceptance.
Part 2: Technical Deep Dive (Chapters 4-9)
- Message Frames: Detailed architecture of message frames.
- Message Broadcasting: Message broadcasting mechanism in a CAN network.
- Bus Arbitration: Bus arbitration principle in a CAN network.
- Data Transfer Synchronization: Data transfer synchronization mechanisms between nodes in a CAN network.
- Error Detection and Fault Confinement: How errors in a CAN network are detected, the determination of sporadic and permanent failures, the fault confinement and error recovery.
- Physical Layer: CAN bus medium, bus topology, bus level, bus connections and bus length considerations.
Part 3: Advanced Topics and Protocols
While the book primarily focuses on CAN bus itself, it briefly touches upon higher-layer protocols like CANopen, DeviceNet, and SAE J1939. For CANopen specifically, “Embedded Networking with CAN and CANopen” by Olaf Pfeiffer, Andrew Ayre, and Christian Keydel is a recommended resource.
CAN XL and Evolving Standards
This guide provides a solid foundation in classic CAN, although it does not delve into newer developments like CAN XL. CAN XL represents a significant evolution, offering increased bandwidth and enhanced capabilities for modern applications. Further research into CAN XL specifications and implementations is advised for those working with cutting-edge CAN technology.
Accessibility and Additional Resources
“A Comprehensible Guide to Controller Area Network” is available in print and as a convenient PDF download. The PDF version is compatible with various devices, making it accessible for on-the-go learning and reference.
Conclusion: Your CAN Bus Journey Starts Here
Wilfried Voss’s “A Comprehensible Guide to Controller Area Network” is an invaluable resource for engineers, students, and anyone seeking a deep understanding of CAN bus technology. Its clear explanations, comprehensive coverage, and practical insights make it an essential addition to any embedded systems library. Invest in your knowledge and unlock the full potential of CAN bus with this definitive guide. Explore the world of CAN bus and enhance your expertise in embedded networking by securing your copy of this book today.
