Projects/CAN

HackCAN
Our intention is to install a low overhead networK suitable for Micro controller sensors and actuators, CAN Bus combined with CANOpen seems to fit this bill nicely. To that end we are installing a CAN bus network into the conduit around the space and beyond using CAT 5 cable. We should keep it within 25 Meters to get maximum bit speed 1Mbit/s, although if we want to extend to 50M we can drop the bit speed to 800Kbits/sec.

What the bus provides
The bus provides a simple and robust message bus to enable CAN Bus devices to communicate,It will also provide 12Volt DC supply to power CAN Bus devices removing the need for Wall warts etc..

How is it architectured
Initially we should have 2 segments, a test segment and a live segment, this prevents devices under test interfering with live running actuators/sensors and Mother's day to day operations. As we are using CAT 5 to implement the physical network having 2 segments is also optimum and comes at no extra wiring costs.

Interfacing with it
In order to place an actuator or sensor onto the network you have a number of choices:

1) An Arduino with a | CAN Shield

2) A CAN based Arduino (currently on the drawing board)

3) CANDIY - CAN native Arm base microcontroller board in a stamp like format (good for breadboarding or should that be CANboarding)

4) Any microcontroller board with a CAN interface and CANOpen running.

Interfacing To
We are currenlt looking at integrating the HackCAN into Mother via a number of possible routes via:

1) A USB -> CANBus interface (Currently on the drawing board)

2) A CAN enabled Arduino using USB serial (not optimum)

3) A CAN Bus to Ethernet and or TCP/IP bridge/router or similar

4) A existing CAN Bus analyser like project