Why integrate a CAN-Bus system?
Date: 10/09/2023
What is a CANbus (Controller Area Network)? What is the CANbus protocol?
The CANbus (Controller Area Network) system is a multi-master, message-based communication protocol developed by Bosch. It enables efficient and reliable communication between electronic control units (ECUs) in real-time systems while reducing wiring complexity. CANbus ensures deterministic communication by prioritizing messages based on importance, enhancing reliability and safety in critical applications.
How does CANbus communication work?
Take the example of a vehicle, automotive, agricultural, or off-road. All dashboard components (pushbutton or toggle switches, indicators) directly operate different functionalities (heating, cooling, lighting) by being connected to a single CANbus cable via PC boards or ECUs. These components communicate alternately over the same bus. The introduction of multiplexed buses (primarily CANbus) in vehicles has drastically reduced wiring, up to 2 km less per car, improving design and reducing cost.
As systems grow more complex (in aviation, telecom, etc.), point-to-point wiring becomes unmanageable. CANbus architecture replaces this with efficient, centralized data communication.
WHAT ARE THE MAIN ADVANTAGES OF INSTALLING A CAN BUS SYSTEM?
The advantages of vehicles with can bus system are evident:
Simplicity of operation: the limitation of the number of cables simplifies not only mounting but also maintenance. No need to search in a forest of cables to repair a dysfunction. Moreover, the automotive can bus system allows memorization of the equipment operating history: errors are memorized and indexed, so can be easily detected and repaired during maintenance operations.
Reduction of production costs: the installation of CAN-bus systems reduces the cable quantity and all related costs (materials and labor).
Innovation: the CAN-bus format has allowed to improve the functionalities of numerous applications (automotive, aviation…): lower consumption, security, comfort, error detection, etc.
Listening to its clients, APEM has integrated CAN-bus systems in the HMI solutions offered to its customers. Our expertise in these systems allow our teams to propose complete interface solutions combining components (switches, panel switches, indicators, joysticks), standard PC board and programming. A real added value for APEM, who offers turnkey solutions reducing development costs by using standard internally developed technological bricks.
Customer advantages are numerous: simplicity, reactivity, flexibility and cost reduction. Communication tools are our future and APEM is constantly working on developing new interface solutions based on the very latest wireless communication systems.
MAIN APPLICATIONS USING CAN BUS SYSTEMS:
Automotive and transport vehicles: can bus systems are widely used in cars, trucks and buses to manage communications between electronic control units (ECUs) for systems such as engine management, anti-lock brakes (ABS), airbags and active suspension systems.
Industrial automation and material handling: Used to control machines and production equipment. It facilitates communication between the various sensors, actuators and programmable controllers.
Medical equipment: CAN-bus is used in medical equipment such as MRI scanners, ultrasound machines, X-ray machines and other operating devices. This technology ensures reliable communication between the various critical medical components.
Construction equipment and off-highway vehicles: In heavy equipment such as bulldozers, excavators and mining vehicles, CAN-bus enables efficient coordination of the various mechanical and hydraulic subsystems.
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