CAN Networks

CAN is a method of passing data around a network. It is not a Protocol. CAN is not dissimilar to RS485 but by the use of more sophisticated data transmission components Devices on the network intercommunicate with each other to ensure data is received correctly. A well designed and installed network will give trouble free operation without data loss and missed messages.

CAN A Brief History 1983 Bosch development started for in vehicle network 1987 First CAN chips from Intel and Philips 1992 First cars from Mercedes Benz using CAN networks 1993 ISO 11898 Standard 1997 > 50m CAN nodes installed

Why is CAN so attractive Ease of implementation Exceptional transmission reliability in high noise environments Low cost controller chips Multiple chip manufacturers Transmission rates up to 1Mbits per second

Who uses it? Automotive Industry BMW, VW, VOLVO etc Factory Automation Allen Bradley Device Net Honeywell Medical Equipment Industries Industrial Applications - Kone lifts and escalators Domestic Appliances

Typical Automotive CAN network

Typical Industrial Network

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CAN Node Design

CAN Messages Variable data length Identifier sets the priority of the message No firmware handshaking required No Checksum generation required

Standard CAN Data Frame

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How iLight Uses CAN 65535 devices on any network 256 Network Segments Speed of 50Kbit per sec Network length of 1000m without repeater 100 nodes per network without repeater

Typical iLight Network

SCI0805T 20 Amp SP & N

SC10805T

2 Core + Earth 2 Core + Earth plus 2 Core for 0 - 10v or DSI control.

CSR023-DG

CSR023-DG

CRR093-SS

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1. CAN networks are not suitable for open topology. Networks MUST link from device to device in a serial manner. 2. Spurs are not allowed generally. Short spurs(<10m) are acceptable but their effect is cumulative and should be avoided. Spurs cause reflections of the data which will lead to data corruption. A well designed network will give no problems. 3. A termination resistor is required at both ends of the network. The value of the network resistors is 120? . The network resistors are connected between CAN H and CAN L. Resistors are supplied with most devices. 4. The network cable can be CAT5 or CAT6 (4 twisted pairs). We suggest using a screened cable but this is rarely required. Other types of cable can be used. Any cable suitable for RS485 can usually be used. The pair used for the CAN data must be twisted. 5. Adhere to the recommended colour code. 6. Maximum length of a physical CAN network is 1000 metres with a maximum of 100 nodes connected to it. 7. Know where your network is wired. 8. Terminate the system with care. OBEY THESE RULES AND THE NETWORK WILL GIVE YOU NO PROBLEMS

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Designing networks
1. The smallest network is two devices.

SC

Termination Resistor

CP

2. The maximum size of a system can consist of over 65000 devices. 3. There are a number of ways of construction networks always observing the rules however. 4. By linking networks together systems of virtually any size can be created.

SC

SC CP CP

SC

SCBN Bridge

SC CP

SC

Termination Resistor

Max 1000m Max 100 nodes

Max 1000m Max 100 nodes

Using an SCBN Bridge to extend a network

SC

SC CP

SCBN Bridge

SC

SC CP

Max 1000m Max 100 nodes

Max 1000m Max 100 nodes

SC

SC CP

SC CP

SC

Four spurs linked together using an SCBN to form 2 CAN Networks

Termination Resistor

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SCBN Bridge SC SC CP
Max 1000m Max 100 nodes

SCBN Bridge
Max 1000m Max 100 nodes

SC

SC CP

SC

SCBN Bridge
Max 1000m Max 100 nodes

SC

SC

CP

Termination Resistor

Max 1000m Max 100 nodes

3 SCBN Bridges linked by a vertical spine and 3 floor networks. 4 networks in total.

5. By using Starboxes and Bridges networks can be constructed for virtually any situation.

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SC

SC CP

SC

SC CP

SC

Max 1000m Max 100 nodes

SC

Max 1000m Max 100 nodes

CP
Max 1000m Max 100 nodes

SC CP

SC SC

Starbox

SC

Max 1000m Max 100 nodes

Termination Resistor

By using a Starbox a total of 700devices could be connected with a total network length of 7000 metres

SC CP
Max 1000m Max 100 nodes

SC CP

Starbox

SC

Termination Resistor
A Starbox port does not have to be at the end of a network.

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SC

Starbox

Starbox

Termination Resistor

Starboxes connected together as shown above could allow 24 spurs to be connected.

SC CP
Max 1000m Max 100 nodes

SC CP

Starbox

SC

Termination Resistor
A Starbox port does not have to be at the end of a network.

6. Multiple Networks when joined will appear as a single virtual network.

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7. It is always worthwhile to install the networks as a loop although it will not be connected as a loop. This allows for easy resolution in the event of a break in the network. It can also be used to overcome voltage drop issues.

SC

SC CP CP CP CP CP CP CP CP

Termination on end of network. No connection at device

Spare 'return' cable

Termination Resistor

Diagram showing the use of 'Return loop'.

Break

SC

SC CP CP CP CP

CP

CP

CP

CP

Termination Resistor
Return 'loop' cable used to resolve a break in network cable.

8. Most Source Controllers are designed to supply up to 4 control panels although some more newer control panels allow more to be connected.
Consider a break in the +V line at this point

SC

SC

SC CP CP

SC CP CP

SC

SC

CP

CP

Termination Resistor

Max 12 control panels

Max 12 control panels

A system showing a long line of control panels between power sources for the panels

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9. If there are more panels than the source controllers are able to support then additional powers supplies can be installed.

SC

CP

CP

CP

CP

CP

CP

PSU

Termination on end of network. No connection at device

Termination Resistor

Power Supply added to a system.

PSU
+V +V CAN H CAN L 0V 0V

LN&E

+V CAN H CAN L 0V

Method of wiring an additional power supply 10. There is no easy way to calculate where to place power supplies due to the number of variables; cable length, number of devices.

11. Sometimes voltage drop problems can be overcome by using a power supply of up to 18V dc. However, before doing this check that this does not exceed the maximum voltage of some devices. The lowest voltage that you should have on a network is 9 volts.

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