CANopen devices certified in 2020

Until the end of September seven CANopen devices were tested by CAN in Automation (CiA). Six of them passed the conformance test und received the appropriate certificate.

CiA tests as an independent third party the conformity of CANopen devices. This ensures the device’s conformance with the CANopen application layer and communication profile as specified in CiA 301. Thus, manufacturers can prove to their customers that their CiA-certified products are CANopen compliant.

The CMP 8270 pressure transmitter from Trafag (Switzerland) is available for measuring ranges up to 600 bar. The transmitter supports the CANopen device profile for measuring devices (CiA 404) as well as the layer setting services (LSS) as specified in CiA 305. LSS are used to set the device’s node-ID and the bit-rate via software. The company also offers a CANopen configuration tool for the transmitter, which comprises a software interface and an USB-to-CANopen dongle. It allows configuration of all CANopen parameters as well as the access to the complete object dictionary. The device’s applications include engine manufacturing, railways, machine tools, hydraulics, process technology, and test benches.

The MLS from Sick is a magnetic line guidance sensor for navigating automated guided vehicles and carts (AGVs/AGCs). Navigation is done by aligning the sensor to the center of the magnetic lane. Sensor positions are transmitted to the vehicle control via the tested CANopen interface. The sensor differentiates between up to three lanes. Thus, the vehicle can maneuver through branches and lane junctions. The sensor is available for detection ranges from 100 mm to 1 m. An integrated inertial measurement unit (IMU) supports vehicle navigation with information on the position of the sensor.

The PCAN-Micromod FD DR-1 is a digital I/O device with eight inputs and eight outputs. It was jointly developed by Peak-System Technik and Emsa (Embedded Systems Academy). The I/Os are galvanically isolated (100 V) from the power supply. The CAN FD interface enables classic CANopen (already certified) and CANopen FD (CiA 1301) communication. The CANopen FD protocol implementation is currently under certification by CiA.

The TM3BCCO from Schneider Electric is an I/O module with two galvanically isolated CANopen interfaces. The device can be used as a field-bus coupler module for the company’s host controller and motion controller devices. Bit-rates up to 1 Mbit/s are supported. The IP20-protected device was tested in June 2020.

Linak has successfully tested the CANopen interface for the LAxxCAN linear actuator series. The devices support CANopen and J1939 higher-layer protocols. Compared to hydraulic and pneumatic systems, electric actuators are easier to install and require almost no maintenance. Among others, the devices are used in industrial automation, mobile agriculture, farming solutions, marine applications, and outdoor power equipment.

The heavy-duty Electrak HD electric linear actuators from Thomson Industries also offer both CANopen and SAE J1939 interfaces. The onboard electronics embedded in the actuator eliminate the need for standalone controls. The device offers an alternative to hydraulic systems. In addition to load handling up to 16 kN, the device provides up to 1 m of stroke, up to 75 mm/s of speed and the environmental resistance up to IP69K.

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