CAN FD has arrived in all kind of micro-controllers. Not just micro-controllers for the automotive applications provide on-chip CAN FD cores. This increases the interest and acceptance in non-automotive applications. Some users only like to make use of the larger data field (up to 64 byte) and do not use the bit-rate switch function. Others like to increase the data throughput and configure more than 1 Mbit/s in the data phase. Some users like to apply the so-called SIC (signal improvement capability) transceivers as specified in CiA 601-4. SIC transceivers are heavily used in the automotive industry. But pay attention: SIC transceivers should not be used for arbitration bit rates of higher than 667 kbit/s, except you use a specified subset of CAN identifiers.

The increasing availability of CAN FD hardware components (micro-controllers as well as stand-alone CAN high-speed transceivers supporting bit rates above 1 Mbit/s) has also impacts on CANopen FD. More and more device makers and system designers are looking to CANopen FD and its new features, e.g. the Universal SDO. CiA is currently reviewing and updating the CiA 1301 CANopen FD application layer and communication profile specification. It will be released soon. It contains editorial improvements and a few functional enhancements. An open issue is still the network design, when using long cables and data phase bit rates above 2 Mbit/s. CiA has established Special Interest Group to deal with this topic.

CiA also calls for papers for the 18^th international CAN Conference in Baden-Baden, Germany (May 14 and 15, 2024). One of the hot topics is the design experience with CAN FD and related solutions. Non-automotive users can learn from the automotive industry, which already has migrated to CAN FD. Commercial vehicles are also in the move to CAN FD (J1939-22/17). The missing link is the support by Autosar, in order to avoid OEM-specific solutions.

Some suppliers also provide the option to configure node-ID and bit-timing by means of SDO (classic CANopen) or USDO (CANopen FD). CiA does not recommend to implement this option. In case of a reset command, these parameters would contain the default values, what could lead to inconsistent bit-timing settings in the connected devices. In minimum, the devices should provide a warning, before the reset is performed. Some protection by means of passwords or other measures is highly recommended.

Keep it simple and stupid: Do not challenge your customers. Do not provide all possibilities and options. Less is sometimes more. I remember a case, that a user changed the bit-rate by means of SDO services in one device and tried to do the same in another device. But this was not more possible, because the bit rates did not match anymore. All CAN communication was corrupted by means of error frames – until the host controller transmitting the SDO messages went bus-off. To fix the problem, all devices needed to be disconnected and re-integrated after configuring all devices properly to the desired bit rate. I suggest to use the LSS services instead.

The vendor-ID parameter is a mandatory function of CANopen and CANopen FD. If you have questions regarding this topic, please do not hesitate, to contact CiA office.

Radiation monitor: Measures energy-charged particles in space

The Norwegian company Integrated Detector Electronics AS (Ideas), a new member of CiA, offers for its space radiation monitor a CAN connectivity option. It monitors so-to-say the “space weather”.

• System solutions: From medicine to construction
• DC motor controller: For applications with limited space
• DC charge controller: Suited for DC wallboxes
• USB dongle: Four silent CAN FD ports
• CAN-FD gateway: Connecting with 5G