What is a CAN bus, and what is it for?

At the moment, almost every modern car is equipped with on-board computers, ABS, EBD, electric windows and many other electronic devices. Now such a technique can control not only mechanical, but also pneumatic, and also hydraulic systems of the machine. And even the engine can not do without electronics. It has a special device - CAN-bus. That's what he will talk about today.

History of occurrence

For the first time the concept of CAN-bus appeared in the 80s of the last century. Then the well-known German company "BOSCH" together with the firm "Intel" developed a new digital device for data transmission, which was called the Controller Area Network.

What can she do?

This bus can connect all the sensors, units and controllers that are in the car to each other. CAN can be connected to the immobilizer, SRS, ESP, engine-ECU, gearbox and even airbags. In addition, the tire is in contact with the sensors of the suspension, the central lock and climate control. All these mechanisms are connected in duplex mode with a data transfer rate of up to 1 Mbit / s.

CAN-bus: description and features of the device

For all its functionality, this mechanism consists of only two wires and one chip. Previously, to connect to all sensors, the CAN bus was supplied with dozens of plugs. And if in the 80s only one signal was transmitted for each wire, now this value reaches hundreds.

The modern CAN bus also differs in that it has the function of connecting to a mobile phone. Electronic key chain, which performs the function of the ignition key, can also be connected to this device and receive information from the engine control unit.

It is also important that this tool can predetermine problems in the functioning of the equipment of the machine and, in some cases, eliminate them. It practically can not be affected by interference and has good contact insulation. The CAN bus has a very complicated algorithm of operation. Data, which is transmitted through it with bits, instantly turns into frames. As a conductor of information serves as a 2-wire coil pair. There are also products from fiber, but they are less efficient in operation, so they are not as prevalent as the first versions. The most common is the CAN bus, which transmits information via the radio channel or infrared rays.

Functionality and speed

To increase the speed of this device, manufacturers often shorten the length of their wires. If the total length of the bus is less than 10 meters, the transmission speed of information will increase to 2 megabits per second. Usually at this speed, the mechanism transmits data from 64 electronic sensors and controllers. If more devices are connected to the bus, several circuits are created for receiving and transmitting information.

If CAN-bus will develop further, perhaps soon it will be installed absolutely on all cars and trucks, including domestic ones.