Controller Area Network
The CAN data link layer protocol is the dominating communication system for embedded control systems in passenger cars. It provides:
- Multi-master capability, which allows the design of distributed and redundant systems.
- Broadcast communication, which reduces bandwidth requirements.
- Sophisticated error detection functions, which increases communication reliability.
- Unique fault confinement, which guarantees network-wide data consistency.
There are different CAN physical layers standardized in order to meet different application requirements. The most used and generic physical layer is the so-called CAN high-speed medium access unit (MAU) as standardized in ISO 11898-2.
CiA’s website provides CAN technical information dedicated for system designers respectively for device designers.
