Microchip CAN Products and Solutions

Bring communication and connectivity in your embedded design to the next level with Controller Area Network (CAN) bus solutions from Microchip Technology. Originally created for automotive applications, the CAN serial bus protocol is a high-speed, reliable communication protocol for applications requiring robust communications at bit rates reaching 1 Mbps. Incorporating the CAN protocol into your design is a low-cost, reliable way to function in a difficult electrical environment with a high degree of real-time capability.

Microchip offers a complete line of products to meet the needs of high-performance, embedded applications using the CAN protocol, including 8-bit, 16-bit and 32-bit microcontrollers and 16-bit digital signal controllers (DSCs) with integrated CAN, stand-alone CAN controllers, CAN I/O expanders and CAN transceivers.

With easy-to-use development systems, code examples, drivers and application notes, Microchip provides a total CAN solution that enables low-risk product development, lower total system cost and faster time to market for your high-performance, embedded design.

Vector CANbedded™ and osCAN™ development solutions support Microchip PIC18, PIC24H, dsPIC30F and dsPIC33F Microcontrollers with embedded CAN Controllers.

PIC® Microcontrollers and dsPIC® Digital Signal Controllers with Integrated CAN

Microchip offers a complete line of 8-bit MCUs, 16-bit DSCs/MCUs and 32-bit MCUs to meet the needs of high-performance, embedded applications using the CAN bus. Microchip's portfolio of 8, 16 and 32-bit MCUs and 16-bit DSCs with integrated CAN 2.0B functionality allows execution of complex control algorithms and network interfaces on the same device. On-chip peripherals include A/D converters, comparators, 10/100 Ethernet MAC, Hi-speed USB 2.0 Host/Device/OTG, motor control PWMs, CTMUs, USART (RS485, RS232,LIN) and Master I2C™/SPI/I2S.

Tabs / CAN
All CAN Products
Development Tools
Documentation
FAQ
CAN Development Tools
Description
PIC32MX1/2/5 Starter Kit (DM320100) The PIC32MX1/2/5 Starter Kit provides the user with an easy and cost-effective option to rapidly develop CAN, USB and General Purpose applications using 32-bit PIC32 MCUs.
83 DMIPS PIC32 CAN-USB Plug-In Module (MA320015) This plug-in module enables CAN and USB development using PIC32, Explorer 16 development board.
Explorer 16 Development Board The Explorer 16 is a low-cost, efficient development board used for evaluating the features and performance of Microchip's Microcontroller.
105 DMIPS PIC32 CAN-USB plug-in module (MA320003) This Plug-in Module enables CAN and USB development using PIC32, Explorer 16 development board.
AC164130-2 CAN/LIN PICtail™ Plus Daughter Board The CAN/LIN PICtail Plus Daughter Board is used with the PIC18 Explorer board or Explorer 16 Development Board to facilitate rapid implementation and evaluation of applications that use CAN and Local Interconnect Network (LIN) interfaces and are implemented on PIC18 8-bit microcontrollers, dsPIC33F Digital Signal Controllers and PIC24H 16-bit microcontrollers.
PIC18 Explorer Board This low-cost demo board is for evaluation of our PIC18 MCU families.
PICDEM™ CAN-LIN 1, 2, and 3 Demonstration Boards These are PIC18 CAN demonstration boards.
MCP2515/2510 CAN Developer's Kit This is a development kit for the MCP2515 Stand-alone CAN controller.
MCP250XX CAN Mixed-Signal I/O Expander Kit This is a CAN I/O Expander’s development kit.
MCP2515 CAN Bus Monitor Demo Board This is an MCP2515 CAN bus monitor demonstration board.
Plus Daughter Board This is an MCP2515 CAN board designed to be used with PICtail Plus connector boards.
Demonstration Board MCP2515 CAN demonstration board implements a simple CAN bus using two nodes.
CAN BUS Analyzer Tool This is a low-cost CAN Bus monitor that can be used to develop and debug a high-speed CAN network.

Documentation

Document
Connectivity Solutions Brochure
Low-Power Analog Solutions Brochure
TB3008-PLL Jitter and its Effects on ECAN™ Technology Protocol

Application Notes

Title
AN1249-ECAN Operation with DMA on dsPIC33F and PIC24H Devices

Code Examples

Application Function Product Family Title Last Update
Automotive Network Systems - CAN dsPIC30F CE034 - CAN Loopback 08/17/2009
Automotive Network Systems - CAN PIC24H CE227 - Crosswire Communication between ECAN 1 and ECAN 2 Modules 08/17/2009
Automotive Network Systems - CAN PIC24H CE228 - ECAN FIFO Receive Example 12/10/2009
Automotive Network Systems - CAN PIC24H CE229 - ECAN Remote Transmission Request 12/10/2009
Automotive Network Systems - CAN PIC18 ECAN Listen Only Loopback 01/18/2011
Automotive Network Systems - CAN PIC18 ECAN Mode 0 with Baud 01/17/2011
Automotive Network Systems - CAN PIC18 ECAN Mode1-2 RX15 01/18/2011
Wired Communication CAN dsPIC30F CE034 - CAN Loopback 08/17/2009
Wired Communication CAN dsPIC33F/E CE127 - Crosswire Communication between ECAN 1 and ECAN 2 modules 08/17/2009
Wired Communication CAN dsPIC33F/E CE128 - ECAN FIFO Receive Example 04/27/2009
Wired Communication CAN dsPIC33F/E CE129 - ECAN Remote Transmission Request 08/17/2009
Wired Communication CAN PIC24H CE227 - Crosswire Communication between ECAN 1 and ECAN 2 Modules 08/17/2009
Wired Communication CAN PIC24H CE228 - ECAN FIFO Receive Example 12/10/2009
Wired Communication CAN PIC24H CE229 - ECAN Remote Transmission Request 12/10/2009
Wired Communication CAN PIC18 ECAN Listen Only Loopback 01/18/2011
Wired Communication CAN PIC18 ECAN Mode 0 with Baud 01/17/2011
Wired Communication CAN PIC18 ECAN Mode1-2 RX15 01/18/2011
Wired Communication CAN PIC32 PIC32 CAN to Ethernet Bridge Demo 07/08/2011
What is CAN?

CAN (Controller Area Network) is a high-speed, serial communications network originally developed by Intel Corporation and Robert Bosch GmbH for automotive applications. It has since spread to various other applications such as industrial control and medical equipment.

What is required for a CAN node?

A CAN node is comprised of 3 basic elements: 1) a host processor that interprets and generates messages, 2) a CAN controller that converts messages to/from bits transmitted/received on the serial bus, and 3) a transceiver that is the physical layer interface (adapts the signal levels to/from the bus from/to the CAN controller).

What products does Microchip offer for CAN applications?

Microchip offers a wide portfolio of 8-, 16- and 32-bit microcontrollers with integrated CAN and ECAN peripherals, CAN transceivers, CAN controllers and CAN I/O expanders. Please refer to the CAN product links to the left for more detailed information.

Which versions of the CAN specification do Microchip’s microcontrollers support?

The CAN and ECAN modules used in Microchip’s 8- ,16- and 32-bit microcontrollers support CAN 1.2, CAN 2.0A, CAN 2.0B Passive and CAN 2.0B Active versions of the protocol.

What ISO Standards are there for CAN?

ISO 11898 specifies the physical layer and ISO16845 specifies conformance testing.

Are Microchip products with ECAN modules backward compatible with products with CAN modules?

Yes, they are fully backward compatible.

Are CAN bus drivers readily available for Microchip microcontrollers?

Vector Informatik GmbH has developed software packages for several Microchip 8- and 16-bit microcontrollers for various OEM CAN networks. Please contact your local Microchip representative for specific details.

Are Microchip CAN microcontrollers qualified at the automotive OEMs?

Several Microchip CAN microcontrollers have been qualified at different OEMs. Please contact your local Microchip representative for specific details.

What are the differences between the CAN and ECAN modules?

There are several differences between the CAN and ECAN modules. Please refer to the application note AN916: Comparing CAN and ECAN Modules for detailed explanations of the differences and how to find the best CAN-based solution for your application.

Can I get conformance testing reports for Microchip CAN products?

Yes. Please contact your local Microchip representative for copies of the reports.

Where can I get training?

Microchip offers various online seminars (Webinars) related to CAN. Vector also offers many seminars and workshops at their sites throughout the world (www.vector-worldwide.com)

CAN Related Video