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CAN bus (Controller Area Network) is an asynchronous, linear bus system for networking electronic control units (as well as actuators and sensors) in automobiles. In addition, it is sometimes used in other areas, e.g. domestic installations. The primary reasons for the development of CAN were the relatively low costs, its ability to function in difficult electrical environments and its real-time capabilities.

 

Asynchronous refers to the fact that the connected control units (e. g. instrument cluster, engine control unit or ABS control unit) work independent of each other and access the (free) bus independently.

 

CAN buses have a linear topology, since all ECUs are connected to the same data line.

 

CAN bus is defined in the international ISO-Standard 11898, referring to both lower levels of the OSI- level model.

 

In shorts:

•CAN means „Controller Area Network“

•Defined in ISO-Standard 11898

•For networking electronic control units

•Often used in automotive environments

•CAN canwork in difficult electrical environments

•Has real-time capabilities

•Asynchronous communication(connected control units work independent from each other)