
Why use the CAN protocol rather than UART, SPI, and I2C?Ĭompared to other communication protocols like UART, SPI, and I2C, using the CAN protocol is much more reliable as they are standard automotive communication protocols that are used to transmit vital data like a throttle position in a vehicle. The biggest benefit of CAN-BUS is to be able to just connect components without having to worry about signal routing. This is to ensure that there are never two nodes talking at the same time. Every node can hear the messages of every other node.Įvery node has an ID, where the ones with the higher priority ID can have the priority to “talk” first while the others “listen”.

These CAN-compatible components, which are called “nodes” are connected with a 3-string copper wire, with no central router to govern the flow of data. The fuel level, door sensors, odometer, and many more parts of a car have to communicate with each other somehow, and CAN BUS is what they used to do. For example, they are found in vehicles, farming equipment, industrial environments, etc. CAN is a serial communication bus designed for industrial and automotive applications. the engine control unit, airbags, audio system, etc. Today, you can find up to 70 ECUs in a modern car, e.g. These devices are also called Electronic Control Units (ECU) and they enable communication between all parts of a vehicle.

