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ESP32 for CAN Bus Application Developments
The ESP32 has become one of the most versatile microcontrollers in modern embedded development. With its dual-core processor, integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, and robust peripheral set, it is a natural fit for advanced networking and control applications. One of its rising uses is in Controller Area Network (CAN Bus) systems, where the ESP32 provides both [...]
CAN Bus and SAE J1939: A Beginner’s Guide to Network Design
If you’ve ever worked with industrial machines or diesel engines, chances are you’ve heard of CAN bus and SAE J1939. These two go hand-in-hand when it comes to reliable, real-time communication between control units. Let’s break down the essentials of how these networks are designed and why they matter. What Is CAN Bus? CAN (Controller Area Network) [...]
How to Wire NMEA 2000 with the PICAN-M Raspberry Pi HAT and Power It Using the Onboard SMPS
The PICAN-M is a marine-grade Raspberry Pi HAT that brings both NMEA 0183 and NMEA 2000 connectivity to your Pi, with the added convenience of an onboard 3 A SMPS (Switch-Mode Power Supply) for powering the Pi itself. This makes it ideal for embedded marine systems using platforms like OpenPlotter or Signal K. In this [...]
Migrating Legacy CAN Systems to Modern Architectures: Practical Steps & Pitfalls
The Controller Area Network (CAN) protocol has been the backbone of reliable embedded communication for decades. From passenger cars to heavy-duty trucks, from industrial machinery to marine electronics, CAN has delivered deterministic, robust, and low-cost networking. But as data demands grow—driven by autonomous features, connected vehicles, and Industry 4.0—Classical CAN’s 1 Mbit/s bandwidth and 8-byte [...]
ESP32S3 CAN & LIN-Bus Board: A Powerful Platform for Automotive Networking
In today’s vehicles, networking technologies such as CAN and LIN are essential for reliable communication between electronic control units (ECUs). From advanced driver-assistance systems to body electronics, these protocols form the backbone of modern automotive design. The ESP32S3 CAN & LIN-Bus Board was created with these exact needs in mind, offering engineers a versatile development [...]
CANPico V2 in Action: Compact CAN-Enabled Projects for Robotics and Automation
The CANPico V2 is a small but powerful development platform that brings Controller Area Network (CAN) capability directly into your embedded projects. Built on the Raspberry Pi Pico microcontroller, this board combines affordability with professional-grade communication features—making it an ideal tool for robotics and automation enthusiasts. Its compact size and straightforward interface enable developers to [...]
IoT Meets CAN: Building Cloud-Connected Fleet Monitoring with Raspberry Pi + PiCAN3
The Internet of Things (IoT) is reshaping how vehicles and industrial equipment are monitored and maintained. At the heart of this transformation lies the ability to connect embedded systems—such as those using the CAN Bus protocol—to the cloud. By linking CAN data to online dashboards and analytics tools, fleet operators gain real-time insights into vehicle [...]
Power and Precision on the Water: The Teensy 4.0 with NMEA 2000 Connector and IPS Display
In the world of marine electronics and embedded development, compact size rarely comes with uncompromising power. That changes with the introduction of the Teensy 4.0 paired with an NMEA 2000 connector and a crisp 240×240 IPS LCD. This unique combination delivers a level of performance and integration that appeals equally to hobbyists, professional developers, and [...]
Overstock Savings: PICAN-FD & PICAN-DUO-SMPS Price Drop
As of today's date, we’ve temporarily reduced pricing on our PICAN-FD and PICAN-DUO-SMPS boards to help balance inventory. This is a great opportunity to get professional-grade Raspberry Pi CAN-Bus solutions at a lower cost—while supplies last. Unlock powerful CAN‑Bus functionality for your Raspberry Pi projects with Copperhill’s PICAN‑FD and PICAN‑DUO‑SMPS boards! The PICAN‑FD (US$49.95 - was [...]
Comparing Embedded System Choices for CAN Bus: Arduino, Teensy, and ESP32
At Copperhill Technologies, we frequently receive inquiries asking us to recommend the “best” embedded system for CAN Bus applications. It’s a fair question, but unfortunately, there is no universal answer. The choice depends heavily on a user’s technical knowledge, development experience, and—most importantly—the specific requirements of their application. Instead of prescribing a one-size-fits-all solution, we would [...]