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Comparing SAE J1939 Baud Rates: Evaluating 250k vs. 500k for Modern Vehicle Networks
For years, SAE J1939 has been synonymous with heavy-duty vehicle networking, and 250k baud has been the de facto standard. But as vehicles grow more connected and data-intensive—think emissions controls, advanced diagnostics, telematics, and electrification—the question arises: is 250k still enough? The recent discussion around adding a 500k baud rate to the J1939 standard aims to [...]
SAE J1939 250k/500k Baud Rate Converter – Bridge Between Different CAN Bus Speeds
In modern heavy-duty vehicles and industrial machinery, the SAE J1939 protocol has become the communication backbone for engine, transmission, and diagnostic systems. However, as technology evolves, a challenge often arises: older systems communicate at 250 kbit/s, while newer ones use 500 kbit/s. Integrating devices across these two speeds can be problematic without the right interface. The [...]
Adafruit HUZZAH32 ESP32 Feather Board – WiFi, Bluetooth & Battery Power for IoT Projects
The Adafruit HUZZAH32 Feather Board brings Espressif’s powerful ESP32-WROOM32 module into Adafruit’s popular Feather ecosystem. It offers built-in WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity, dual-core performance, and efficient battery management — making it an excellent choice for Internet of Things (IoT) and embedded applications that demand portability, wireless communication, and reliability. Compact Power for Wireless Projects The HUZZAH32 is [...]
Free SAE J1939 Protocol Stack for ESP32 — Open New Paths for CAN Bus Innovation
We at Copperhill Technologies are excited to announce that we are releasing a fully functional SAE J1939 protocol stack for the ESP32 — and best of all, it’s completely free to use. Whether you’re an engineer, a student, or a maker, this opens up serious possibilities for CAN-bus projects and vehicle network applications — without [...]
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 [...]