Enhancing Raspberry Pi 4 with PiCAN3: A Powerful CAN Bus Solution for Automotive and Industrial Applications

The PiCAN3 CAN Bus Board is a versatile expansion board designed specifically for the Raspberry Pi 4, enhancing its capabilities by providing Controller Area Network (CAN) Bus functionality. This integration is particularly beneficial for applications in industrial automation, automotive diagnostics, and embedded systems development.

Key Features

• CAN Bus Functionality: The PiCAN3 utilizes the Microchip MCP2515 CAN controller paired with the MCP2551 CAN transceiver, supporting CAN 2.0B at speeds up to 1 Mb/s. It accommodates both standard and extended data and remote frames, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of CAN applications.

• Flexible Connectivity: Users can connect to the CAN Bus via a standard 9-way sub-D (DB9) connector or an onboard 3-way screw terminal. A solder bridge allows for configuration adjustments on the DB9 connector to match specific requirements.

• Integrated Power Supply: The board features a Switch Mode Power Supply (SMPS) that accepts an input voltage range from 6 VDC to 20 VDC, making it suitable for various industrial and automotive environments. This SMPS efficiently powers both the Raspberry Pi and the PiCAN3 board, delivering 5VDC at 3A. It also includes reverse polarity protection to safeguard against incorrect power connections.

• Real-Time Clock (RTC): Equipped with the PCF8523 CMOS RTC and calendar chip, the PiCAN3 offers timekeeping functionality optimized for low power consumption. The RTC communicates via the I²C bus at data rates up to 1000 kbit/s and includes alarm and timer features capable of generating wake-up signals through an interrupt pin. A backup battery switch-over circuit ensures timekeeping continuity during power failures (note: the backup battery is not included and requires a CR1225 cell).

• Additional Features:

  • Onboard 120 Ohm Termination Resistor: Ensures proper CAN Bus termination, which is essential for reliable communication.
  • Serial LCD Support: Facilitates the connection of a serial LCD for display purposes.
  • LED Indicator: Provides visual feedback for board status and CAN Bus activity.
  • Standardized Mounting: Includes four mounting holes compliant with the Raspberry Pi HAT standard, ensuring secure attachment to the Raspberry Pi.

Software Support

The PiCAN3 is compatible with the SocketCAN driver, which integrates seamlessly with the Raspberry Pi OS, presenting the CAN interface as can0 to applications. This compatibility allows developers to write applications in C or Python, leveraging a wealth of existing libraries and tools for CAN Bus communication. Comprehensive documentation, including a user guide and schematic, is available to assist with installation and development.

Source: Copperhill Technologies

Enclosure Options

For users seeking to protect their Raspberry Pi and PiCAN3 setup, a custom plastic enclosure is available. This two-part clip-together case is crafted from High Impact Polystyrene (HIPS) and is designed specifically for the PiCAN3 board and Raspberry Pi 4 Model B. It features mounting flanges for wall installation, providing a secure and organized housing solution.

Source: Copperhill Technologies

Applications

The integration of the PiCAN3 with the Raspberry Pi 4 opens up a multitude of application possibilities, including:

• Automotive Diagnostics: Monitor and analyze vehicle CAN networks for troubleshooting and performance tuning.

• Industrial Automation: Interface with industrial equipment and sensors that communicate over CAN Bus.

• Robotics: Enable communication between various robotic components and controllers.

• Embedded Systems Development: Prototype and test CAN Bus-based communication in custom hardware projects.

In summary, the PiCAN3 CAN Bus Board significantly extends the functionality of the Raspberry Pi 4, providing a robust and feature-rich platform for CAN Bus applications across various industries.