As CAN FD (Flexible Data-Rate) continues to gain adoption across automotive, industrial, agricultural, and heavy-duty vehicle applications, many developers face a common challenge: How do you connect legacy Classical CAN networks with newer CAN FD systems?

One practical solution is a protocol gateway that can receive messages on one network, process or translate them, and transmit them onto another network. The good news is that the hardware platform already exists.

The ESP32-S3 Board with CAN FD and Classical CAN Ports provides an ideal foundation for developing a high-performance Classical CAN to CAN FD gateway. Combining wireless connectivity, ample processing power, and dedicated support for both CAN technologies, the board offers everything needed for gateway development in a single compact platform.

Why a CAN-to-CAN FD Gateway?

Many existing systems still rely on Classical CAN operating at data rates up to 1 Mbps. At the same time, newer networks increasingly use CAN FD to achieve higher throughput, reduced latency, and more efficient data transfer.

A gateway enables:

• Migration from Classical CAN to CAN FD without redesigning existing equipment
• Integration of legacy devices into modern CAN FD networks
• Message filtering and protocol translation
• Data aggregation from multiple CAN sources
• Future-proof system architectures

Instead of replacing an entire installed network, a gateway allows both technologies to coexist.

ESP32S3 Board with CAN FD and Classical CAN Ports

The ESP32-S3 Board with CAN FD and Classical CAN Ports is a powerful development platform designed for engineers working with modern and legacy CAN networks. Built around the ESP32-S3-WROOM-1-N8R8 module, the board combines a dual-core 240 MHz processor, 8 MB Flash memory, 8 MB PSRAM, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5, and native USB connectivity in a compact design. What makes the board particularly attractive for automotive, industrial, marine, and IoT applications is its dual CAN architecture: Classical CAN is provided directly by the ESP32-S3’s integrated controller, while CAN FD support is implemented through the Microchip MCP2518FD controller, allowing simultaneous access to both technologies on a single platform.

This unique combination makes the board an ideal foundation for CAN gateways, protocol converters, data loggers, diagnostics tools, and wireless monitoring systems. Developers can create applications that bridge Classical CAN and CAN FD networks, aggregate and process data in real time, or connect CAN-based systems to cloud services through Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. Additional features such as high-speed CAN transceivers, USB-C programming, an I²C expansion connector, wide-range 7–24 V power input with reverse-polarity protection, and onboard status indicators make the board suitable for both prototyping and deployment in demanding environments. Whether you are migrating legacy systems to CAN FD or developing next-generation connected devices, this board provides an exceptionally flexible hardware platform. More information...

Hardware Designed for the Task

The ESP32-S3 board includes two completely independent CAN interfaces:

Classical CAN Interface

The ESP32-S3 microcontroller provides an integrated CAN controller (TWAI), connected to an onboard CAN transceiver. This interface supports standard CAN 2.0A and CAN 2.0B communication. 

CAN FD Interface

A dedicated Microchip MCP2518FD controller provides CAN FD functionality through an SPI connection to the ESP32-S3. The MCP2518FD supports both Classical CAN and CAN FD operation, including data rates up to 8 Mbps.

This architecture allows the board to simultaneously monitor, process, and transfer traffic between a Classical CAN network and a CAN FD network.

Why the ESP32-S3 Makes Sense

Gateway applications require more than just two CAN ports. They also need processing power, memory, and flexibility.

The ESP32-S3 offers:

• Dual-core Xtensa LX7 processor running at up to 240 MHz
• Integrated floating-point unit
• 8 MB Flash memory
• 8 MB PSRAM
• Wi-Fi connectivity
• Bluetooth Low Energy support
• USB-C programming interface
• Low-cost development environment based on the Arduino IDE or ESP-IDF framework

This combination allows developers to implement sophisticated gateway functions without requiring additional hardware.

Beyond Simple Message Forwarding

A modern gateway can perform far more than merely forwarding CAN frames.

Potential features include:

Protocol Translation

Convert Classical CAN messages into CAN FD frames and vice versa.

Data Aggregation

Combine multiple Classical CAN messages into larger CAN FD payloads.

Intelligent Filtering

Reduce bus load by forwarding only selected messages.

Diagnostics and Logging

Capture network traffic and store diagnostic information.

Wireless Connectivity

Use Wi-Fi to provide remote monitoring, firmware updates, cloud connectivity, or web-based configuration interfaces. 

Security and Access Control

Implement application-specific filtering and validation before forwarding messages.

Typical Applications

The platform is particularly attractive for:

• Industrial automation upgrades
• Heavy-duty vehicle networks
• Agricultural equipment
• Marine electronics
• Test and simulation systems
• Data acquisition platforms
• Research and development projects

Any application requiring interoperability between legacy CAN and CAN FD networks can benefit from this architecture.

Currently Under Development

At Copperhill Technologies, we are currently developing a complete Classical CAN to CAN FD gateway application based on this hardware platform.

The project is focused on creating a flexible and configurable solution that can serve as a starting point for custom gateway applications in industrial, automotive, agricultural, and marine environments.

If your project requires:

• CAN-to-CAN FD conversion
• Protocol translation
• Custom message processing
• Data logging
• Wireless CAN connectivity

we would be interested in discussing your requirements.

Interested in a CAN-to-CAN FD Gateway?

Whether you need a turnkey solution or a customized implementation, we would like to hear about your application.

Contact us and tell us about your project. Your requirements may help shape the final feature set of our upcoming gateway software.

Stay tuned for future updates as development progresses.