Loading... Please wait...
Blog
Recent Posts
Dual-Channel Linear Actuator Control Module with ESP32
As part of a customer project, I, with the help of a capable hardware designer, developed an embedded system to control two linear actuators, specifically the Thomson Electrac HD model with SAE J1939 interface. The Electrac series of actuators supports two higher-layer protocols (HLP) based on Controller Area Network (CAN): CANopen, and SAE J1939. CANopen is [...]
Diesel Engine Fluid (DEF) Sensor Simulator - Background Info
Before Reading, Please Consider! The DEF Sensor Simulator is not a ready-made product. It was developed by a group of automotive engineers as a concept to bypass faulty DEF sensors. It consists of a list of components with an associated control code, and you will need to assemble the simulator yourself. These engineers selected a component offered [...]
SAE J1939 250k/500k Baudrate Converter with Arduino Due
The introduction of 500 Kbps (see SAE J1939/14) as an alternative to 250 Kbps, required clarifications on how to solve problems that come with incorporating devices supporting different baud rate settings in the same network. One solution comes with automatic baud rate detection. The SAE J1939/16 document outlines the methods used to detect the baud rate [...]
Programming Thomson Electrac Linear Actuator - Sleep Mode
This post represents an excerpt of Thomson Electrac HD Linear Actuator Motion Control per CAN Bus. The application note is available in eBook and Kindle format, and it includes a free downloadable source code. More Information... In this post, I am explaining the actuator's sleep mode, which, if not fully understood, may cause some headache during the development [...]
Programming Electrac Linear Actuator - ACM, AFM Data Frames
This post represents an excerpt of Thomson Electrac HD Linear Actuator Motion Control per CAN Bus. The application note is available in eBook and Kindle format, and it includes a free downloadable source code. More Information... In this post, I am explaining the Actuator Control Message (ACM) and Actuator Feedback Message (AFM).Thomson Electrac Linear Actuator - ACM Design The [...]
SAE J1939 Display Units for Off-Highway Industrial Engines
The Enginemonitor displays by B-Plus are expansion tools, especially for industrial engines with SAE J1939 interfaces. They enable users to retrieve information from mobile machines and communicate commands directly. Thanks to their robust housings and protection level, the devices can operate directly in the cab and the outdoor area of mobile machines. Due to various device versions, the [...]
Contactless CAN Bus, SAE J1939, OBD-II, SAE J1708 Reader
CAN (J1939) and J1708 networks transport multiple valuable information for telematics of vehicles and stationary objects, such as engine parameters, ABS, EPS, diagnostic codes (DTC), and much more. Crocodile contactless readers are used in telematics systems to gather data from digital buses without breaking the insulation of wires and electrical contacts and without sending active requests [...]
Programmable CAN Bus to USB, Bluetooth, BLE, WiFi Gateway
For the longest time, I had resisted the idea of creating my version of a CAN-to-USB gateway, primarily due to the vast competition. A professional CAN/J1939 development requires a professional CAN-to-PC solution to monitor data traffic. I am pleased with the PEAK PCAN-USB device, as shown in the above image. However, not everybody is willing [...]
Selection Criteria and Requirements for a Telematics Gateway
The March 2023 issue of the CAN Newsletter, a CiA (CAN-in-Automation) online publication, posted an article on the selection criteria and requirements for a Telematics gateway. With cars evolving towards network technologies, OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) require telematics solutions that boost seamless communication within and outside the vehicle. The device should be cloud-enabled, connectable to servers for real-time [...]
J1939 Protocol Stack Sketch for ESP32 Using the Arduino IDE
The ESP32 is a series of low-cost, low-power system-on-chip microcontrollers with integrated Wi-Fi and dual-mode Bluetooth. The ESP32 series employs a Tensilica Xtensa LX6 microprocessor in both dual-core and single-core variations and includes built-in antenna switches, RF balun, power amplifier, low-noise receive amplifier, filters, and power management modules. Furthermore, the processor provides the means to easily [...]