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Under Development: 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 [...]
SAE 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 [...]
Mini PCI-E Module Integrates Classical CAN (CAN bus 2.0 A/B, OBDII, SAE J1939), CAN FD, and GNSS features
Antzer Tech, a subsidiary of Innodisk, introduced their GADN-FD7L0 PC interface card, which integrates CAN (CAN bus 2.0 a/b, OBDII, SAE J1939), CAN FD, and GNSS features into one mini PCI-E combo module. The board comes in a standard Mini PCI Express form factor. It supports USB 2.0 and two independent CAN FD ports with data-phase bit [...]
Programmable ECU and GPS Modules with Classical CAN, CAN FD, SAE J1939 Connections
PEAK-System presented several innovative I/O products with Classical CAN and CAN FD connections in this year's Embedded World trade show. The versatile control unit PCAN-MicroMod FD ECU integrates customer-specific accessories for automotive applications. For this purpose, the device offers a CAN FD connection and a combination of analog and digital I/Os. The I/O processing and message [...]
Telematics Gateway for Real-Time SAE J1939 or ISOBUS Data Monitoring
The CANUp telematics gateway by Technoton measures the operational parameters of vehicles and equipment and reports their performance. The core feature of the CANUp gateway includes the utilization of edge/fog computing methods, which detect 10,000+ possible parameters of vehicle or equipment operation and send generated operation reports to a web-based telematics server and directly to a user via [...]
Compact and Robust Joystick Supports SAE J1939, CANopen Interfaces
Genge & Thoma AG introduced its series of joysticks for industrial and mobile applications with CANopen and SAE J1939 connectivity. The products address applications, including off-road vehicles and vehicle body applications. The SK 60 joystick is a versatile product with several options with various haptic characteristics. The product is available in numerous configurations, with up to three [...]
ESP32 DC Motor PWM Speed Control (Pulse Width Modulation) - The Hidden Facts
Lately, I have worked on two projects requiring DC motor control per PWM (Pulse Width Modulation). What both projects had in common was a profound lack of documentation regarding PWM control, specifically the side effects that have a significant impact on the programming. This post aims to point to these quirks that may cause considerable headaches [...]
Thomson Electrac HD Linear Actuator - Fatal Error Flag at Low Speed
As part of a customer project, I was asked to develop a hardware system to control a linear actuator, specifically the Thomson Electrac HD model with SAE J1939 interface. The Electrac Linear Actuator is a great product, and it is always rewarding to see the application literally move. Yet, working on this application was at [...]
Thomson Electrak HD Linear Actuator - Multiple Actuators in the Same Network Will Empty the Batteries
Back in April 2022, I published a post, Thomson Electrak Linear Actuator with SAE J1939 Interface for Railway and Industrial Applications with the intention to use the gained knowledge and publish it in form of an application report. However, after months of working with this product (time frame, not efforts), I still discovered what I call [...]