The obvious solution would be to redesign the existing hardware and rewrite the firmware to support CAN FD. In many cases, however, that approach is neither technically nor economically justified.

A protocol gateway provides a much more practical alternative.

Using the ESP32-S3 Board with CAN FD and Classical CAN Ports, developers can build a compact, low-cost gateway that connects legacy Classical CAN equipment to modern CAN FD networks with surprisingly little software effort. The board combines the ESP32-S3's integrated Classical CAN controller with an external MCP2518FD CAN FD controller, giving the microcontroller simultaneous access to two completely independent CAN buses.

Why You Cannot Connect Classical CAN and CAN FD on the Same Bus

One common misconception is that CAN FD is simply a faster version of Classical CAN and that both can coexist on the same physical network.

That is only partially true.

Both protocols use the same arbitration phase, allowing arbitration to occur at the nominal bus speed. However, once a CAN FD frame switches to the higher data rate (Bit Rate Switching - BRS), Classical CAN controllers no longer understand what they are seeing.

A Classical CAN controller interprets the high-speed data phase as a protocol violation and immediately generates error frames. As a result:

• Classical CAN nodes continuously report errors.

• CAN FD communication is disrupted.

• The network becomes unusable.

Therefore, a network containing Classical CAN controllers cannot simply be upgraded by introducing CAN FD traffic. The two technologies must be separated into different physical CAN segments connected through a gateway.

When Does a Gateway Make Sense?

A gateway becomes particularly attractive whenever only a small portion of an existing system requires modernization.

Typical examples include:

• Adding a new CAN FD sensor to an existing Classical CAN system

• Connecting legacy ECUs to a modern vehicle backbone

• Integrating older industrial controllers into new automation systems

• Agricultural equipment upgrades

• Marine electronics modernization

• Laboratory test benches where both technologies must coexist

In many cases, replacing a single legacy ECU would require:

• New hardware design

• New firmware development

• Extensive validation

• Regulatory re-certification

Developing a gateway often requires only a few hundred lines of software while leaving the existing equipment completely untouched.

Hardware Platform

The ESP32-S3 Board with CAN FD and Classical CAN Ports is particularly well suited for this application because it already contains everything needed.

Its dual CAN architecture consists of:

Classical CAN

• ESP32-S3 integrated TWAI controller

• Dedicated CAN transceiver

CAN FD

• Microchip MCP2518FD controller

• High-speed CAN FD transceiver

• SPI interface to the ESP32-S3

Additional hardware features include:

• Dual-core 240 MHz processor

• 8 MB Flash

• 8 MB PSRAM

• Native USB

• Wi-Fi

• Bluetooth LE

• 7–24 V power input

This eliminates the need for external CAN shields or additional processor boards.

The Simplest Gateway

The easiest implementation performs nothing more than frame forwarding.

Whenever a Classical CAN frame is received:

1. Read the CAN identifier.

2. Read the DLC.

3. Copy the data bytes.

4. Transmit the frame on the CAN FD network as a Classical-format CAN frame.

Likewise, incoming Classical-format frames on the CAN FD network are forwarded to the Classical CAN network.

No protocol translation is required.

This solution is often sufficient because CAN FD controllers are fully backward compatible with Classical CAN frames.

The firmware can therefore remain remarkably small.

Message Filtering

Most gateways quickly evolve beyond simple forwarding.

Typical filtering functions include:

• Forward only selected identifiers

• Block unwanted traffic

• Change priorities

• Separate diagnostic traffic

• Create virtual subnetworks

Filtering reduces network load and allows the gateway to isolate legacy devices from unnecessary CAN FD traffic.

Identifier Translation

Two independent networks frequently use different identifier assignments.

The gateway can therefore translate:

• Standard to extended identifiers

• Extended to standard identifiers

• One identifier range into another

• Proprietary identifiers into standardized ones

This enables otherwise incompatible systems to communicate.

Scaling Data

Some systems transmit raw sensor values while newer equipment expects engineering units.

The gateway can therefore perform calculations such as:

• Temperature conversion

• Pressure scaling

• RPM conversion

• Unit conversion

• Offset correction

Instead of modifying every ECU, only the gateway firmware requires updating.

Converting CAN FD Frames into Multiple Classical CAN Frames

One of the greatest advantages of CAN FD is its payload size.

Classical CAN:

• Maximum 8 data bytes

CAN FD:

• Up to 64 data bytes

When a CAN FD message contains more than eight bytes, the gateway can split the information into several Classical CAN frames.

For example:

64-byte CAN FD payload

↓

Eight Classical CAN messages with 8-byte payloads each

The receiving Classical CAN node simply processes the individual messages according to a predefined protocol.

Depending on the application, the gateway may add:

• Sequence numbers

• Packet counters

• Checksums

• Start/end markers

• Timeout monitoring

This approach is particularly useful when transmitting larger datasets such as calibration tables, measurement blocks, configuration parameters, or firmware update packets.

Combining Multiple Classical CAN Frames into One CAN FD Frame

The reverse operation is equally useful.

Suppose eight Classical CAN nodes periodically transmit related sensor values.

Instead of forwarding eight individual messages, the gateway can aggregate them into one CAN FD frame.

Advantages include:

• Reduced bus utilization

• Lower protocol overhead

• Faster transmission

• Better synchronization of related data

For example:

Eight 8-byte Classical CAN messages

↓

One 64-byte CAN FD frame

This technique is especially attractive when connecting legacy sensors to modern data loggers or cloud gateways.

Data Buffering

Because CAN FD can transmit data considerably faster than Classical CAN, temporary buffering often becomes necessary.

The gateway may need to:

• Queue incoming Classical CAN messages

• Assemble complete CAN FD packets

• Reconstruct fragmented messages

• Handle burst traffic

• Prioritize urgent messages

The ESP32-S3's generous RAM resources simplify these tasks.

Timeouts and Error Handling

A robust gateway should never blindly forward data.

Recommended features include:

• CAN bus error monitoring

• Bus-off recovery

• Missing message detection

• Timeout supervision

• Duplicate frame detection

• Queue overflow handling

• Error statistics

These diagnostics become invaluable during system commissioning.

Additional Intelligent Gateway Functions

Once the gateway exists, additional functionality becomes almost free from a hardware perspective.

Examples include:

• Message logging to Flash memory

• USB CAN analyzer

• Wi-Fi diagnostics interface

• Bluetooth configuration

• Remote firmware updates

• Web-based configuration pages

• MQTT cloud connectivity

• OTA firmware updates

• Data recording for troubleshooting

The gateway effectively becomes a smart communication node rather than merely a protocol converter.

Real-World Applications

A Classical CAN to CAN FD gateway can be used in many environments:

• Agricultural equipment modernization

• Heavy-duty vehicle retrofits

• Industrial automation

• Marine electronics

• Robotics

• Test benches

• Manufacturing equipment

• Laboratory instrumentation

• Prototype development

• Vehicle diagnostics

In all these cases, the gateway extends the useful life of existing hardware while enabling access to modern CAN FD networks.

Software Complexity Is Lower Than Expected

Many engineers initially assume that developing a Classical CAN to CAN FD gateway requires a major software effort. In reality, the simplest implementation is little more than:

• Receive a frame on one CAN interface
• Copy the CAN identifier
• Copy the DLC
• Copy the payload
• Transmit the frame on the opposite CAN interface

The ESP32-S3 Board with CAN FD and Classical CAN Ports makes the task even easier by including sample source code that already demonstrates simultaneous operation of both the Classical CAN (TWAI) and CAN FD interfaces. This example serves as an excellent starting point for a gateway application, allowing developers to focus on the conversion logic rather than low-level driver implementation. In many cases, the required software consists of only a small amount of application code built on top of the provided example.

From there, additional capabilities can be added incrementally as project requirements evolve:

• Message filtering
• Identifier translation
• Data scaling
• Frame aggregation
• Frame fragmentation
• Diagnostics
• Logging
• Wireless configuration and monitoring

This modular approach allows developers to create a functional gateway with minimal programming effort while retaining the flexibility to expand the software into a sophisticated protocol conversion platform as needed.

Conclusion

Migrating from Classical CAN to CAN FD does not necessarily require replacing every existing controller on the network. In many applications, a dedicated gateway provides a far more practical and economical solution.

By keeping the Classical CAN and CAN FD networks physically separated, the gateway eliminates protocol conflicts while enabling seamless communication between legacy and next-generation devices. Depending on application requirements, it can function as a simple frame forwarder, a sophisticated protocol translator, or an intelligent edge processor that filters, aggregates, fragments, logs, and distributes data across multiple networks.

The ESP32-S3 Board with CAN FD and Classical CAN Ports offers an ideal hardware foundation for such projects. With integrated support for both CAN technologies, abundant processing power, native USB, wireless connectivity, and a flexible software environment, it allows developers to build anything from a straightforward protocol bridge to a feature-rich communication gateway—all without redesigning existing CAN hardware.

Developing IoT Projects with ESP32: Unlock the full Potential of ESP32 in IoT development to create production-grade smart devices

From smart sensors and edge computing to cloud integration and TinyML, this comprehensive guide walks you through every stage of modern IoT development using the ESP32 and industry-standard tools, frameworks, and technologies.

Key Features

• Build complete IoT applications from the ground up with ESP32

• Connect devices securely to the cloud and visualize real-time data

• Develop practical projects including an audio player, smart home automation, voice-enabled devices, and TinyML applications

Book Description

The ESP32 has become one of the world's most popular microcontrollers for Internet of Things (IoT) applications, combining Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, impressive processing power, and low energy consumption in an affordable platform. Whether you're developing connected sensors, industrial controllers, or smart home devices, this book provides a complete roadmap for creating reliable, production-ready IoT systems.

Beginning with the fundamentals of IoT architecture and real-world design concepts, you'll build an ESP32-based application step by step. Along the way, you'll learn how to interface with sensors, manage peripherals, and integrate powerful libraries such as LittleFS and LVGL. You'll then connect your projects to Wi-Fi networks, implement industry-standard security features, exchange data with cloud platforms, and create professional dashboards using Grafana.

The book also explores emerging edge AI technologies by introducing TinyML on the ESP32-S3. Using the Edge Impulse platform, you'll learn how to develop, deploy, and run machine-learning models directly on embedded hardware, enabling intelligent devices that process data locally without relying on cloud computing.

With numerous hands-on examples and progressively more advanced projects, you'll steadily build practical skills throughout the book. The journey culminates in a complete Smart Home project that brings together embedded hardware, networking, cloud services, security, visualization, and edge AI into one integrated IoT solution.

If you're ready to move beyond simple ESP32 examples and build secure, scalable, and intelligent connected devices, this book will provide the knowledge and practical experience you need. More information...

Even more compelling is the availability of hardware that combines both Classical CAN and CAN FD on a single development board. The ESP32-S3 Board with CAN FD and Classical CAN Ports serves as an excellent example of such a platform, allowing developers to focus on firmware development rather than hardware design. It combines wireless connectivity, modern processing power, and dual CAN interfaces into one compact solution suitable for prototypes as well as production-ready applications.

Why Wireless CAN Gateways?

Traditional CAN interfaces connect directly to a PC through USB. While this remains the preferred solution for development, wireless connectivity offers significant advantages:

• Remote diagnostics without physical access

• Fleet-wide monitoring

• Mobile service applications

• Wireless firmware updates

• Cloud-connected data logging

• Portable handheld diagnostic tools

• Industrial IoT integration

Instead of bringing a computer to the machine, the machine becomes available on the network.

The ESP32-S3 Advantage

The ESP32-S3 is far more than another microcontroller. It integrates wireless communication, substantial memory resources, and high processing performance into a single chip.

Key capabilities include:

• Dual-core Xtensa LX7 processor operating up to 240 MHz

• Hardware floating-point unit

• 8 MB Flash

• 8 MB PSRAM

• Native USB OTG

• Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n

• Bluetooth 5

• Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE)

• Bluetooth Mesh support

• Excellent Arduino IDE support

• Extensive ESP-IDF software ecosystem

This combination makes the ESP32-S3 particularly attractive for communication gateways, where multiple protocols must operate simultaneously.

Supporting Both Classical CAN and CAN FD

Many industries currently operate mixed environments.

Older equipment often communicates through Classical CAN operating up to 1 Mbps, while newer systems increasingly rely on CAN FD for higher throughput and larger payloads.

The featured development board supports both technologies simultaneously:

Classical CAN

The ESP32-S3 includes Espressif's built-in TWAI controller, providing native support for Classical CAN (CAN 2.0A and CAN 2.0B). An onboard high-speed CAN transceiver connects the controller directly to the bus.

Typical applications include:

• J1939

• CANopen

• DeviceNet

• NMEA 2000

• Proprietary industrial protocols

CAN FD

For modern applications, the board incorporates a dedicated Microchip MCP2518FD controller connected through SPI.

CAN FD provides several advantages:

• Data rates up to 8 Mbps

• Payloads up to 64 bytes

• Higher overall throughput

• Reduced bus utilization

• Improved efficiency for larger data transfers

The result is a development platform capable of supporting both legacy and next-generation CAN networks.

Gateway Architecture

A wireless CAN gateway generally follows a straightforward architecture:

Classical CAN
      │
CAN Controller (TWAI)
      │
 ESP32-S3 Application
      │
 Wi-Fi / BLE / Bluetooth
      │
 Smartphone
 Laptop
 Cloud Server
 MQTT Broker
 REST API

For CAN FD applications:

CAN FD
     │
MCP2518FD
     │
 ESP32-S3
     │
Wireless Network

The gateway firmware receives CAN messages, processes them if necessary, and forwards them over the selected wireless interface.

Wi-Fi Connectivity

Wi-Fi is the natural choice whenever bandwidth is important.

Typical Wi-Fi applications include:

Remote Monitoring

Operators can monitor machine parameters from anywhere on the local network.

Embedded Web Servers

The ESP32-S3 can host a web interface that displays:

• Live CAN traffic

• Diagnostic information

• Error counters

• Bus load

• Configuration settings

No dedicated PC software is required.

Cloud Connectivity

CAN data can be uploaded to cloud services using:

• MQTT

• HTTPS

• WebSockets

• REST APIs

Applications include:

• Predictive maintenance

• Fleet management

• Industrial monitoring

• Long-term data logging

Bluetooth Classic

Bluetooth Classic remains an excellent choice for direct communication between the gateway and nearby devices.

Typical applications include:

• Laptop diagnostics

• Mobile configuration utilities

• Portable service tools

• Wireless serial replacement

Many existing desktop and Android applications can communicate over Bluetooth without requiring a Wi-Fi infrastructure.

Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE)

BLE is increasingly becoming the preferred wireless technology for battery-powered and mobile devices.

Possible applications include:

Mobile Apps

A smartphone application can:

• Display live CAN values

• Configure gateway parameters

• Retrieve diagnostic information

• Perform firmware updates

Wireless Sensors

BLE peripherals can transmit additional sensor information to the gateway, allowing CAN data to be combined with:

• Temperature

• Humidity

• GPS

• Pressure

• Vibration

• Environmental measurements

Low Power Operation

BLE's reduced power consumption makes it suitable for portable diagnostic equipment and battery-powered gateways.

Combining Multiple Wireless Interfaces

One of the ESP32-S3's greatest strengths is its ability to support multiple communication methods within the same application.

A single gateway might simultaneously:

• Receive J1939 traffic on Classical CAN

• Receive CAN FD messages

• Publish selected parameters over Wi-Fi using MQTT

• Accept configuration commands through BLE

• Provide a USB diagnostic interface

• Log data to onboard memory

Such flexibility enables developers to create highly capable embedded systems without additional processors.

Typical Gateway Applications

The hardware lends itself to a wide range of professional applications.

Wireless CAN Data Logger

Store CAN traffic locally while allowing remote access through Wi-Fi.

Fleet Telematics

Transmit selected vehicle information to a central server.

Industrial IoT Gateway

Bridge factory equipment to cloud services.

Wireless Diagnostics

Replace lengthy USB cables with Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connections.

Protocol Translation

Receive messages from one CAN network, process them, and retransmit them on another network.

Mobile Service Tool

Develop portable diagnostic devices using smartphones or tablets as the user interface.

Software Development

Developers have several software options available.

Arduino IDE remains an excellent choice for rapid prototyping and proof-of-concept development.

For larger commercial projects, the ESP-IDF framework provides:

• Advanced networking

• BLE services

• Secure communication

• File systems

• OTA firmware updates

• Real-time operating system support

Because the board exposes both CAN interfaces, developers can build sophisticated gateway software without designing custom hardware.

Hardware Designed for Professional Projects

The development board includes features that simplify deployment beyond the laboratory.

Highlights include:

• Native USB-C programming

• High-speed CAN transceivers

• Wide 7–24 V power input

• Reverse polarity protection

• Onboard RGB status LED

• I²C expansion connector

• Compact PCB layout

These features make the platform suitable for both development and deployment in demanding automotive and industrial environments.

Looking Ahead

Wireless connectivity is rapidly becoming an expected feature of embedded systems. At the same time, CAN FD continues to gain traction across automotive, heavy-duty vehicle, agricultural, and industrial applications.

A development platform combining Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, BLE, Classical CAN, and CAN FD provides engineers with exceptional flexibility. Whether the goal is remote diagnostics, Industrial IoT, fleet management, wireless data logging, or protocol conversion, the ESP32-S3 delivers the processing power and connectivity needed to build modern gateway solutions.

For developers looking to explore wireless CAN applications, the ESP32-S3 Board with CAN FD and Classical CAN Ports offers an outstanding starting point. By integrating native Classical CAN, dedicated CAN FD hardware, advanced wireless communication, and a powerful dual-core processor into a single platform, it significantly shortens development time while leaving ample room for innovation.

The Wireless Cookbook: Build Real Projects and Master Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and LoRa

Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and LoRa power the connected world, but building reliable wireless systems is rarely as simple as it seems. Connections drop unexpectedly, documentation leaves out critical details, and error messages often create more questions than answers.

This book takes a practical, hands-on approach to wireless development with Raspberry Pi and Linux. Through a collection of self-contained projects, you'll learn not only how today's wireless technologies work, but also how to troubleshoot them, control them, and build systems that perform reliably in real-world applications. Every project is designed to be both educational and immediately useful, providing a solid foundation you can adapt to your own designs.

Among the many projects in this book, you'll build:

• A BLE audio receiver for high-quality wireless sound
• A battery-powered LoRa node capable of communicating over miles
• A self-healing Wi-Fi mesh network
• A real-time signal strength monitor with a mini TFT display
• A wireless intrusion detection system with a captive portal

As you progress through the projects, you'll develop a practical understanding of Linux networking, master wireless technologies including IEEE 802.11 Wi-Fi, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), and LoRaWAN, and gain the confidence to design, deploy, and troubleshoot your own wireless solutions.

Each chapter focuses on a real-world wireless challenge, guiding you from understanding the underlying concepts to building a working solution you can immediately put to use.

Wireless development doesn't have to be mysterious. With Raspberry Pi, Linux, and this book as your guide, you'll have the knowledge and practical experience to build wireless systems that simply work. More information...

As modern vehicles and industrial equipment become increasingly networked and software-driven, successful projects depend on collaboration between multiple engineering disciplines. The JCOM1939 Community provides a central platform where engineers can exchange practical knowledge, discuss real-world implementation challenges, and stay informed about development tools, software, educational resources, and industry best practices.

Click here to join the J1939 Community...

Detailed Description

For many years, Copperhill Technologies has supported engineers developing SAE J1939 and CAN bus applications through hardware interfaces, embedded software, technical articles, educational content, and development tools. The JCOM1939 Community builds on that foundation by providing a dedicated meeting place for engineers working throughout the entire product development lifecycle.

Although embedded software developers remain at the heart of the community, today's engineering projects involve far more than writing firmware. Modern vehicle networks require close cooperation between software developers, hardware designers, test engineers, validation specialists, systems integrators, OEM engineering teams, manufacturing engineers, technical support personnel, and field service professionals. Each discipline contributes unique expertise while often facing many of the same technical challenges.

The JCOM1939 Community is designed to encourage that collaboration by providing a focused environment where professionals can exchange ideas, solve problems, and share practical engineering experience.

The community welcomes professionals involved in:

• Embedded software development

• Embedded hardware and ECU design

• CAN bus and CAN FD development

• SAE J1939 implementation

• Network architecture and integration

• Systems integration

• Test and validation engineering

• OEM engineering

• Product development and prototyping

• Diagnostics and troubleshooting

• Manufacturing engineering

• Technical support and field service

Discussion topics cover every stage of product development, from implementing J1939 protocol functions and debugging CAN communication to integrating electronic control units from multiple suppliers, validating network behavior, troubleshooting interoperability issues, and commissioning complete vehicle systems.

A growing area of interest is test and validation. Engineers frequently need to evaluate new hardware and software before a complete machine or vehicle is available. The community encourages discussions on node simulation, fault injection, network monitoring, automated testing, ECU validation, and practical methods for reproducing real-world operating conditions in the laboratory.

Systems integrators and OEM engineering teams will also find a forum dedicated to solving integration challenges involving address claiming, transport protocols, diagnostics, parameter groups, network configuration, interoperability, and overall system performance.

Unlike general-purpose electronics forums, the JCOM1939 Community is dedicated exclusively to SAE J1939 and related CAN networking technologies. This specialized focus helps maintain highly relevant technical discussions for professionals working in commercial vehicles, agriculture, construction equipment, mining, marine systems, industrial automation, and other CAN-based applications.

Beyond technical discussions, members gain access to information about new development tools, software releases, educational articles, product announcements, and other resources published by Copperhill Technologies and the broader engineering community.

The forum is open to everyone. Visitors may read all discussions without registering, making the accumulated technical knowledge freely accessible. Engineers who create a free account can participate in discussions, ask questions, share solutions, and receive notifications about new topics and community updates.

By bringing together embedded developers, hardware engineers, test professionals, systems integrators, OEM engineering teams, and other specialists, Copperhill Technologies aims to establish the JCOM1939 Community as one of the leading online resources for practical SAE J1939 engineering knowledge and collaboration.

About Copperhill Technologies

Copperhill Technologies develops hardware, software, and educational resources for CAN bus, CAN FD, SAE J1939, and embedded systems development. Through the JCOM1939 platform, the company supports engineers worldwide with practical development tools, technical information, and a growing professional community dedicated to advancing CAN-based technologies.

I think this version has a much stronger "press release" feel. It leads with the actual news—the creation of a broader engineering community—rather than simply stating that more people are being invited. That makes it more attractive to editors while still highlighting the inclusiveness of the community.

Bridging these two worlds is a common requirement in modern applications. Whether you need to monitor CAN traffic from a remote workstation, connect multiple CAN networks across a building, or collect data for Industrial IoT applications, a Raspberry Pi equipped with a PiCAN interface provides an inexpensive yet remarkably powerful CAN-to-Ethernet gateway.

In this article, we'll examine the concept, implementation, and practical applications of a Raspberry Pi CAN-to-Ethernet gateway and explain why the PiCAN product family from Copperhill Technologies is an excellent foundation for such projects.

Why Bridge CAN and Ethernet?

CAN Bus was designed for deterministic, real-time communication between electronic control units (ECUs). Ethernet, on the other hand, excels at transporting data over large networks and integrating with existing IT infrastructure.

A gateway allows both networks to perform what they do best.

Typical reasons include:

• Remote CAN Bus monitoring

• Data logging over a LAN

• Industrial IoT connectivity

• Cloud integration

• Remote diagnostics

• Multi-building machine monitoring

• Vehicle fleet data collection

• Marine electronics networking

• CAN network simulation and testing

Instead of connecting a PC directly to the CAN Bus with a USB adapter, the Raspberry Pi becomes an intelligent network appliance that can be installed anywhere Ethernet is available.

Basic Gateway Architecture

A typical installation looks like this:

           Ethernet Network
                  |
          +----------------+
          | Raspberry Pi   |
          |                |
          | SocketCAN      |
          | Gateway App    |
          +----------------+
                  |
             PiCAN HAT
                  |
             CAN Bus Network
                  |
      ECUs • Sensors • Controllers

The Raspberry Pi continuously exchanges CAN messages with the field network while communicating with remote computers over Ethernet using TCP/IP, UDP, MQTT, HTTP, WebSockets, or custom protocols.

Unlike a simple USB-CAN adapter, the Raspberry Pi can preprocess, filter, timestamp, log, or even modify traffic before forwarding it.

Why Raspberry Pi?

The Raspberry Pi has become one of the most popular embedded Linux platforms available.

Advantages include:

• Quad-core processor

• Built-in Ethernet

• Linux operating system

• Gigabytes of RAM

• Massive software ecosystem

• Low power consumption

• Excellent reliability

• Very affordable

Because Raspberry Pi runs Linux, developers gain access to powerful networking tools that are difficult to implement on traditional microcontrollers.

Enter the PiCAN Product Family

Copperhill Technologies offers the PiCAN series of Raspberry Pi CAN interface boards specifically designed for professional CAN development and deployment. The PiCAN family supports SocketCAN, the standard Linux CAN networking framework, allowing CAN interfaces to appear just like network interfaces under Linux. 

The product line includes numerous options to match different applications:

• Classical CAN

• CAN FD

• Single-channel interfaces

• Dual-channel interfaces

• GPS-equipped versions

• Real-Time Clock (RTC)

• Isolated models

• NMEA 2000 interfaces

• LIN Bus support on selected models

This flexibility allows developers to build anything from a simple CAN monitor to sophisticated industrial gateways.

SocketCAN Makes Everything Easy

One of Linux's greatest strengths is SocketCAN.

Instead of using proprietary APIs, CAN interfaces become standard Linux network devices.

Typical commands include:

ip link set can0 up type can bitrate 500000

Monitoring traffic:

candump can0

Sending a frame:

cansend can0 123#1122334455667788

Because SocketCAN integrates directly into the Linux networking stack, developers can use numerous existing libraries and applications without writing low-level drivers. Tools such as can-utils, Wireshark, and python-can work seamlessly with PiCAN hardware. (Copperhill Technologies)

Gateway Software Possibilities

Once CAN frames are available through SocketCAN, almost any networking protocol can be used.

Examples include:

TCP Server

The Raspberry Pi accepts TCP client connections and streams CAN frames.

Ideal for:

• Windows applications

• Laboratory equipment

• Custom engineering software

UDP Broadcast

Useful for:

• Fast monitoring

• Multiple simultaneous clients

• Low-overhead communication

MQTT

Excellent for Industry 4.0 applications.

The gateway publishes CAN messages to an MQTT broker where cloud applications, dashboards, or data historians subscribe.

HTTP REST API

Applications can request:

• Current sensor values

• Device status

• Historical information

• Diagnostics

This is ideal for web dashboards.

WebSockets

Perfect for browser-based CAN monitoring software requiring real-time updates.

Intelligent Data Processing

One advantage of using Linux instead of a small microcontroller is the ability to perform sophisticated processing before transmitting data.

Examples include:

Message Filtering

Only forward selected CAN identifiers.

Example:

• Engine speed

• Vehicle speed

• Oil pressure

instead of the entire network.

Protocol Decoding

Instead of forwarding raw CAN frames:

18F00400
FF 00 5A 01 ...

the gateway can decode them into engineering values:

Engine Speed: 1850 RPM
Oil Pressure: 64 PSI
Coolant Temperature: 91°C

This dramatically reduces processing requirements on client software.

Data Aggregation

Rather than sending thousands of CAN frames every second, the gateway can periodically publish summarized information.

For example:

{
 EngineSpeed: 1852
 FuelRate: 18.6
 VehicleSpeed: 42.8
}

This reduces Ethernet bandwidth while simplifying application development.

Dual CAN Gateway Applications

The PiCAN Duo models open even more possibilities by providing two independent CAN channels.

Applications include:

• Bridging two CAN networks

• Protocol translation

• CAN filtering

• Baud rate conversion

• Vehicle network isolation

• Test bench simulation

A Raspberry Pi can receive messages on one CAN network, process them, and transmit selected information onto another network.

Industrial IoT Applications

Many industrial systems still rely heavily on CAN.

Adding Ethernet connectivity enables:

• Factory monitoring

• Predictive maintenance

• Energy monitoring

• Equipment diagnostics

• Cloud dashboards

• Historical data collection

Because Linux supports databases such as SQLite, PostgreSQL, or InfluxDB, the Raspberry Pi can store extensive historical CAN data before forwarding it elsewhere.

Remote Diagnostics

One particularly useful application is remote troubleshooting.

Instead of sending a technician to the machine:

• Install Raspberry Pi

• Connect to CAN Bus

• Connect Ethernet

• Access remotely

Authorized users can monitor live CAN traffic, retrieve logs, update software, or diagnose communication issues from virtually anywhere on the network.

Marine Applications

The PiCAN-M models support NMEA 2000, making them suitable for marine applications where vessel data needs to be integrated with onboard Ethernet networks.

Typical applications include:

• Navigation systems

• Engine monitoring

• Fuel management

• Environmental sensors

• Remote vessel monitoring

Software Development

Because Raspberry Pi supports multiple programming languages, developers can choose the environment they know best.

Popular choices include:

• Python

• C/C++

• Node.js

• Go

• Rust

Combined with SocketCAN, developing a complete CAN gateway often requires surprisingly little code.

Future Expansion

One of the Raspberry Pi's biggest strengths is its flexibility.

A gateway can later be expanded with:

• GPS positioning

• Wi-Fi

• Cellular connectivity

• Bluetooth

• Local web server

• Database logging

• Secure VPN access

• Docker containers

• AI-based analytics

The hardware platform remains the same while software capabilities continue to grow.

Conclusion

A Raspberry Pi equipped with a PiCAN interface offers far more than a simple CAN adapter. It becomes a powerful embedded gateway capable of connecting real-time CAN networks to modern Ethernet infrastructures while leveraging the extensive Linux software ecosystem.

Whether you're building an industrial data logger, a remote diagnostics platform, an automotive development tool, or an IIoT edge device, the combination of Raspberry Pi, SocketCAN, and the PiCAN product family from Copperhill Technologies provides a flexible, scalable, and cost-effective solution. With support for Classical CAN, CAN FD, dual-channel interfaces, GPS, NMEA 2000, and other specialized configurations, the PiCAN lineup allows developers to tailor the hardware to the needs of virtually any CAN-to-Ethernet application.

Internet of Things Programming Projects: Build exciting IoT projects using Raspberry Pi 5, Raspberry Pi Pico, and Python

Build practical Internet of Things (IoT) applications ranging from weather stations and information displays to home security systems and an AI-powered vision recognition robot car.

Key Features

• Learn how to develop real-world IoT applications with Raspberry Pi and Raspberry Pi Pico

• Explore modern IoT technologies including MQTT, LoRa, LoRaWAN, and the Robot Operating System (ROS)

• Build increasingly sophisticated projects, culminating in a vision recognition robot car with autonomous capabilities

• Includes a free PDF eBook with the purchase of the print or Kindle edition

Book Description

The Raspberry Pi has become one of the world's most popular platforms for developing Internet of Things (IoT) applications thanks to its low cost, flexibility, and extensive ecosystem. Whether you're a hobbyist, student, or professional developer, this updated edition of Internet of Things Programming Projects provides a practical, project-based approach to mastering IoT development.

Written by an experienced software engineer, the book begins with the fundamentals before guiding you through progressively more advanced projects. You'll learn how to interface sensors, displays, motors, and wireless communication modules while integrating cloud services and real-time data. Along the way, you'll build projects such as weather indicators, information displays, environmental monitoring systems, home security applications, and an autonomous robot car.

The book introduces powerful technologies including MQTT for messaging, LoRa and LoRaWAN for long-range wireless communication, and the Robot Operating System (ROS) for advanced robotics. Through hands-on examples, you'll discover how to combine hardware and software into reliable, intelligent IoT systems capable of solving real-world problems.

By the end of the book, you'll have the knowledge and confidence to design, build, and expand your own IoT projects using Raspberry Pi, integrating external hardware, cloud connectivity, and modern communication technologies.

What You Will Learn

• Build connected IoT applications using Raspberry Pi and Raspberry Pi Pico

• Interface sensors, motors, displays, and other peripherals

• Integrate web services for real-time data collection, visualization, and analysis

• Develop a weather indicator using LEDs, servo motors, and environmental sensors

• Build an autonomous robot car with vision recognition and ROS-based control

• Create a home security system with real-time alerts and SMS notifications

• Implement MQTT for reliable IoT messaging

• Explore LoRa and LoRaWAN for long-range, low-power environmental monitoring

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Yet the demands placed on embedded networks continue to grow. Today's systems generate far more data than they did even a decade ago. Cameras, radar, high-resolution sensors, firmware updates, diagnostics, predictive maintenance, and over-the-air software deployment all require more bandwidth than Classical CAN was originally designed to handle.

This is where CAN FD (Flexible Data-Rate) enters the picture.

But does every CAN application need CAN FD? Should existing products be redesigned? Or is Classical CAN still the better choice for many applications?

The answer depends entirely on your application.

In this article, we'll examine the practical differences between Classical CAN and CAN FD, discuss when upgrading actually makes sense, and show how developers can experiment with both technologies using a single development platform.

Why Classical CAN Has Been So Successful

Since its introduction by Bosch in the 1980s, Classical CAN has become one of the most successful industrial communication protocols ever created.

Its strengths include:

• Extremely reliable communication

• Robust error detection and fault confinement

• Deterministic arbitration

• Low implementation cost

• Excellent interoperability

• Huge ecosystem of controllers, transceivers, analyzers, and software

Millions of vehicles and industrial systems continue to operate flawlessly using Classical CAN today.

If your network carries only sensor values, switch states, control commands, or modest amounts of process data, Classical CAN remains an excellent solution.

There is no technical reason to replace it simply because CAN FD exists.

The Limitations of Classical CAN

Technology evolves.

Modern embedded systems often require significantly higher data throughput than earlier generations.

Classical CAN has two fundamental limitations:

1. Maximum Payload Size

Each CAN frame carries a maximum of:

8 bytes

While sufficient for many control applications, eight bytes quickly become restrictive when transmitting:

• Sensor arrays

• Diagnostic records

• Firmware blocks

• GPS information

• Configuration parameters

• Measurement datasets

Large messages must be fragmented into multiple CAN frames.

2. Limited Data Rate

Classical CAN typically operates at:

• 125 kbit/s

• 250 kbit/s

• 500 kbit/s

• 1 Mbit/s (maximum)

While adequate for many networks, higher bus utilization increases latency and reduces available bandwidth for future expansion.

What Makes CAN FD Different?

CAN FD was specifically designed to overcome these limitations while maintaining compatibility with existing CAN concepts.

Two major improvements distinguish CAN FD.

Larger Data Payload

Instead of 8 bytes, CAN FD supports:

• 12 bytes

• 16 bytes

• 20 bytes

• 24 bytes

• 32 bytes

• 48 bytes

• 64 bytes

This eight-fold increase dramatically reduces protocol overhead.

For example:

Instead of transmitting eight Classical CAN frames, a single CAN FD frame may carry the same information.

That means:

• fewer arbitration cycles

• less bus traffic

• lower processor overhead

• improved efficiency

Faster Data Phase

CAN FD introduces two bit rates.

Arbitration Phase

Still operates at the traditional CAN bit rate.

This guarantees compatibility with the existing arbitration mechanism.

Data Phase

Once arbitration completes, the frame may switch to a much higher transmission speed.

Common values include:

• 2 Mbit/s

• 4 Mbit/s

• 5 Mbit/s

• 8 Mbit/s

This dramatically shortens transmission time for larger payloads.

Does CAN FD Replace Classical CAN?

No.

This is perhaps the biggest misconception.

CAN FD is not intended to replace every Classical CAN network.

Instead, it extends the CAN family for applications that genuinely benefit from:

• larger payloads

• increased throughput

• lower latency

• future scalability

Many industrial products shipping today continue to use Classical CAN because it fully satisfies their communication requirements.

When Should You Stay with Classical CAN?

Classical CAN remains the preferred choice if your application involves:

• Industrial controllers

• PLC communication

• Engine control

• Agricultural equipment

• Marine electronics

• Simple sensor networks

• HVAC systems

• Elevator controls

• Robotics

• Machine automation

particularly when:

• messages are short

• update rates are moderate

• network utilization is low

In these situations, upgrading provides little practical benefit.

When Does CAN FD Become Worthwhile?

CAN FD starts to shine when your application requires significantly more bandwidth.

Examples include:

Advanced Diagnostics

Instead of sending dozens of small diagnostic frames, larger datasets fit into a handful of CAN FD messages.

Firmware Updates

Bootloaders benefit enormously from 64-byte payloads.

Fewer packets mean:

• shorter update times

• less protocol overhead

• improved reliability

Data Logging

High-speed logging systems often collect:

• temperatures

• pressures

• accelerometer data

• GPS coordinates

• battery information

Sending these measurements in larger CAN FD frames greatly improves efficiency.

Sensor Fusion

Modern embedded systems combine information from multiple sensors.

Rather than distributing data across many Classical CAN frames, CAN FD can package related measurements into a single message.

Gateway Applications

Gateways often aggregate traffic from multiple networks.

Larger payloads simplify message translation and reduce processing overhead.

Is Upgrading an Existing Product Worth It?

That depends on one question:

What problem are you trying to solve?

If your current system already:

• meets timing requirements

• has available bandwidth

• operates reliably

then there may be little benefit in redesigning it.

However, if you are developing a new generation of your product, CAN FD provides valuable headroom for future expansion.

Many manufacturers now adopt CAN FD not because today's application demands it, but because tomorrow's likely will.

The Best Way to Learn CAN FD

One of the biggest challenges developers face is gaining hands-on experience without abandoning their existing CAN knowledge.

A development board that supports both Classical CAN and CAN FD provides the ideal learning environment.

The ESP32S3 Board with CAN FD and Classical CAN Ports is an excellent example. Built around the ESP32-S3, it combines the microcontroller's native Classical CAN (TWAI) controller with a dedicated Microchip MCP2518FD CAN FD controller. This allows engineers to work with legacy CAN 2.0 networks and modern CAN FD networks on the same hardware platform. Additional features such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5, native USB, generous Flash and PSRAM, and dual CAN interfaces make it suitable for gateways, data loggers, diagnostics tools, wireless monitoring systems, and protocol experimentation.

This architecture lets developers:

• Compare Classical CAN and CAN FD side by side.

• Measure bandwidth improvements with real applications.

• Build gateways that bridge legacy and next-generation networks.

• Evaluate software architectures before committing to a hardware redesign.

• Develop firmware that supports both protocols.

Rather than forcing a binary choice, a dual-interface board provides a practical migration path while protecting your existing investment in Classical CAN.

Classical CAN and CAN FD Can Coexist

One of the strengths of modern CAN development is that migration doesn't have to happen all at once.

Many systems now use:

• Classical CAN for existing ECUs

• CAN FD for new subsystems

• gateways connecting both worlds

This incremental strategy minimizes development risk while allowing new products to take advantage of CAN FD's capabilities.

Final Thoughts

CAN FD is an important evolution of one of the world's most successful fieldbus technologies. Its larger payloads and higher data rates solve real problems in data-intensive applications such as diagnostics, firmware updates, sensor fusion, and high-speed logging.

At the same time, Classical CAN remains the right solution for countless control systems where reliability, determinism, and simplicity matter more than raw bandwidth.

Rather than asking whether CAN FD is "better," the more useful question is whether it addresses the communication challenges of your application. If your network is approaching its bandwidth limits or your next product generation demands greater throughput, CAN FD is well worth considering. If not, Classical CAN may continue serving you reliably for many years.

For developers exploring both technologies, a platform that supports Classical CAN and CAN FD simultaneously offers the most practical path forward. It allows you to experiment, benchmark, and prototype with real hardware before deciding whether a migration is justified—making your next design decision based on engineering evidence rather than marketing claims.

ESP32-C3/S3 Professional Handbook: Embedded Development with ESP-IDF, Arduino, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth LE, and Edge Intelligence

Have you ever wondered why some connected devices run for years on a single battery while others exhaust their power in just a few weeks? Are you trying to determine when a simple RISC-V core is sufficient—and when a dual-core, vector-accelerated architecture becomes indispensable? Have you found yourself bouncing between datasheets, forum posts, application notes, and scattered tutorials, wishing someone would finally explain how all the pieces fit together in a real production environment?

What if one comprehensive resource could answer those questions with the depth and clarity expected by professional engineers?

This book is written for embedded developers, product architects, and system designers who want to build connected devices that not only work in the lab but also survive certification testing, manufacturing, security audits, and years of reliable field operation. It tackles the same questions engineers face every day. How do memory maps, caches, DMA engines, and PSRAM interact under heavy workloads? What really happens during secure boot, flash encryption, and over-the-air (OTA) firmware updates? How should FreeRTOS tasks be partitioned across multiple cores for maximum performance? When do Wi-Fi and Bluetooth stacks become system bottlenecks, and how can they be optimized? How do you design for ultra-low power consumption, long battery life, and regulatory compliance from the very first schematic?

Rather than presenting these topics as isolated features, the book explains how they interact as part of a complete embedded system, providing the practical insight needed to design products that are robust, scalable, and ready for production. More information...

When developing CAN Bus and SAE J1939 applications, I have found that the best investment is not an expensive evaluation platform but a flexible prototype system that lets me move from an idea to a working application within hours. Over the years, one platform has become my preferred proof-of-concept hardware: the Arduino Due–based ECU Development Board with Dual CAN Bus Interface.

This approach has dramatically reduced development time while producing software that can later be migrated to virtually any embedded platform with surprisingly little effort.

Why Prototype Before Designing Hardware?

Designing a custom PCB too early often creates unnecessary risk.

Once hardware has been designed, manufactured, assembled, and tested, changes become expensive. A single overlooked requirement may require another PCB revision, adding weeks to a project schedule.

By contrast, firmware running on a flexible prototype platform allows developers to answer important questions immediately:

• Does the communication concept work?

• Is the selected protocol appropriate?

• Can the processor handle the required message rates?

• How much memory is actually needed?

• Are timing requirements realistic?

• How should diagnostics be implemented?

Finding these answers before the PCB exists significantly lowers development costs.

For CAN Bus applications, the benefits are even greater because communication behavior can be validated using real networks instead of simulations.

Why I Prefer the Arduino Due Platform

Many engineers associate Arduino with education or hobby projects. That perception overlooks one important fact: the Arduino ecosystem is one of the fastest embedded development environments available.

The Arduino Due offers several advantages for rapid CAN Bus development:

• 32-bit ARM Cortex-M3 processor

• Excellent C/C++ development environment

• Fast compile-download-debug cycle

• Mature software libraries

• Large development community

• Low hardware cost

• Immediate access to GPIO, timers, serial ports, SPI, I²C, USB, and CAN

Combined with a dual CAN Bus interface, the platform becomes a powerful development system for automotive and industrial networking applications.

Instead of spending weeks bringing up new hardware, developers can begin writing application software immediately.

Real Projects Built on the Prototype Platform

Over the years, this development board has been the starting point for numerous commercial and experimental CAN Bus projects, including:

• SAE J1939 data traffic simulator

• SAE J1939 baud-rate converter

• GPS-based telematics application

• SAE J1939 data logger

• CAN Bus bridge

• CAN protocol analyzers

• Network monitoring tools

• Gateway applications

• Diagnostic utilities

Many of these projects eventually migrated to dedicated embedded hardware while retaining the vast majority of the original firmware.

That demonstrates one of the greatest strengths of a well-structured software architecture.

Write Portable Software from Day One

One mistake frequently seen in embedded software is tightly coupling application logic to the underlying hardware.

For example, application code directly accesses CAN controller registers, GPIO peripherals, timers, or interrupt routines throughout the project.

While this may work on the first platform, migrating to different hardware later often becomes a major undertaking.

Instead, I strongly recommend separating hardware-dependent code from the application itself.

The application should never care whether it is running on an Arduino Due, an STM32, an ESP32, or another ARM Cortex processor.

It should simply request services from a hardware abstraction layer.

The Hardware Abstraction Layer

In my CAN Bus projects, hardware-specific functionality is isolated into a dedicated module.

Typical hardware-dependent functions include:

• CAN initialization

• CAN transmit

• CAN receive

• Timer services

• Serial communication

• Digital I/O

• LED control

• Delay functions

Everything else remains hardware independent.

The application communicates only through clearly defined functions.

When migrating to another processor, only these hardware interface functions need to be rewritten.

The application logic itself remains unchanged.

CAN Bus Is Usually the Only Major Difference

For most CAN Bus applications, the largest hardware dependency is the CAN controller.

Every processor family provides its own CAN driver:

• Arduino Due

• STM32

• ESP32 TWAI

• NXP LPC

• Microchip SAM devices

• External CAN controllers via SPI

Although the APIs differ, they all perform the same fundamental operations:

• Initialize the controller

• Configure bit timing

• Transmit a CAN frame

• Receive a CAN frame

• Report status and errors

Once these functions are wrapped inside a hardware abstraction layer, moving the application to new hardware becomes surprisingly straightforward.

In many projects, replacing only a handful of low-level function calls is sufficient to bring the application to life on a completely different processor.

One Code Base, Multiple Platforms

This methodology has allowed the same application software to be reused across multiple hardware platforms.

Projects originally developed on the Arduino Due have later been migrated to:

• ARM Cortex-based custom hardware

• STM32 microcontrollers

• ESP32 systems

• Other embedded processor families

The communication protocol, application logic, diagnostics, and network behavior remain identical.

Only the low-level hardware interface changes.

This significantly reduces development time while improving software reliability because the application has already been thoroughly tested.

Faster Iteration Means Better Products

Rapid prototyping also changes the development process itself.

Instead of spending weeks waiting for hardware revisions, engineers can immediately test new ideas:

• Add another PGN

• Implement a new gateway function

• Modify timing

• Test different baud rates

• Connect GPS receivers

• Experiment with network routing

• Evaluate different filtering strategies

Each iteration may take minutes rather than days.

This encourages experimentation and often leads to better technical solutions.

Low Cost Encourages Innovation

Another often overlooked advantage is cost.

Prototype hardware based on the Arduino Due is inexpensive enough that multiple systems can be kept on the workbench simultaneously.

One board may act as a simulator.

Another may emulate an ECU.

A third may operate as a gateway or logger.

This creates a complete CAN Bus test environment without requiring expensive laboratory equipment.

The result is a flexible development platform that supports rapid experimentation throughout the entire design process.

From Prototype to Production

Some engineers worry that starting with Arduino will somehow limit the final product.

In practice, the opposite is often true.

The prototype validates the software architecture, communication strategy, and application behavior long before production hardware exists.

When the custom PCB finally arrives, the firmware is already mature.

Development then shifts from creating software to adapting the hardware interface, dramatically reducing project risk and shortening time to market.

Conclusion

Rapid prototyping is not about building the final product on development hardware. It is about proving ideas quickly, refining software early, and eliminating unnecessary design risk.

For CAN Bus and SAE J1939 development, the Arduino Due–based ECU Development Board with Dual CAN Bus Interface has consistently proven to be an exceptionally productive platform. It combines low cost, fast development, and powerful hardware with the flexibility needed for professional embedded system design.

By keeping hardware-specific functionality isolated behind a clean abstraction layer, developers can build portable C/C++ applications that move easily from prototype hardware to production systems based on STM32, ESP32, ARM Cortex, and many other processors. In my experience, this methodology turns projects that once required months into prototypes that can often be demonstrated within hours or a few days, allowing engineering teams to focus on innovation instead of repeatedly solving the same low-level hardware challenges.

Exploring Arduino: Tools and Techniques for Engineering Wizardry

Exploring Arduino makes electrical engineering and embedded software development accessible to everyone. Whether you're a complete beginner or an experienced maker, you'll learn the fundamentals of electronics, programming, and human-computer interaction through a carefully structured series of increasingly sophisticated projects.

Arduino expert Jeremy Blum guides you through each project with clear explanations, practical schematics, and reusable code examples that you can apply to your own designs. Every project includes downloadable source code, helpful tips, and companion video tutorials, making it easy to build confidence as your skills grow.

What's New in the Second Edition

The fully updated second edition reflects the rapidly evolving Arduino ecosystem and includes:

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• Enhanced coverage of wireless communication and Internet of Things (IoT) applications

• Guidance for selecting the right Arduino board for your specific project

What You'll Learn

• Master the fundamentals of electrical engineering and embedded programming

• Build Arduino projects that communicate wirelessly with other devices

• Understand how modern Arduino boards compare and when to use each one

• Access downloadable source code and supporting materials for every project

• Develop practical skills you can apply to your own embedded systems

Whether you're taking your first steps into electronics or looking for a rapid prototyping platform for more advanced embedded applications, Arduino provides an affordable, flexible, and powerful development environment. Exploring Arduino serves as both a hands-on introduction and a long-term reference, guiding you from simple experiments to sophisticated real-world projects with confidence. More information...

Whether you are designing an ECU, developing industrial controllers, testing CAN networks, or creating data logging applications, a Raspberry Pi equipped with a PiCAN board provides functionality that traditionally required much more expensive hardware.

More Than Just a Single-Board Computer

The Raspberry Pi offers an impressive combination of processing power, storage, networking, and software flexibility. Running a full Linux operating system gives developers access to thousands of software packages, programming languages, debugging tools, and networking utilities.

Unlike many microcontroller platforms, the Raspberry Pi allows engineers to:

• Compile software directly on the target

• Run graphical user interfaces

• Store large amounts of data

• Connect through Ethernet or Wi-Fi

• Access cloud services

• Perform remote debugging

• Run multiple applications simultaneously

When CAN communication is added, the platform becomes an excellent laboratory for embedded systems development.

Why CAN Bus Development Benefits from Linux

Most production embedded systems run on microcontrollers, but development often benefits from using a more powerful environment.

Linux provides:

• Powerful scripting capabilities

• Easy software installation

• Standard networking tools

• Built-in remote access

• Excellent file system support

• Native multitasking

• Comprehensive debugging tools

This allows engineers to focus on application development rather than spending valuable time creating diagnostic utilities from scratch.

Introducing the PiCAN Series

The PiCAN family of CAN Bus interfaces has become one of the most popular hardware solutions for Raspberry Pi CAN development. Designed specifically for the Raspberry Pi ecosystem, these expansion boards integrate seamlessly with the operating system while providing professional-grade CAN connectivity.

Depending on the model, PiCAN boards support:

• Classical CAN

• CAN FD

• Dual-channel CAN

• Galvanic isolation

• GPS receivers

• Ethernet connectivity

• Real-time clock functionality

• Industrial power input options

This flexibility allows engineers to select the hardware configuration that best matches their project requirements.

Rapid Software Development

One of the greatest advantages of Raspberry Pi development is the ability to write applications in virtually any programming language.

Common choices include:

• C

• C++

• Python

• Rust

• Go

• Java

• Node.js

Python deserves special mention because it allows engineers to quickly prototype CAN applications in only a few dozen lines of code. Ideas can be tested within minutes rather than hours.

Once the concept has been validated, performance-critical software can later be implemented in C or C++ if necessary.

SocketCAN Makes Life Easier

Linux includes SocketCAN, a standardized CAN networking framework that treats CAN interfaces similarly to traditional Ethernet interfaces.

Instead of learning proprietary APIs, developers use standard Linux networking concepts.

Benefits include:

• Standard driver architecture

• Numerous open-source utilities

• Wide community support

• Easy scripting

• Integration with existing Linux tools

Utilities such as candump, cansend, cangen, and canplayer become invaluable during development and troubleshooting.

An Excellent CAN Data Logger

Many embedded projects require recording CAN traffic for later analysis.

The Raspberry Pi excels in this role because it combines:

• Large storage capacity

• High-speed processors

• Network connectivity

• USB support

• Low power consumption

Developers can easily record millions of CAN messages while simultaneously:

• Displaying live statistics

• Uploading data to remote servers

• Compressing log files

• Performing real-time analysis

This makes the platform suitable for vehicle testing, industrial diagnostics, agricultural equipment, and laboratory automation.

Gateway Development Made Simple

Many embedded applications act as protocol gateways.

Examples include:

• CAN-to-Ethernet

• CAN-to-Wi-Fi

• CAN-to-MQTT

• CAN-to-USB

• CAN-to-Serial

• CAN-to-Bluetooth

Since the Raspberry Pi already includes many of these communication interfaces, gateway development becomes significantly easier.

A PiCAN board provides the missing CAN interface while Linux handles the remaining communication channels.

Ideal for Industrial Prototyping

Before committing to custom hardware, many engineering teams build functional prototypes using Raspberry Pi systems.

Advantages include:

• Faster proof-of-concept development

• Lower development costs

• Easy hardware expansion

• Shorter project schedules

• Rapid software iteration

The software developed on the Raspberry Pi often serves as the foundation for firmware later deployed on dedicated embedded hardware.

CAN FD Ready

Modern automotive and industrial applications increasingly rely on CAN FD.

Several PiCAN models support CAN FD, enabling developers to:

• Evaluate higher data throughput

• Experiment with larger payloads

• Test mixed Classical CAN and CAN FD systems

• Prepare for next-generation embedded designs

As CAN FD adoption continues to grow, having a flexible development platform becomes even more valuable.

Built for Remote Development

The Raspberry Pi was practically designed for remote engineering.

Developers can access the system using SSH or remote desktop software from anywhere on the network.

This enables:

• Remote software updates

• Remote diagnostics

• Automated testing

• Continuous integration

• Long-duration testing without a monitor or keyboard attached

The result is a development platform that can operate unattended for days or weeks.

Affordable Without Sacrificing Capability

Professional CAN development tools can represent a significant investment, especially during the early stages of a project.

A Raspberry Pi combined with a PiCAN board offers an attractive balance between capability and cost. Engineers gain access to a full Linux environment, powerful networking features, extensive software support, and reliable CAN communication—all in a compact platform suitable for both the workbench and field testing.

This accessibility also makes it an excellent choice for students, startups, hobbyists, and professional engineering teams alike.

Beyond Development

Many projects begin as Raspberry Pi prototypes but never leave the platform.

Its stability, Linux ecosystem, and processing capabilities make it suitable for production applications such as:

• Industrial gateways

• Machine monitoring

• Data acquisition systems

• Fleet telematics

• Predictive maintenance

• Remote diagnostics

• Laboratory automation

In many cases, the Raspberry Pi is no longer just the development platform—it becomes the final product.

Final Thoughts

For embedded engineers working with CAN networks, the Raspberry Pi is far more than an inexpensive single-board computer. Combined with a PiCAN interface, it becomes a professional development platform capable of handling everything from simple CAN message testing to sophisticated CAN FD gateways, industrial data loggers, remote monitoring systems, and advanced network analysis.

The combination of Linux flexibility, powerful processing, extensive software support, and the PiCAN hardware ecosystem allows engineers to prototype faster, test more effectively, and accelerate product development. Whether you are building automotive ECUs, industrial controllers, robotics platforms, or IoT devices, a Raspberry Pi with a PiCAN board deserves a permanent place on your engineering bench.

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Discover the incredible versatility of Raspberry Pi with this comprehensive 200-page, full-color guide packed with tutorials, hands-on projects, expert guides, product reviews, and practical tips from the pages of Raspberry Pi Official Magazine.

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Your firmware transmits messages, but nothing appears on the network. Your CAN controller reports transmit errors. Suddenly, the node enters Error Passive mode, and eventually Bus Off. Your analyzer may even display Error Frames, but it rarely explains why they occurred.

If this sounds familiar, you're not alone.

One of the biggest challenges for engineers new to CAN Bus development is understanding that an Error Frame is almost never the real problem. It is merely the network announcing that something else went wrong.

In this article, we'll explain what Error Frames are, why they occur, and—more importantly—how to systematically diagnose the underlying issue.

What Is an Error Frame?

Unlike a normal CAN data frame, an Error Frame does not carry application data.

Instead, it is a special sequence transmitted by a CAN controller whenever it detects that the current message has become invalid.

Think of it as the CAN Bus equivalent of someone interrupting a conversation and saying:

"Stop! Something is wrong. Ignore what was just transmitted."

Once an Error Frame appears:

• the current message is discarded,

• all nodes recognize the error,

• the original transmitter automatically retries the message (provided it has not entered Bus Off). (CSS Electronics)

The Error Frame is therefore part of CAN's exceptional reliability. Rather than allowing corrupted data onto the network, CAN forces every node to agree that the frame must be retransmitted.

The Five CAN Error Types

Every Error Frame originates from one of five error detection mechanisms built into every CAN controller.

1. Bit Error

While transmitting, a node continuously monitors the bus.

If it sends a dominant bit but reads back a recessive bit (or vice versa), a Bit Error has occurred.

Typical causes include:

• wiring faults

• defective transceivers

• incorrect bus termination

• electrical noise

2. Stuff Error

CAN uses bit stuffing.

After five consecutive identical bits, the transmitter must insert a complementary bit.

If that rule is violated, receivers immediately detect a Stuff Error.

Common causes include:

• signal distortion

• timing errors

• severe noise

• faulty controllers

3. CRC Error

Each CAN frame contains a Cyclic Redundancy Check.

If the calculated CRC does not match the received CRC, the frame has been corrupted during transmission.

Usually caused by:

• electromagnetic interference

• poor wiring

• marginal signal integrity

4. Form Error

Certain fields inside a CAN frame always have fixed values.

If any of these fields violate the CAN specification, every receiver recognizes a Form Error.

5. ACK Error

This one surprises many developers.

After transmitting a frame, the sender expects another node to acknowledge successful reception.

If nobody acknowledges the frame, the sender reports an ACK Error.

The important point:

An ACK Error does NOT necessarily indicate corrupted data.

It often simply means:

"Nobody else is listening."

This is extremely common during development.

The Most Common Development Mistakes

After helping countless engineers debug CAN systems, certain problems appear again and again.

Only One Node on the Bus

Perhaps the most common beginner mistake.

A CAN controller cannot successfully transmit by itself because no other node provides the ACK bit.

Result:

• continuous ACK Errors

• increasing transmit error counter

• eventually Error Passive or Bus Off

Solution:

Always connect a second CAN node or a CAN interface acting as a listener.

Wrong Bit Rate

One node configured for:

500 kbit/s

Another configured for:

250 kbit/s

Neither node can understand the other.

Symptoms include:

• constant Error Frames

• transmit retries

• Bus Off

Always verify that every device uses exactly the same nominal bit rate.

Missing Termination

CAN requires:

120 Ω at each physical end of the bus

Nothing more.

Nothing less.

Incorrect termination leads to:

• reflections

• distorted edges

• CRC errors

• Stuff Errors

• intermittent failures

Reversed CANH/CANL

Fortunately, this problem is usually easy to diagnose.

Nothing works.

Transmit errors increase rapidly.

Always verify wiring before suspecting software.

Poor Grounding

Even though CAN is differential, nodes still require an appropriate common reference.

Ground problems frequently create intermittent errors that appear almost random.

Excessive Cable Length

Higher bit rates require shorter cables.

A network operating perfectly at:

125 kbit/s

may completely fail at:

1 Mbit/s

if the wiring exceeds recommended limits.

Understanding Error Counters

Every CAN controller maintains two internal counters:

• Transmit Error Counter (TEC)

• Receive Error Counter (REC)

These counters determine the controller's operating state.

This fault confinement mechanism prevents one defective node from continuously disrupting the entire network. As transmit or receive errors accumulate, the controller gradually limits its own participation and may eventually disconnect itself from the bus until recovery is initiated. (Influx Technology)

A Practical Debugging Procedure

Whenever you encounter Error Frames, resist the temptation to immediately blame your firmware.

Instead, work through this checklist.

Step 1

Verify supply voltage.

Step 2

Measure the termination resistance.

Approximately 60 Ω between CANH and CANL with power removed indicates two 120 Ω terminators.

Step 3

Verify both nodes use identical bit timing.

Step 4

Confirm that at least two nodes are present.

Step 5

Check CANH/CANL polarity.

Step 6

Observe transmit and receive error counters.

Rapidly increasing TEC usually indicates the node cannot successfully place messages on the bus.

Step 7

If Bus Off occurs repeatedly, investigate the physical layer before modifying application software.

Why a CAN Interface Makes Development Much Easier

Many developers initially attempt to debug their firmware using only two embedded nodes.

Unfortunately, this provides very little visibility into what is actually happening on the network.

A professional CAN interface connected to a PC allows you to:

• monitor all CAN traffic in real time

• verify transmitted identifiers

• inspect data bytes

• confirm baud rate configuration

• observe protocol activity

• identify missing acknowledgements

• record traffic for later analysis

• inject test messages into the network

Instead of wondering whether your firmware is transmitting correctly, you can see exactly what is happening on the bus.

Copperhill CAN Interfaces for Development

The Copperhill Technologies product line includes a wide range of CAN Bus interfaces designed specifically for development, testing, and prototyping.

Depending on your application, you can choose from:

• USB-to-CAN interfaces for Windows-based monitoring and diagnostics

• Raspberry Pi CAN interfaces (PiCAN series) for embedded gateways, data loggers, and Linux development

• Arduino, ESP32, and Teensy CAN boards for firmware development

• CAN FD interfaces for next-generation applications requiring higher bandwidth

• Ethernet-enabled CAN interfaces for remote monitoring and distributed systems

Whether you are bringing up a new ECU, testing industrial automation equipment, or developing a J1939 application, using a dedicated CAN interface dramatically shortens debugging time and provides valuable insight into network behavior that is difficult to obtain from firmware alone.

Final Thoughts

Error Frames often look intimidating when they first appear on a CAN analyzer.

In reality, they are evidence that the CAN protocol is doing exactly what it was designed to do: detect corrupted communication, prevent invalid data from propagating, and automatically recover whenever possible.

The key is to remember one simple principle:

An Error Frame is rarely the problem—it is the symptom.

By understanding the five CAN error types, monitoring the controller's error counters, and following a structured troubleshooting process, you can quickly determine whether the root cause lies in the wiring, timing, hardware, or software.

Once you develop that mindset, Error Frames become one of the most valuable diagnostic tools available during CAN Bus development rather than a source of frustration.

Arduino IoT Cloud for Developers: Implement best practices to design and deploy simple-to-complex projects at reduced costs

Master the essential concepts of the Internet of Things (IoT) and build intelligent connected applications using the Arduino IoT Cloud, Arduino and ESP32 development boards, Amazon Alexa Voice Assistant, and MQTT—all through practical, hands-on projects.

Key Features

• Learn the Arduino IoT Cloud from the ground up with step-by-step, hands-on projects
• Develop a solid understanding of IoT application design, from fundamental concepts to advanced cloud integration
• Explore the Arduino IoT Cloud's features and capabilities for rapid prototyping and commercial IoT deployments
• Includes a complimentary PDF eBook with every print or Kindle purchase

Book Description

The Arduino IoT Cloud provides a powerful and accessible platform for developing connected devices while significantly reducing the time and cost required for prototyping, deployment, and maintenance. Whether you are a hobbyist, student, or professional developer, this practical guide takes you step by step through the complete Arduino IoT Cloud ecosystem.

Beginning with the fundamentals of IoT and cloud-connected devices, the book gradually introduces more advanced concepts through real-world projects using Arduino and ESP32 hardware. Along the way, you will learn how to connect devices to the cloud, monitor and control hardware remotely, integrate voice control with Amazon Alexa, and communicate efficiently using the MQTT protocol. By the end of the book, you will have the knowledge and practical experience needed to design, prototype, and deploy reliable IoT applications for both personal and commercial projects. More information...

The ESP32 family of microcontrollers changes that equation. By combining an integrated CAN controller, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and considerable processing power on a single device, the ESP32 enables entirely new classes of applications that bridge traditional CAN networks with modern IoT infrastructure. Whether you are monitoring industrial equipment from across a factory floor or collecting vehicle diagnostics through a web browser, the ESP32 offers a remarkably capable and cost-effective platform.

This article explores practical ways to combine Wi-Fi and CAN Bus technology while highlighting the hardware capabilities that make such projects straightforward to implement.

Why Combine Wi-Fi with CAN Bus?

CAN Bus was designed for deterministic, reliable communication between electronic control units (ECUs). It was never intended to provide remote access or cloud connectivity.

Modern applications, however, increasingly demand:

• Remote diagnostics

• Wireless firmware updates

• Cloud-based data logging

• Mobile applications

• Browser-based configuration

• Predictive maintenance

• Fleet management

• Remote monitoring

Instead of replacing the CAN network, the ESP32 simply acts as an intelligent gateway between the wired CAN Bus and wireless communication.

This approach preserves the reliability of CAN while adding the flexibility of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

The ESP32 Advantage

Unlike many microcontrollers that require external networking hardware, the ESP32 integrates:

• Dual-core processor running up to 240 MHz

• Integrated Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g/n)

• Bluetooth Low Energy

• Large memory resources

• USB connectivity

• Extensive peripheral interfaces

• Native Classical CAN controller (TWAI)

This makes it possible to build sophisticated CAN gateways using a single inexpensive controller.

For developers already familiar with the Arduino IDE, getting started is remarkably straightforward.

Practical Application #1 – Wireless CAN Data Logger

One of the most common applications is a Wi-Fi-enabled CAN data logger.

Instead of connecting a USB cable to retrieve recorded traffic, the ESP32 can:

• Store CAN messages locally

• Upload log files automatically

• Serve data through an integrated web server

• Transfer recordings over Wi-Fi

• Stream live traffic to a remote PC

Maintenance personnel no longer need physical access to a machine. The logger can simply appear on the local network.

Practical Application #2 – Browser-Based Machine Dashboard

Imagine opening a browser and immediately viewing:

• Engine RPM

• Temperatures

• Hydraulic pressures

• Battery voltage

• Fuel consumption

• CAN Bus status

The ESP32 can host a lightweight web server that generates dashboards directly from live CAN messages.

No custom Windows application is required.

Any device with a browser—including tablets and smartphones—can become an operator display.

This approach is especially attractive for agricultural equipment, stationary generators, and industrial machines.

Practical Application #3 – Wireless ECU Diagnostics

Traditional diagnostics require a cable between the service computer and the vehicle.

An ESP32 gateway allows diagnostic software to communicate wirelessly with the network.

Typical examples include:

• Reading diagnostic messages

• Monitoring live sensor values

• Sending requests

• Performing service functions

• Recording intermittent failures

For development work, engineers gain significantly more flexibility because they are no longer tethered to the vehicle.

Practical Application #4 – Industrial IoT Gateway

Factories increasingly rely on centralized monitoring systems.

The ESP32 can collect information from CAN-connected controllers and publish selected parameters using standard IoT protocols.

Typical transmitted information includes:

• Machine status

• Production counters

• Alarm conditions

• Operating hours

• Energy consumption

• Temperature trends

Instead of replacing existing equipment, the ESP32 extends its capabilities by adding wireless connectivity.

Practical Application #5 – Mobile Apps for CAN Networks

Because the ESP32 supports Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, it can communicate directly with smartphones.

Applications include:

• Equipment configuration

• Vehicle status displays

• Remote control panels

• Maintenance applications

• Service menus

• Parameter adjustment

Rather than installing specialized software on a laptop, technicians can simply use a mobile device.

Practical Application #6 – Cloud Connectivity

One of the greatest strengths of the ESP32 is its ability to bridge CAN networks with cloud services.

Collected CAN data can be forwarded to cloud platforms for:

• Long-term storage

• Trend analysis

• Fleet management

• Predictive maintenance

• Remote alerts

• Statistical reporting

This is particularly valuable for agricultural machinery, commercial vehicles, industrial automation, and remote monitoring installations.

Practical Application #7 – CAN-to-Wi-Fi Development Tool

Engineers developing embedded software often need to observe CAN traffic while testing firmware.

An ESP32 can serve as a wireless CAN interface by:

• Capturing messages

• Filtering specific identifiers

• Streaming traffic over TCP/IP

• Supporting browser-based monitoring

• Forwarding selected frames to development software

This eliminates long USB cables and allows the test computer to remain safely outside harsh operating environments.

Classical CAN and CAN FD in One Platform

Many existing systems continue to use Classical CAN, while newer automotive and industrial applications increasingly adopt CAN FD.

Using hardware that supports both technologies provides a convenient migration path.

Copperhill Technologies' ESP32-S3 Board with CAN FD and Classical CAN Ports combines the ESP32-S3 microcontroller with both CAN interfaces on a single development platform. Classical CAN is handled by the ESP32-S3's native controller, while CAN FD communication is provided through a dedicated Microchip MCP2518FD controller. The board also includes integrated Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5, native USB, generous Flash and PSRAM resources, an industrial-friendly 7–24 V power input, and high-speed CAN transceivers, making it suitable for everything from prototypes to production-oriented embedded applications.

For developers working on next-generation systems, this eliminates the need to choose between today's Classical CAN installations and tomorrow's CAN FD networks.

Typical Development Workflow

A typical ESP32 CAN gateway project often follows these steps:

1. Receive CAN messages from the network.

2. Decode the required parameters.

3. Process or filter the information.

4. Publish the data through Wi-Fi.

5. Display information on a web page, mobile app, or cloud service.

6. Accept commands remotely and transmit corresponding CAN messages back onto the network.

The entire gateway can be implemented on a compact embedded platform consuming only modest power.

Looking Ahead

As embedded systems continue to evolve, the line between traditional field buses and wireless networking continues to blur.

The ESP32 occupies a unique position by offering reliable CAN communication alongside modern wireless connectivity in a single, affordable device. For engineers developing industrial controllers, agricultural electronics, automotive diagnostics, marine systems, or IoT gateways, this combination dramatically reduces hardware complexity while opening opportunities that previously required multiple processors and dedicated networking hardware.

Whether your goal is a wireless data logger, a browser-based dashboard, a cloud-connected monitoring system, or a sophisticated CAN FD gateway, the ESP32 provides an excellent foundation. With development boards that support both Classical CAN and CAN FD, engineers can design solutions that remain compatible with existing equipment while preparing for the next generation of CAN-based networks.

Developing IoT Projects with ESP32: Unlock the full Potential of ESP32 in IoT development to create production-grade smart devices

From smart sensors and edge computing to cloud integration and TinyML, this comprehensive guide walks you through every stage of modern IoT development using the ESP32 and industry-standard tools, frameworks, and technologies.

Key Features

• Build complete IoT applications from the ground up with ESP32

• Connect devices securely to the cloud and visualize real-time data

• Develop practical projects including an audio player, smart home automation, voice-enabled devices, and TinyML applications

Book Description

The ESP32 has become one of the world's most popular microcontrollers for Internet of Things (IoT) applications, combining Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, impressive processing power, and low energy consumption in an affordable platform. Whether you're developing connected sensors, industrial controllers, or smart home devices, this book provides a complete roadmap for creating reliable, production-ready IoT systems.

Beginning with the fundamentals of IoT architecture and real-world design concepts, you'll build an ESP32-based application step by step. Along the way, you'll learn how to interface with sensors, manage peripherals, and integrate powerful libraries such as LittleFS and LVGL. You'll then connect your projects to Wi-Fi networks, implement industry-standard security features, exchange data with cloud platforms, and create professional dashboards using Grafana.

The book also explores emerging edge AI technologies by introducing TinyML on the ESP32-S3. Using the Edge Impulse platform, you'll learn how to develop, deploy, and run machine-learning models directly on embedded hardware, enabling intelligent devices that process data locally without relying on cloud computing.

With numerous hands-on examples and progressively more advanced projects, you'll steadily build practical skills throughout the book. The journey culminates in a complete Smart Home project that brings together embedded hardware, networking, cloud services, security, visualization, and edge AI into one integrated IoT solution.

If you're ready to move beyond simple ESP32 examples and build secure, scalable, and intelligent connected devices, this book will provide the knowledge and practical experience you need. More information...

"Who's using Arduino IDE in 2026?"

At first, I dismissed it as another attempt to provoke a reaction. But the more I thought about it, the more I realized that it reflects a common misconception. Many engineers still associate the Arduino IDE exclusively with hobbyists building blinking LEDs and garage projects.

Nothing could be further from the truth.

The Arduino IDE has quietly become one of the most influential embedded development environments available today. While professional developers certainly have alternatives—and some projects demand them—the Arduino ecosystem has grown into an engineering platform that reaches an enormous community and supports an impressive range of professional hardware.

It Was Never About the Board

One of the biggest misunderstandings is assuming that Arduino equals Arduino hardware.

In reality, the Arduino IDE has become a universal development environment.

Today you can target platforms such as:

• Arduino AVR boards

• Arduino ARM-based boards

• ESP32

• Teensy

• STM32

• Raspberry Pi Pico

• ARM Cortex-M microcontrollers

• Numerous third-party CAN, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and industrial controllers

For many embedded projects, changing hardware platforms is often little more than selecting another board definition and adapting the hardware-specific interface layer.

That portability is incredibly valuable.

A Massive Ecosystem

No embedded development environment can match the amount of publicly available code written for the Arduino ecosystem.

Need a CAN driver?

There are several.

Ethernet?

Multiple choices.

Modbus?

MQTT?

USB?

GPS?

SD cards?

Industrial sensors?

Someone has probably already solved part of your problem.

This doesn't mean blindly copying code from the Internet. Professional engineers still evaluate, optimize, and validate everything they use.

But having thousands of proven examples dramatically shortens development time.

Why reinvent a UART driver when thousands already exist?

The Fastest Path from Idea to Prototype

Every engineering project begins with one question:

Does the concept actually work?

The Arduino IDE answers that question faster than almost any other environment.

Within minutes you can:

• install the IDE

• select a board

• install the required libraries

• compile

• upload

• start testing

There is virtually no learning curve compared to many vendor-specific IDEs that require extensive project configuration before writing the first line of code.

Rapid prototyping is not a luxury.

It is often the difference between completing a project in weeks instead of months.

Professional Products Are Built This Way

There is another misconception worth addressing.

Many assume that serious commercial products cannot possibly be developed with the Arduino IDE.

Our own products prove otherwise.

The Copperhill JCOM1939 gateway family has been developed using the Arduino IDE while targeting multiple processor platforms. The firmware architecture deliberately separates hardware-specific code from application logic, making it straightforward to migrate the software between different microcontrollers.

The same application architecture can be adapted to:

• Arduino platforms

• ESP32

• Teensy

• STM32

• ARM Cortex devices

• and additional hardware with relatively minor effort

The development environment is simply a tool.

Customers care about reliability, functionality, and maintainability—not which IDE was used to build the firmware.

Reaching the Largest Community

From an educational standpoint, supporting the Arduino IDE is an easy decision.

If I publish example code in a vendor-specific IDE, I immediately limit the audience to owners of that particular hardware.

If I publish Arduino-compatible code, engineers can often run it on completely different hardware by making only small adjustments.

That dramatically increases the usefulness of tutorials, books, and open-source projects.

For my upcoming book J1939 Development for Embedded Systems, this is a key consideration.

I want readers to focus on learning SAE J1939—not on spending days configuring a proprietary development environment before compiling their first example.

Every Tool Has Its Place

None of this means the Arduino IDE is perfect.

Professional environments such as STM32CubeIDE, Microchip Studio, MPLAB X, Keil MDK, IAR Embedded Workbench, Segger Embedded Studio, or Visual Studio Code with PlatformIO offer capabilities that are indispensable for certain projects.

When developing extremely complex applications, working with RTOS-aware debugging, advanced performance analysis, or manufacturer-specific peripherals, these environments can provide significant advantages.

The Arduino IDE should not be viewed as a replacement for every professional tool.

It should be viewed as one of the best front ends for rapid embedded development.

What About Debugging?

One criticism often raised is debugging.

That criticism was completely justified years ago.

The classic Arduino IDE relied heavily on Serial.print() debugging because it had no integrated debugger.

However, that is no longer entirely true.

Arduino IDE 2 includes integrated debugging with breakpoints, single-step execution, variable inspection, and call stack support—but only on boards that provide the necessary hardware debugging capabilities. Many newer ARM-based boards support this directly or through an external debug probe, while classic AVR boards such as the Uno and Mega still generally rely on traditional techniques like serial output unless additional debugging solutions are used.

So, debugging support is no longer a limitation of the IDE itself; it depends largely on the capabilities of the target hardware.

The Bottom Line

The Arduino IDE has long since outgrown its origins.

It has become one of the most accessible, portable, and productive embedded development environments available today.

It enables rapid prototyping.

It supports an enormous variety of hardware.

It gives developers access to one of the largest embedded software ecosystems ever assembled.

And yes—it powers commercial products used in the field every day.

Could another IDE offer more specialized features?

Absolutely.

Should every embedded engineer know other development environments?

Certainly.

But dismissing the Arduino IDE as something "only hobbyists use" says more about the person making the comment than about the IDE itself.

After all, engineering isn't about proving how sophisticated your tools are.

It's about building products that work.

Arduino IoT Cloud for Developers: Implement best practices to design and deploy simple-to-complex projects at reduced costs

Master the essential concepts of the Internet of Things (IoT) and build intelligent connected applications using the Arduino IoT Cloud, Arduino and ESP32 development boards, Amazon Alexa Voice Assistant, and MQTT—all through practical, hands-on projects.

Key Features

• Learn the Arduino IoT Cloud from the ground up with step-by-step, hands-on projects
• Develop a solid understanding of IoT application design, from fundamental concepts to advanced cloud integration
• Explore the Arduino IoT Cloud's features and capabilities for rapid prototyping and commercial IoT deployments
• Includes a complimentary PDF eBook with every print or Kindle purchase

Book Description

The Arduino IoT Cloud provides a powerful and accessible platform for developing connected devices while significantly reducing the time and cost required for prototyping, deployment, and maintenance. Whether you are a hobbyist, student, or professional developer, this practical guide takes you step by step through the complete Arduino IoT Cloud ecosystem.

Beginning with the fundamentals of IoT and cloud-connected devices, the book gradually introduces more advanced concepts through real-world projects using Arduino and ESP32 hardware. Along the way, you will learn how to connect devices to the cloud, monitor and control hardware remotely, integrate voice control with Amazon Alexa, and communicate efficiently using the MQTT protocol. By the end of the book, you will have the knowledge and practical experience needed to design, prototype, and deploy reliable IoT applications for both personal and commercial projects. More information...