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A CAN Bus Transceiver is an electronic communication module designed to enable reliable data exchange between microcontrollers and CAN bus networks. It converts controller signals into CAN protocol differential signals, ensuring robust, noise-resistant communication with high reliability and performance in automotive and industrial systems. The module uses the automotive-grade NXP TJA1042T/3 high-speed CAN transceiver with independent VIO pin support, allowing direct interfacing with 3.3V microcontrollers while maintaining full 5V differential bus driving capability.

Pin Configuration


Key Features

  • Automotive-Grade Transceiver: Powered by the NXP TJA1042T/3 high-speed CAN transceiver.
  • Dual Supply Support: Separate 5V transceiver power and 3.3V logic supply for seamless compatibility with 3.3V microcontrollers (ESP32, RP2040, STM32).
  • High-Speed Protocol: Supports CAN 2.0A/B and CAN FD communication up to 5 Mbit/s.
  • Robust Differential Signaling: Superior noise immunity and common-mode rejection for harsh electrical environments.
  • Standby & Protection: Very low standby current with remote wake-up capability and thermal shutdown protection.
  • Designed for Harsh Environments: Built-in ESD protection and high-voltage fault tolerance on CAN bus lines.

Applications

  • Automotive diagnostics and in-vehicle electronic control unit (ECU) networks
  • Industrial automation, PLC, and fieldbus communication
  • Robotics, UAVs, and distributed motion control systems
  • Energy storage and battery management systems (BMS)
  • IoT gateways and edge devices requiring CAN bus telemetry
  • Educational kits and CAN protocol prototyping

Step 1: Hardware Required

  1. Glyph Board (e.g., Glyph ESP32-S3, ESP32-C6) or compatible microcontroller
  2. **CAN G-Mod Module **
  3. Second CAN Node or CAN analyzer (e.g., CANable, another Glyph CAN node, or vehicle OBD-II port)
  4. Connecting wires / breadboard

Step 2: Circuit Connections

Connect the CAN G-Mod module to your microcontroller board as follows:

Step 3: Arduino Code Setup

The ESP32 family features a built-in Two-Wire Automotive Interface (TWAI) peripheral that is fully compatible with CAN 2.0B. Copy and paste the following sample code into your Arduino IDE to transmit and receive CAN messages: