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Repeaters, Bridges and Gateways

CAN Repeaters

Repeaters are used to establish the physical coupling of two or more segments of a CAN bus system. They can be used to implement tree or star topologies as well as long spur lines. In addition, network segments can be electrically decoupled using a galvanically isolated repeater.

The lines coupled by the repeater are independent electric segments that can be optimally terminated in terms of signals. In this way topologies can be implemented that are not possible with a pure line of the bus due to electrical reflections.

The division of a CAN system into several subsystems connected via CAN repeaters also allows the maximum number of bus subscribers defined by the transceiver output capacities to be increased.

As messages are not addressed in CAN, the repeater logic has to translate the signals of the segment received into the other signals in each case and ensure that the input signals are not back-coupled. In terms of signals, the repeater corresponds to a line with relevant delay time. It cannot therefore be used to extend a CAN system.

Using repeaters does not influence the real-time behavior of a system, because in terms of transmission behavior it corresponds to a network that only consists of lines.

Another area of application of repeaters is the coupling of different physical CAN layers, e.g. by means of high/low-speed repeaters or optical repeaters.

The repeaters offered by IXXAT have an additional monitoring function. Connected network segments that are disturbed by permanent dominant levels, are detected and automatically disconnected, thus enabling the remaining network to continue functioning normally. After the fault has been eliminated, the operation of a disconnected segment is detected and the segment can automatically be reconnected to the network.

IXXAT also offers the repeater technology for licensed integration in customer hardware.

can_rep_1.gif (8630 bytes)

Conventional bus structure
Signaling distance between two furthest nodes (1/9) is 220 metres

can_rep_2.gif (9401 bytes)

Extended structure with spur line
Signaling distance between two furthest nodes (1/6 or 6/9) is 140 metres

CAN Bridges and Gateways

CAN bridges and CAN gateways are infrastructure components with which complex network structures can be implemented.

CAN bridges can connect CAN networks of different bit rates or protocols with each other. They are based on the store-(modify)-forward principle, where CAN messages are received by a sub-network and then transmitted in the other sub-network.

Translation and filter rules can also be used, by means of which, for example, a protocol adaptation can be carried out between the sub-networks. A bridge can therefore also provide simple gateway functions.

Compared to the CAN repeater, the CANbridge enables the enlargement of the maximum network size, so that the sub-systems work fully self-sufficiently with regard to bus arbitration. CAN sub-networks connected by bridges are independent of each other in terms of their real-time behavior and are to be regarded as independent networks.

CAN-bridges are suited to creating hierarchical networks by transferring only the information to the connected sub-network via bridges which are relevant for the sub-network. The bridge function can be executed with the aid of other transmission systems. For example, the CAN-Ethernet-CAN bridge is connected via two Ethernet-TCP/IP gateways which enable connection to remote CAN networks.

As an extension to the CAN bridges, CAN gateways enable access to CAN networks via other communication systems. The protocols of the connected bus systems are mapped in the other communication model in each case.

In this way, for example, devices with only one serial port can be connected to CAN/CANopen networks via CAN/CANopen-RS232 gateways. Gateways can also provide remote accesses to CAN networks. The CAN-TCP/IP gateway, for example, thus enables worldwide access to the CAN network, e.g. for diagnosis and service purposes.

can_gatew_1.gif (15670 bytes)

Connection of CAN networks with the CANbridge

Overview of IXXAT CAN topology products

Click on the name of the product for more information:

CAN Repeaters CAN Bridges CAN Gateways
CAN-Repeater CANbridge CANmodem/CANopen
CAN-CR200 CAN@net II/Generic CAN@net II/Generic
CAN-CR220 CANblue/Generic CANlink II
FO-Repeater LIN2CAN
CAN-Repeater - ISO/IS 11898-2 CAN Repeater (with Low-Speed Option) repeater.jpg (5881 bytes)

The CAN Repeater is used for the galvanic isolation of two segments of a CAN network, and for creating star or tree topologies. One special feature of the Repeater is that it can separate a defective segment from the rest of the network, so that the remaining network can continue working. After elimination of the defect, the segment is switched into the network again.

As an option, the Repeater can be equipped with a low-speed bus interface according to ISO/IS 11898-3. This allows operation of the Repeater as a high/low-speed converter. Its galvanic isolation isolates both CAN segments against each other as well as against the power supply.

Display Transmit (2 green LEDs), defective segment (2 red LEDs)
CAN bus interface ISO/IS 11898-2, Terminals (CAN-High, CAN-Low, CAN-GND) Both CAN lines are isolated from the power supply DC/DC converter and against each other by a galvanic isolation. CAN termination resistors are integrated (can be disabled).
Baudrate Up to 888 kbps
Delay 150 ns (translates into ~30 m (~90ft.) bus length)
Power supply 9-35 V DC, 3 W typ., through terminals
Temperature range -20 ºC ... +70 ºC
Housing, Size Plastic enclosure, 110 x 75 x 22 mm
CAN-CR200 - Modular ISO/IS 11898-2 CAN Repeater

The CAN-CR200 is used for the galvanic isolation of two segments of a CAN network and for creating star or tree topologies. Several CAN-CR200 can be connected to a CAN-hub via the integrated backbone bus. One special feature of the Repeater is the automatic recognition and separation of a defective segment from the rest of the network so that the remaining network can continue working. After elimination of the defect, the segment is switched into the network again.

The galvanic isolation isolates the CAN segments from each other as well as from the power supply.

Display Transmit and defective segment (three duo LEDs), Power (one LED)
CAN bus interface ISO/IS 11898-2 with CAN choke. Two Sub-D9 connectors and one backbone bus. CAN 1, CAN 2, backbone bus and power supply are galvanic isolated against each other. CAN termination resistors are integrated (can be disabled).
Baudrate Up to 888 kbps
Delay 200 ns (corresponds ~40 m (~120ft.) bus length)
Power supply 9-32 V DC, 1.5 W typ., through terminals
Temperature range -20 ºC ... +70 ºC
Housing, Size Plastic enclosure, 22.5 x 100 x 115 mm

 

 

CAN-CR220 - ISO/IS 11898-2 CAN Repeater with 4 kV Galvanic Isolation

The CAN-CR220 is used for the galvanic isolation of two segments of a CAN network and offers a very high galvanic isolation of 4 kV, allowing it be utilized in medical applications. One special feature of the Repeater is the automatic recognition and separation of a defective segment from the rest of the network so that the remaining network can continue working. After elimination of the defect, the segment is switched into the network again.

The galvanic isolation isolates the CAN segments from each other as well as from the power supply.

The CAN-CR220 is tested according DIN/EN 50178 (DIN VDE 0160: 1988-05 and DIN VDE 0160/A1: 1989-04).

Display Transmit and defective segment (three duo LEDs), Power (one LED)
CAN bus interface ISO/IS 11898-2 with CAN choke. Two Sub-D9 connectors. CAN 1, CAN 2 and power supply are galvanic isolated against each other. Galvanic isolation 4 kV/1 second, 2.5 kV/60 seconds. CAN termination resistors are integrated (can be disabled).
Baudrate Up to 888 kbps
Delay 200 ns (corresponds ~40 m (~120ft.) bus length)
Power supply 9-32 V DC, 1.5 W typ., through terminals
Temperature range -20 ºC ... +70 ºC
Housing, Size Plastic enclosure, 22.5 x 100 x 115 mm

Product Announcement
- please call for availability

 

FO-Repeater - Converter from ISO/IS 11898 to fiber optic cableforepeater.jpg (6487 bytes)

The FO Repeater is used for the conversion of the CAN-signal from copper wire (ISO/IS 11898-2) to fiber optic cables. Complete isolation and protection against EM-influences can thus be achieved. In addition, special topologies, star or tree, can be created with the Repeater.

One special feature of the Repeater is that it can separate a defective segment from the rest of the network, so that the remaining network can continue working. After elimination of the defect, the segment is switched into the network again.
The Repeater is available for plastic (POF) or for glass fibre (please indicate which you require when ordering).
Display Sending (2 green LEDs), defective segment (2 red LEDs)
CAN bus interface ISO/IS 11898-2, Terminals (CAN-High, CAN-Low, CAN-GND). CAN termination resistors are integrated (can be disabled).
FOC connection 2 x F-SMA terminals for duplex line (Glass 50/125 µm duplex; POF 980/1000 µm duplex)
Baudrate Up to 888 kbps
Power supply 9-35 V DC, 3 W typ., through terminals
Temperature range 0 ºC ... +60 ºC
Housing, Size Plastic enclosure, 110 x 75 x 22 mm (without FO connector)
CANbridge - Configurable CAN/CAN Gateway bridge.jpg (10941 bytes)

The CANbridge allows the coupling of two CAN networks, including networks with different bit rates. Unlike a CAN-Repeater, which only translates the electric signals, the CAN messages are received completely by the CANbridge and then sent to the other CAN network under consideration of filter and conversion rules (Store-Forward principle). With the aid of conversion rules (gateway tables), CAN messages can be filtered or forwarded under another identifier. With these mechanisms, the bus load can be reduced in the individual networks by only sending messages to the other network which are of interest.

The CANbridge has a powerful 16-bit microcontroller that can process bursts at higher data rates without message loss. LEDs show the current status of the coupled networks.

The CANbridge is configured via serial interface with a convenient Windows program. The configuration of the CAN-interfaces, setting of the operating modes and the filter- and conversion tables are saved on the bridge.

The CANbridge is available in three different versions: as an industrial version in a top hat rail housing or in a robust metal housing and as an automotive version in a robust metal housing.

Microcontroller Fujitsu MB90F543
Memory extension 128 k Flash on-chip, 6 k RAM on-chip (optional 256 k externes SRAM), 256 Bytes I2C EEPROM
CAN controller 2 x CAN on-chip, 11-/29-Bit Identifier CAN 2.0A, 2.0B
CAN bus interface 2x ISO 11898-2 (High Speed),as an option electrically isolated or 1x ISO 11898-2 and 1x ISO 11898-3 (low-speed)
Serial interface RS232 for device configuration
Voltage supply 9-36 V (Industrial Version), 7-16 V (Automotive Version), 1.5 W
Temperature range -20 ºC ... +70 ºC
Certification CE, FCC
Housing, Size Robust metal housing approx. 100 x 85 x 32 mm or plastic top hat rail housing approx. 110 x 75 x 22 mm
CAN@net II/Generic - CAN-Ethernet Gateway or CAN-Ethernet-CAN Bridge cannet2.jpg (9273 bytes)

Gateway mode
In the gateway mode the CAN@net II/Generic is connected to a PC or to a controller platform via TCP/IP. The application program on the host communicates via a standard TCP/IP socket and uses a simple ASCII protocol. The CAN@net II/Generic therefore provides simple, flexible access to CAN systems via a LAN or via the Internet.

Bridge mode
Using 2 CAN@net II/Generic, a CAN-Ethernet-CAN bridge can be implemented. This bridge enables the exchange of CAN messages between two CAN systems, where filter tables can be defined.

Configuration and firmware update
The configuration of the TCP/IP parameters can be performed using an easy to handle PC tool with automatic device detection. The configuration of the bridge functionality and the CAN communication is supported by an implemented webserver.

PC bus interface 10/100 Mbit/s Ethernet (10-Base T/100-base T), Autodetect, RJ45 connector
IP address allocation DHCP, via PC tool
Microcontroller Freescale MCF5234, 150 MHz
Memory extension 8 Mbyte DRAM, 4 Mbyte Flash
CAN controller 1 x Philips SJA1000 and 1 x internal
CAN bus interface ISO/IS 11898-2, Sub D9 galvanically decoupled (500V)
Current  supply 9-32 V DC, 3 W
Temperature range -20 ºC ... +70 ºC
Certification CE, FCC
Housing, Size Plastic housing for top hat rail mounting, approx. 22,5 x 100 x 115 mm
CANblue/Generic - CAN-Bluetooth-CAN Bridge or CAN-Bluetooth Module with ASCII Protocol canblue.jpg (12062 bytes)

Bridge Mode
he bridge mode allows the user to set-up a CAN-Bluetooth-CAN bridge by using two CANblue/Generic devices. Message exchange occurs on layer 2 and is transparent. The CANblue/Generic can also be used in systems that work with CANopen, DeviceNet or customer-specific protocols. Filters for CAN identifiers can be stored in the devices for data exchange via Bluetooth. By using more than two CANblue/Generic devices the coupling of the devices can be made dynamically. The maximum distance between the CANblue/Generic devices is 100m, depending on environmental conditions.

ASCII Protocol Mode
In ASCII protocol mode, functions for transmitting and receiving CAN messages and for configuring the CANblue/Generic are available to the user based on simple ASCII commands. The CANblue/Generic is ideal for "non-Windows" systems or embedded platforms that will be connected wirelessly to CAN.

Bluetooth interface Bluetooth specification v1.1 +20dBm (100m range)
Microcontroller Infineon 161
Memory extension 256k Flash, 128k RAM
CAN controller One Philips SJA 1000
CAN bus interface ISO/IS 11898-2 (high-speed) and
ISO/IS 11898-3 (low-speed), switchable,
Sub D9 plug according to DS 102, electrically isolated
Current supply 9-30V DC
Temperature range 0 ºC ... +55 ºC
Certification CE, FCC
Housing, Size Sturdy metal housing, approx. 85 x 72 x 35 mm (W/H/D)
CANmodem/CANopen - For remote access to CANopen systems via telephone line canmodem.jpg (6064 bytes)

CANmodem is an intelligent gateway that allows remote access to CANopen systems via a conventional AT compatible modem.

The programming interface for Windows 2000/XP (API) provides functions for transmitting and receiving SDO messages as well as for configuration of the CANmodem. PC-based service and monitoring programs can simply access the CANmodem by means of the API via a telephone dial-up connection.

The CANmodem is a full CANopen node and has an object directory, two server SDOs and 127 client SDOs. Data of any length can be read and written via the client SDOs (segment size via Modem is 231 bytes). The module can act as a heartbeat producer and as a heartbeat consumer, can monitor up to 16 devices and transmit corresponding events in the CANopen network such as NMT events or heartbeat events. In addition, transmission and reception of any layer 2 messages is possible. This function can be used for transmitting and receiving any PDOs or for using the CANmodem with any CAN protocol.

In the event of service, many SDO accesses to the individual devices occur. The API not only allows SDO accesses to be initiated individually, but a whole list of SDO accesses, to be initiated, can be transmitted to the CANmodem. This list is then processed locally by the CANmodem and the result is then returned. With many SDO accesses, the propagation time via the telephone line plays a minor role.

The CANmodem can be connected to a conventional external AT-compatible modem via the full-duplex RS232 interface or directly to the PC. Communication occurs via a serial protocol based on the HDLC standard. For modem adaptation, a configurable init string can be saved in the object directory.

Connection between the PC and the CANmodem is made by means of a safe callback procedure. For this, the caller gives the CANmodem his callback number, which is checked by the CANmodem based on a white list. If the relevant number is entered in the white list, the modem calls the caller back and starts an authorization phase based on the CHAP protocol. After successful authorisation, the PC application can run all functions on the CANmodem.

Microcontroller Fujitsu MB90F543
Memory extension 128 kB FLASH, 256 kB RAM
CAN controller Fujitsu on-chip CAN controller
CAN bus interface High-Speed ISO/IS 11898-2, galvanically isolated
Baudrate Up to 1 MBit/s
Serial interface Full-duplex RS232 interface
Voltage supply 9 - 36 V DC, 1.5 W
Temperature range -20 ºC ... +70 ºC
Certification CE, FCC
Housing, Size Plastic housing for hat-rail assembly, 100 x 75 x 20 mm
CANlink II - RS232-CAN Converter canlinkii.jpg (10270 bytes)

With the CANlink II devices with a serial port can be connected to the CAN bus.

Two modes are available for use in CAN and CANopen networks.

In the CAN mode (layer 2) the received CAN data are transmitted transparently to the RS232 interface. Data sent by means of RS232 are packed in CAN telegrams and transmitted. One configurable identifier each is available for transmission and reception.

In the CANopen mode the CANlink works as a CANopen subscriber, where the serial data is saved as a bytestream object in the manufacturer-specific object dictionary range.

Supported CANopen features are:
- 1 server SDO expedited, non-expedited, no CRC check
- 1TX PDO static mapping
- 1 RX PDO static mapping
- Emergency message
- Heartbeat producer
- NMT slave

The communication interfaces and modes are configured with a configuration file which is saved on the device with an upload program.
The CANlink II is available in two housing versions, a plastic housing for top hat rail assembly or as a table-top device in a sturdy aluminum housing.

Microcontroller Fujitsu MB90F543
Memory extension 128 k Flash on-chip, 6 k RAM on-chip (optional: 256 k externel SRAM), 256 Bytes I2C EEPROM
CAN controller 1 x CAN on-chip, 11-/29-Bit Identifier CAN 2.0A, 2.0B
CAN bus interface 1x ISO 11898-2 (High Speed), optional: galvanically isolated
Serial port RS232 (600, 1200, 2400, 4800, 9600,19200, 38400, 57600, 115200 bits/s)
Power supply 9-36 V, 1.5 W
Temperature range -20 ºC ... +70 ºC
Certification CE, FCC
Housing, Size Sturdy metal housing approx. 100 x 85 x 32 mm or plastic top hat rail housing approx. 110 x 75 x 22 mm

LIN2CAN - Powerful LIN-CAN-Gatewaylin2can.jpg (9838 bytes)

The LIN-CAN gateway is a universal device for the analysis of LIN networks via the CAN bus and for the emulation of LIN slave or master modules. In addition, the device can be used as a LIN-PC interface for PC-based configuration and monitoring software or for PC-supported LIN device development.

The LIN-CAN Gateway supports four operating modes:
- LIN-CAN Gateway
- LIN-Slave Emulation
- LIN-Master-Slave Emulation
- LIN-PC Interface

Microcontroller Fujitsu MB 90FS43
Interfaces 1x CAN ISO 11898-2 High-Speed,
1x CAN ISO 11898-3 Low-Speed,
1x LIN, 1x RS232
Memory extension 6 k RAM data memory, 128 Kbyte Flash
Extras Configurable Sleep mode with Wake up via CAN, LIN or RS232
Power supply 7 V ... 16 V DC, 1.5 W
Temperature range -20 ºC ... +70 ºC
Certification CE, FCC