Description:
Conceptually, there is not too much to the wiring of a CAN-bus network. A twisted pair runs along the network nodes, either directly or via stubs connecting to a 'back-bone' cable. Of course, in the real world, connecting lots of devices in parallel is a bit more complicated.
In our projects we have used DIN-rail bus systems, loose wiring and M12 connection systems. Loose wiring used a self defined 4-pin 3.81mm terminal block connection. Those are particularly useful in space constrained spaces, not requiring any IP protection and not suitable for the DIN-rail bus system.
DIN-rail connections:
DIN-rail mounted systems can have a daisy-chained connector system mounted inside the DIN-rail channel. This enables a wire-less bus- and power distribution to the nodes, thus reducing wiring clutter. We use connections that are compatible with the "T-bus" system from Phoenix Contact
Note that these connections are typically not suitable for hot-plugging. More specifically; the card-edge contacts on the printed circuit board of the modules are easily damaged by sparking of live contacts.
M12 'CANopen' connections:
Another wiring solution that we particularly appreciate is based on the M12 industrial connector system. This is also endorsed by CANopen® / CiA standard 303-1. Obviously, we use an identical pinout. Having IP68 waterproof connections when mated, these connections are particularly suited for wet or 'dirty' environments, and also for ATEX/IECEx environments.
Field bus distribution box:
Networks running at long distances and low speeds can use fairly long stub lines. This allows for a simpler wiring topology where the different nodes can be placed up to 5 meters away from the 'backbone'. Particularly on long distances, this is extra beneficial because the effective length of the CAN-bus can remain shorter, which saves on wiring cost and - more importantly - reduces voltage drops along the line.
The wiring for the backbone must be of transmission-line quality. A true 120Ω CAN-bus cable is ideal, but a heavy duty AWG22 CAT7 network cable works just as well and has much better price & availability.
To aid such install, we have this field bus distribution box, which allows for up to 12 cable segments to be joined together. This is done with 5-pole spring terminal connections. The connections are mounted in an IP67/NEMA4X rated polycarbonate enclosure with 12 M16 holes for cable glands. Integrated termination resistor and 2mm multimeter probe-points allow for easy configuration and diagnostic of the network wiring.
Diagnostics:
For network diagnostics, we recommend a Peak CAN interface with BusMaster software. Our toolchain can generate the message database for all the devices in the network so that BusMaster can show meaningfull data (except for messages that are encrypted).
Availability:
| Item: | Description: | Status: | Price: | Action: |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 80-942-203 | fetching data... | |||
| 80-942-901 | fetching data... | |||
| 80-942-917 | fetching data... | |||
| 80-942-922 | fetching data... | |||
| 80-942-935 | 5-Pin male M12 plug | In stock | € 6 ex VAT | |
| 80-942-936 | 5-Pin female M12 plug | In stock | € 6 ex VAT | |
| 80-942-941 | 5-Pin female M12 cable 2 meter | In stock | € 11 ex VAT | |
| 80-942-942 | 5-Pin female M12 cable 5 meter | In stock | € 15 ex VAT | |
| 80-942-943 | 5-Pin female M12 cable 10 meter | In stock | € 22 ex VAT | |
| 80-942-950 | Heatshrink shield-to-wire termination 20AWG ∅7.6mm | In stock | € 5 ex VAT | |
| 80-942-951 | 4-Core shielded 0.22mm² CAN-bus cable violet, per meter | In stock | € 3 ex VAT | |
| 80-942-952 | 4-Core shielded 0.34mm² CAN-bus cable violet, per meter | In stock | € 4 ex VAT | |
| 80-942-953 | 4-Core shielded 0.5mm² CAN-bus cable violet, per meter | In stock | € 6 ex VAT | |
