(under construction)

Description

The Wireless CAN-Bus Bridge is a versatile DIN-rail device designed to seamlessly connect two CAN-bus networks wirelessly. It supports both proprietary and IP-based Wi-Fi technology, allowing for flexible integration in a variety of industrial environments. By eliminating the need for physical wiring, this bridge simplifies communication between CAN-bus segments, ensuring reliable data transmission across longer distances. Whether utilizing a secure, encrypted TCP/IP tunnel or proprietary protocols, it enables real-time, wireless communication for automation, transportation, and industrial systems while maintaining robust performance.

The WiCAN bridge connects the physical CAN-bus via a 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi radio network. Such a network runs at layer-2 level consist of multiple bridges in order to join two or more CAN-bus segments to each other. Additionally these devices can operate in TCP/IP mode. This allows for bridging of two devices over existing network infrastructure using an encrypted TCP tunnel.

Functionality

Wireless bridge for CAN-bus data
Operates as CANopen^® device with device monitoring & configuration and SYNC regeneration
Transparent for J1939 or other 29-bit CAN applications
Transparent for CAN-FD
Supports up to 8 clients in the wireless domain in Layer-2 mode
Supports encrypted point-to-point link in TCP/IP mode
Configuration via CANopen, OLED + buttons, or using PC application via (internal) micro-USB port
OLED display shows status and allows for local control, CAN-bus configuration and SDO editing
Possibility for branding or custom firmware with specific behavior

Network functions (via our gateway)

Stream status & power level via JSON
View status directly via HTML, no cloud needed
Node-ID assigned via serial number
Remote configuration & firmware update

Each of the bridge devices contains a CANopen implementation for the purpose of settings and monitoring of the remote CAN-bus segment. This function can be disabled for non-CANopen applications.

Specifications

802.11b/g/n protocol (Wi-Fi)
Globally approved 2.4GHz ISM band
CANopen® interface profile wireless transmission (CiA 457 + custom)
Large FIFO buffers allow for buffering of bursts on either side
Separate priority FIFO helps in preserving timing of messages with ID ≤ 0x100
Supports LSS node-ID assignment and Fastscan (CiA 305)
Supports automatic bit-rate detection between 10kbps and 1Mbps (CiA 801)
Up-to-date EDS file generated by and downloadable from the device
Supports firmware update via wired or wireless CAN interface as well as via micro-USB
Supports power management & monitoring features (CiA 302-9 + custom for monitoring of bus voltage, input current, CPU voltage and CPU temperature)
Supports custom heartbeat messages, using additional bytes for status
120Ω current-limited switchable CAN-bus termination
Bus powered U_m 12-36V_DC, power <1W
DIN rail enclosure 101x80, width 17.5mm
T-Bus CAN-bus connection // 5-pin 3.81mm terminal block
Dual capacitive isolated RP-SMA antenna connections provide diversity in station mode
Micro-USB control & bus-powered capability
Mating terminal blocks included, including the T-Bus contact block
ATEX increased safety 'ec' (IEC 60079-7)

Plug & Play configuration

Out of the box, the device is configured to switch to OPERATIONAL state autonomously. Wifi mode is set to L2-automatic; this means that it will start with trying to connect as station with an existing WICAN access-point. If it cannot, then it will switch mode and become a WICAN access-point itself. Their bit-rate is preset to 250kbps. The automatic bit-rate detection kicks in when bus errors occur before any valid messages have been received. After listening for all known bit-rates with no success, it reverts to the preset value and stays there.

Bit-rate predefined to 250kbps
Automatic switch to NMT state OPERATIONAL
All defaults can be changed using SDO or LSS configuration

Wireless performance & limitations

Connecting CANopen devices over a wireless link strips some of the reliability and ruggedness features of the CAN bus protocol. Additionally, there are bandwidth limitations that are less easily defined than with a wire-line approach.

Use of more than 2 bridge devices in a network results in multicast transmissions, which decreases effective bandwidth proportionally to the number of bridges. When the wire-line feed bit-rate and message rate exceed the available RF bandwidth, increased message latency may occur and ultimately message loss.