CiA reaches agreement on names for two transceiver approaches

July 16, 2020
CAN in Automation has agreed on names for CAN SIC transceiver and CAN SIC XL transceiver

The nonprofit CAN in Automation (CiA) association has harmonized the naming of different transceiver technologies used in CAN networks. CiA asked the CAN community to use for transceivers compliant with the CiA 601-4 specification the term CAN SIC (signal improvement circuitry) transceiver in datasheets and product descriptions. Components compliant with CiA 610-3 shall be named CAN SIC XL transceiver.

For the transceiver technologies specified in ISO 11898-2:2016, a harmonized naming is not easy to achieve because there are already man published data sheets. CiA recommends using the term CAN high-speed transceiver for legacy products limited to bit-rates of 1 Mbit/s. Products supporting the improved optional parameters of ISO 11898-2:2016 should be named CAN FD transceiver not indicating any bit-rate. It is assumed that in the future just CAN FD transceiver with the most-strict parameters will be offered.

There are also other transceiver technologies used in CAN networks. There is the CAN low-speed transceiver, which complies with the ISO 11898-3 standard. Another approach is standardized in ISO 11992-1: It is dedicated for a point-to-point CAN network connecting trucks and trailers. The Single-wire CAN (SWC) transceiver is specified in SAE J2411.

In order to avoid misunderstandings, CAN SIC transceivers can be connected to Classical CAN, CAN FD and CAN XL protocol controllers. If the bit-rate is limited to 1 Mbit/s, CAN high-speed transceivers might be used in Classical CAN, CAN FD or CAN XL networks. CAN FD transceivers are also suitable for Classical CAN networks. These are also appropriate for CAN FD networks with simpler topologies. The CAN SIC XL transceiver implements the MICI (medium-independent CAN interface), so it can only be connected to CAN protocol controllers supporting this interface.

This scalability of CAN transceiver approaches enables the network designer to choose the technology, which meets the application requirements regarding performance and price. CAN XL protocol controllers with MICI allow also CAN FD and Classical CAN communication.

Sponsored Recommendations

2024 State of Technology Report: Packaging Equipment

Special considerations and requirements make packaging equipment an interesting vertical market unto itself. This new State of Technology Report from the editors of ...

High Sensitivity Accelerometers to Monitor Traffic and Railroad Vibration for Semiconductor Manufacturing

This paper examines highly sensitive piezoelectric sensors for precise vibration measurement which is critical in semiconductor production to prevent quality and yield issues....

Simulation for Automation Guide

How digital twin solutions are expanding the capabilities of plant engineers.

Enhancing HMI Security and Accessibility with Cloud VPN Solutions

Enhance HMI security and remote access with Beijer’s cloud VPN solution. Enjoy advanced encryption, easy setup, and secure access via laptops, smartphones, or tablets. Cut costs...