USB to CAN (Controller-Area Network)

Wondering why we're talking about controller-area (or CAN Bus) network on a consumer electronics information site?  Whether you know it or not, if you drive a car, CAN is a signal that is probably in use in your daily life.

USB to CAN Bus

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Interfacing with CAN Bus using USB is essential for data aquisition and module control when attempted with a modern computer (whether it is a specialized server, tool, or run-of-the-mill computer or laptop).  The Kvaser Leaf Light HS is a good example of a USB to CAN bus converter with high performance stats, such as the ability to time stamp CAN signal messages with 100-milisecond precision, and the ability to receive 8000 CAN messages a second.

Interacting with CAN Bus modules in something like a car system is tricky, and specific scenarios call for specific solutions.  Kvaser's Leaf Light HS works with a number of CAN applications, but also features an SDK that you can use to develop software with.  The SDK comes with full documentation and program samples written in C, C++, Delphi, Visual Basic, and C#.

Controller-Area Network (CAN) Technology

CAN technology came into being when automobiles began offering automated features in their cars; in the late 80s.  Car makers needed a communications protocol that didn't rely on one central host computer or processor.  Instead of a central computer, as with cars today, many different modules exist and are each responsible for simple functions (like window openers, or air conditioning, or regulating fuel intake, or etc.).  CAN is a multi-master protocol that allows all of these components to play nicely with each other and automate complicated processes.