PCAN-USB Opto-Decoupled: Isolated USB to CAN Bus Interface

EAN: IPEH-002022

What is the Peak System PCAN-USB Opto-Decoupled and its key features?

The Peak System PCAN-USB Opto-Decoupled is a USB-to-CAN interface designed for connecting a computer to a CAN (Controller Area Network) bus via a USB port. It provides opto-decoupling for electrical isolation between the PC and the CAN bus, which is essential for protecting sensitive electronics and preventing damage caused by voltage differences or ground loops.

Key Features:

1. Opto-Decoupling: Electrical isolation of up to 500 volts between the CAN side and the USB side ensures that the PC is protected from high voltages or ground differences that may occur on the CAN bus.
2. USB Interface: The device connects to the PC via USB, making it highly portable and easy to use without the need for additional hardware like PCI cards.
3. CAN Bus Interface: Supports High-Speed CAN (ISO 11898-2) with bit rates from 5 kbit/s to 1 Mbit/s.
4. Driver Support: Compatible with Windows, Linux, and MacOS. The drivers provided by PEAK-System allow access to the CAN bus for applications developed with the PCAN-Basic API.
5. CAN Status LEDs: The device is equipped with LEDs that indicate CAN bus status, including power, data transmission, and error conditions, making troubleshooting easier.
6. Compact and Portable: Its small form factor and USB connection make it suitable for both desktop and mobile use in a wide variety of environments.
7. Galvanic Isolation: Protects the CAN hardware against disturbances caused by electromagnetic interference (EMI).

Applications:

• Automotive diagnostics and testing
• Industrial automation systems
• CAN bus monitoring and development
• Robotics and embedded systems

Technical Specifications:

• USB Standard: USB 2.0, compatible with 1.1
• CAN Protocols: ISO 11898-2 (High-Speed CAN), ISO 11898-5
• CAN Connector: D-Sub, 9-pin
• Operating Temperature: Typically -40 to 85°C
• Power Supply: Power supplied via the USB port
• Maximum CAN bus length: Depends on CAN bus speed (as per CAN specification)

This device is widely used in industries that rely on CAN networks, including automotive, industrial automation, and research and development projects. The opto-decoupled design enhances reliability and safety in potentially harsh or electrically noisy environments.

Where can I find files and media for the Peak System PCAN-USB Opto-Decoupled?

Peak-Sys_PCAN-USB.pdf

Frequently Asked Questions

1 How does the opto-decoupling feature protect my computer and CAN bus?

The PCAN-USB opto-decoupled provides electrical isolation of up to 500 volts between the CAN and USB sides. This protects the PC from high voltages or ground differences on the CAN bus and shields the CAN hardware from electromagnetic interference (EMI), enhancing reliability and safety.

2 Which operating systems and APIs are supported for developing applications with this interface?

The device is compatible with Windows, Linux, and MacOS. PEAK-System provides drivers that enable access to the CAN bus for applications developed using the PCAN-Basic API.

3 What are the typical applications and industries that benefit from using this PCAN-USB interface?

This device is widely used in automotive diagnostics and testing, industrial automation systems, CAN bus monitoring and development, and robotics and embedded systems. Its design is particularly beneficial in harsh or electrically noisy environments.

4 What are the supported CAN bus speeds and how does the bus length affect its operation?

The PCAN-USB opto-decoupled supports High-Speed CAN (ISO 11898-2) with bit rates ranging from 5 kbit/s to 1 Mbit/s. The maximum CAN bus length depends on the specific CAN bus speed, as defined by the CAN specification.

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