The Controller Area Network (Can): Notes

CAN (Controller Area Network) is a standardized system for multiplex-communication. Multiplex communication means that several control modules can use the same cables for communication without traffic from one control module interfering with traffic from another.

Volvo has developed a new standard for multiplex communication - VOLCANO. VOLCANO is a development of CAN and uses real time operation and prioritization. The description of prioritization is based on VOLCANO but is designated CAN.

The standard for Control area network (CAN) specifies: 

• That two cables should be used (CAN H and CAN L)
• Which voltage levels should be used
• What a message should look like
• How transfer errors should be handled.