CANOpen

CANopen is a communication protocol and device profile specification for embedded systems used in automation. In terms of the OSI model, CANopen implements the layers above and including the network layer.

CANopen is a high-level communication protocol and device profile specification built atop the Controller Area Network (CAN) technology. Designed primarily for embedded control applications, CANopen offers a standardized and efficient means of data exchange between various devices and controllers.

Real time coordination

Each device on a CANopen network is designated a unique node ID, which allows it to be distinctly addressed on the network. Moreover, to ensure real-time coordination of operations, CANopen devices can be synchronized using SYNC messages.

Object Dictionary

One of the foundational elements of CANopen is the Objects Dictionary. This is a standardized table present within each device, listing all data items that can be accessed from the network. The dictionary is neatly structured around indices and sub-indices, which ensures precise data addressing.

Process Data Objects & Service Data Objects

Communication within CANopen is facilitated through specific objects. Process Data Objects (PDOs) are employed for real-time data transfer, Service Data Objects (SDOs) manage access to the Objects Dictionary and are ideal for tasks like configuration, Network Management (NMT) Objects control device states, and Emergency (EMCY) Messages alert the network about specific device errors.

Standardized device profiles

A notable feature of CANopen is its standardized device profiles. These profiles, set for a variety of devices like I/O modules, encoders, and drives, ensure devices can easily interoperate. Additionally, CANopen’s design permits dynamic PDO mapping, offering flexibility in real-time data communication. The protocol also champions event-driven communication, where data is transmitted only when values alter or specific events take place, optimizing network bandwidth usage.

Over the years, CANopen has found applications across a spectrum of industries including industrial automation, medical equipment, building automation, maritime technology, and agricultural machinery, among others. Its robustness, coupled with inherent flexibility and scalability, makes it a preferred choice for many seeking efficient and reliable communication in complex environments.

RT-Labs’ C-Open is a CANopen network stack that supports multiple instances and can be run on bare-metal hardware, an RTOS such as RT-Kernel, or on Linux or Windows.

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Case Studies

Automotive

How Hellpower turned supply crisis into opportunity

Hellpower were forced to think about different ways to implement their communication protocols without causing any undue delay for their customer or, the unthinkable, the project’s cancellation.

How Inspekto prepared their offer for the US market

Taking a closer look

How project March uses RT-Labs development tools to gain speed

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How Minesto uses a robust platform to gain reliability

Minesto Minesto is an innovation company with a unique solution for sustainable energy production. The idea is to harness the energy found in tidal currents. The challenge is obvious, since the equipment is permanently submerged underwater. An underwater kite Minesto’s tidal energy turbine functions just like the kind of kite that most of us have […]