INTRODUCTION TO CANBUS

Jason McComb
FITAS
 MULTIPLEX

MULTIPLEXING
Modern vehicles have a wiring system known as multiplex communication..
Traditional wiring systems are heavy, expensive and complex but
multiplexing for signal or communications wiring saves weight, cost and
complication.
 MULTIPLEXING

Multiplexing requires two buses (circuits) around the vehicle, one carrying the battery power -
the power bus - and one carrying the control signals - the data bus - via a CPU with the vehicle
chassis providing a return path.
Devices linked by a multiplex wiring system are known as nodes.
The most common multiplexing system for vehicles is CAN bus. Originally CAN bus meant Car
Area Network bus but is now known as Controller Area Network bus.
A node is able to recognise its own special digital data signal and switches a relay or a smart FET
(Field Effect Transistor) according to the command data it receives (i.e. from a window closer
switch).
Vehicles often use more than one type of CAN bus system.
Real time operations bus – power train
Safety bus – Safety Restraint System (SRS)
Climate control bus
Multimedia bus
AUDI A8
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SYSTEMS

1. LIN (Local Interconnect Network) Single cable

controller
2. CAN (Controller Area Network) CAN bus using
two copper wires has them twisted together, this
twisting helps to reduce interference.
3. FlexRay. New kid on the block. Higher can-bus
speed.
4. MOST (Media Oriented System Transport) Fibre
Optic transmission for AV systems
 Linbus
The Local Interconnect Network is mainly used to control the mechanical-
electronic components of a vehicle e.g. car seats, electric windows, sunroofs,
rain sensors, door mirrors etc…..
LINBUS It is used as a cheaper alternative to the CANBUS, and is used in the areas
of the vehicle that doesn't require the speed and complexity of CAN. The
maximum speed transmission of 20kbit/s.
The Lin works on the Master/Slave protocol, where there is a Master Node
(Module) controlling Slave Nodes (the accessories being controlled).
 CAN bus using two copper wires has them twisted together,
this twisting helps to reduce interference but the use of fibre
optic cable is increasing because of its immunity from
interference.
CANBUS Voltages other than 12 volt (higher and lower) could be found in
multiplexed vehicles. Mixed-voltage is likely to become normal in car
and light commercial vehicles in the near future, so a thorough
understanding of the use of test equipment and Ohms Law is essential
to the installation technician.
 FLEXRAY

FlexRay
This the latest software protocol now being used in Canbus systems. The protocol can be used
throughout the vehicle, within the LIN and CAN networks.
Additionally, by using 2 pairs of twisted unshielded cables, instead of the conventional one pair, It
will allow speeds of up to 10Mbps. Speeds of this nature are vital for data hungry systems, such as
the latest High-Performance Powertrain and Specialist Driver Safety Systems such as:
Drive-by-wire.
Active suspension.
Adaptive cruise control
Park Assist
 MOST

• MOST (Media Oriented

System Transport) Fibre
Optic transmission for AV
systems
• Daisy Chain – Series Circuit
 SAFETY SYSTEMS

• AIRBAG SRS
• The Airbag - Supplement Restraint System (SRS) provides additional protection for the driver and possibly the front seat passenger
in the event of a severe frontal impact. Sensors are positioned within an equipped vehicle that trigger the system via a control
module. An accelerant is ignited which in turn ignites the gas generating material within the steering wheel and, if
fitted, dash mounted airbag.
• The same triggering process can tighten the seat belt restraints by detonating an explosive charge that drives a turbine wheel
within the seat belt tensioner.
• The components that make up the airbag SRS and seat belt tensioning are sensitive to electrical and physical
interference.
• They could be inadvertently damaged or triggered. Precautions must always be taken when working on vehicles so equipped. A
yellow wiring harness can identify the wiring on some vehicles - but not all.
• Always follow the manufacturer's procedure for isolating the system before working on the vehicle.
• No attempt should be made to test, repair or remove any of the wiring or components. Always refer to the manufacturer’s
instructions when dealing with airbag SRS and seat belt tensioning systems, particularly on the use of test lights and meters.
 SAFETY SYSTEMS

ABS
• ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) is a driver aid to stop skidding and to help the
vehicle’s steering ability during braking.
• The system consists of:
• an ABS pump unit connected to the hydraulic brake system which controls the
brake pressure on each wheel,
• an ECU and 4 sensors in each wheel hub to detect wheel movement.
• If the sensors detect any difference between wheel movements on the vehicle, the
ABS pump will operate valves to reduce the amount of pressure to the slower
wheel allowing it to regain grip and traction.
 SAFETY SYSTEMS

TRACTION CONTROL
• Traction control systems prevent wheel spin under acceleration.
• Using the ABS system sensors, when a wheel is detected spinning significantly
faster than the other wheels, the ABS pump will apply brake pressure to that
wheel. Power will then transfer to the other driving wheels with traction due
to the mechanical action of the differential.
• The system can also limit the power output of the engine by throttle control
on a modern ‘fly by wire’ system or by controlling fuel and ignition spark to
the cylinders on the engine.
 SAFETY SYSTEMS

ESP (Electronic Stability Control)

• The ESP System is an extension of both the anti lock braking and traction control
systems and provides aid in the stability of the vehicle if the driver loses control.
• It detects loss of steering control, and automatically applies the brakes to help
"steer" the vehicle where the driver intends to go.
• Braking is automatically applied to wheels individually, so the outer front wheel will
counter oversteer and the inner rear wheel will counter understeer. The system
will also control the traction by limiting the power output of the engine.
• ESP uses all the controls and sensors of the traction control and ABS systems plus
a yaw control sensor, steering wheel angle sensor and accelerometer to help detect
the driver inputs and the state of the car.
 GUIDANCE FOR MULTIPLEX SYSTEMS

All items that connect Use of the OBD, Body

Use of a Can adaptor
to the CAN, MUST Builder or FMS
(Can-Clip) is
have a an ‘e’ or ‘E’ connection is
acceptable.
Mark desireable

Avoid using Analogue

meters, test lights
etc…. Self powered
meters are to be used.
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