CAN (controller area network)

A controller area network (CAN bus) is primarily used in embedded systems, and as it name implies, is a network technology that provides fast communication among microcontrollers up to real-time requirements, eliminating the need for the much more expensive and complex technology of a Dual-Ported RAM.

In February of 1986, Robert Bosch introduced the CAN serial bus system as the SAE congress in Detroit. In the mid-1987, Intel delivered the first stand alone CAN controller chip, the 82526. It is a serial network technology that was originally designed for the automotive industry, especially for European cars, but has also become popular bus in industrial automation as well as other applications.

CAN is a two-wire, half duplex, high speed network system, that is far superior to conventional serial technologies such as RS232 in regards to functionality and reliability and yet CAN implementations are more cost effective.

In the automotive industry, embedded control has grown from stand-alone systems to highly integrated and networked control systems. By networking electromechanical subsystems, it becomes possible to modularize functionalities and hardware, which facilitates reuse and adds capabilities.
CAN (controller area network)