Ethernet Meets CAN

What is CAN?

Controller Area Network (CAN) is a robust communication protocol designed for reliable data exchange between microcontrollers and devices without a host computer. Originally developed for automotive applications, it’s now widely used in various industries. CAN efficiently manages data transmission, allowing multiple devices to communicate seamlessly over a single bus.

Project Overview

In our recent project, we explored the integration of CAN with Ethernet (ETH) for data transfer. The process involved the following key steps:

1. Frame Generation: We first generated a random data frame in Ethernet (ETH).
2. Data Transfer: The frame was then transmitted over the Ethernet network.
3. Conversion to CAN: Upon receiving the frame, it was converted to a CAN format.
4. CAN Transfer: The converted CAN frame was sent across the CAN network.
5. Reverse Process: The reverse process was also implemented, where a CAN frame was converted back to Ethernet for transmission.

The initialization phase configures the Ethernet module by setting RMII pins, enabling the transmitter and receiver, and preparing the necessary pin modes to ensure proper hardware setup for data transmission and reception. After clearing any existing receive buffers to prevent data corruption, the core functionality centers on an endless loop where CAN messages are received, converted into Ethernet packets, and transmitted. This involves receiving a CAN message, encapsulating it within an Ethernet frame, and preparing the frame with the correct MAC addresses and EtherType fields before sending it over the Ethernet interface. A dedicated function manages buffer availability, frame preparation, and the transmission process, ensuring reliable and efficient data flow. This modular approach enables the system to handle asynchronous events and maintain robust communication between the CAN and Ethernet networks, which is vital for real-time embedded applications. This project highlights the seamless interoperability between Ethernet and CAN protocols, showcasing the versatility and efficiency of both in real-world applications.