USB-to-CAN Adapters

EasySYNC Ltd.'s two new USB-to-CANadapters provide a way to connect CAN bus devices to a PC via USB. The USB2-F-7001 is anon-isolated adapter, while the USB2-F-7101 features built-in digitalisolation. Both devices are powered directly from the USB connectioneliminating the need for an independent power supply.

The adapters are built into a tough plasticenclosure capable of operating throughout the industrial temperature range(from -40 to 85C). Flexible mounting allows use in a variety of applications,including as a portable adapter accompanying a laptop or for permanentinstallation in industrial and commercial locations. The enclosure features astandard USB type-B socket, allowing the adapter to be connected to a Hosttype-A socket using the cable provided.

Each device integrates a USB-to-FIFOinterface IC, CAN controller and CAN bus transceiver, and is compatible withUSB1.1 and USB2.0 Host and Hub ports for easy plug-and-play installation. Forthe USB-to-FIFO interface IC, EasySYNC has chosen the FTDI FT245R withFTDIChip-ID security and support for USB suspend/resume modes.

The CAN bus signals are output to anindustry-standard DE-9P connector conforming to the CAN-in-Automation (CiA)DS102-2 pin-out. Maximum CAN bus data rate is 1Mbps. Three colored LEDs, inyellow, green and red, indicate link validity, operating status and errorconditions using a variety of Blink, Flash, Off and On modes.

EasySYNC can also provide USB devicedrivers that allow the adapter to appear as a Virtual COM Port (VCP).This enables communications using ASCII commands to the CAN controller.Additional USB device drivers can be employed with application software todirectly access the FT245R. These can be used in conjunction with a CAN commandApplication Programming Interface (API) to allow the specific functionality fora given task to be provided. An API guide is alsoavailable directly from EasySYNC.

USB-to-CAN Adapters