What is CAN bus and how does it work?
The CAN bus readers collect data that CAN puts together from basically every ECU in an entire vehicle. To better understand what CAN bus readers are, let’s dive into the technology of CAN.
Short for Controller Area Network, CAN is a protocol designed for different types of microcontrollers to communicate with each other and collect vehicle data. Since the CAN basically works as a messenger between different ECUs (Electronic Control Units), the protocol has found its place in various applications, where businesses need to monitor their fleet or other machinery performance. Although we talk about CAN as for the automotive industry, the protocol can be used anywhere ECUs are involved.
Why CAN?
CAN is one of the most (if not THE most) accurate data collection technology out there, surpassing even GPS trackers, simply because it does not use such intermediaries as GPS but rather sends data directly from the vehicle to the end-user.
The Controller Area Network protocol is also one of the simplest and most cost-effective solutions to apply. Even though different transmitters provide different signals inside the automobile, the CAN bus collects them all and drives data to a CAN bus reader. Readers translate the signals to information, and from here, it is picked up by user devices.
The CAN bus-reader system is extremely robust and well protected from electromagnetic interference. The reduction of wiring inside the vehicle simplifies CAN bus reader installation and also reduces vehicle weight. Reduced weight means less fuel and less fuel means a cheaper journey.
Can bus application in business
Since CAN bus technology can track different data with utmost accuracy, it provides unique opportunities for:
- Cost-saving;
- Employee management;
- Better equipment maintenance and prevention;
- Improved training protocols for drivers.
Fleet data tracking and management tools are a must for a successful business operation and cost management.
What can CAN readers read?
Everything that has an ECU. A modern vehicle has as much as 100 ECUs or even more to cover every function that involves electronics. From the engine to power supply, to rolling windows, positioning seats, door locks to automatic emergency braking or the deployment of airbags.
Features more relevant to fleet management include ignition, engine (on or off), total mileage, total fuel used, instantaneous fuel use, amount of fuel left, fuel reserve indicator (on or off), vehicle speed, engine speed, reverse gear (on or off), distance left before refueling, dynamic axle forces, hand brake (on or off), brake pedal, throttle pedal, seat belt fastening control, mileage covered, door open, mean fuel consumption, time in travel, mean vehicle speed, eco-driving parameters, driver’s assessment parameters.
CAN bus tracking solutions
Monito provides complete logistics tracking solutions with more than 50 different types of products – all directed at generating accurate data from your vehicle and transforming it into reliable, readable data points for the end-user to analyze.
One of the key criteria for Monito equipment is a universal system that is easy to install and is suitable for a wide variety of different vehicles. It can work in RS232, TTL-RS232, FMS modes and can be used with different protocols like Xon-Xoff, ASCII, etc.
For top-notch quality and safety, we provide an EU homologation certificate and the CE conformity marking.
Still not sure?
Using reliable and easy-to-implement CAN logistic solutions is a must for any commercial vehicle business. It provides you with data necessary to improve your fleet usage, decrease costs, improve the qualification of your drivers, and many other features.
Make sure you choose high-quality, versatile equipment that can be used in different situations and provide accurate data for the gains of your business.
Not sure what’s best for your business? Contact the Monito team for more information and custom solutions.
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