Comparison of CANopen
Hardware Implementation Methods
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| CANopenIA |
| Comparison Overview |
Available Hardware Development Methods
a.) Do-it-yourself
Developing the hardware for a CANopen compliant node is not exactly "rocket science". Even hardware engineers with a medium amount of experience have good chances to succeed. One of the biggest challenges can be selecting the right part, as some 20 chip manufacturers produce microcontrollers with CANopen compliant CAN interfaces.
b.) Using CANopenIA Chip
With CANopenIA the hardware design is simplified, as the hardware engineer has less choices. After using the CANopenIA setup tool to create a CANopen node configuration, it will be clearly documented what needs to be connected to which pins of the CANopenIA. Typical external components required are (besides the applications I/O circuitry): Reset and Clock circuitry, CAN line driver and connector, EEPROM for configuration.
b.) Using plug-in/stick-in daughter boards
There are several vendors that provide PCB modules with a similar functionality than CANopenIA offers. The benefits of these modules is, that usually absolutely no external components are required, just add power.