Universal Machine Intelligence (UMI), an Australia-based company, introduced a CAN FD Adapter that adds controller area network (CAN) connectivity to embedded computing devices with M.2 or mPCIe interfaces.
UMI’s CAN FD Adapter contains an STM32G4x4 32-bit microcontroller (MCU) that communicates with the host computer via USB 2.0. It also provides two 5 Mbps CAN FD buses and one 1 Mbps CAN 2.0b bus. A Wurth Digital Isolator functionally isolates the CAN interfaces from the host computer.
There are two form factor variants of the CAN FD adapter. One fits in a mPCIe socket, and the other fits an M.2 B Key. The M.2 board has breakaway tabs that allow UMI’s CAN FD Adapter to fit into 2242, 2252, 2260, and 2280 slot lengths, which adds flexibility for the type of embedded computer it plugs into.
Example of DB9 connectors [front and back] (📷: UMI)
On the host operating system, UMI’s CAN FD Adapter utilitizes SocketCAN. This package provides a CAN protocol implementation for Linux. UMI’s documentation shows how to init the CAN interface via the command line or automatically at boot with systemd.
While CAN is commonly associated with automobiles, it also finds applications in industrial environments where robust communication is crucial. UMI’s CAN FD Adapter handles power systems for automotive and industrial applications spanning 12, 24, and 48 volt rails. The board’s specified operating range is -40 to + 105 °C.
M12 connector board (📷: UMI)
There are two bus connector options available: a DB9 and an M12-A. Both options share a common connector type to connect to the two form factor variants. The bus connects come with on-board terminations. You can enable (or disable) them by shorting solderable jumper pads.
M.2 CAN FD Adapter with two DB9 (📷: UMI)
For more information, check out the UMI CAN FD Adapter documentation pages. To purchase an adapter and connectors, visit the UMI product page. Prices start at $128 before shipping.
