Contents Wiring diagrams Section: Communication Devices All sections

Lan System (CAN): Overview Nissan Note E12

Communication Devices 9 illustrations ~448 words

Abbreviation List

Unit name abbreviations in CONSULT CAN diagnosis and in this article are as per the following list.

AbbreviationUnit name
A-BAGAir bag diagnosis sensor unit
ABSABS actuator and electric unit (control unit)
AVAV control unit
AVMAround view monitor control unit
BCMBCM
DLCData link connector
ECMECM
EPSEPS control unit
IPDM-EIPDM E/R
M & ACombination meter
STRGSteering angle sensor
TCMTCM

DESCRIPTION

CAN (Controller Area Network) is a serial communication line for real time application. It is an on-vehicle multiplex communication line with high data communication speed and excellent error detection ability. Many electronic control units are equipped onto a vehicle, and each control unit shares information and links with other control units during operation (not independent). In CAN communication, control units are connected with 2 communication lines (CAN-H line, CAN-L line) allowing a high rate of information transmission with less wiring. Each control unit transmits/receives data but selectively reads required data only.

CAN Communication Signal Generation

Scheme 16

Scheme 16: DESCRIPTION

Scheme 17

Scheme 17

Scheme 18

Scheme 18
  1. Termination circuits (resistors) are connected across the CAN communication system. When transmitting a CAN communication signal, each control unit passes a current to the CAN-H line and the current returns to the CAN-L line.
  2. The current flows separately into the termination circuits connected across the CAN communication system and the termination circuits drop voltage to generate a potential difference between the CAN-H line and the CAN-L line. NOTE: A signal with no current passage is called "Recessive" and one with current passage is called "Dominant".
  3. The system produces digital signals for signal communications, by using the potential difference.

The Construction of CAN Communication Signal (Message)

Scheme 19

Scheme 19
No.Message nameDescription
1Start of frame (1 bit)Start of message.
2Arbitration of field (11 bit)Priorities of message-sending are shown when there is a possibility that multiple messages are sent at the same time.
3Control field (6 bit)Signal quantity in data field is shown.
4Data field (0-64 bit)Actual signal is shown.
5CRC field (16 bit)The transmitting control unit calculates sending data in advance and writes the calculated value in a message. The receiving control unit calculates received data and judges that the data reception is normal when the calculated value is the same as the value written in the sent data.
6ACK field (2 bit)The completion of normal reception is sent to the transmitting unit.
7End of frame (7 bit)End of message.

CAN Communication Line

The CAN communication line is a twisted pair wire consisting of strands of CAN-H (1) and CAN-L (2) and has noise immunity.

Scheme 20

Scheme 20

Note. The CAN communication system has the characteristics of noise-resistant because this system produces digital signals by using the potential difference between the CAN-H line and the CAN-L line and has the twisted pair wire structure.

Since the CAN-H line and the CAN-L line are always adjacent to each other, the same degree of noise occurs, respectively, when a noise (1) occurs. Although the noise changes the voltage, the potential difference (2) between the CAN-H line and the CAN-L line is insensitive to noise. Therefore, noise-resistant signals can be obtained.

Scheme 21

Scheme 21

CAN Signal Communications

Each control unit of the CAN communication system transmits signals through the CAN communication control circuit included in the control unit and receives only necessary signals from each control unit to perform various kinds of control.

Scheme 22

Scheme 22

Scheme 23

Scheme 23
  1. Example: Transmitted signals
  2. Example: Received signals

Note. The above signal names and signal communications are provided for reference purposes. For CAN communications signals of this vehicle, refer to " CAN COMMUNICATION SYSTEM: CAN COMMUNICATION SIGNAL CHART ".

VEHICLE EQUIPMENT IDENTIFICATION INFORMATION

Note. Check CAN system type from the vehicle shape and equipment.

Scheme 24

Scheme 24: VEHICLE EQUIPMENT IDENTIFICATION INFORMATION