CAN

[Nadia]

Hi all, I am using the LPC54616, and I need to use the CAN protocol, I have seen that there are two CAN lines, a TD transmission line and a RD reception line.
Do I need a transceiver?

If so, would the MCP2551 work for me?

Thank you all very much. Best regards

[frank_m]

> Do I need a transceiver?
> If so, would the MCP2551 work for me?

Yes to both questions.

[Nadia]

@frank_m But then what are the CAN outputs of the microcontroller for? If the transceiver with one transmitter and one receiver is enough.

[frank_m]

Check the CANbus specification, e.g. on Wikipedia. The signal is pseudo differential, with H/L (or 1/0) levels different from the digital signal of the MCU pins. Therefore you need a transceiver.

If you want to test CAN on board level (without a real CAN network), you can get away without a transceiver, if both nodes in close proximity.

Most CAN peripherals use this for a configurable loop-back mode, were the Tx signal is fed directly back to the Rx signal. Usually for test purposes.

Setting up a larger CAN network is not really trivial, I would suggest an experienced mentor if you want/need to do so.

[Nadia]

@frank_m THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!!