EasySYNC has announced two USB-to-CAN adapters that provide a fast and easy way to connect CAN bus devices to a PC via USB. The USB2-F-7001 is a non-isolated adapter, while the USB2-F-7101 features built-in digital isolation. Both devices are powered directly from the USB connection eliminating the need for an independent power supply.
The devices are built into a tough plastic enclosure capable of operating across the industrial temperature range from -40 to +85°C. Flexible mounting allows its use in various applications, including as a portable adapter accompanying a laptop or for permanent installation in industrial and commercial locations. The enclosure features a standard USB type-B socket, allowing the adapter to be linked to a host type-A socket using the cable provided. Each device integrates a USB-to-FIFO interface IC, CAN controller and CAN bus transceiver, and is compatible with USB1.1 and USB2.0 Host and Hub ports for easy plug-and-play installation. For the USB-to-FIFO interface IC, the company has chosen the FTDI FT245R featuring capabilities such as FTDIChip-ID security and support for USB suspend/resume modes.
The CAN bus signals are output to a DE-9P connector conforming to the CAN-in-Automation DS102-2 pin-out. Maximum CAN bus data rate is 1Mbit/s. Three coloured LEDs, in yellow, green and red, indicate link validity, operating status and error conditions using various Blink, Flash, Off and On modes. The company can also provide USB device drivers allowing the adapter to appear as a Virtual COM Port. This enables communications using ASCII commands to the CAN controller. Additional USB device drivers can be employed with application software to directly access the FT245R. These can be used together with a CAN command Application Programming Interface to allow specific functionality for a given task to be provided. An API guide is also available.
