
Part No.: MPLW-CAN232
An Interface Adapter to easily access CAN Bus Systems over RS232
CAN232 is a very small dongle that plugs into any PC COM Port or any other RS232 port in an embedded system (master) and gives an instant CAN connectivity. This means it can be treated by software as a standard COM Port (serial RS232 port) which eliminates the need for any extra drivers. Sending and receiving CAN frames can be done in our standard ASCII protocol. This means the RS232 side is the master. This unit cannot connect RS232 devices and make them send CAN frames unless you use our ASCII protocol on the RS232 side.

The module plugs directly into a standard serial port and provides a standard DB9 male output to CAN systems according to CiA (CAN in Automation) recommendations. It is powered with 8-15VDC through the CAN connector with ESD protection and reveresed power. It consumes max 100mA, but normally not more than 40mA (this depends on BUS load and eventual CAN cable errors etc.). Use your own RS232 LIB/drivers (in e.g. Visual Basic, Deplhi, C++ etc.).
Pin assignement according to CiA recommendations DS102-1.
The CAN232 is powered with +Vin (6-16VDC) at pin 9 and GND at pin 3 on DB9 Male connector.

The picture above shows how to connect the CAN232. It can powered from 6 to 16VDC, however nominal is 12VDC. Any higher voltage will damage the CAN232.
Also note that in order for CAN to work, you need at least 2 CAN nodes in operational mode (CAN specifications), the CAN network should also be properly teminated in both ends, so if you connect CAN232 in the end of the network, you must add one 120ohm resistor near the CAN232 and then one 120ohm resistor in the other end of the network. If CAN232 is in “Listen Only Mode”, the CAN232 is not in operational mode, so you need two other nodes in operational mode!
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