What is CAN BUS & How Does it Help in Construction?

Everyone in construction knows that the industry is filled with acronyms, IoT, GPS, ERP, CMMS, CAN BUS, etc.

However, if you are looking for ways to make data on-site make sense, the one acronym you should know is CAN BUS.

What is a CAN BUS? How does it allow for efficient fleet management? Let’s find out together.

‍

History of CAN BUS

In the 1980s, Robert Borsh developed the first CAN BUS to eliminate the requirement of a host system in order to stream communication between the automotive vehicle systems.

This protocol was officially rolled out at the Society of Automotive Engineers Michigan conference in 1986. 

Intel first produced the CAN BUS chip in 1987, then Philips in 1991. The latest version of CAN BUS is CAN 2.0, published in 1991. 

There are two parts to the system. The extended format in Part B uses a 29-bit identifier and the standard format of Part A has an identifier of 11bits. 

A CAN device based on 11-bit identifiers is called CAN 2.0A; a CAN device with 29-bit identifiers is called CAN 2.0B. In recent years usage of CAN BUS has become applicable well beyond the car field. 

It's an integral part of heavy equipment, manufacturing, and marine operations within CAN BUS.

‍

What is a CAN BUS and Its Uses?

CAN BUS, short for controlled area network, is a communication protocol that allows electronic components within a vehicle and equipment to exchange real-time information.

So what are CAN-BUS systems in vehicles? It is the digital central system of modern machines. 

The system allows equipment managers to communicate within multiple systems and share data via a central network.

Whether it’s an engine control module, transmission, or advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS), CAN BUS ensures smooth, real-time data transmission across various ECUs (Electronic Control Units). 

This communication protocol allows vehicles to function more efficiently, making it essential in CAN BUS-equipped vehicles.

‍

In the automotive and heavy equipment industries, the uses of CAN BUS go beyond just basic communication.

Here are a few examples of CAN BUS automotive and heavy equipment usage:

• Engine and transmission control: Enables the ECU to monitor performance and adjust settings for optimized function.

• Safety systems: Facilitates communication between airbags, brakes, and stability control systems.

• Diagnostics: CAN BUS diagnostics allow technicians to identify issues quickly using a CAN BUS diagnostic tool.

• Advanced features: Supports lane assist, cruise control, and fuel management systems.

You will find CAN BUS at the heart of most CAN BUS-equipped vehicles and listed among most CAN BUS-equipped vehicles across the construction industry.

‍

‍

CAN BUS Variantes

CAN BUS technology is the backbone of communication across different systems, but it is not a one-size-fits-all technology.

Multiple variants of CAN BUS are used in various applications depending on the required data communication speed and complexity.

‍

1. Low-Speed CAN 

Designed for systems where fast data exchange isn’t critical, like power windows, seat adjustment, or infotainment systems, low-speed CAN BUS is a good choice. 

It has a maximum speed limit of 125 kbps, which is helpful if you have little need for high-speed communication. 

Low-speed CAN is typically used on CAN bus heavy equipment to carry secondary systems that don’t directly impact performance or safety. 

For example, this slower, more reliable network can monitor battery levels, lighting systems, or anything else you want to rely on. 

‍

2. High-Speed CAN BUS

Used at higher speeds up to 1 Mbps is the preferred communications medium for critical systems that need to exchange real-time data. 

This variant is commonly used in engine management systems, anti-lock braking systems (ABS), and transmission control units in the world of can-bus automotive. 

Similarly, in construction, high-speed CAN-BUS ensures that performance-critical systems can bus heavy equipment such as hydraulic control, brake systems, and engine diagnostics run efficiently and respond in real time. 

‍

3. CAN FD (Flexible Data Rate) 

As systems become increasingly complex and data-rich, the shortcomings of traditional CAN BUS have become very apparent. 

Enter CAN FD (Flexible Data-Rate), an evolution of the high-speed CAN-BUS protocol. 

CAN FD allow for faster data rates and larger payloads, addressing the growing demand for higher bandwidth in systems that rely on CAN BUS diagnostics and real-time performance monitoring.

In construction, CAN FD is beneficial in large fleets of can-bus heavy equipment where extensive data collection from sensors and telematics needs to be processed rapidly.

‍

4. CAN XL

The latest advancement in CAN BUS technology, CAN XL, allows for even faster data transmission at up to 10 Mbps. 

This variant is primarily geared towards next-generation autonomous automotive and construction machinery systems, where vast amounts of data must be processed in real time for accurate performance. 

It’s also backward-compatible with traditional CAN BUS, ensuring seamless integration with existing systems.

‍

CAN BUS Benefits

CAN BUS technology has been widely adopted within the automotive, construction, and manufacturing industries due to its high reliability, low cost, and robustness. 

For modern vehicles and machinery, CAN BUS is the go-to solution. Why? Because it is.

‍

Low-cost

A key reason why CAN BUS has become so commonplace is its low cost; traditional systems require separate wiring for each component, making the costs and complexity high.

This system can be built using CAN BUS, which can connect multiple devices over a few pairs of wires, drastically reducing the amount of wiring needed and the production and equipment maintenance costs.

‍

Robust

CAN BUS is well designed to run in harsh environments and is most suitable for can-bus heavy equipment. 

For example, construction equipment is often subjected to extreme temperatures, dust, and vibration. 

Lastly, CAN BUS networks are built to survive such conditions: the critical systems can rely on reliable communication.

‍

Efficient

But by prioritizing data, CAN BUS is the most efficient. CAN BUS provides multiple systems with the automatic ability to transmit critical data, such as engine control or braking, simultaneously and consistently first. 

This makes CAN BUS diagnostics highly effective, as error detection and troubleshooting become much faster.

‍

Easy to access

Another significant benefit is that CAN BUS systems are easily interfered with using a can bus diagnostic tool. 

This is important to repair and maintain equipped vehicles. Whether you are a mechanic diagnosing a problem or a project manager monitoring performance, accessing and interpreting data from a CAN BUS system.

‍

Scaleable

CAN BUS systems are finally scalable, meaning more devices or sensors can be added without rewiring. 

This is so useful because it is helpful in industries like construction, where there may need to be new sensors and new technologies in addition to existing can-bus heavy equipment networks.

‍

‍

Challenges of CAN BUS in Construction

The CAN BUS system provides many opportunities for gathering and using construction equipment data. It is, however, challenging to transfer that data for cloud processing due to the component's high data rate, low transmission, and variable network requirements.

This, in turn, makes it a less dependable solution for cloud processing. You will have to collect the data in one place, reduce its volume, and send it to the cloud system.

There is also the issue of CAN BUS wiring and how even one loose wire can severely impact the system.

The CAN BUS wires are also prone to damage and can easily get stripped.

The bus-off error is another issue that most users deal with in the CAN BUS system.

This error arises when the nodes get overburdened and get taken offline.

Due to its low transmission and signal requirements, the data transmitted by CAN BUS systems can get jittery and distorted, leading to errors in the message reception.

‍

How Does a CAN BUS Help in Construction?

CAN-BUS technology has a lot of advantages in the construction industry, where equipment and machinery are essential to the success of projects. 

Let’s break down how CAN BUS can improve your construction operations.

‍

Real-Time Data Exchange

Real-time data exchange between different machine components is possible with CAN BUS in construction equipment. 

An example of this is an excavator where the engine, hydraulic, and operator control systems can exchange data together in real-time to provide accurate up-to-the-second feedback on machine performance. 

This real-time feedback enables adjustments while seeing the immediate results of changes in operating conditions.

‍

Single Pane of Glass Monitoring

With CAN BUS, the entire vital Can Bus heavy equipment performance information can be accessed through a single interface. 

This single pane of glass dashboard gives fleet managers and operators real-time visibility into engine temperature, fuel consumption, hydraulic pressure, and more.

Single-pane-of-glass solutions

Clue offers centralized operation management. Clue gathers all your equipment into one clear view, turning complex projects into straightforward tasks and making every action precise, right from your dashboard.

Get a custom quote today⟶

‍

Error Detection and Diagnostics

CAN BUS also comes with built-in error detection mechanisms that can detect issues before they become high-cost repair issues. 

Can bus diagnostic tools be used by operators to quickly diagnose and resolve faults, reduce downtime, and boost operational efficiency.

The ability to perform rapid diagnostics is an essential advantage in industries such as construction, where delays can be costly.

‍

Safety

Safety remains the number one priority in construction, and CAN BUS systems enable you to maximize operator and equipment safety. 

Real-time monitoring is possible with CAN BUS of safety-critical systems such as brakes, steering, and hydraulic controls. 

CAN BUS can immediately alert project managers when there is a fault and prevent accidents or equipment failure.

‍

Integrations with Telematics

In construction equipment, CAN BUS is often used with telematics to generate highly detailed reporting and analytics on equipment usage, fuel management, maintenance management, etc. 

It helps construction companies better control their fleet, allocate resources more efficiently, and extend the life of their equipment.

‍

To Sum it Up

What is CAN BUS? It is the communication protocol that allows modern vehicles and machinery to do everything they can do safely and efficiently. 

Whether you are dealing with CAN-BUS automotive or heavy equipment systems, this technology improves real-time data transfer, diagnostics, and safety. 

In the coming years, CAN BUS will also become increasingly important due to the increasing transformation of the construction industry into digital.

CAN BUS is key to streamlining job site operations, enhancing safety on site, and increasing efficiency. 

Fleet managers, contractors, and technicians can gain operational leverage by understanding CAN BUS, its variants, and its multiple advantages for optimized machinery and fleets, which is essential in today’s cutthroat construction.

‍

FAQs

Does my car have a CAN BUS?

The vast majority of modern vehicles are powered by CAN-BUS systems, allowing communication between the components inside. You can confirm this in your vehicle’s manual or seek professional help.

Is CAN BUS obsolete?

Not at all. New versions similar to CAN FD and CAN XL are under development; however, today, CAN BUS is still widely used in CAN-BUS automotive and heavy equipment sectors.

How is CAN BUS wired?

A CAN BUS system is a two-wire system that transmits data from one ECU to another. Wiring it simply removes the need for complex networks, and it is efficient regardless of the operation's size.

What are the disadvantages of CAN Buses?

CAN BUS is good but not terribly fast, particularly by modern standards like CAN FD. The system may additionally be vulnerable in environments with heavy electromagnetic interference.