Description

M5Stack CANBus Unit is an isolated Controller Area Network transceiver unit for building reliable CAN communication networks. The module uses the CA-IS3050G CAN transceiver to provide differential reception and differential transmission, while the built-in isolated DC-DC power chip helps isolate noise and interference from sensitive circuits. As an isolated CAN bus unit, it is suitable for distributed control, real-time control, industrial field networks, and embedded communication projects.

The M5Stack CANBus Unit supports up to 110 nodes and a signal transmission rate up to 1Mbps. It meets ISO11898-2 technical specifications and includes current limiting, overvoltage protection, ground-loss protection from -40V to 40V, dominant timeout, and thermal shutdown. For long-distance CAN communication, the official description notes distances up to 10km at rates below 5Kbps, and up to 1Mbps when the communication distance is below 40m. The CA-IS3050G CAN transceiver and HY2.0-4P interface make the unit convenient for M5Stack controller projects.

Video Demonstration

Watch the official M5Stack video directly after the description to see how the M5Stack CANBus Unit is positioned as an isolated CAN bus unit for CAN communication projects.

Features

• Isolated CAN bus unit: standalone CAN transceiver module for building complex CAN communication networks.
• CA-IS3050G CAN transceiver: supports differential reception and differential transmission for CAN bus applications.
• Built-in isolated DC-DC: helps isolate noise and interference to protect sensitive circuits.
• High-speed CAN: signal rate up to 1Mbps and bus support for up to 110 nodes.
• Protection functions: current limiting, overvoltage protection, ground-loss protection, dominant timeout, and thermal shutdown.
• M5Stack-ready interface: HY2.0-4P Grove interface, power indicator, and 2 LEGO-compatible mounting holes.
• Standards support: designed to meet ISO11898-2 technical specifications.

CAN Network Design

The M5Stack CANBus Unit supports multi-master CAN bus communication, decentralized arbitration, and broadcast communication. This gives the isolated CAN bus unit a practical role in distributed systems where fast node-to-node communication and low failure rates matter.

Isolation and Protection

The CA-IS3050G CAN transceiver provides isolation-focused CAN communication with 1000V rated withstand voltage. The protection features help the unit tolerate demanding field environments while reducing the risk of output short circuits.

Specifications

Applications

• CAN bus communication: use the M5Stack CANBus Unit to connect M5Stack controllers to CAN networks.
• Industrial field control: the isolated CAN bus unit is suitable for distributed field control and real-time control systems.
• Security systems: build reliable bus communication links for monitoring and control projects.
• Embedded communication: integrate the CA-IS3050G CAN transceiver into prototypes that need noise isolation.
• Long-distance CAN experiments: evaluate CAN communication at low rates over long links or high rates over shorter distances.

Product List

Other Content

Wiring and Bus Notes

The M5Stack CANBus Unit uses the HY2.0-4P interface for M5Stack host connection and a VH3.96-4P terminal for CAN wiring. The included 120R resistor can be used for CAN bus termination when required by the network layout.

Schematic Reference

The official schematic helps developers confirm connector layout, isolation structure, and CAN signal routing before integrating the isolated CAN bus unit into a controller project.

Dimension Reference

Resources

• Official M5Stack product documentation
• Official schematic image
• Official schematic section

FAQ

What is the M5Stack CANBus Unit used for?

The M5Stack CANBus Unit is used for CAN bus communication, industrial field control, security systems, and embedded distributed control projects.

Which CAN transceiver does it use?

It uses the CA-IS3050G CAN transceiver with isolated CAN communication capability.

What is the maximum CAN rate?

The official specification lists a maximum signal rate of 1Mbps for this isolated CAN bus unit.

How many nodes are supported?

The official specification lists support for up to 110 theoretical nodes.

Does it include bus protection?

Yes. It includes current limiting, overvoltage protection, ground-loss protection, dominant timeout, signal isolation, and thermal shutdown.

Is there an official video?

Yes. The official MP4 video is embedded directly after the description for this M5Stack CANBus Unit.