CAN Bus is widely used in mobile machinery because of its reliability and real-time communication capability.
However, harsh industrial environments can introduce electrical noise, voltage differences, and potential damage risks to electronic components.
To improve system reliability, many manufacturers use isolated CAN interfaces.
This article explains what isolated CAN is, how it works, the differences between isolated and non-isolated CAN, and when OEM manufacturers should choose an isolated CAN solution.
Isolated CAN is a CAN communication interface that provides electrical separation between the CAN bus network and the internal electronics of a device.
Unlike traditional non-isolated CAN, isolated CAN uses isolation components to prevent direct electrical connection between different parts of the system.
A typical isolated CAN interface includes:
CAN transceiver
Digital isolator or isolation component
Isolated power supply
CAN communication circuit
The isolation barrier protects sensitive electronics while maintaining reliable CAN communication.
In a standard CAN interface:
English
CAN Bus
↓
CAN Transceiver
↓
Controller MCU
The CAN bus and controller share the same electrical ground.
In an isolated CAN interface:
CAN Bus
↓
CAN Transceiver
↓
Isolation Barrier
↓
Controller MCU
The isolation barrier separates the communication side from the control side.
Data can still be exchanged, but unwanted electrical disturbances cannot easily pass through.
Mobile machinery operates in challenging environments.
Common electrical risks include:
Large machines may contain multiple electrical systems.
Different components may have slightly different ground potentials.
Without isolation, these differences can create:
Communication instability
Signal errors
Component damage
Mobile machinery contains many sources of electromagnetic interference:
Motors
Hydraulic valves
Inverters
Relays
Power electronics
Isolated CAN helps improve communication stability in noisy environments.
Industrial equipment may experience:
Transient voltage
Electrical surges
Incorrect wiring connections
Isolation provides an additional protection layer for expensive electronic components.
| Feature | Isolated CAN | Non-Isolated CAN |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical separation | Yes | No |
| Noise protection | Higher | Lower |
| Ground loop protection | Excellent | Limited |
| Cost | Higher | Lower |
| System complexity | Higher | Simpler |
| Harsh environment suitability | Excellent | Moderate |
Examples:
Wheel loaders
Excavators
Cranes
Mining vehicles
These machines often have:
Long wiring distances
Multiple power systems
High electrical noise
Electric machines contain:
Battery systems
Motor controllers
Power electronics
Isolation helps protect communication networks from high-voltage environments.
Large machines may use:
Isolation improves communication reliability between distributed devices.
OEM manufacturers should consider:
Correct bus topology
Appropriate termination
Suitable cable selection
Isolated CAN
Surge protection
Filtering components
Consider:
Voltage level
Cable length
Operating temperature
Electromagnetic interference
Isolated CAN provides an additional layer of protection and reliability for CAN communication systems.
For mobile machinery operating in harsh environments, electric equipment, and complex electronic architectures, isolated CAN can improve communication stability and protect critical control components.
By selecting the right CAN interface design, OEM manufacturers can build more reliable and durable machines.
SonnePower provides advanced electronic control solutions for mobile machinery, including:
CAN-based mobile controllers
Remote I/O modules
HMI displays
CAN communication solutions
Customized electronic control systems
Our solutions help OEM manufacturers develop reliable control architectures for construction equipment, agricultural machinery, mining vehicles, and industrial applications.
