In accordance with the SAE J1939 standard, data communication is via a bus interface as defined in ISO/DIS 11898-6. As an application-centered standard, CAN J1939 is mainly used in commercial vehicles such as agricultural machinery and snow-clearing vehicles, as well as other off-road applications.

The standard defines different parameter groups that play a specific role in automotive applications. By contrast, the CANopen protocol, established at a later date, works with different device profiles for a range of application areas and generally offers more flexibility. Contelec supports both standards and can deliver sensors with either CAN J1939 or CANopen firmware.

Individual programming

The extended possibilities of the CAN J1939 digital interface are based on the assumption that the specification for the ordered sensors may require characteristics such as the bitrate, the address mode (arbitrary or preferred address), the parameter group defined in the standard (PGN, dictated by the application) or the terminating resistance.

It is possible to define that the sensor on a pedal, for example, provides status feedback such as “full gas” rather than an angle measurement. Other parameters such as an application-specific angle range, the direction of rotation or the index point can be programmed individually at a later stage. This means that, with various applications, there is no need to purchase a new sensor if these specifications change.

Project assistance, training and support

Use of the CAN J1939 digital interface requires specific expertise and appropriate software and involves a certain degree of effort to configure. Contelec customers are also well served here, benefiting from a partner who is happy to provide expert project assistance, training and support.