CAN-bus on-board networking technology The new on-board network guarantees a high level of reliability along with an even larger range of functions while using fewer connections than previously. The single-wire system sends all pertinent data to the appropriate control units over a single wire. It is a double-wire system that physically connects all control units and the central vehicle electronics (CVE) using May-bus (Controller Area Network) technology to create a permanent data network where the different components can communicate with one another. In addition to streamlining the primary wire harness, it enables quick, thorough diagnosis of all vehicle systems.
The system no longer requires conventional fuses, which is an additional benefit. When the rider restarts the motorcycle, CAN-bus technology immediately turns off the suspect component, if possible, and checks to see if the malfunction is still present. The network also supplies all of the data to the info-flatscreen in the cockpit. There is a socket for specialized equipment that makes it simple to modify and integrate electronic accessories into the on-board network.
In This Article...
An outline
Any component requiring electricity would typically be wired to the battery, where the electronic system of a motorcycle starts. In the event of a surge in resistance, a fuse box would be positioned between the component and the battery to protect both parts from harm, with a blown fuse serving as the final sacrifice to keep everything safe.
The fuse box for this KTM 390 Duke can be seen to the left of the image. There are numerous loose links all around it. The fuse box is eliminated by a CAN system, which also makes wiring cleaner.
This point-to-point wiring arrangement becomes more complicated and bulky as motorbike technology develops. Nevertheless, this method is still utilized by a large number of modern motorcycles. One advantage cited by some is that, should a subsystem fail, you can frequently trace its power source to a blown fuse. You just need to replace it to get back to work. However, detractors might argue that it takes too much time and effort to sort through the growing jumble of cables, and that until you locate the wiring, you won’t always know what the problem is.
The phrase “CAN (Controller Area Network) BUS” refers to a network protocol, typically with a central computer operating as the core communication hub amongst all the other subsystems. This computer is independent from the motorcycle’s ECU. When we refer to subsystems, we include everything from the engine management system and ABS to the headlights and turn indicators. Basically, everything.
A CANBUS data network can be compared to the nervous system of an individual. Our brain is at the top of the body. The nervous system serves as a hub via which the brain communicates commands to various body parts. The CAN network operates similarly. The hub is the main computer, and the nervous system linking the computer to the many subsystems is a single wiring harness that enables communication and causes the subsystems to “do something.”
This wiring schematic for the CAN originates from a 2004 BMW GS. For those of you keeping score at home, it was 17 years ago! Since then, motorcycles have become more intricate, but the fundamental idea has remained the same. The primary hub is the central computer, from which numerous wires and connectors branch out to all of the motorcycle’s subsystems. Everything is in communication with the central computer, including the ABS and the brake light.
Since there is only one wire harness, many functions can piggyback on one another, which means that one wire can carry out multiple functions, requiring less wiring than a typical point-to-point system. To keep track of everything, each of the many subsystems has its own microcomputer command station that communicates often with the main computer. Fuse boxes are unnecessary since the central computer shuts down each affected system automatically when there is a failure. On the dash, there will be some form of error code (or message, or light), so you won’t have to look for wires to pinpoint the problem. When someone says their dash is “throwing a code,” they mean just this. The issue can then be identified by a code reader.
When did the CAN bus first appear on BMW motorcycles?
If you want to install electrical accessories or make any changes to the electronic systems or electrics of your BMW R1200GS motorbike, you must first understand what CANbus (CAN-bus / CAN bus or buss) is and how it operates.
The automobile sector has been utilizing CANbus technology for some time. Bosch invented the CAN (Controller Area Network) in the early 1980s, and in 1994 it was recognized as an international standard (ISO 11898). It was created especially for the quick serial data interchange between automotive electrical controllers. I think BMW Motorrad used this “technology” for the first time with the introduction of the on-board single-wire network system for the BMW R1200 family of motorcycles in 2004 (if you know otherwise, please let me know!). However, in 2002, Ducati became the first motorcycle producer to employ CAN-bus in a motorcycle that was in production. The Ducati 999 uses the two-wire digital bus to streamline the electrical system and drastically reduce weight, which is undoubtedly the reason BMW chose the technology.
A vehicle communication standard called CAN (or CAN-bus) enables microcontrollers and other devices to interact with one another within a car without the need for a host computer. CANbus: Everything You Need to Know, from Wikipedia
Many devices share the same physical electrical interface known as an electrical bus, sometimes spelled buss. Wikipedia entry
BMW employs CAN bus?
BMW began employing a CAN bus for scan tool communications on the E70 and R56 after using it as a data link between the DME (Digital Motor Electronics module) and the EGS (Electronic Transmission Control) on the 1993 740i/iL. Since then, BMW has increased the technology’s application throughout its whole line of vehicles.
How does the CAN bus system in BMW operate?
This tried-and-true vehicle electronics with Single Wire System (SWS) has been installed in motor vehicles millions of times and offers a vast number of benefits. It minimizes cabling and uses CAN (Controller Area Network) technology to connect all control units to a single network, substantially streamlining the extensive diagnosis procedure. Additionally, it eliminates the need for traditional safety fuses because the system immediately shuts down any malfunctioning components. Additionally beneficial features of this sophisticated motorbike electrical system include full diagnostic capability, increased interference immunity, and reduced cable harness weight.
The BMW Motorrad Single Wire System and CAN bus technology together represent a data network idea that only needs a single data line. This connection connects different control units and can be compared to stations on a bus route (thus the name “bus” technology”), giving users continuous access to all system data.
The fundamental idea behind this technology is that, regardless of how they will be used in the future, all control units, sensors, and consumers are connected to one another in a network over a single shared channel. With the help of this network, all data is always accessible to all of the components connected to it.
The SWS data is also available to riders, who can access a wealth of data via the “Info flat screen.” The engaged gear, gasoline level, oil temperature, the time of day, and the remaining mileage till reaching the fuel reserve are all displayed on the digital display. A photocell measures the ambient light level and changes the device’s lighting automatically as necessary. Fans of analog displays will also enjoy the cockpit, which has two spherical gauges with white dials that show the engine and vehicle speeds.
Do motorbikes employ the CAN bus?
You may be familiar with the CAN bus, particularly if you own a BMW or Ducati, but you will soon notice a lot more of them on all makes and types of motorcycles. In fact, the Ducati 999 was among the first motorcycles to use CAN bus back in 2002. BMW introduced the GS line of motorcycles in 2004 and was the first manufacturer to employ a comprehensive network, even though it was only used between the ECU, Immobilizer, and Dash.
vehicle CAN bus system?
Electronic Control Units are a variety of computer parts found in modern automobiles (ECUs). A normal car has between 20 and 100 ECUs, each of which is in charge of one or more specific vehicle aspects. For instance, the ECU known as the DCU (Door Control Unit) manages and keeps track of different accessories in the car door. Driver DCU offers features including close-open doors, mirror folding, child lock safety, automated window movement, and mirror adjustment.
Information can be transferred to and from ECUs using the CAN bus, which is a network of 2 electrical wires (CAN Low & CAN High) in automobiles. The CAN is the name of the internal automotive network that enables communication between ECUs (Controller Area Network). The CAN network in the Evoque is split up into smaller networks that are connected via a Gateway Module ECU. A node is a single ECU equipped with a CAN controller and CAN Transceiver.
To decide how to respond, ECUs must exchange data with one another. For instance, if the door of your automobile is opened, a message indicating that the door is open would be broadcast on the Comfort CAN. The AHU-Audio System ECU would then pick it up and display it on the Touch Screen. Another illustration, if reverse gear were chosen:
- Any interested ECU would receive a message on the CAN bus informing them that reverse gear is selected.
- The AHU-Audio ECU would detect the signal and display the rear view camera on the Touch Screen instead of the information that is now being shown.
- The ECU that manages the reverse light would also pick up the message and turn it on.
Some ECUs interact both with the internal car network and the outside world. The greatest security threat comes from these ECUs. The security concerns and the controls to reduce them will be covered in Part II of this essay.
The AHU-Audio System (Audio Head Unit) ECU is the one that will be covered in detail in this article. The Evoque Touch Screen is connected to this ECU.
Which automobiles utilize CAN bus?
- BMW 1 Series, 2008–2011.
- BMW 3 Series, models 2007–2008.
- 2006-2011 BMW 323i.
- 2002-2006 BMW 325i.
- 2002-2006 BMW 330i.
- BMW 6 Series, 2008–2010.
- 2014-2020 BMW i3.
- 2008-2013 BMW M3
How does a Harley CAN bus work?
Manager for CANsmartTM By using your bike’s original switches or our Accessory Manager Software, our revolutionary Harley-Davidson CANbus controller enables plug-and-play connection and intelligent control of aftermarket and genuine Harley-Davidson accessories.
Do all automobiles employ the CAN bus?
Nearly all automobiles and several machinery employ the widely used CAN bus standard. The following are some of the main reasons why:
- ECUs communicate using a single CAN system rather than several, complex analog signal lines, which is simple and low-cost and reduces errors, weight, wiring, and expenses. CAN chipsets are widely accessible and reasonably priced.
- Fully centralized communication is made possible via the CAN bus, which offers a single point of entry for all network ECUs, allowing for centralized configuration, data logging, and diagnostics.
- Extremely robust: suitable for safety-critical applications, the system is resistant to electric disturbances and electromagnetic interference (e.g. vehicles)
- Effective: Priority is given to CAN frames by ID numbers. Without interfering with other frames, the bus access for the highest priority data is immediate.
- Reduced Vehicle Weight: By removing miles of electrical lines with thick insulation and their weight from the vehicle.
- A tried-and-true standard with a robust support environment is easy deployment.
- Due to its EMI resistance, CAN is perfect for use in sensitive automotive applications.
Excellent control and fault-detection capabilities are provided by CAN. Since errors are easily detected, sent data is delivered to its intended destination.
When distributed control of a complex system is needed, this protocol is perfect. It lessens the weight and expense of bulky wiring. The chips are inexpensive, and CAN’s straightforward design makes it relatively simple to install.
The first two layers—the physical layer and the data connection layer—are implemented in affordable microchips that come in a variety of configurations, which is another benefit of adopting CAN.