CanLite ESP32 board for CAN Bus hacking support up to two high-side switches

Voltlog’s CanLite is not the first ESP32 CAN bus board we’ve covered here at CNX Software, having written about Olimex ESP32-EVB and CAN32 boards a few years ago.

But the open-source hardware, compact CanLite board offers an alternative for CAN bus hacking with a built-in automotive-grade DC-DC converter as well as an optional two-channel high-side automotive-grade switches capable of switching up to 6A per channel.

CANLite key features and specifications:

• Wireless module – ESP32-WROOM-32D module with Espressif ESP32-D0WD dual-core Tensilica processor, 4MB SPI flash, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n up to 150 Mbps, Bluetooth 4.2 LE
• Terminal block for CAN Bus (ISO 11898-2 standard) up to 1Mbps via SN65HVD231 CAN transceiver.
• Output – High-side switching of the VBAT input up to 6A. (only if the option is purchased during checkout).
• Programming – 6-pin JST-SH VoltLink pin header
• Power Supply – 12V/0.5A via terminal block
• Dimensions – TBD

The ESP32 CANLite board supports Arduino or ESP-IDF framework programming but no software code has been provided so far, but it should be possible to use the ESP32-CAN-Driver project, and other software used for other CAN bus board based on ESP32. What we have are the KiCAD schematics, PCB layout, BoM, and Gerber files on Github.

Since I had never heard about “high-side switches” I looked it up and STMicro explains it as follow:

High-side switches can safely drive high currents into complex (resistive, inductive and capacitive) grounded loads in compliance with the harsh automotive environment. This requires both a robust, low on-resistance power switch and accurate analog circuitry for diagnostic, protection and control functions.

VoltLog also happens to be a YouTuber, so you can get a detailed walk-through of the board in the video below.

The CANLite board is available on Tindie for $30.99 without a high-side switch, and $4 more with one high-side switch. Stock is limited (10 boards at this time), and VoltLog does not plan to make more, at least for now, due to supply issues.

Via Hackster.io

Support CNX Software! Donate via cryptocurrencies, become a Patron on Patreon, or purchase goods on Amazon or Aliexpress