An embedded CAN controller for a vehicle networking course project

Abstract

The automotive industry advances quickly, with new functionalities continuously being introducted. The Eindhoven University of Technology's Bachelor Automotive Programme prepares students for the subsequent Master education, for industry, and research. In this paper we present the infrastructure and the organisation of the third-year Vehicle Networking course that introduces the current and future automotive networks to students. In the practical part of the course the students use a multiprocessor platform to implement and test an embedded CAN controller. We present requirements and how we address them in the platform architecture, the server-based FPGA infrastructure, and how students design, debug, and analyse their CAN controller. We conclude with lessons learnt and future improvements.