Smart and Interactive Laboratory Setup to Teach Controller Area Network Protocol

In recent days, high interest is paid on topics related to industrial automation in electrical engineering degree courses. Industrial communication protocol is necessary to teach in such courses. The Controller Area Network (CAN) protocol is a simple two-wire differential serial bus system. This research paper presents the complete methodology followed in designing and implementing a laboratory setup to teach Controller Area Network protocol. Implementation of the laboratory setup is presented. MCP2515 CAN controller and TJA1050 CAN transceiver are used to implement CAN communication in each node with Atmega328P microcontroller. Students can observe the data in the CAN bus using vCAN analyzer. Also, waveform of the CAN bus can be observed in the digital oscilloscope. Students are provided with a lab sheet containing challenging laboratory exercises. They are also given components to do a hands on practical to make two CAN nodes. With that they can understand the functions and properties of CAN while identifying hardware related to CAN nodes. Students are also given chance to understand some standards related to CAN protocol. Experimental results are also presented validating the accuracy of the work done and improvement of the learning experience.