Breadboard Compatible CAN-BUS Breakout Module

What is this:

Some of us have already used the commonly available CAN-Bus breakout modules available on the market. They are extremely cheap, and work well. They are however designed to be used with 5v logic, like an Arduino. It is also quite possible to use level converters to make them work with 3v logic ( like the Raspberry Pi, ESP32 etc.)

The existing modules are also not breadboard compatible.

This is thus my humble attempt to make my own life ( as well as maybe someone else's) a bit easier...

The two modules side by side for comparison.

How does it work? / What features does it have?

The board uses the MCP2515 SPI CAN Controller from Microchip, with the TJA1050 CAN Transceiver. Both of these are extremely cheap and easy to get hold of. The MCP2515 is 3v or 5v compatible, but the TJA1050 is a 5v only device.

Features:

• 5 Bi-Directional Level converters, based on the BSS138 N-Channel MOSFET, also a very cheap and readily available component.
• Clearly labeled 3v and 5v logic pins
• Breadboard compatible
• Jumper to enable the 120ohm ballast resistor for use in short distance CAN Networks
• Dimensions: 63mm x 24mm

The Breakout module is compatible with Arduino, ESP32, ESP8266, Raspberry Pi, Raspberry Pi Pico as well a STM32 and other micro-controllers that are equipped with an SPI bus.

Schematic

Software

The breakout board will function with most of the popular Arduino or Micropython/ Circuit Python CAN Bus Libraries.