The Fundamentals of CANopen for Industrial Machine Control

CANopen is an industrial networking system used in millions of applications worldwide. It is based on Controller Area Network (CAN) technology, a proven serial bus that links multiple devices, allowing them to work together. Optimized for reliability and real-time control, CAN/CANopen is especially well suited for motion systems consisting of actuators, sensors, controllers, and analog and digital I/O. It also offers a competitive edge. Unlike other serial-bus systems, CANopen maintains a certain level of manufacturer independence through standard device profiles with layered flexibility. In this overview of the CANopen specification, we will give designers a fundamental understanding of the platform, advantages and disadvantages, and where the standard is headed. We’ll also take a focused look at device profiles, including an actual multi-networked application, and explore the various communication layers and how they can be optimized for industrial control applications.