ECANFD-S01 CANFD to Serial Port Module: Specifications, Features and Working Modes

 

Abstract

The ECANFD-S01 is an independently developed CANFD to serial port module by Chengdu Ebyte Electronic Technology Co., Ltd. Designed with a stamp hole package and powered by 4.5~5.5V DC, this module supports ISO and Bosch CANFD protocols, is compatible with CAN 2.0 A/B, reserves a 485 enable pin, and offers five working modes to meet diverse industrial communication needs. This article details the module’s specifications, core features, and the working principles of each of its five protocol conversion modes, providing a comprehensive reference for users looking to integrate reliable CANFD-serial communication into their industrial and electronic projects.

1. Introduction to ECANFD-S01 Module

The ECANFD-S01 is a high-performance converter designed to facilitate seamless communication between CANFD buses and serial ports. It is an essential component in industrial control, intelligent equipment, and scenarios requiring high-speed, reliable data transmission.

Its compact stamp hole design allows for direct PCB integration, while its wide voltage compatibility and multi-protocol support offer the flexibility needed for modern industrial deployments.

2. Core Technical Features

  • Physical Design: Stamp hole package for easy soldering and compact integration.

  • Protocol Support: Fully compliant with ISO and Bosch CANFD; backward compatible with CAN 2.0 A/B.

  • High-Speed Communication:

    • Serial Baud Rate: 1200 bps to 3 Mbps (Default: 115200 bps).

    • Arbitration Baud Rate: 5 Kbps to 1 Mbps.

    • Data Domain Baud Rate: 100 Kbps to 5 Mbps.

  • Advanced Functionality: Supports custom baud rates, frame filtering, and factory reset.

  • Hardware Extension: Reserved 485 enable pin for RS485 circuit integration.

  • Industrial Grade: Operating temperature range of -40℃ to +85℃.

3. The Five Protocol Conversion Modes

The ECANFD-S01 stands out due to its five configurable working modes, allowing it to adapt to various software architectures.

3.1 Transparent Conversion Mode

The module acts as a "invisible" bridge, converting data as-is without modification.

  • Serial to CANFD: Serial data is filled directly into the CANFD data field. Frame ID and type are pre-configured.

  • CANFD to Serial: Data field contents are sent to the serial port. Users can enable "Frame Information" and "Frame ID" bytes to be included in the serial stream for better tracking.

3.2 Transparent Conversion with Identification Mode

A specialized version of transparent conversion that allows the serial side to dynamically define the CAN ID.

  • Dynamic Mapping: Users configure the starting position and length of the ID within the serial frame.

  • Flexibility: Allows a single serial device to communicate with different CAN nodes by simply changing bytes within the serial message.

3.3 Protocol Mode (Fixed Format)

This mode uses a fixed-length structure to represent frames, ensuring strict data alignment.

  • CAN Format: Fixed 13-byte frame (Information + ID + Data).

  • CANFD Format: Fixed 69-byte frame (Information + ID + Data).

  • Note: In this mode, pre-configured IDs are ignored in favor of the ID provided within the data packet.

3.4 Modbus Protocol Conversion Mode

Designed for industrial standard integration.

  • Serial Side: Uses standard Modbus RTU.

  • CANFD Side: Uses a segmented communication format.

  • Efficiency: The module handles segmentation and recombination automatically. It strips/adds CRC16 checks as data moves between the CAN and Serial domains, acting as a protocol bridge.

3.5 Custom Protocol Conversion Mode

Users define a complete frame structure for the serial port, providing maximum control over data headers and tails.

  • Structure: Includes Frame Header, Length, Information, ID, Data Field, and Frame Tail.

  • Alignment: Serial frames are perfectly aligned with CANFD message structures to simplify user-side software parsing.

4. Configuration & Deployment Best Practices

To ensure stable performance in industrial environments, follow these guidelines:

Feature Recommendation
Configuration Use the Ebyte Upper Computer Software or AT Commands for setup.
ID Range Standard frames (11-bit): 0x000-0x7FF; Extended (29-bit): 0x00000000-0x1FFFFFFF.
Modbus Use Ensure the serial frame conforms to RTU format, or the module will discard the data.
PCB Layout Keep the differential CAN lines (CANH/CANL) short and add a 120Ω termination resistor if the module is at the bus end.

5. Conclusion

The ECANFD-S01 module integrates high performance and industrial-grade reliability into a tiny footprint. By supporting both ISO/Bosch CANFD and five distinct conversion modes, it effectively eliminates communication bottlenecks between legacy serial systems and modern high-speed CANFD networks. Whether for simple data passthrough or complex Modbus bridging, the ECANFD-S01 provides a stable, cost-effective solution for professional electronic and industrial projects.