SAM-CAN-ISO comprises a series of bus couplers that provide galvanic isolation of the bus, thus preventing ground loops. The data bus cables are tapped in compliance with the CAN specification and without capacitive loading. This is achieved using a shunt probe. Depending on the version used, the bus couplers are available with level conversion (high/low type with automatic switching from 24 V to a 5 V bus supply voltage). Additionally, models are available with bidirectional (read and write) or unidirectional (read-only) transmission. When the latter models are used, the system only reads the information from the data bus to be measured. This eliminates the possibility of the test and measurement system influencing the bus system under test.
The bus couplers are equipped with a high-speed CAN input compliant with ISO 11898-2, with transfer rates up to 1 Mbit/s. The bus to be measured can be connected via a push-pull Lemo circular connector or a D-sub socket (the SAM-IS0011-23AO module is an exception and does not offer a D-sub connection option). With the high/low version, level detection is only possible when the connection is made via a six-pin Lemo socket. In all cases, the output is a high-speed CAN bus at a 5V level. It supports data rates up to 1 Mbit/s when the pure high-speed version is used, or up to 500 kbit/s with the high/low version.
The SAM-CAN-ISO is powered by an external source. Voltage ranges from 9 VDC to 36 VDC. Typical power consumption is 1 W. The module is housed in a black powder-coated aluminum enclosure measuring 58 mm x 115 mm x 25 mm, with an IP54 protection rating, and weighs 200 g. The operating temperature range is -40 °C to +85 °C and relative humidity ranges from 5% to 95%.
