Bridging two CAN-bus segments using radio communication with the IEEE 802.15.4 protocol

Abstract: This thesis will investigate the possibilities to wireless communicate within time critical applications with the radio protocol IEEE 802.15.4. IEEE 802.15.4 is a very quick protocol so the delays and jitter can be ignored in a small network. The thesis handles the question: Is it possible to split a CAN-bus and send the data via radio to the other side of the CAN-bus? The big problems with this are: • Will it be treated like a transparent link and not disturb the original functionality? • How does a system which is split up by radio treat new nodes on the bus? • What will be the maximum speed and the maximum utilization factor for the split up bus? • What new suitable protocols can be implemented on a higher level to get the split bus to work? This is modeled and discussed, real measurement from a radio link is used in the model to see if it’s possible. The radio communication will satisfy the demands from the company regarding their application. With an efficient error handling and a smart transmission protocol the application can be a very smart way of sending CAN-data via radio.