A Controller Area Network (CAN bus) is a vehicle bus standard designed to allow microcontrollers and devices to communicate with each other's applications without a host computer. It is a message-based protocol, designed originally for multiplex electrical wiring within automobiles to save on copper, but it can also be used in many other contexts.
Arduino is an open-source electronics platform based on easy-to-use hardware and software.
Arduino boards are able to read inputs - a light on a sensor, a finger on a button, or a Twitter message - and turn them into an output - activating a motor, turning on an LED, or publishing something online.
- Analog Inputs: Arduino boards have built-in support for analog inputs, which is useful for reading data from certain types of sensors. While you can add this capability to a Raspberry Pi, it requires additional hardware.
- Inexpensive - Arduino boards are relatively inexpensive compared to other microcontroller platforms.
- Cross-platform - The Arduino Software (IDE) runs on Windows, Macintosh OSX, and Linux operating systems.
- Simple, clear programming environment - The Arduino Software (IDE) is easy-to-use for beginners, yet flexible enough for advanced users to take advantage of as well.
- Open source and extensible software - The Arduino software is published as open source tool, available for extension by experienced programmers.
MCP2515 is a module that receives and sends CAN signals. MCP2515 has a chip that processes CAN Connection and is integrated with TJA1050. This is connected with Arduino through SPI protocol.
The TJA1050 is a CAN transceiver responsible for properly converting signals on the CAN bus to communicate with microcontrollers and other devices.
CAN Bus Shield allows the microcontroller which is like Arduino to support CAN Protocol and easily communicate with other CAN devices. This is like an attachment that enhances the microcontroller.
