esp32-can-idf

Unified CAN-bus interface and example suite for ESP32

This project provides a modular, unified interface for CAN bus communication on ESP32, supporting multiple hardware backends (TWAI, MCP2515 single/multi, Arduino) and a suite of ready-to-use examples. It is designed for easy switching between different CAN controllers and for rapid prototyping or testing of CAN networks with ESP32.

Features

• Unified API for multiple CAN backends (TWAI, MCP2515 single/multi, Arduino)
• Example applications for sending/receiving CAN messages (polling/interrupt)
• Easy configuration via Kconfig (menuconfig)
• Python-based flash manager with GUI for multi-device workflows

Supported CAN Backends

• Built-in TWAI (SN65HVD230) — ESP32's native CAN controller
• MCP2515 single controller — via SPI, for external CAN modules
• MCP2515 multi-controller — for setups with multiple MCP2515 chips
• Arduino CAN port (experimental, not yet implemented)

Example Applications

• send_single — Send CAN messages (single controller)
• receive_poll_single — Receive CAN messages (polling, single controller)
• receive_interrupt_single — Receive CAN messages (interrupt, single controller)
• send_multi — Send CAN messages (multi-controller)
• receive_poll_multi — Receive CAN messages (polling, multi-controller)
• receive_interrupt_multi — Receive CAN messages (interrupt, multi-controller)

Typical Wiring (MCP2515 example)

• A 120-ohm termination resistor should be placed at one end of the bus only.
• Custom GPIO assignments are possible (see code).
• Either SPI1 or SPI2 may be used.

Flashing and Build

1. Using ESP-IDF (manual)

idf.py menuconfig   # Select CAN backend and example
idf.py build
idf.py -p /dev/ttyACM0 flash

2. Using Python Flash Manager

The flash_manager.py tool provides a comprehensive Textual-based GUI for managing ESP32 development workflows. It simplifies the entire build-flash-monitor cycle through an intuitive terminal interface, automatically detecting connected devices and handling ESP-IDF environment setup. Ideal for projects with multiple ESP32 boards requiring different configurations.

python3 flash_manager.py

Building and Flashing with Flash Manager

The Build & Flash tab streamlines firmware deployment:

• Auto-detects connected ESP32 devices (ttyACM*, ttyUSB*)
• Select CAN backend (TWAI, MCP2515 single/multi) and example application per device
• Validates configuration dependencies automatically
• Manages isolated build workspaces for each lib/example combination
• Displays real-time compilation output with color-coded logging
• Handles complete workflow: configuration → build → flash in one click
• Uses optimal parallel jobs based on available CPU and memory

Monitoring Serial Ports

The Serial Monitors tab enables real-time device monitoring:

• Open multiple serial monitors simultaneously for connected devices
• Real-time output streaming with configurable buffering
• Start/Stop individual monitors without affecting others
• Hide/Show monitor logs while keeping background logging active
• Automatic port detection and fake ports for testing
• Character-by-character or buffered output display
• Supports monitoring alongside build operations

Project Structure

• components/ — Modular CAN backends and dispatcher
• examples/ — Example applications
• main/ — Project entry point and Kconfig configuration
• py/ — Python flash manager tool with GUI and backend logic
• doc/ — Documentation and wiring diagrams

License

MIT License — see LICENSE

---

Author: Ivo Marvan, 2025