CAN - Controller Area Networks

CAN (Controller Area Networks) are a digital serial message based communication protocol that allows the microcontroller and other peripheral devices to communicate with each other in real time, and also without a host computer. CAN bus does not require any addressing schemes as the nodes of the network use unique identifiers. This provides the nodes with information regarding the priority and the urgency of the transmitted message. These buses also continue transmission even in the case of a collision and use a completely message-based protocol. CAN is used in automotive applications to minimize the amount of copper wire needed.