16 bit ADC and CAN bus protocol

Forum 2005-2010 (read only) General Frequently-Asked Questions
1

Hello,

I'm new in the forum and I'm sorry for starting a new topic, but I have not found answers to my doubts.

I'm trying to plan a new network of 'smart sensors'. It is a home made project (I'm not an electronic expert, but let me try) for monitoring and controlling of a small production line.

These smart sensor (sensor + local microcontroler) will be used to measure mainly strain, pressure and temperature. They are connected to a central PC and to a couple of displays.

Basically, I guess that I will need a set of arduinos (?), connected (in serie) into a network (cables) each one with a individual adress. The sensing devices are already done (but they are not 'smart'), however in my calculations I'll need 16 ADC to achieve a good resolution.

CAN bus protocol seems to be proper to my application. I think arduino has not a native CAN interface.
I guess that arduino has 10 bits ADC. So probably I'll need to attach a external ADC (at leat 16 bits) too.

In your opinion, can it be viable to implement these two features in the arduino. Is it easy? Do you know projects?
In your opinion, is it recommeded, or can I find an alternative solution more appropriate to fill my requiremets. Which?It should be low cost.

Thanks in advice if any of you can help me with your know-how.

Regars...

2

Is it easy?

It is not an easy project you have chosen. There is a CAN bus shield here:-
http://www.skpang.co.uk/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=140_142&products_id=706

3

Thanks for your support Grumpy_Mike.

And what about the ADC?

In any case, do you recommend another board to replace arduino, that can fill better my project (16 bits and CAN bus protocol)?

Thanks...

4

And what about the ADC?

A lot depends on how many samples per second you want. This will determine the sort of ADC techniques to use and so the chip. Basically the faster you want it the more expensive it is. Also depending on the environment it is in you might struggle to get 16 bits precision.

There are other processors with CAN buses built in but they are not at the hobby end of the scale like the arduino so the support you get is not as hand holding. Have you read this:-

5

It should be low cost.

Using an entire Arduino + shield to read a single sensor wouldn't be low cost. You could program some Tiny85s to read the sensors and rig up your own simple protocol using CAN/LIN/RS485 transceivers.