I'd like to suggest the development of a new, ruggedized board specifically for automotive and industrial applications, built within the compact Nano form factor, as size matters significantly for these projects.
The key features would be:
Compact Nano Form Factor: Must retain the small footprint and breadboard compatibility.
Wide Power Input Range: 6V to 28V (or similar, to cover both 12V and 24V systems).
Integrated CAN Controller & Transceiver: A ready-to-use interface for the CAN bus without external components.
UART: Standard serial communication for other peripherals.
Built-in MOSFET(s): For directly driving loads (e.g., lights, small motors, or switching ECU power).
This board would be a great solution for makers looking to build projects that interface directly with vehicle systems or industrial automation, offering an all-in-one, robust, and highly compact solution.
Currently, there is nothing quite like this available on the market in a single form factor.
To achieve these features right now, users typically have to combine several separate components: an external 5V buck converter, an Arduino board, a CAN transceiver board, and external MOSFET drivers/boards. An integrated solution would streamline development, reduce complexity, and offer a much cleaner, more reliable final product.
What do you think? Are there others who would use a board like this?
I think you need to spend a bit of time to see what you are asking, your voltages are way low. Here is some information that will help you change your requirements that will meet your target. You will find automotive is one of the worst electrical environments to work with. Extreme temperatures, location dependent, reverse polarity, and transient voltages which have changed over the years just to note a few.
Valuable Resources for Automotive Electronics:
STMicroelectronics Application Note AN2689:
This application note provides guidelines on protecting automotive electronics from electrical hazards, focusing on design and component selection. Reading this will greatly enhance your understanding of automotive circuit protection. Read AN2689
Analog Devices: Automotive Electronics Design:
This article distills key insights into designing automotive electronics, offering practical advice for engineers. Read the article
Diodes Incorporated: Transient Voltage Suppression in Automotive:
Learn about techniques to protect automotive circuits from transient voltage, which is critical for ensuring reliable operation in harsh conditions. Read the article
AEC-100 Standards Webinar:
This webinar from Monolithic Power Systems provides a detailed overview of AEC standards, essential for understanding automotive electronics requirements. Watch the webinar
Understanding Automotive Electronics, An Engineering Perspective by William B. Ribbens:
This comprehensive book offers an in-depth look into automotive electronics from an engineering perspective, making it an invaluable resource. Access the book
These resources should provide a strong foundation for anyone involved in automotive electronics design. If you need further help or more resources, feel free to ask!
Personally I don't like the idea that "anyone" who can flash a blink sketch to a Nano, can also add things to his vehicles CAN bus which rides on the same street as mine.
My main goal here was just to find (or design) a compact board that integrates
CAN, UART, a MOSFET, and a wide 4.5–28V input range.
That would simply reduce the amount of separate modules .
Just looking for practical hardware that makes development easier.
99% of the car projects you see here, or on the web, are simply using two CAN interfaces in a pass through arrangement to mess with the data to control existing hardware outside the boundaries of what the manufacturer allows.
If you need to switch extra stuff, that implies that you are creating a new product from scratch which is the other1% of potential customers.
For MOSFET switching you need to think about short circuit and thermal shutdown protection. There are automotive grade “smart switches” that do all that for you, but they aren’t cheap.
Once you have your design done get a circuit board made, it is not that expensive. You can get Kicad at no charge which is a full blown CAD (Computer Aided Design) software package that runs on many platforms.
Your suggestion although sounds nice is not that practical, you need a good hardened design specifically for automotive that will survive the pearls you will find on the ‘12V’ system. Automotive electronics is a specialty field. You also need to understand the qualifications the part must go through and the expense of that testing.
Neither do the Automotive manufacturers. To protect from this many install a gateway between the main bus and the OBD connector. Sending the wrong command can damage parts and possibly destroy the engine.
