Controller Area Network (CAN)-Based Automatic Fog Light and Wiper Controller Prototype for Automobiles

Abstract

AbstractEver increasing complexity of automobiles has lead to the development of highly efficient data communication protocols such as the Controller Area Network (CAN). Automobile systems are being developed to work with minimum or no human intervention. In this regard, we have developed a prototype for automatic fog light and wiper control for automobile usage. Light Dependent Resistor (LDR) and Rain Detection Sensor are interfaced with the slave Arduino board which is a microcontroller board. Fog light controller, vehicle switches and DC motor for wiper control are interfaced with the master Arduino. Arduino is a designer friendly hardware which is a single board microcontroller. The slave Arduino communicates with the master Arduino via the Controller Area Network (CAN) protocol. The CAN protocol standard defines the type of communication, type of wiring, method of message construction, message priority and physical voltages. All modules connected to the CAN bus are connected as per wired-AND method. MCP 2515 and MCP 2551 are directly connected to the CAN bus. MCP 2515 is a standalone CAN controller for implementing the CAN specifications. MCP 2551 is a high speed module supporting fault tolerating capabilities which satisfies the physical layer requirements of the CAN protocol. This project implements automatic working of wiper and fog lights through CAN protocol communication.KeywordsAutomobileController area networkArduinoFog lightsWiperData communicationLight sensorRain detector