Locating Wire Fault in Controller Area Network Based on Kelvin (Four-Wire) Resistance Approach

Abstract

CAN is a multi-master standard bus interface commonly utilized for transferring the information among electronic control units (ECU’s). Fault occurrence in CAN system makes complexity in the data transmission between devices and affects the efficiency of vehicle. Wire faults occur at irregular intervals are not easy to detect and locate in the CAN bus. This paper proposes a method for detecting the open and short wire fault using Kelvin four-wire resistance method in order to reduce approximately 20% of measurement error compared to the existing two-wire resistance measurements and (time-domain reflectometry) TDR approaches. This proposed approach is implemented using Arduino-based CAN controller in order to test the system etiquette. The predetermined threshold resistance values are utilized in detection of open and short wire faults, while the amplitude and time intervals of the reflected signals are used in locating the faults through TDR approach. This proposed system is inexpensive for CAN system troubleshooting and effective in identifying wire faults prior to the user’s disruption.