CAN in Simulation (CiS) is a technology that enables the integration of a Controller Area Network (CAN) bus system with a Flight Simulator running on a PC. This is achieved through the use of a hardware component called the CAN-USB Interface, which connects the CAN bus to the PC via a USB port. The CAN-USB Interface is a HID device that does not require any additional drivers. It converts CAN messages into a 15-byte report format, and vice versa.

Flight simulators such as MSFS2020, Prepar3D, FSX and X-Plane can benefit from the AxisAndOhs software, which is highly versatile and can directly interpret CiS messages.

In addition to the CAN-USB interface, there are several basic CAN bus devices available for connecting input and output components. CAN nodes or Electronic Control Units (ECUs) can be used to connect potentiometers, encoders, and switches as input components. On the output side, there are devices that enable connection to alphanumeric or graphical displays, indicators, or actuators.

These CAN bus devices offer a flexible and modular approach for integrating a wide range of components with the Flight Simulator. By using these devices, it is possible to create custom solutions tailored to specific needs and requirements. Whether you need to operate a complete flight deck, navigation equipment, or display information, there are CAN bus devices available to meet your needs. Alternatively, you can even build your own custom CAN bus devices. This can greatly enhance the realism and functionality of a Flight Simulator setup.

Controller Area Network (CAN) is a widely used communication protocol and bus system designed for robust and reliable data exchange between electronic devices or nodes in various applications, including automotive, industrial, and aerospace sectors.

CAN was originally developed by Robert Bosch GmbH in the 1980s as a solution to address the increasing complexity of electrical systems in vehicles. It has since become an industry standard and is defined by the ISO 11898 standard.

The key features and characteristics of CAN include:

• Message-based communication: CAN uses a message-oriented communication model, where devices exchange data in the form of messages. Each message contains an identifier, data, and other control information.
• Broadcast communication: CAN uses a broadcast mechanism, where messages are sent on the bus and received by all connected devices. Each device filters and processes only the messages relevant to its own functionality, based on the message identifier.
• Deterministic and prioritized communication: CAN supports prioritization of messages through the use of message identifiers. Lower priority messages yield to higher priority messages, ensuring time-critical and important data can be transmitted with minimal delay.
• Error detection and fault tolerance: CAN incorporates a robust error detection and fault tolerance mechanism. It uses a cyclic redundancy check (CRC) to verify the integrity of transmitted data and includes error detection and signaling mechanisms to handle bus errors and recover from faults.
• Differential signaling: CAN uses differential signaling, which helps to ensure noise immunity and reliable data transmission, even in noisy environments.

CAN has gained widespread adoption due to its reliability, simplicity, and efficiency. It is particularly well-suited for applications that require real-time communication, fault tolerance, and robustness, such as automotive control systems, industrial automation, and aerospace avionics.

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CANAerospace is a cooperative initiative among avionics manufacturers, operators, and integrators aimed at defining a standardized data bus for avionics systems. It is an open architecture and protocol that allows for seamless communication between avionics devices within an aircraft.

The CANAerospace protocol is based on the Controller Area Network (CAN) bus technology, which is known for its reliability and fault-tolerant capabilities. It provides a structured framework for transmitting and receiving data between avionics systems, such as flight control, navigation, communication, and monitoring systems.

The main goal of CANAerospace is to enable interoperability and compatibility among different avionics components from various manufacturers. By defining a common protocol and message format, CANAerospace facilitates the integration and exchange of data between avionics systems, regardless of their origin.

This standardized approach offers several benefits, including reduced development time, improved system reliability, simplified maintenance, and increased flexibility in avionics upgrades and modifications. It also helps to minimize wiring complexity and weight, which are crucial considerations in the aerospace industry.

CANAerospace has been widely adopted in both commercial and military aircraft, as well as in other aerospace applications. It continues to evolve and adapt to meet the changing needs and advancements in avionics technology, ensuring efficient and reliable communication between avionics systems in modern aircraft.

For those interested in learning more about CANaerospace, additional information can be found here .