Enable CAN FD in new and existing designs with unique external controller

Microchip now offers what is claimed to be industry’s first external CAN Flexible Data Rate (CAN FD) controller. The MCP2517FD provides designers with a simplified path to upgrade from CAN 2.0 to CAN FD and benefit from CAN FD protocol enhancements. The device offers many benefits over traditional CAN 2.0 including faster data rates and data byte message expansion. The cutting-edge CAN FD controller can be used with any MCU, enabling developers to easily implement this technology without a complete system redesign. Since the adoption and transition to CAN FD is in the beginning stages, there are a limited number of CAN FD MCUs available today. In addition, changing a system MCU can come with a significant cost, increased development time and risk. It allows system designers to enable CAN FD functionality by adding only one external component while continuing to utilise the majority of their design. The device also allows designers to easily integrate additional CAN FD channels, on top of those that may be available on an MCU.