Technical Specifications
This page describes the hardware and electrical characteristics of the IOcan CAN gateway. Higher-level protocol support, transmission-specific behaviour, and configuration details are documented on separate pages. For connector pin assignments, see CAN Gateway Pinout.
Power Supply
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Recommended nominal operating voltage | 14.4 V |
| Absolute maximum supply voltage | 18 V |
| Maximum system current | < 20 A |
| Internal fuse rating | 30 A |
| Recommended external vehicle fuse | 30 A |
| Reverse-polarity protection | Yes |
| Wake-up voltage threshold | 4.5 V ± 0.3 V |
| Standby current (KL30 only, KL15 off) | < 0.5 mA |
| Active operating current | Depends on connected loads |
The device is designed for permanent battery connection via fuse. Transmission power sequencing and wake-up behaviour are managed internally. In USB-only mode the device logic can be powered for configuration without vehicle power, and the transmission power output remains disabled.
CAN Interfaces
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Number of interfaces | 4 (independent) |
| CAN FD transceiver | Microchip MCP2558FD |
| Supported standards | Classical CAN 2.0A / 2.0B, CAN FD |
| Classical CAN bitrate | up to 1 Mbps |
| CAN FD data-phase bitrate | up to 8 Mbps |
| Bitrate selection | Fully configurable |
| Termination | Switchable 120 Ω on each network |
| Physical interface | Differential pair per network (CANxH / CANxL) |
USB Interface
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Connector | USB-C |
| Speed | 480 Mbps (USB 2.0 High Speed) |
| Functions | Configuration, firmware updates, diagnostics, datalogging |
| Bus-powered configuration | Device logic can run from USB without vehicle power |
| CAN data access | candump-compatible CAN output over USB |
| Software | Dedicated IOcan configuration tool |
Analog Inputs
IOcan provides 11 analog inputs using resistor dividers that allow measurement of automotive voltage ranges while protecting the internal ADC.
| Group | Channels | Typical range | Maximum measurable |
|---|---|---|---|
| AN1–AN7 (0–12 V) | 7 | 0–12 V | 16 V |
| AN8–AN11 (0–5 V) | 4 | 0–5 V | 6 V |
Selected channels also support additional operating modes:
- digital input mode
- analog-switch / resistor-ladder mode (several buttons on one pin)
- frequency input mode
Typical applications: ignition and switch signals, digital signals from ECUs, throttle-position sensors, pressure sensors, and position sensors. See Configuration Concepts for how inputs are assigned and scaled.
Frequency Inputs
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Number of inputs | 4 (shared with selected analog inputs) |
| Signal types | square wave, hall-effect, ECU pulse outputs |
| Typical uses | engine speed, wheel speed, vehicle speed |
Signal conditioning and scaling are configurable in software.
Sensor Supply
| Output | Voltage | Maximum current | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| SENSOR5V | 5 V | 0.5 A | Powering external sensors |
| sGND | — | — | Dedicated sensor ground reference |
Using the dedicated sensor ground improves measurement accuracy and reduces noise.
Digital Outputs
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Number of outputs | 5 general-purpose (PWR1–PWR5) |
| Maximum current | 0.9 A per output |
| Output type | Low-side driver |
| Shared with | Analog inputs AN1–AN5 — a pin is one or the other |
A sixth power stage, PWR6, shares its pin with the transmission wake-up output and is used for that. That is why this table says five and the pinout numbers the power outputs one to six — they are counting different things.
Typical applications: relay control, indicator outputs, and actuator control. Output behaviour is fully configurable. One output type has an additional restriction worth knowing before you plan around it: only one tacho output can exist on the device.
Transmission Power and Wake-up
| Function | Specification |
|---|---|
| Transmission power output | Integrated semiconductor relay (KL30B) |
| Relay rated current | 15 A |
| Transmission wake-up output | Dedicated |
All transmission power control and wake-up signalling is handled directly by the device. External relays are not required, and internal logic ensures correct startup and shutdown sequencing.
Power Monitoring
IOcan can measure the transmission's current draw, supporting system monitoring, diagnostics, and safety/fault detection.
Connector
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Main connector | TE Connectivity Superseal 1.0, 26-pin, 2-row |
Pin assignments and wiring details are documented in CAN Gateway Pinout.
Environmental and Mechanical
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Physical dimensions | 105 × 145 × 34 mm |
| Weight | 510 g |
| Mounting | 4 × 6.5 mm holes on a 90 × 129 mm pattern |
| Fastener | Sized for hex-socket (Allen) screws |
The mounting holes take a hex key rather than a screwdriver — worth knowing before the device is behind a dashboard, where a driver bit will not reach.
IOcan is designed for automotive environments. Proper wiring and grounding are required for reliable operation:
- twisted-pair wiring for CAN networks
- short CAN stubs
- 120 Ω termination at both ends of the bus
- properly crimped terminals (soldering is discouraged — flux residue causes wires to corrode and stiffen)
This device controls part of the powertrain. Take great care when wiring the device and the transmission.
Summary
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Supply (nominal / max) | 14.4 V / 18 V |
| CAN interfaces | 4 × CAN FD (CAN 2.0B compatible) |
| Analog inputs | 11 (7 × 0–12 V, 4 × 0–5 V) |
| Frequency inputs | 4 |
| Digital outputs | 5 × 0.9 A (PWR1–PWR5) |
| Sensor supply | 5 V @ 0.5 A |
| Transmission power relay | 15 A (KL30B) |
| USB | USB-C, 480 Mbps |
| Main connector | TE Superseal 1.0, 26-pin |
| Size / weight | 105 × 145 × 34 mm · 510 g |