HMS Networks has introduced the Ixxat CAN@net Basic, a compact CAN-FD-to-Ethernet gateway designed to provide simple, scalable, and affordable connectivity for industrial and automotive applications.

Modern applications increasingly require seamless communication between distributed CAN networks and Ethernet-based systems. However, engineers often face a trade-off between performance, latency, and system cost. Existing solutions tend to be either over-engineered with unnecessary features or too limited to handle real-world CAN FD requirements. CAN@net Basic addresses these challenges by focusing on what matters most: efficient data exchange, low latency, and affordability.

Solving Engineering Challenge I: Balancing Latency and Jitter

In many CAN-to-Ethernet systems, transmitting Ethernet frames for every CAN message creates excessive interrupts, leading to high jitter and unstable system performance. Conversely, aggregating data reduces jitter but increases delay. The CAN@net Basic uses UDP/IP communication, significantly reducing protocol overhead and minimizing interrupt load. This enables a balanced approach with low latency and controlled jitter, making it suitable for time-sensitive applications.

Solving Engineering Challenge II: Scaling Distributed Systems

In applications where many devices (e. g. test setups or distributed machines) must exchange CAN FD data, physical CAN bus limitations become a bottleneck – especially regarding bus length and node count. CAN@net Basic enables flexible network expansion via Ethernet, allowing engineers to connect distributed systems without being constrained by classical CAN topology limits.

Solving Engineering Challenge III: Reducing Cost Without Compromise

Many users only require a subset of advanced gateway functionality but are forced to pay for full-featured solutions. CAN@net Basic is specifically designed as a cost-optimized alternative, delivering essential functionality at a market-aligned list price of 270 Euros while maintaining industrial-grade performance and quality.

Key Technical Features

One CAN CC/CAN FD channel CAN data rates of up to 8 Mbit/s One Ethernet channel (RJ45) ASCII interface mode

UDP/IP over Ethernet

USB interface type C, USB 2.0 high-speed (480 Mbit/s) Removable Push-in connectors

Galvanic Isolation (CAN: 2.5 kV 1 minute; Ethernet: 1.5 kV 1 minute) Operating Temperature from -25 °C to +85 °C

Ingress Protection IP20

DIN rail housing (108 x 149 x 27 mm)