Adafruit CAN Bus BFF Add-On for QT Py

Our QT Py boards offer compact microcontroller solutions, ideal for transforming into powerful, small-scale CAN bus devices. Originally designed for automotive applications, CAN Bus networking excels in environments where extended range and noise resistance are vital, outperforming I2C in these areas.

CAN Bus operates via 2-wire differential, supporting seamless integration over long distances and in noisy surroundings with a 1 Mbps data rate. The network's design allows easy node addition, requiring only connection to two data lines. Each device autonomously sends messages, utilizing clever encoding to manage collisions effectively.

The Adafruit CAN Bus BFF facilitates connecting QT Py or Xiao to CAN Bus, leveraging the MCP26525/MCP2515 chipset. Its straightforward SPI interface ensures broad compatibility, requiring just an SPI port and a chip-select pin. Capable of handling messages in both standard and extended formats, this add-on maintains up to 1 Mbps transmission speeds.

Additional features include a JST PH socket for quick connections, an onboard 120-ohm termination resistor with easy removal, and pre-connected CS pin to A3. Customization is made simple with available jumpers for IRQ, Reset, and Silent pins. For a compact, removable setup, optional short female headers can be trimmed as needed.

This versatile component adapts to any QT Py or Xiao-compatible board featuring an accessible SPI port and A3 pin. Note that the package excludes QT Py and JST PH 3-Pin cable.