SPIDER Automation SparkFun AST-CAN485 Dev Board | Industrial Arduino-Compatible Microcontroller
Description
SPIDER Automation SparkFun AST-CAN485 Development Board is a miniature Arduino-compatible board built in the compact form factor of the Pro Mini. Designed to bridge the gap between the maker community and industrial environments, it features onboard CAN (Control Area Network) and RS485 ports, allowing quick and effortless interfacing with a multitude of industrial, automotive, and building management devices.
Based on the robust Atmel AT90CAN128 processor running at 16MHz, the board packs 128kB of Flash memory, 4kB of SRAM, and a dedicated hardware CAN controller. It fully supports the Arduino IDE and core libraries, making deployment fast and intuitive. With broken-out communication ports including I2C, SPI, 2 UARTs, eight analog inputs, and six interrupt-enabled pins, it delivers an economical, high-performance solution in the palm of your hand.
Key Features
- Atmel AT90CAN128 Processor: High-performance core operating at 16MHz with 128kB Flash and 4kB SRAM.
- Onboard Industrial Transceivers: Built-in CAN and RS485 transceivers provide instant out-of-the-box networking capabilities.
- Pro Mini Form Factor: Compact 34mm × 18.5mm pin-compatible layout ideal for embedding into custom enclosures and projects.
- Comprehensive I/O Selection: Features 16 digital I/Os, 8 analog inputs, 2 UARTs, I2C, SPI, and 6 interrupt-enabled pins.
- Flexible Power Regulation: Onboard regulator accepts an unregulated input voltage range of 7–16V on the VIN pin (7–12V recommended).
- Visual Diagnostics: Equipped with onboard power status and D13 user LEDs for quick debugging.
Benefits
- Industrial Interfacing Made Easy: Eliminates the need for external transceiver shields when connecting to CAN and RS485 networks.
- Familiar Development Ecosystem: Fully compatible with the Arduino IDE and standard core libraries for rapid code development.
- Space-Saving Footprint: Miniature Pro Mini dimensions allow integration into tight, space-constrained hardware designs.
Applications
- Industrial Automation & Control: Interfacing microcontroller projects with industrial machinery and sensor networks.
- Automotive Systems & OBDII: CAN bus communication logging, vehicle telemetry, and diagnostic prototyping.
- Building Management Systems: RS485-based environmental monitoring, lighting control, and smart building nodes.
- Embedded Maker Projects: Advanced DIY electronics requiring robust serial communications and ample processing power.
Package Includes
- 1 x SparkFun AST-CAN485 Dev Board
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Brand / Model | SPIDER Automation / SparkFun AST-CAN485 |
| Item Type | Industrial Microcontroller Development Board |
| Microcontroller Core | Atmel AT90CAN128 with Hardware CAN Controller |
| Clock Frequency | 16 MHz |
| Flash Memory / SRAM | 128 kB Flash / 4 kB SRAM |
| Digital I/O Pins | 16 Digital I/O (6 Interrupt-Enabled) |
| Analog Inputs | 8 Channels |
| Communication Interfaces | 2 × UART, CAN Transceiver, RS485 Transceiver, I2C, SPI |
| Input Supply Voltage (VIN) | 7V to 16V DC (7V–12V Recommended) |
| Form Factor | Arduino Pro Mini Compatible |
| Physical Dimensions | 34 mm × 18.5 mm × 4.5 mm |
| Device Net Weight | 3 g |
| Shipping Net Weight | 0.005 kg |
| Package Shipping Dimensions | 5 cm × 3 cm × 2 cm |
