SparkFun AST-CAN485 Dev Board

Looking for Can485 Board? SparkFun AST-CAN485 Dev Board is available at Zbotic with fast shipping across India.

The SparkFun AST-CAN485 Dev Board is a miniature Arduino in the compact form factor of the Pro Mini. In addition to all the usual features that a mini Arduino has, it possesses an onboard CAN (Control Area Network) and RS485 ports, enabling quick and easy interfacing to a multitude of industrial devices. The CAN485 Dev Board bridges the gap between the maker and industrial spaces!

The CAN485 builds on the massively popular Arduino platform and is pin-compatible with the Arduino Pro Mini, giving it a small form factor ideal for embedding in projects. It supports the Arduino IDE and Arduino core libraries and is installed using the Arduino board manager. Libraries are provided to support the CAN and RS485 ports, making it easy to get started and interface with. Thanks to the onboard CAN and RS485 transceivers, this development board allows for out-of-the-box interfacing to either network.

The SparkFun AST-CAN485 Dev Board is based on the Atmel AT90CAN128 processor. The processor runs at 16MHz, has 128kB or Flash, 4kB of SRAM and features a hardware CAN controller. The CAN485 breaks out commonly used communications ports and pin functions including I²C, SPI, UARTs, eight analog inputs, and six interrupt-enabled pins. Additionally, the AST-CAN485 is equipped with an onboard regulator, allowing for an unregulated input voltage to be supplied on the VIN pin to make the allowable input voltage range 7–16V. Please keep in mind, however, that 7–12V is recommended.

CAN and RS485 form the backbone of many communications protocols with applications in automation, industrial systems, building management, automotive systems, OBDII and many more. With all of these features combined, you have an economical, handy board with a wide array of functions in the palm of your hand!

How to Use?

Hookup guide Click here!

Datasheet:

https://www.rxelectronics.ee/datasheet/8e/dev-14483.pdf

SparkFun AST-CAN485 Dev Board Overview

The SparkFun AST-CAN485 Dev Board is a compact development board based on the AT90CAN microcontroller, combining Arduino Pro Mini–compatible I/O with onboard CAN and RS485 transceivers. Designed for industrial and maker applications, it enables seamless integration with vehicle networks and multi-drop serial systems in a small 16 MHz form factor.

Key Features of SparkFun AST-CAN485 Dev Board

• AT90CAN MCU running at 16 MHz with 8 analog inputs and 16 digital I/Os
• Onboard CAN transceiver for Control Area Network interfacing
• Built-in RS485 transceiver for robust long-distance serial communication
• Dual UART ports for simultaneous serial device connections
• Wide 5–16 V DC input (up to 150 mA) for industrial power rails
• Pin-compatible with Arduino Pro Mini; programmable via Arduino IDE
• Genuine product, fast shipping from Zbotic across India

Applications and Use Cases

• Automotive diagnostics and data logging on vehicle CAN buses
• Industrial machine control via CANopen or custom CAN protocols
• Multi-drop sensor networks and building automation using RS485
• Robotics communication backbone between controllers and modules
• Remote telemetry and SCADA interfacing over long cable runs
• Prototyping home energy monitoring with CAN-enabled inverters

How to Use SparkFun AST-CAN485 Dev Board

Power the board with 5–16 V DC, connect CAN H/L and RS485 A/B lines with proper termination resistors, then install “SparkFun AST-CAN485” via the Arduino board manager. Include the provided CAN and RS485 libraries in your sketch, select the AST-CAN485 board profile, and upload your firmware using a USB-to-serial adapter connected to the UART pins.

Why Buy from Zbotic?

• Genuine Products: All items sourced from authorized distributors
• Fast Shipping: Orders ship within 24 hours with tracking (non backordered products)
• Free Shipping: Free delivery on qualifying orders
• COD Available: Cash on Delivery, UPI, cards, net banking
• Technical Support: Expert help for setup and troubleshooting
• Easy Returns: Hassle-free replacement for defective products

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I program the AST-CAN485 Dev Board using standard Arduino libraries?

Yes, the AST-CAN485 uses the Arduino core for AVR and can be installed via the Arduino board manager. SparkFun provides CAN and RS485 libraries that integrate seamlessly with your sketches.

How do I wire termination for CAN and RS485 lines?

For reliable communication, place a 120 Ω resistor between CAN H and CAN L at both ends of the bus, and similarly use 120 Ω between RS485 A and B at each segment’s endpoints.

Is the power input tolerant of automotive voltage spikes?

The board accepts 5–16 V DC and draws up to 150 mA, but for direct automotive battery connections, use an external transient voltage suppressor or DC-DC converter rated for vehicle environments.