CAN XL: Advancing Connectivity for System Developers

The technological landscape of today is evolving rapidly, demanding more efficient and secure communication between systems. As companies and developers build more complex and interconnected solutions, the need for robust, high-performance communication protocols is vital. 

At Kvaser, we are testing and experimenting with CAN XL (Controller Area Network Extra Long) on selected Kvaser products, developing our own CAN XL IP core with new advanced features for system connectivity. 

What is CAN XL? 

CAN XL is the next generation of the Controller Area Network (CAN) protocol, specifically engineered to advance inter-device communication. It is designed to overcome the limitations of previous CAN versions, offering increased data capacity and improved performance. CAN XL addresses current system design challenges and will help our customers unlock new capabilities. 

Addressing data throughput challenges 

CAN CC (Classic CAN) and CAN FD (Flexible Data-Rate) have 8- and 64-bytes data payloads respectively, which have become insufficient for many modern applications. The limited data payloads create challenges in microcontrollers, system configurations, and software updates. 

CAN XL solves this by expanding the data capacity to 1-2048 bytes per message. This increase reduces the need to break down large data streams into smaller fragments (known as fragmenting), allowing for more efficient and less complex data transfers, particularly for data-intensive applications. 

Enhanced security capabilities 

As cyber threats evolve, so too must embedded system security. Standard encryption system security methods typically introduce 16 to 100 bytes of overhead – problematic for CAN FD but easily handled within CAN XL’s larger frames. 

The CAN XL frame structure includes a message header that can denote encryption type, making it a foundation for layered security. And because most encryption algorithms require at least 128-bits blocks (32 bytes), CAN XL’s extended payload makes implementing robust security not only possible, but practical.  

Seamless integration and backward compatibility 

CAN XL is designed to work smoothly with CAN CC and CAN FD. It makes sure that the previous generations of CAN controllers ignore CAN XL messages without causing any errors and provides a seamless transition path for developers. 

This backward compatibility gives developers the opportunity to start using CAN XL controllers with their current CAN CC and CAN FD systems. Developers can then start to use CAN XL’s standard encryption and TCP-IP over time. 

Optimizing bitrate and signal integrity 

Traditional CAN FD bitrates are capped by electrical limitations, even with improvements like the CAN SIC (Signal Improvement Capability) driver. CAN XL overcomes this with a symmetric push-pull signaling mode, activated after arbitration, significantly improving signal clarity and allowing faster data rates – only limited by the physical layer wiring. 

Setting the bitrate is also more flexible and linear in CAN XL, as it’s no longer tied to restrictive multiples like in CAN FD.  

Customization and flexibility 

CAN XL allows developers to customize their communication setup with great flexibility. They can choose the speed that is necessary, both for the arbitrary setting and the actual data transfer. 

The sending application can decide freely the size of the data package, with a range from 1 to 2048 bytes. This combination of advanced features and adaptable settings makes CAN XL a great solution to meet the needs of many different communication systems. 

Kvaser’s unique position in the market 

While CAN XL has been officially published and some CAN XL analyzers are available, Kvaser is focused on building a solid and customizable IP core, integrating real-world experience and forward-thinking adaptability. This positions us to deliver reliable and flexible CAN XL implementations across a range of customer applications. 

CAN XL market insight 

Not all systems need to migrate immediately. As Kent Lennartsson, Kvaser’s Research Manager, observes:  

“If a system consists of simple nodes like pressure sensors and doesn’t require TCP/IP, CAN FD may still suffice. But for systems that require higher data rates or TCP/IP over CAN, CAN XL is the logical next step”. 

Many organizations – even those working on advanced platforms like space hardware – have yet to fully adopt CAN FD. Their focus is often on simple, radiation-hardened FPGA solutions, highlighting how diverse the market’s needs are. 

Industry momentum 

CAN XL has gained some traction, with support from companies including: 

• Instrument Suppliers: Keysight, Picoscope, Rohde & Swarz, Teledyne 
• Silicon Vendors: NXP, Infineon, Texas Instruments, Philips 
• IP Vendors: T2M-IP, Arasan, Cast & Fraunhofer IPMS 

CAN XL-compatible controllers and SIC drivers are now available, signaling a growing ecosystem. 

Learn more about CAN XL 

Are you interested in learning more about the possibilities of CAN XL? We have prepared a CAN XL eLearning course where you can deepen your knowledge in CAN XL. 

For more information about CAN XL and possible solutions, feel free to contact us directly!