Below is an early mock-up of a NMEA2000 version of my CAN Hub – or more correctly a CAN Hub using M12-5A rather than DSub 9 + being waterproof. This PCB is designed to fit wall to wall inside an existing box I use supporting full galvanic isolation.
I have removed the SD-Card for now.
- Power connector using M12-2A. It will deliver max 12-24V 4A fully galvanic isolated.which is way above what this board will use. I will look for an alternative power connector here, but this is a starting point.
- USB-C connector. Waterproof version of these exist more or less in the same format with a rubber ring around (not shown). I have a preference for keeping USB-C, but it is not critical so it might be replaced to leave an IO position free.
- Spare position for a M12.
- Ethernet connection. RJ45 with magnets are replaced with M12-4A and a trafo.
- Galvanic Isolated CAN M12-5A using NMEA2000 pin configuration.
- Galvanic Isolated CAN M12-5A using NMEA2000 pin configuration.
- Galvanic Isolated CAN M12-5A using NMEA2000 pin configuration.
- Pare M12 connection area.
Comparing to my initial M12 design this uses more space, includes 12-24V Galvanic Isolated PSU and uses the same extension module system.
It is close to identical to my new 3x – 6x DSUB9 CAN – I can deliver the same 6 x CAN using M12 connectors by sacrifying SD-CARD and USB-C. USB is only for diagnostics/development anyway and I can do that through Ethernet.
The focus on this mock-up was to follow up on adding a Waterproof design back and going back to a based M12 design. I can conclude that it is possible + I see several options to move forward. Based on previous experience with M12 design I also concluded that M12 is not optional for everything. I would like something else as power connector + I need something else for Analogue/digital IO options to sensors.
Next step is that I will continue my 3xCAN “as is” with DB9 connectors, but I will modify my Analogue board + complete the draft above and focus on waterproof designs.