What Is CANopen Used for? Applications, Devices, and Real-World Examples

If you work with industrial automation, mobile machinery, distributed I/O systems, or embedded control networks, you have probably seen the term CANopen.

But many engineers and buyers still ask: What is CANopen actually used for?

Instead of every device using proprietary communication rules, CANopen defines a common language for exchanging data, configuring parameters, and monitoring network status.

What Is CANopen?

CANopen is a higher-layer communication protocol based on the CAN bus. Standard CAN mainly defines message transmission, arbitration, error detection, and frame structure.

CANopen adds higher-level functions such as Object Dictionary, PDO, SDO, network management, Heartbeat monitoring, device profiles, and diagnostics.

Why Was CANopen Developed?

Before CANopen, many CAN devices used proprietary protocols. This made integration difficult because every vendor could define its own message IDs, payload meanings, configuration method, and diagnostic behavior.

CANopen was developed to solve this problem by providing standardized communication methods for multi-device networks.

• Easier device integration
• Better diagnostics
• Reduced commissioning effort
• Improved interoperability between vendors
• More predictable maintenance

What Types of Devices Use CANopen?

Instead of asking only which industries use CANopen, it is more useful to ask which device types need standardized communication.

Keypads and Operator Panels in CANopen Systems

Industrial keypads and operator panels use CANopen to provide reliable human-machine interaction in harsh environments where traditional touch interfaces may not be suitable.

Typical functions include sending operator commands, controlling machine functions, switching operating modes, triggering hydraulic or actuator actions, and reporting button status or diagnostic information.

Compared with traditional point-to-point wiring, CANopen-based keypads can reduce cable complexity and simplify integration with controllers, displays, and distributed I/O modules.

What Industries Use CANopen?

Industrial Automation

CANopen is widely used in PLC systems, distributed I/O, drives, and automation equipment where standardized communication is required.

Motion Control

CANopen is suitable for motion control systems because it supports structured communication, drive control, feedback, and diagnostics.

Robotics

Robotic systems use CANopen for multi-axis coordination, drive communication, sensor feedback, and internal machine control.

Medical Equipment

CANopen can be used in medical and laboratory equipment where reliable device communication and controlled configuration are important.

Mobile Machinery

Mobile machinery is an important application area for CANopen. Construction equipment, agricultural machinery, mining machines, municipal vehicles, and off-highway equipment often require multiple electronic devices to communicate reliably.

Maritime Electronics

Marine systems use CANopen in distributed control, monitoring, and diagnostic applications where network scalability matters.

Real CANopen Network Example

Imagine a mobile machine containing a controller, display, distributed I/O module, keypad, sensors, and hydraulic actuators.

Without CANopen, engineers may need to define every message ID, payload meaning, diagnostic behavior, and configuration rule manually.

With CANopen, devices can communicate through standardized objects and mechanisms such as PDO, SDO, Object Dictionary, NMT, and Heartbeat.

Why Are Controllers, Displays, I/O Modules, and Keypads Common CANopen Devices?

These devices often appear together in machine control systems. They need real-time communication, parameter configuration, diagnostics, network management, and predictable integration.

This is why CANopen is common in control systems that include controllers, displays, distributed I/O modules, keypads, sensors, and actuators.

CANopen vs CAN: Why Standardization Matters

Many engineers assume that a CAN port means CANopen support. This is incorrect.

A device with CAN does not automatically support PDO, SDO, Node ID configuration, Heartbeat, Object Dictionary, or CANopen device profiles.

Common Integration Mistakes

Mistake 1: Assuming CAN Means CANopen

Always verify whether the device truly supports CANopen, not just CAN communication.

Mistake 2: Ignoring EDS Files

EDS files help describe the device configuration and communication objects. Missing documentation can increase integration difficulty.

Mistake 3: Ignoring Node ID Planning

Duplicate Node IDs can cause communication conflicts and commissioning failures.

Mistake 4: Ignoring PDO Mapping

Incorrect PDO mapping may lead to wrong data interpretation, unstable behavior, or extra debugging work.

When Should You Use CANopen?

Use CANopen if your system requires standardized communication between multiple devices.

• Controllers communicating with displays
• Distributed I/O expansion
• CAN-based keypads and operator panels
• Sensor and actuator integration
• Diagnostics and network monitoring
• Multi-vendor device interoperability
• Long-term maintainability

When Might Standard CAN Be Better?

Standard CAN may be sufficient if the system is simple, proprietary, controlled by one vendor, or does not require standardized configuration and diagnostics.

CANopen adds structure and interoperability, but it also increases protocol complexity. The correct choice depends on system requirements.

Engineering Checklist Before Choosing CANopen

• Does the device truly support CANopen?
• Is an EDS or XDD file available?
• Can the Node ID be configured?
• Is the baud rate compatible with the network?
• Are PDO and SDO mappings documented?
• Does the controller support required CANopen functions?
• Can displays, I/O modules, keypads, sensors, and actuators use the same protocol structure?
• Is Heartbeat monitoring configured?

Final Decision Rule

The expensive mistake is usually not choosing CAN instead of CANopen. The expensive mistake is assuming all CAN devices speak the same language simply because they share the same bus.

Related CAN Products

Frequently Asked Questions