$4.9 CAN bus module features GD32E103 Cortex-M4 microcontroller

Seeed Studio has introduced a new CAN Bus Grove module based on 120 MHz Gigadevice GD32E103 Arm Cortex-M4+ microcontroller with support for CAN FD at up to 5Mbps and controlled by AT command over a serial interface.

The new module appears to be a drop-in replacement for the company’s $19.90 Serial CAN-BUS Grove module based on Microchip MCP2551 and MCP2515, and the main benefit of the new GD32E103 module is that it is much more cost-effective going for only $4.90 including shipping.

CAN Bus Grove module GD32E103

GD32E103 CAN BUS Grove module specifications:

  • MCU – Gigadevice GD32E103 Arm Cortex-M4F microcontroller @ up to 120 MHz with 64KB to 128KB flash, 20KB to 32KB SRAM
  • CAN Bus – 2-pin terminal block with CAN FD up to 5 Mbps
  • Host connection – 4-pin Grove connector with UART up to 115,200 bps (default 9,600 bps)
  • Misc – Tx and Rx LEDs
  • Operating voltage – 3.3V
  • Dimensions – 40 x 20 x10 mm

CAN Bus modules and boards are mostly designed for car hacking, but not only, as the CAN bus can find its way into 3D printers, building automation, lighting control systems, as well as medical instruments and equipment.

CAN Bus module 120 Ohm terminatorWhile not explicitly listed in the specifications, the new module can apparently still be fitted with a 120Ω terminal resistor (P1) if needed, just like the first board based on Microchip MCP2551 and MCP2515. Seeed Studio says they wrote firmware to implement the serial port to CAN FD function, but without other details provided. Having said that, the GD32103E CAN Bus module probably uses the same AT command sets as the Microchip module, and documentation for the latter can be found on the Longan Labs website, the company that seems to handle all CAN Bus projects for Seeed Studio. You’ll also find some Arduino sketches there to try out the CAN Bus module.

GD32E103 block diagram
GD32E103 MCU block diagram

But since the GD32E103 is an Arm Cortex-M4F microcontroller you’d think you could use the module standalone as well, but Seeed Studio says “it can not be used as an MCU yet, and this feature will be implemented soon in the future”. That probably means they’ll provide Arduino or MicroPython firmware, as documentation and resources to build C programs can be found on the gd32mcu.com website, including a standard firmware library compatible with Arm’s CMSIS (Cortex-M Microcontroller Software Interface Standard).

You’ll notice there’s no CAN bus in the block diagram above, and the datasheet does not refer to the two CAN bus interfaces at all, instead reading “5. Adjust the number of modules and delete CAN.” in the datasheet history section. However, the CAN bus is still documented in the user manual. I’m not sure what happened here…

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10 Comments
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JJJ
JJJ
1 year ago

Maybe gigadevice didn’t pay their CAN license fees, but the silicon is there and working so they accidentally told their customers privately how to use it 😉

Rob Brown
Rob Brown
1 year ago

I didn’t know about that either, but Bosch do indeed have patents on CAN-FD and family, and they require licensing https://www.bosch-semiconductors.com/ip-modules/can-protocols/

itchy n scratchy
itchy n scratchy
1 year ago

Same price for phy and controller? Or how is that sorted?

I guess that’s also similar to Atmel naming I2C TWI, to avoid royalties ti Phillips/NXP

Ghent The Slicer
1 year ago

Would likely be the GD32C103 device, which should add 2xCAN-FD modules.

Ghent The Slicer
1 year ago

I suspect they intended it to be one part, and the E103 probably has the hardware. Then some accountant came and asked for royalties.

The only thing that C103 has vs E103 is CAN. I would guess for licensing reasons. Not sure if they can disable it in the E103 or just fly under the radar.

itchy n scratchy
itchy n scratchy
1 year ago

I’m wondering how fabless semiconductor manufacturers can deliver parts more reliably than thise owning their own fabs…

Very strange how the market nowadays is behaving.

Ghent The Slicer
1 year ago

STMicro and other established manufacturers have all inventory bough by large customers.

Giga devices, is relatively new on the scene. Even though they claim compatibility with STM32 family, no global car maker is going to put that in their vehicles for fear of expansive recalls.

Less demand, more availability.

Khadas VIM4 SBC