This book details the use of the Arduino Uno and the Raspberry Pi 4 in practical CAN bus based projects. Using either the Arduino Uno or the Raspberry Pi with off-the-shelf CAN bus interface modules considerably ease developing, debugging, and testing CAN bus based projects.
This book is written for students, practicing engineers, enthusiasts, and for everyone else wanting to learn more about the CAN bus and its applications. The book assumes that the reader has some knowledge of basic electronics. Knowledge of the C and Python programming languages and programming the Arduino Uno using its IDE and Raspberry Pi will be useful, especially if the reader intends to develop microcontroller-based projects using the CAN bus.
The book should be a useful source of reference material for anyone interested in finding answers to questions such as:
What bus systems are available for the automotive industry?
What are the principles of the CAN bus?
How can I create a physical CAN bus?
What types of frames (or data packets) are available in a CAN bus system?
How can errors be detected in a CAN bus system and how dependable is a CAN bus system?
What types of CAN bus controllers exist?
How do I use the MCP2515 CAN bus controller?
How do I create 2-node Arduino Uno-based CAN bus projects?
How do I create 3-node Arduino Uno-based CAN bus projects?
How do I set the acceptance masks and acceptance filters?
How do I analyze data on the CAN bus?
How do I create 2-node Raspberry Pi-based CAN bus projects?
How do I create 3-node Raspberry Pi-based CAN bus projects?
Functionality, structure and handling of a power module
For readers with first steps in power management the “Abc of Power Modules” contains the basic principles necessary for the selection and use of a power module. The book describes the technical relationships and parameters related to power modules and the basis for calculation and measurement techniques.
Contents
Basics
This chapter describes the need of a DC/DC voltage converter and its basic functionality. Furthermore, various possibilities for realizing a voltage regulator are presented and the essential advantages of a power module are mentioned.
Circuit topologies
Circuit concepts, buck and boost topologies very frequently used with power modules are explained in detail and further circuit topologies are introduced.
Technology, construction and regulation technology
The mechanical construction of a power module is presented, which has a significant influence on EMC and thermal performance. Furthermore, control methods are explained and circuit design tips are provided in this chapter.
Measuring methods
Meaningful measurement results are absolutely necessary to assess a power module. The relevant measurement points and measurement methods are described in this chapter.
Handling
The aspects of storage and handling of power modules are explained, as well as their manufacturing and soldering processes.
Selection of a power modules
Important parameters and criteria for the optimal selection of a power module are presented in this section.
Projects with Arduino Uno & Raspberry Pi with Examples for the MCP2515 CAN Bus Interface Module
This book details the use of the Arduino Uno and the Raspberry Pi 4 in practical CAN bus based projects. Using either the Arduino Uno or the Raspberry Pi with off-the-shelf CAN bus interface modules considerably ease developing, debugging, and testing CAN bus based projects.
This book is written for students, practicing engineers, enthusiasts, and for everyone else wanting to learn more about the CAN bus and its applications. The book assumes that the reader has some knowledge of basic electronics. Knowledge of the C and Python programming languages and programming the Arduino Uno using its IDE and Raspberry Pi will be useful, especially if the reader intends to develop microcontroller-based projects using the CAN bus.
The book should be a useful source of reference material for anyone interested in finding answers to questions such as:
What bus systems are available for the automotive industry?
What are the principles of the CAN bus?
How can I create a physical CAN bus?
What types of frames (or data packets) are available in a CAN bus system?
How can errors be detected in a CAN bus system and how dependable is a CAN bus system?
What types of CAN bus controllers exist?
How do I use the MCP2515 CAN bus controller?
How do I create 2-node Arduino Uno-based CAN bus projects?
How do I create 3-node Arduino Uno-based CAN bus projects?
How do I set the acceptance masks and acceptance filters?
How do I analyze data on the CAN bus?
How do I create 2-node Raspberry Pi-based CAN bus projects?
How do I create 3-node Raspberry Pi-based CAN bus projects?
This Wi-Fi module is based on the popular ESP8266 chip. The module is FCC and CE certified and RoHS compliant.
Fully compatible with ESP-12E. 13 GPIO pins, 1 analog input, 4 MB flash memory.
This Crowtail series 4G module is a high-performance LTE Cat1 wireless module. It uses the SIM A7670E communication module from Simcom and communicates through a UART interface, which enables 4G data transmission and voice communication. The module supports multiple LTE bands, including B1/B3/B5/B7/B8/B20, as well as WCDMA and GSM networks. In addition, it supports various protocols such as TCP/IP, FTP, HTTP, and multiple satellite navigation systems such as GPS, GLONASS, and BDS.
The module comes with a charging interface and can be powered by a 3.7 V lithium battery or a 5 V USB-C interface. It also has a 3.5 mm headphone jack, and by connecting a headphone with a microphone, it can be used for making and receiving phone calls. Its compact size makes it easy to integrate into various IoT devices and meet various application requirements. Furthermore, its low power consumption and reliable performance are also the reasons why it is widely used in IoT, smart home, automotive, and industrial control fields.
Features
Integrate the A7670E communication module, enabling 4G data transmission and voice communication with low power consumption and high reliability
Supports multiple LTE bands, including B1/B3/B5/B7/B8/B20, as well as WCDMA and GSM networks
Supports various protocols such as TCP/IP, FTP, HTTP, and multiple satellite navigation systems such as GPS, GLONASS, and BDS
Comes with a charging interface and a headphone jack, which can be used for making and receiving phone calls by connecting a headphone with a microphone
Small but powerful, compact size makes it easy to integrate into various IoT devices.
Specifications
Main Chip: SIM A7670E
LTE-FDD: B1/B3/B5/B7/B8/B20
GSM: 900/1800 MHz
GSM/GPRS power class
EGSM900: 4 (33 dBm ±2 dB)
DCS1800: 1 (30 dBm ±2 dB)
EDGE power class:
EGSM900: E2 (27 dBm ±3 dB)
DCS1800 : E1 (26 dBm +3 dB/-4 dB)
LTE power class: 3 (23 dBm ±7 dB)
Supply Voltage: 4 V ~ 4.2 V
Power: 3.8 V
LTE(Mbps): 10 (DL)/5 (UL)
GPRS/EDGE(Kbps): 236.8 (DL)/236.8 (UL)
Protocol: TCP/IP/IPV4/IPV6/Multi-PDP/FTP/FTPS /HTTP/HTTPS/DNS
Communication interface: USB / UART
Firmware Upgrade: USB/FOTA
Support phonebook types: SM/FD/ON/AP/SDN
Interfaces: 1x Power button, 1x BAT, 1x UART, 1x USB-C, 1x SIM Card slot
Dimensions: 35 x 50 mm
Included
1x Crowtail-4G SIM-A7670E
1x 4G GSM NB-IoT Antenna
1x GPS ceramic antenna
Downloads
Wiki
A7670 AT Command Manual
A7670 Datasheet
Source Code
Using the RFID Starter Kit
An Arduino board has now become ‘the’ basic component in the maker community. No longer is an introduction to the world of microcontrollers the preserve of the expert. When it comes to expanding the capabilities of the basic Arduino board however, the developer is still largely on his own. If you really want to build some innovative projects it’s often necessary to get down to component level. This can present many beginners with major problems. That is exactly where this book begins.
This book explains how a wide variety of practical projects can be built using items supplied in a single kit together with the Arduino board. This kit, called the 'RFID Starter Kit for Arduino' (SKU 17240) is not just limited to RFID applications but contains more than 30 components, devices and modules covering all areas of modern electronics.
In addition to more simple components such as LEDs and resistors there are also complex and sophisticated modules that employ the latest technology such as:
A humidity sensor
A multicolor LED
A large LED matrix with 64 points of light
A 4-character 7-segment LED display
An infra red remote-controller unit
A complete LC-display module
A servo
A stepper motor and controller module
A complete RFID reader module and security tag
On top of that you will get to build precise digital thermometers, hygrometers, exposure meters and various alarm systems. There are also practical devices and applications such as a fully automatic rain sensor, a sound-controlled remote control system, a multifunctional weather station and so much more.
All of the projects described can be built using the components supplied in the Elektor kit.
MDP-M01 is a display control module equipped with a 2.8-inch TFT display screen, the screen can be turned 90 degrees, which is convenient for users to view data and waveform. MDP-M01 can realize online display and control with MDP-P906 mini digital power supply modules and other modules of MDP system through 2.4 GHz wireless communication, and can control up to 6 sub-modules at the same time.
Specifications
Screen size
2.8" TFT
Screen resolution
240 x 320
Power
Micro USB power input, or taking power from sub-module via dedicated power cable
Input
DC 5 V/0.3 A
Other functions
Can control up to 6 sub-modulesUpgrade firmware through Micro USB
Dimensions
107 x 66 x 13.6 mm
Weight
133 g
Included
1x MDP-M01 Smart Digital Monitor
1x Cable (2.5 mm jack to Micro USB)
Downloads
User Manual v3.4
Firmware v1.32
This book is about the Raspberry Pi 3 computer and its use in various control and monitoring applications. The book explains in simple terms and with tested and working example projects, how to configure the Raspberry Pi 3 computer, how to install and use the Linux operating system, and how to write hardware based applications programs using the Python programming language.
The nice feature of this book is that it covers many Raspberry Pi 3 based hardware projects using the latest hardware modules such as the Sense HAT, Swiss Pi, MotoPi, Camera module, and many other state of the art analog and digital sensors. An important feature of the Raspberry Pi 3 is that it contains on-board Bluetooth and Wi-Fi modules. Example projects are given in the book on using the Wi-Fi and the Bluetooth modules to show how real-data can be sent to the Cloud using the Wi-Fi module, and also how to communicate with an Android based mobile phone using the Bluetooth module.
The book is ideal for self-study, and is intended for electronic/electrical engineering students, practising engineers, research students, and for hobbyists. It is recommended that the book should be followed in the given Chapter order.
Over 30 projects are given in the book. All the projects in the book are based on the Python programming language and they have been fully tested. Full program listings of every project are given in the book with comments and full descriptions. Experienced programmers should find it easy to modify and update the programs to suit their needs.
The following sub-headings are given for each project to make it as easy as possible for the readers to follow the projects:
Project title
Description
Aim of the project
Raspberry Pi type
Block diagram
Circuit diagram
Program listing
Mastering the I²C Bus takes you on an exploratory journey of the I²C Bus and its applications. Besides the Bus protocol, plenty of attention is given to the practical applications and designing a stable system. The most common I²C compatible chip classes are covered in detail.
Two experimentation boards are available that allow for rapid prototype development. These boards are completed by a USB to I²C probe and a software framework to control I²C devices from your computer. All samples programs can be downloaded from the 'Attachments/Downloads' section on this page.
Projects built on Board 1:
USB to I²C Interface, PCA 9534 Protected Input, PCA 9534 Protected Output, PCA 9553 PWM LED Controller, 24xxx EEPROM Module, LM75 Temperature Sensor, PCA8563 Real-time Clock with Battery Backup, LCD and Keyboard Module, Bus Power Supply.
Projects built on Board 2:
Protected Input, Protected Output, LM75 Temperature Sensor, PCF8574 I/O Board, SAA1064 LED Display, PCA9544 Bus Expander, MCP40D17 Potentiometer, PCF8591 AD/DA, ADC121 A/D Converter, MCP4725 D/A Converter, 24xxx EEPROM Module.
Programming and Projects for the Minima and WiFi
Based on the low-cost 8-bit ATmega328P processor, the Arduino Uno R3 board is likely to score as the most popular Arduino family member, and this workhorse has been with us for many years. Eleven years later, the long-overdue successor, the Arduino Uno R4, was released. It is built around a 48 MHz, 32-bit Arm Cortex-M4 microcontroller and provides significantly expanded SRAM and Flash memory. Additionally, a higher-precision ADC and a new DAC are added to the design. The Uno R4 board also supports the CAN Bus with an interface.
Two versions of the board are available: Uno R4 Minima, and Uno R4 WiFi. This book is about using these new boards to develop many different and interesting projects with just a handful of parts and external modules. All projects described in the book have been fully tested on the Uno R4 Minima or the Uno R4 WiFi board, as appropriate.
The project topics include the reading, control, and driving of many components and modules in the kit as well as on the relevant Uno R4 board, including
LEDs
7-segment displays (using timer interrupts)
LCDs
Sensors
RFID Reader
4x4 Keypad
Real-time clock (RTC)
Joystick
8×8 LED matrix
Motors
DAC (Digital-to-analog converter)
LED matrix
WiFi connectivity
Serial UART
CAN bus
Infrared controller and receiver
Simulators
… all in creative and educational ways with the project operation and associated software explained in great detail.
Complete ESP32 microcontroller learning course featuring a custom-designed MCU expansion board, hands-on projects, and a comprehensive online guide – perfect for learning hardware, programming, and connectivity step by step.
A Practical Introduction to Embedded Systems with the ESP32
This course is designed for readers who are new to embedded systems and looking for a structured, example-driven way to get started. If you’ve explored general-purpose electronics or Arduino-based materials but found them too broad or lacking in practical guidance, this course offers a more focused alternative.
Using the "ESP32 by Example Kit" (EEK) – a compact and affordable set of components featuring LEDs, sensors, an OLED display, and a motion processor – you’ll work with a consistent hardware setup throughout the course. Once assembled, the EEK stays mostly unchanged, allowing you to concentrate on learning and experimentation without constant reconfiguration.
Topics include:
Understanding and programming the ESP32 microcontroller
Writing and deploying code with the Arduino IDE
Exploring cyber-physical systems, culminating in basic drone control
No prior experience with Arduino or embedded development is required. Each section features hands-on examples and mini-projects designed to reinforce key concepts and inspire deeper exploration. By the end of the course, you’ll be able not only to reproduce the book’s examples but also to build on them with your own ideas and applications.
Whether you're interested in embedded programming, interactive systems, or introductory drone control, this course provides a clear and practical path to getting started.
What you'll learn?
Embedded programming with the ESP32 using the Arduino IDE
Real-time sensor input and control via buttons, LEDs, and displays
Gesture-based interaction using the MPU6050 motion sensor
Bluetooth gamepad integration and drone control simulation
Wi-Fi and UDP networking, local web servers, and NTP
MQTT communication with cloud platforms like AWS and Arduino IoT
How to build and deploy full-featured IoT systems
Perfect for
Students and self-learners exploring embedded systems
Makers and IoT enthusiasts looking to improve their hardware skills
Educators and trainers seeking ready-to-teach material
Developers moving beyond Raspberry Pi or Arduino basics
Support when you need it
Access to instructors via Elektor Academy
Helpful community forums and essential documentation
What's inside the Box (Course)?
New 384-page book: "ESP32 by Example" (valued at €45)
Elektor ESP32 by Example Kit (EEK): Microcontroller Extension Board with 6 LEDs and 6 Buttons installed + OLED Display, MPU6050 3-axis Accelerometer and Gyroscope Module (valued at €40)
Adafruit HUZZAH32 – ESP32 Feather MCU Board (valued at €30)
ESP32 Cheap Yellow Display Board (valued at €25)
DHT11 Humidity & Temperature Sensor
Breadboard
Jumper wires
USB-C cable
Access to the full course on the Elektor Academy Pro Learning Platform
Instructional videos
Downloadable Arduino project files for every module
Learning Material (of this Box/Course)
▶ Click here to open
Module 1 – Getting Started with the ESP32 & EEK
Module 2 – Digital Output – LEDs and GPIO
Module 3 – Switches and Input Handling
Module 4 – EEK and PWM
Module 5 – OLED and Display Output
Module 6 – Motion Sensing with the MPU6050
Module 7 – Capstone Project (EEK in Action)
Module 8 – WiFi and Web Control with ESP32
Module 9 – Cloud Concepts using EEK
Module 10 – Hands-on: Arduino IoT Cloud and EEK
Module 11 – BlueTooth and EEK GamePad Integration
Module 12 – Why Drones?
Module 13 – Drone Simulator Concepts
Module 14 – Simple Drone Flight Control
Module 15 – Real-Time Drone Flight Control
Module 16 – Drone Control Mini-Projects
Module 17 – Middleware and Python Scripting
Module 18 – Python Applications for Drone Control
Module 19 – Capstone EEK Control Project and Presentation
About the Author
Dr. Jim Solderitsch is an educator, software architect, systems developer, and cybersecurity researcher with a focus on cyber-physical systems. He currently serves as an Adjunct Professor in Computing Sciences at Villanova University in Pennsylvania.
What is Elektor Academy Pro?
Elektor Academy Pro delivers specialized learning solutions designed for professionals, engineering teams, and technical experts in the electronics and embedded systems industry. It enables individuals and organizations to expand their practical knowledge, enhance their skills, and stay ahead of the curve through high-quality resources and hands-on training tools.
From real-world projects and expert-led courses to in-depth technical insights, Elektor empowers engineers to tackle today’s electronics and embedded systems challenges. Our educational offerings include Academy Books, Pro Boxes, Webinars, Conferences, and industry-focused B2B magazines – all created with professional development in mind.
Whether you're an engineer, R&D specialist, or technical decision-maker, Elektor Academy Pro bridges the gap between theory and practice, helping you master emerging technologies and drive innovation within your organization.