CANopen Reference Model

The CANopen communication concept can be described similar to the ISO Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) Reference Model. CANopen represents a standardized application layer and communication profile. The optional framework for programmable devices specifies additional communication functionality.

CANopen is based on the CAN data link layer and high-speed transceiver as specified in ISO 11898, part 1 and part 2. In addition, CANopen specifies bit-timing and recommends pin-assignments for some connectors.

The standardized device profiles, interface profiles, and application profiles describes the default behavior and the optional functionality of devices, interfaces, and applications.