The CANopen bus conforms to the ISO 11898 international standard, promoted by the CAN In Automation association, which consists of users and manufacturers and offers an excellent assurance of open access and interoperability due to its standardized devices and communication profiles.

The CANopen bus is a multi-master bus which ensures reliable deterministic access to real-time data in control system devices. The CSMA/CA protocol is based on broadcast exchanges, sent cyclically or on an event, which ensures optimum use of the passband. A message handling channel can also be used to define slave parameters. The bus uses a double shielded twisted pair, on which 127 devices maximum are connected by simple tap junctions. The variable data rate between 10 Kbps and 1 Mbps depends on the length of the bus (between 30 and 5000 m).

CANopen IP20 cables and accessories are available for flexible drop cable architectures, including a 4-port tap required for these layouts. The UL-rated cables are available in multiple lengths and three connector options to provide a variety of interface connections.