CANmod.temp: 4 x Thermocouple-to-CAN [Temperature Sensor]

$505.00

SKU: GC-CSS-CANMOD-TMP

MPN: D012

Manufacturer: CSS Electronics ApS

Stock Status: In stock

Delivery: Ships same or next business day
Qualifies for Free shipping to the continental US

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Product Information

Product Description

The CANmod.temp adds 4 channels of thermocouple temperature data to any CAN bus. It runs standalone with no PC required and broadcasts each reading as a configurable CAN frame at 5 Hz. For bench testing and setup checks, you can also stream the data over USB.

Set the thermocouple type separately for each channel: B, E, J, K, N, R, S, or T. A MAX31856 precision converter handles cold-junction compensation, linearization, and 50/60 Hz line-noise filtering, so the module outputs temperature directly in °C. A DBC (CAN database) file is included for decoding in your CAN software.

Send the data to your ECUs (electronic control units), CAN displays, or telematics units. You can also pair the module with a CSS Electronics CANedge data logger to record vehicle data and temperature data in the same time-synced file. For more channels, daisy-chain modules to get 8, 12, 16, or more.

Thermocouple probes are not included

The CANmod.temp ships with the module and a USB dust cover. Order probes separately:

  • Thermocouples for CANmod.temp: a set of 4 Type K probes that fits most applications.
  • Your own probes: any thermocouple with a miniature male plug works with the module’s 4 miniature female connectors.

A mini USB cable for configuration, firmware updates, and streaming is also not included.

Important: When measuring conductive surfaces such as metal, you must use isolated thermocouple probes.

Common applications

  • Exhaust gas temperature (EGT) analysis and engine dyno testing
  • Cylinder head, coolant, and engine temperatures
  • Fluid temperatures: fuel, engine oil, and transmission fluid
  • Brake block and disc temperatures
  • EV battery temperature monitoring and charging diagnostics
  • HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) testing and optimization
  • Cold-chain monitoring for perishable goods
  • Oven temperature profiling
  • Cabin, exterior, and ambient air temperatures

Four ways to deploy

Standalone in your CAN network. Power the module at 5-26 V DC and connect it to any high-speed CAN bus (2.0A or 2.0B). It adds temperature frames alongside your existing traffic. You can set the bit rate and CAN IDs to avoid conflicts with other nodes.

Add-on for the CANedge. Turn on the CANedge’s 5 V power output on its second port. The CANmod.temp then runs from that port and logs time-synced temperature data on channel 2, while channel 1 records vehicle or machine data. With a CANedge2 or CANedge3, log files can upload over Wi-Fi or 3G/4G for temperature telematics.

Daisy-chained for more channels. Each module sends all 4 temperatures in a single CAN frame, which keeps chaining simple. Use a DB9 Y-splitter to connect additional modules, and give each one unique CAN IDs.

USB streaming for bench work. Stream readings in real time to SavvyCAN or Python. This lets you validate your setup before deployment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are thermocouple probes included?

No. The package includes the CANmod.temp module and a USB dust cover. Probes and the mini USB cable are sold separately. The 4-probe Type K set is ready to use with the module. You can also use any thermocouple with a miniature male connector.

Which thermocouple type should I use?

The right type depends on your temperature range and accuracy needs:

  • Type K is the most common. It is low cost and reliable, with a wide range.
  • Type J often costs less but covers a narrower range.
  • Type E gives higher accuracy at moderate temperatures and also suits very low-temperature work.
  • Type N behaves like Type K with higher stability, usually at a higher price.
  • Types R and S handle very high temperatures with high accuracy.
  • Type B is for extremely high temperatures.

You can set each of the 4 channels to a different type.

What is the difference between the 0.01 °C resolution and the module’s accuracy?

Resolution is the smallest change the module can report. You can output temperatures at 1 °C resolution in 1 CAN frame, or 0.01 °C resolution in 2 frames. The 0.01 °C setting is useful for tracking small changes over time. Absolute accuracy depends mainly on your probe, plus the module’s cold-junction accuracy of ±0.7 °C maximum (from -20 °C to +85 °C).

Can the CANmod.temp log or upload data by itself?

No. The CANmod.temp outputs data onto a CAN bus or over USB. It does not store data or push it to a server. To record or upload readings, pair it with a CAN data logger such as the CANedge, or with any CAN interface.

How do I connect the CANmod.temp to a CANedge?
  1. In the CANedge configuration file, enable the 5 V power output on the second port.
  2. Set CANedge channel 2 to match the CANmod.temp bit rate (default 250 kbit/s).
  3. Turn on the CANmod.temp’s 120 Ω termination using the switch below the DB9 connector.
  4. Connect the two devices, directly or through a DB9 Y-splitter if you also have a CANmod.gps or other modules on that port.

Features

  • Plug & play: Runs standalone with no PC required. Adds temperature data to any CAN bus. DBC file included.
  • 4 thermocouple channels: Outputs all 4 temperatures plus ambient (cold-junction) temperature and fault status at 5 Hz.
  • Any thermocouple type: Set each channel independently to Type B, E, J, K, N, R, S, or T.
  • Precise measurement: Cold-junction compensation, automatic linearization to °C, 50/60 Hz line filtering, and open/over/under-temperature fault detection.
  • Fully configurable: Set the bit rate, 11- or 29-bit CAN IDs, push or poll mode, and message rates using a JSON file or the free config editor.
  • Compact and low power: Aluminum enclosure measuring 65 x 48 x 24 mm and weighing 80 g. Draws less than 1 W from 5–26 V DC via DB9. Mini USB for configuration, firmware updates, and streaming.
  • Probes sold separately: Pair it with a Type K thermocouple set or your own probes with miniature connectors.

Documents and Drivers

Documentation

CANmod.temp Documents

Specifications

In the box

  • CANmod.temp module
  • USB dust cover. 
  • not included: Thermocouple probes and mini USB cable

Function

Outputs temperature data from 4 thermocouples via CAN bus and/or USB

Sensor channels

4 thermocouple channels, plus ambient temperature via cold junction

Converter

MAX31856MUD+ precision thermocouple converter

Thermocouple types

B, E, J, K, N, R, S, T (configurable per channel)

Measurement range

-210 °C to +1800 °C (-346 °F to +3272 °F), depending on thermocouple type

Output format

Degrees Celsius via automated linearization

Accuracy

Lab-grade thermocouple voltage measurement with cold-junction compensation

Cold-junction accuracy

±0.7 °C max (-20 °C to +85 °C)

Resolution

1 °C (1 CAN frame) or 0.01 °C (2 CAN frames). The 0.01 °C resolution typically exceeds practical probe accuracy.

Filtering

50 Hz or 60 Hz line-noise rejection, including harmonics (configurable)

Fault detection

Open thermocouple, over-temperature, and under-temperature, reported via CAN

Input protection

Thermocouple inputs protected against overvoltage up to ±45 V

Isolation

Isolated probes required when measuring conductive surfaces

CAN signals

Thermocouple temperatures, ambient temperature, and fault status, each at 5 Hz

CAN channels

1

CAN standard

ISO 11898, 5 kbit/s to 1 Mbit/s

CAN identifiers

CAN 2.0A (11-bit) and 2.0B (29-bit)

Output modes

Broadcast (push) or on-request (poll), configurable per message

Bit rate

Standard rates from 5 kbit/s to 1 Mbit/s, or custom bit timing (default 250 kbit/s)

Message configuration

Enable or disable each message, set each CAN ID, and prescale each message rate

Retransmission

Frames that lose arbitration or are disturbed by errors are retransmitted

Transceiver protection

±25 kV HBM ESD, ±12 kV IEC ESD, ±14 V bus fault, short circuit; ±12 V common-mode input; TXD dominant timeout

Termination

120 Ω, switchable via switch below DB9 connector

Power supply

+5 to +26 V DC via DB9, or USB power for configuration, firmware updates, and streaming (not included)

Power consumption

Less than 1 W

Electrical protection

  • Front: 1 x DB9 (D-sub 9). 
  • Back: 4 x miniature female thermocouple connectors. 
  • Mini USB.

LEDs

3 (Power, CAN bus, Memory)

Configuration

JSON-schema config files; free open-source editor (online or offline)

Firmware

Free updates via USB

Dimensions

65 x 48 x 24 mm (2.56 x 1.77 x 0.94 inches) (W x L x H, excluding flanges and connectors)

Weight

80 g (0.035 ounces)

Enclosure

Aluminum, IP40

Operating temperature

-25 °C to +70 °C (-13 °F to +158 °F)

Mounting

Velcro strips, zip ties, or mounting kit (not included)

Certifications

CE, FCC, IC, RoHS

Security support

Security updates and vulnerability handling for at least 5 years from purchase (EU CRA)

Warranty

1 year

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