ATA6501 Click

How does it work?

ATA6501 Click is based on the ATA6501, a fully integrated high-speed CAN FD System Basis Chip (SBC) from Microchip. This automotive-qualified device, meeting Grade 0 AEC-Q100 standards, is a reliable interface between a Controller Area Network (CAN) protocol controller and the physical two-wire CAN bus. It supports both Classical CAN and CAN FD communication protocols, achieving data rates of up to 5Mbit/s. Its differential transmit and receive capabilities simplify communication with a CAN protocol controller, enabling the development of reliable CAN nodes. Fully compliant with ISO 11898-2:2024 and SAE J2284-1 to SAE J2284-5 specifications, the ATA6501 ensures compatibility with modern automotive and industrial CAN applications like body electronics and lighting, automotive infotainment systems, powertrain systems, Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), photovoltaic systems, and many other scenarios.

The ATA6501 communicates with the host MCU through a UART interface, with a default baud rate of 115200bps. This Click board™ features a standard DB-9 connector, allowing straightforward integration with the CAN bus. For added versatility, both CAN and UART signals are accessible through additional pins on the right side of the Click board™, allowing flexible control options such as monitoring data flow, configuring alternative communication paths, or integrating with auxiliary devices in complex systems. The high-speed CAN FD SBC ATA6501 supports multiple operating modes, advanced diagnostic features, and fail-safe mechanisms, contributing to system reliability and power management. The control pins EN and TXD (connected to the RX pin on the mikroBUS™ socket) select one of the five operating modes provided by the ATA6501 to suit various application requirements.

The ATA6501 also features an integrated 5V/150mA voltage regulator capable of powering the CAN FD transceiver, a 5V MCU, and other components or loads on the PCB. In cases where the entire system needs to be powered through the internal 5V regulator, the R7 resistor, left unsoldered by default, must be installed to enable this functionality. The regulator has protection mechanisms for reliable operation under varying conditions, including current limitations and overtemperature shutdown. Additionally, the output voltage is continuously monitored while the regulator is active, and in the event of an overvoltage condition, the regulator automatically shuts down to prevent potential damage to the system.

In addition to the CAN and TXD/RXD pins, the board includes a header with a VS pin, which serves as an external power supply input, supporting a voltage range from 4.5V to 28V. This pin is connected to the power source through a serial diode, providing reverse battery protection and ensuring reliable operation under standard automotive conditions. An integrated undervoltage detection circuit further enhances system reliability by preventing malfunctions or false bus messages caused by insufficient supply voltage. Upon powering the VS pin, the ATA6501 enters Reset mode, which activates the internal voltage regulator. Once the regulated voltage stabilizes, the device transitions to Standby mode, ready for further operation.

This Click board™ can operate with either 3.3V or 5V logic voltage levels selected via the VCC SEL jumper. This way, both 3.3V and 5V capable MCUs can use the communication lines properly. Also, this Click board™ comes equipped with a library containing easy-to-use functions and an example code that can be used as a reference for further development.

Specifications

Pinout diagram

This table shows how the pinout on ATA6501 Click corresponds to the pinout on the mikroBUS™ socket (the latter shown in the two middle columns).

Notes	Pin					Pin	Notes
	NC	1	AN	PWM	16	EN	Control Enable
	NC	2	RST	INT	15	NC
ID COMM	CS	3	CS	RX	14	TX	UART TX
	NC	4	SCK	TX	13	RX	UART RX
	NC	5	MISO	SCL	12	NC
	NC	6	MOSI	SDA	11	NC
Power Supply	3.3V	7	3.3V	5V	10	5V	Power Supply
Ground	GND	8	GND	GND	9	GND	Ground

Onboard settings and indicators

ATA6501 Click electrical specifications

Software Support

ATA6501 Click demo application is developed using the NECTO Studio, ensuring compatibility with mikroSDK‘s open-source libraries and tools. Designed for plug-and-play implementation and testing, the demo is fully compatible with all development, starter, and mikromedia boards featuring a mikroBUS™ socket.

Example Description

This example demonstrates the use of an ATA6501 Click board by showing the communication between the two Click boards.

Key Functions

• ata6501_cfg_setup Config Object Initialization function.
• ata6501_init Initialization function.
• ata6501_generic_write This function writes a desired number of data bytes by using UART serial interface.
• ata6501_generic_read This function reads a desired number of data bytes by using UART serial interface.
• ata6501_set_en_pin This function sets the EN pin logic state.

Application Init

Initializes the driver and logger.

Application Task

Depending on the selected application mode, it reads all the received data or sends the desired message every 3 seconds.

Application Output

This Click board can be interfaced and monitored in two ways:

• Application Output – Use the “Application Output” window in Debug mode for real-time data monitoring. Set it up properly by following this tutorial.
• UART Terminal – Monitor data via the UART Terminal using a USB to UART converter. For detailed instructions, check out this tutorial.

Additional Notes and Information

The complete application code and a ready-to-use project are available through the NECTO Studio Package Manager for direct installation in the NECTO Studio. The application code can also be found on the MIKROE GitHub account.