TJA1050 high-speed CAN bus transceiver IC — SOP-8 SMD, 1Mbps, low EME, automotive grade

The TJA1050 is a high-speed CAN (Controller Area Network) bus transceiver IC from NXP Semiconductors (formerly Philips), designed as the physical layer interface between a CAN protocol controller and the CAN bus. It provides differential transmit capability to the CANH/CANL bus lines and differential receive capability back to the CAN controller, supporting data rates up to 1Mbps. Available here in the compact SOP-8 SMD package.

As the third-generation Philips high-speed CAN transceiver (succeeding the PCA82C250 and PCA82C251), the TJA1050 introduces significantly lower electromagnetic emission (EME) through optimally matched CANH and CANL output signals, improved behaviour at unpowered nodes, and the elimination of the standby mode — making it ideal for nodes that may be powered down in partially powered networks.

Key Specifications:

• Part number: TJA1050
• Function: High-speed CAN bus transceiver
• Maximum data rate: 1Mbps
• Supply voltage (V_CC): 4.5V – 5.5V
• Bus voltage range: −27V to +40V (fault tolerant)
• Number of nodes: up to 110 nodes on one bus
• Dominant timeout: yes (prevents bus blocking)
• EME: very low (optimised CANH/CANL matching)
• Package: SOP-8 (SMD, 8-pin)
• Standard: ISO 11898-2 compliant

Key Features:

• 1Mbps CAN bus support — full ISO 11898-2 high-speed CAN physical layer compliance
• Very low EME — optimally matched CANH/CANL output signals reduce radiated emissions
• Improved unpowered node behaviour — no bus disturbance when node is powered down
• No standby mode — always-ready operation, suitable for partially powered network nodes
• Up to 110 nodes — supports large CAN network topologies
• Dominant timeout — prevents bus locking due to controller failure
• SOP-8 SMD package — compact footprint for PCB integration

Applications:

• Automotive CAN bus networks (OBD-II, ECU, body control modules)
• Industrial automation and fieldbus systems
• Arduino / ESP32 CAN bus interface (with MCP2515 or similar controller)
• Robotics and motion control CAN networks
• Building automation and HVAC control systems
• Medical equipment communication buses

Note: The TJA1050 requires a separate CAN protocol controller (e.g. MCP2515, SJA1000) for full CAN communication. Terminate the CAN bus with 120Ω resistors at each end of the bus for reliable operation.