Network architectures for underwater systems: two applications of the CAN bus

Puts forward the benefits of a network approach in the design of electrical and electronic architectures for underwater systems. The subject is illustrated through two design and realisation examples intending to meet distinct requirements in two different areas: on the one hand, integrating a fieldbus on the manned submarine NAUTILE for multiplexing the controls/commands and decreasing the wiring complexity, on the other hand, making available an open and reliable means of handling and logging data within a benthic station. The studies described in these two examples both resulted in the use of a network originating from the automotive industry: the controller area network