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I am new to the CAN protocol. I need to connect to a 3.3V CAN network. I can find USB powered CAN adapters but none for 3.3V. Can I use the 5V USB adapter anyway somehow?

Or will I have to bridge from laptop through USB to a microcontroller board with built-in CAN connectivity? But then I need to create my own USB-CAN bridging in the microcontroller, plus create my own USB driver for linux, right? Is this a good idea and how would it be for someone with a plenty of programming experience but very little on device drivers.

Do you have some experience or advice?

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According to this TI paper 5V CAN is "compatible and interoperable" with 3.3V CAN.

3.3V CAN (Controller Area Network) transceivers offer advantages and flexibility with
respect to 5V CAN transceivers while being compatible and interoperable with each other.
...
This application note demonstrates the interoperability of 3.3V and 5V CAN transceivers in addition to explaining the theory of operation.

Can I use the 5V USB adapter anyway somehow?

It's worth a try.

Also see https://e2e.ti.com/support/interface/industrial_interface/f/142/t/230101 that reiterates the "3V CAN Trasnceviers are fully interoperable with 5V CAN trasnceviers" claim, and mentions the possible need for pull-down resistors and/or line-termination.

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  • Wauw, thanks for tracing that PDF down for me. I will consider that an answer though I haven't tested it yet.
    – user3729611
    Commented Mar 13, 2017 at 7:43

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