What is the maximum cable length for a CANopen network?

The maximum distance between the 2 most distant nodes of a CAN bus depends on the speed and is provided in the following table:

Speed in bit/s  - Maximum Cable Length
- 1 Mbit/s - 20 m (65 ft)
- 800 kbit/s - 40 m (131 ft)
- 500 kbit/s - 100 m (328 ft)
- 250 kbit/s - 250 m (820 ft)
- 125 kbit/s - 500 m (1640 ft)
- 50 kbit/s - 1000 m (3280 ft)
- 20 kbit/s - 2500 m (8202 ft)
- 10 kbit/s - 5000 m (16404 ft)

According to the Schneider Electric network strategy, the speeds 1 Mbit/s, 800 kbit/s, 500 kbit/s, 250 kbit/s and 125 kbit/s are recommended for automation solutions at machine and installation level.

NOTE: The maximum length assumes a reasonable device internal propagation delay and bit sampling point. Devices that present long internal propagation delays will effectively reduce the maximum cable length that could otherwise be realized.

The cable lengths of the above table may include a drop cable if it is at the physical end of the trunk cable.

Released for:Schneider Electric UK