port

Free

Reliable real-time communication solutions since 1990

FreeFree tier

Type

Open Source

Company

port industrial automation GmbH

Visit Website GitHub (38 stars)

About port

port GmbH provides an ANSI-C CANopen source code library designed for industrial real-time communication. The library is highly portable, supporting processors from 8-bit to 32-bit architectures, Little and Big Endian data formats, and all common CAN controllers. It is actively maintained and updated to meet the latest CiA (CAN in Automation) standards, with port holding leadership roles in the Drives Motion Control special interest group. The library has achieved a high level of maturity through use by major companies including Siemens AG and Volkswagen AG. In addition to the core library, port offers driver packages for platforms such as STM32, SITARA AM335x, RL78, and RX63N, as well as a CANopen Design Tool, Device Monitor, and training services.

Key Features

ANSI-C CANopen Library with portable source code

Support for 8-bit to 32-bit processors, Little and Big Endian

CANopen Design Tool and Device Monitor

Driver packages for STM32, SITARA AM335x, RL78, RX63N, and more

CiA membership and active involvement in drives motion control standards

Constant updates aligned with latest CiA requirements

Mature library field-tested by Siemens and Volkswagen

Pros & Cons

Pros

Highly portable across diverse hardware platforms
Mature and proven in large-scale deployments (Siemens, Volkswagen)
Active CiA participation ensures standards compliance and future-proofing
Comprehensive ecosystem including design tools, drivers, and training

Cons

Specialized for CANopen protocol; not a multi-protocol solution
May require deep expertise in CANopen and embedded systems

Best For

Industrial automation and real-time communication systemsMotion control drive profile implementationEmbedded devices requiring CANopen networkingCANopen network integration and device prototypingSystem development with youCAN CANopen Prototyping Gateway

FAQ

What is port's CANopen library?

It is an ANSI-C source code library for CANopen communication, portable across various processors and CAN controllers, constantly updated to meet CiA standards.

Which companies use port's CANopen library?

Customers include Siemens AG and Volkswagen AG.

Is the library portable?

Yes, it supports processors from 8-bit to 32-bit, Little and Big Endian, and all usual CAN controllers.

What tools are available?

port offers a CANopen Design Tool, CANopen Device Monitor, and driver packages for various microcontrollers.