11.3.1.4 Interoperability of 3.3-V CAN in 5-V CAN Systems

The 3.3-V supplied SN65HVD23x family of CAN transceivers are fully compatible with 5-V CAN transceivers. The differential output voltage is the same, the recessive common mode output bias is the same, and the receivers have the same input specifications. The only slight difference is in the dominant common mode output voltage which is a couple hundred millivolts lower for 3.3-V CAN transceiver than 5-V supplied transceiver.

To help ensure the widest interoperability possible, the SN65HVD23x family has successfully passed the internationally recognized GIFT/ICT conformance and interoperability testing for CAN transceivers. Electrical interoperability does not always assure interchangeability however. Most implementers of CAN buses recognize that ISO 11898 does not sufficiently specify the electrical layer and that strict standard compliance alone does not ensure full interchangeability. This comes only with thorough equipment testing.