Heavy Equipment Electrical Systems and Controller Area Networks

This introductory course establishes essential competencies in heavy-duty electrical infrastructure and digital communications utilized in modern off-highway equipment. Learners examine DC circuit theory, starting and charging systems, relay logic, sensor signal conditioning, and electromagnetic actuators within high-vibration mobile environments. Special emphasis is placed on Controller Area Network (CAN) architecture governed by the SAE J1939 standard, including physical layer topologies, differential signaling, terminating resistance verification, parameter group numbers (PGNs), and suspect parameter numbers (SPNs). Technicians learn systematic fault isolation techniques using digital multimeters, breakout harnesses, and oscilloscopes to measure voltage drops, parasitic draws, and bus voltage levels. Through structured laboratory exercises and a culminating diagnostic capstone project, students practice reading complex multi-page schematics, verifying network integrity, identifying communication bus collisions or short circuits, and interpreting active fault codes. This foundational curriculum prepares technicians to confidently troubleshoot complex mobile electronic control systems.

InstructorJacob Calhoun

Course outline

Lectures, virtual labs, and graded assignments — completed in your browser.

01Lesson 1: Electrical Fundamentals, Direct Current Theory, and Mobile Power Distributionlecture

02Lesson 2: Schematic Symbols, Wiring Diagrams, and Harness Construction Standardslecture

03Lesson 3: Starting, Alternator Charging Systems, and Multi-Battery Bank Configurationslecture

04Hands-on Lab: Electrical Circuit Testing, Voltage Drop Analysis, and Harness Repairlab

05Lesson 5: Relays, Solenoids, Actuators, and High-Current Circuit Protection Deviceslecture

06Lesson 6: Analog Sensors, Pulse-Width Modulation (PWM), and Signal Conditioninglecture

07Lesson 7: Introduction to CAN Bus Architecture and Physical Layer Topologieslecture

08Hands-on Lab: Oscilloscope Analysis of CAN High and CAN Low Differential Signalslab

09Lesson 9: SAE J1939 Protocol Architecture, Message Framing, and 29-Bit Identifierslecture

10Lesson 10: Parameter Group Numbers (PGNs) and Suspect Parameter Numbers (SPNs)lecture

11Hands-on Lab: J1939 Network Monitoring, Traffic Capture, and Bus Fault Insertionlab

12Lesson 12: Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Diagnostic Messages, and Fault Trackinglecture

13Lesson 13: Intermittent Fault Troubleshooting, Ground Loops, and Noise Suppressionlecture

14Capstone Service Project: End-to-End Electrical and CAN Bus Fault Diagnosisassignment

Syllabus

["Week 1: Lesson 1: Electrical Fundamentals, Direct Current Theory, and Mobile Power Distribution", "Week 2: Lesson 2: Schematic Symbols, Wiring Diagrams, and Harness Construction Standards", "Week 3: Lesson 3: Starting, Alternator Charging Systems, and Multi-Battery Bank Configurations", "Week 4: Hands-on Lab: Electrical Circuit Testing, Voltage Drop Analysis, and Harness Repair", "Week 5: Lesson 5: Relays, Solenoids, Actuators, and High-Current Circuit Protection Devices", "Week 6: Lesson 6: Analog Sensors, Pulse-Width Modulation (PWM), and Signal Conditioning", "Week 7: Lesson 7: Introduction to CAN Bus Architecture and Physical Layer Topologies", "Week 8: Hands-on Lab: Oscilloscope Analysis of CAN High and CAN Low Differential Signals", "Week 9: Lesson 9: SAE J1939 Protocol Architecture, Message Framing, and 29-Bit Identifiers", "Week 10: Lesson 10: Parameter Group Numbers (PGNs) and Suspect Parameter Numbers (SPNs)", "Week 11: Hands-on Lab: J1939 Network Monitoring, Traffic Capture, and Bus Fault Insertion", "Week 12: Lesson 12: Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Diagnostic Messages, and Fault Tracking", "Week 13: Lesson 13: Intermittent Fault Troubleshooting, Ground Loops, and Noise Suppression", "Week 14: Capstone Service Project: End-to-End Electrical and CAN Bus Fault Diagnosis"]