1. Introduction
The LILYGO T-2CAN is a development board based on the ESP32-S3 microcontroller, designed for applications requiring robust CAN bus communication. It features two independent CAN bus interfaces, managed by the MCP2515 CAN controller, and supports an SPI interface for versatile connectivity. This manual provides essential information for setting up, operating, and understanding the specifications of your T-2CAN development board.
2. Key Features
- Microcontroller: ESP32-S3 with 16MB Flash and 8MB PSRAM.
- Wireless Connectivity: Integrated 2.4G Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g/n) and BLE 5.
- CAN Bus Support: Two independent CAN bus interfaces.
- CAN Controller: Utilizes the MCP2515 standalone CAN controller, implementing CAN V2.0B at up to 1 Mb/s.
- SPI Interface: Dedicated SPI pins for communication.
- Power Input: Flexible power options via USB Type-C (5V, 500mA) or DC 12-24V terminal.
- Development Platforms: Compatible with Arduino IDE and VS Code.
- Onboard Functions: BOOT and Reset buttons for easy programming and control.
- Dimensions: Compact design measuring 91mm (L) x 39mm (W) x 18mm (H).
3. Package Contents
Verify that all items are present in your package:
- 1 x LILYGO T-2CAN Development Board
- 1 x Antenna

Image: The LILYGO T-2CAN Development Board and its included antenna, illustrating the typical package contents.
4. Hardware Overview
The T-2CAN board integrates various components for its functionality. Familiarize yourself with the layout and pin assignments.
4.1 Board Layout

Image: Top view of the LILYGO T-2CAN Development Board, showing the ESP32-S3 module, CAN transceivers, and power input terminals.

Image: Bottom view of the LILYGO T-2CAN Development Board, displaying the various pin labels for GPIO, CAN, and power connections.
4.2 Component Identification

Image: Detailed diagram highlighting key components such as the ESP32-S3 module, USB Type-C port, DC power input, and dual CAN bus interfaces.
4.3 Pinout Diagram
The following diagram illustrates the pin assignments for the LILYGO T-2CAN board, including GPIOs, power, and communication interfaces.

Image: Pinout diagram for the LILYGO T-2CAN, showing connections for Type-C, QWIIC, DC 12-24V, CAN A/B, GPIOs, and SPI pins.
5. Setup
5.1 Powering the Board
- USB Type-C: Connect a standard USB Type-C cable to the board and a 5V power source (e.g., computer USB port, USB charger). This also enables data communication for programming and debugging.
- DC Power Input: For external power, connect a DC power supply (12-24V) to the screw terminals labeled 'DC 12-24V'. Ensure correct polarity.
5.2 Connecting the Antenna
Attach the included antenna to the IPEX1 connector on the board for optimal Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) performance.
5.3 Software Setup
- Install Development Environment: Install Arduino IDE or VS Code with the ESP-IDF extension.
- Install ESP32-S3 Board Support: Follow the instructions for your chosen IDE to add ESP32-S3 board support.
- Obtain Libraries/Examples: Visit the official LILYGO GitHub repository for the T-2CAN board (github.com/Xinyuan-LilyGO/T-2Can) to download necessary libraries, drivers, and example code.
- Connect to PC: Connect the T-2CAN board to your computer using a USB Type-C cable. The board should be recognized as a serial port.
6. Operating Instructions
6.1 Programming the Board
After setting up your development environment, you can upload your code to the T-2CAN board:
- Open your project in Arduino IDE or VS Code.
- Select the correct ESP32-S3 board variant and the serial port corresponding to your T-2CAN board.
- Click the 'Upload' button to compile and flash your code to the board.
- Use the onboard BOOT and Reset buttons as needed for entering programming mode or restarting the board.
6.2 CAN Bus Communication
The T-2CAN board provides two independent CAN bus interfaces (CAN A and CAN B). Connect your CAN devices to the respective screw terminals (CANH, CANL, DGND) for each bus. Refer to the pinout diagram for exact connections. Utilize the MCP2515 libraries from the GitHub repository to implement CAN communication in your code.
6.3 Wireless Functionality
The ESP32-S3 supports 2.4G Wi-Fi and BLE 5. Use standard ESP-IDF or Arduino libraries to develop applications utilizing these wireless capabilities, such as connecting to Wi-Fi networks or establishing BLE connections with other devices.
7. Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Microcontroller | ESP32-S3 |
| Flash Memory | 16MB |
| PSRAM | 8MB |
| Wireless Connectivity | 2.4G Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g/n), BLE 5 |
| CAN Controller | MCP2515 (CAN V2.0B, up to 1 Mb/s) |
| CAN Bus Interfaces | 2 (CAN A, CAN B) |
| Other Interfaces | SPI, QWIIC |
| Power Input | USB Type-C (5V, 500mA), DC 12-24V |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 91mm x 39mm x 18mm |
| Developable Platforms | Arduino IDE, VS Code |

Image: Angled view of the LILYGO T-2CAN Development Board, illustrating its physical dimensions: Length (L) 91mm, Width (W) 39mm, Height (H) 18mm.
8. Troubleshooting
- Board Not Powering On: Ensure the USB Type-C cable is securely connected to a 5V power source or that the DC 12-24V input has correct voltage and polarity.
- Board Not Detected by PC: Verify the USB Type-C cable is functional and properly connected. Install necessary USB drivers if prompted by your operating system.
- Upload Errors: Check that the correct board and serial port are selected in your IDE. Ensure all required libraries are installed. Try pressing the BOOT button while connecting USB or during upload if issues persist.
- CAN Communication Issues: Double-check CANH/CANL connections and ensure proper termination resistors are used in your CAN network. Verify baud rates and message IDs in your code match the connected devices.
- Wi-Fi/BLE Connectivity Problems: Ensure the antenna is securely attached. Verify network credentials and BLE service UUIDs in your code.
9. Support and Warranty
For technical support, additional resources, or to report issues, please refer to the official LILYGO GitHub repository for the T-2CAN board: github.com/Xinyuan-LilyGO/T-2Can. This repository often contains updated documentation, code examples, and community forums. For warranty information, please consult your point of purchase or the LILYGO official website.
Manufacturer Contact Information: shenzhenshixinyuandianzikejiyouxiangongsi Bantian, Gangtou Community, No. 2000 Jiaxian Road, Yousuowei Building, Room A803, Shenzhen, longgang, Guangdong, 518000 CN