Geotab IOX-CAN: What It Does, Specs and Uses

What Is the IOX-CAN?

The IOX-CAN is an IOX expansion module that gives third-party hardware a CAN connection to a Geotab GO device. Partners and customers send their data over a private CAN link using Geotab's standard third-party Add-On Protocol, and the GO device forwards it to MyGeotab. There is no handshake step; correctly formatted messages are processed and sent.

It is easy to assume a CAN module reads the truck's own network. It does not. Geotab states the IOX-CAN is not suitable for direct connection to an engine bus and must not be connected to a vehicle's internal network. Its job is to collect data from add-on systems so a fleet can see that data in one place.

The IOX-CAN as a schematic: the module, its short lead, and the 6-pin face with the CAN pair, ground, power out and the two pins that take the termination jumper.

What Does the IOX-CAN Do?

Third-party CAN input. Accepts data from partner devices at 250 or 500 kbps and auto-detects the rate once a message arrives.
Powers the partner device. A power output on the 6-pin connector can supply up to 1 A to the third-party hardware.
Selectable termination. Jumpering two pins enables an internal 120 ohm terminating resistor when the connected system is not already terminated.
Data for rules and reports. Data collected through the module can be used to build rules and reports in MyGeotab.
Reefer temperature logging. With Valor TempTrac, a GO device parameter logs refrigerated unit temperature every five minutes.

What Do Fleets Use the IOX-CAN For?

Refrigerated transport. Food and pharmaceutical carriers using Valor TempTrac can log reefer temperatures in MyGeotab alongside location, which helps answer questions about a load after delivery.
Tire pressure monitoring. Valor TPMS data can flow into the same platform, so low pressure alerts can sit next to vehicle and trip data.
Driver distraction systems. Geotab lists Mobileye and MOVON integrations through the IOX-CAN, bringing collision and distraction warnings into fleet reporting.
Custom partner hardware. Companies building their own sensors can integrate them through the third-party protocol without designing a cellular link.
Growing systems over time. Because IOX modules daisy chain, a fleet can add a CAN integration later without replacing the GO device.

The IOX-CAN only bridges partner hardware, such as a reefer temperature unit, to the GO device; it never ties into the truck's own CAN network.

What Are the IOX-CAN's Key Specifications?

Spec	Detail
Third-party CAN rate	250 or 500 kbps, auto-detected
Internal CAN	500 kbps for daisy chaining
Third-party connector	Molex 6-pin, 43020-0601
Pinout	1 yellow CAN+, 2 blue CAN-, 3 black ground, 4 grey and 5 white termination jumper, 6 red power out
Termination	Internal 120 Ω, enabled by jumpering pins 4 and 5
Power output limit	1 A to the third-party device
Input voltage	12 V / 24 V nominal
Current draw	40 mA typical, 100 mA maximum operating; 0.4 mA sleep
Overall length	580 mm
Weight	46 g
Operating temperature	-40 °C to +85 °C
Compatibility	GO7 and newer; ProPlus plan

What Should Installers Know About the IOX-CAN?

The most important rule is the one Geotab repeats: the 6-pin connector goes to the third-party device, never to the vehicle's own CAN network or diagnostic lines. The termination jumper is only fitted if the partner system is not terminated already; doubling up termination on a short bus can cause communication problems. At 580 mm, this module has a shorter lead than most IOX parts, so the partner device or its harness needs to reach close to the GO device. Geotab's install order is to connect the third-party device to the IOX-CAN, then plug the 90 degree connector into the unplugged GO device, then power up. The bus rate is not set until at least one message arrives, so the partner device must be live during testing. Only the last module in the chain keeps its termination shunt, and Geotab requires a certified or equally qualified installer.

Who Is the IOX-CAN Right For, and Who Should Choose Something Else?

The IOX-CAN fits fleets that have, or plan to buy, a supported CAN-based partner system such as reefer temperature, tire pressure or driver distraction hardware, on ProPlus plans. It is not a tool for reading engine data; the GO device already does that from the diagnostic port. Serial equipment such as scales belongs on the IOX-RS232, and simple on and off equipment belongs on the IOX-AUXM.

What Are Common Questions About the IOX-CAN?

Can it read our trailer's or body builder's CAN network?

Not directly. The module expects data in Geotab's third-party Add-On Protocol, and Geotab says it must not be connected to a vehicle's internal network.

Which reefer systems does it support?

Geotab documents Valor TempTrac, with a GO device parameter that logs temperature every five minutes on supported firmware. Other systems would need to use the third-party protocol.

Do we need the termination jumper?

Only if the connected partner system is not already terminated. We check that before wiring, and we can supply and install the module with the partner hardware.

For fleets adding reefer, tire pressure or distraction hardware, API Signal supplies the IOX-CAN and installs it at your yard alongside the partner system. Our number is 803-513-1009, and Get a Quote is the quickest way to start.

Sources: Geotab IOX-CAN support document; Geotab Marketplace IOX-CAN listing; Geotab guide to IOX add-ons. GEOTAB is a registered trademark of Geotab Inc. API Signal is an independent installer and is not Geotab.

Every Geotab Product →Trackers, cameras, asset trackers and IOX add-ons. Get a Quote →The IOX-CAN supplied and installed on one written quote.

Geotab IOX-CAN