How are electrical signals transmitted in a CAN bus system?

In a Controller Area Network (CAN) bus system, electrical signals are transmitted digitally via a twisted pair of wires. This design enhances the system's ability to reduce electromagnetic interference and allows for effective communication between various electronic control units (ECUs) in a vehicle or industrial application.

The twisted pair configuration is critical in maintaining signal integrity and reducing cross-talk between different wires, which can occur when multiple signals are transferred simultaneously. The differential signaling used in the CAN bus protocol ensures that the system is robust against noise, improving reliability in environments where electrical noise is common, such as in automotive applications.

The options involving a single wire connection, relays, and direct current transmission do not align with the operational characteristics of a CAN bus. A single wire would not provide the necessary noise resistance and data integrity, while relays are not utilized for transmitting digital signals in this context. Additionally, direct current transmission lacks the complexity and networking capability required for the multi-node communication that the CAN bus supports.