Network

Design and Function

General

Increasing demands on functionality have made the electrical system in vehicles increasingly complex. By using a network with serial communications between the different control modules several functions can be controlled and monitored using fewer cables.

Example of networks using serial communications are CAN and LIN.

LIN is an acronym for Local Interconnect Network and has been jointly developed as a common standard by a number of different automotive manufacturers.

The concept involves the exchange of information, via serial communications with a single wire, between control modules where the same performance as provided by a CAN network is not needed.

LIN is usually used as a communications line between control modules on the CAN network and minor nodes, such as regulators and advanced sensors.

The number of control modules that communicate via LIN is dependent on the vehicle model and the level of equipment.

The difference between CAN and LIN is that the CAN network is routed throughout the entire vehicle. Whereas LIN is usually used in smaller separate networks where the transfer speed and performance is not so highly prioritised. See the wiring diagram for the vehicle model in question for topographical differences between LIN and CAN.

Advantages of a network

Instead of using a single wire for each function, serial communications over a network make it possible for hundreds of signals and functions to be activated, controlled or read via the same wire.

Using a network it is even easier to adapt the system to customers and markets.

In relation to the number of functions and connected components the length of the wiring is short and the electrical system is more service friendly when based on a network instead of direct connection.