Understanding the LIN PHY (physical) layer

By Jan Polfliet, Manager Application-Specific Standard Products, and Pavel Drazdil, Application Engineer, AMI Semiconductor
(01/28/08, 12:00:32 PM EST) -- Planet Analog

The Local Interconnection Network (LIN) standard defines a low cost, serial communication network for automotive distributed electronic systems. LIN is a complement to the other automotive multiplex networks, including the Controller Area Network (CAN), but it targets applications that require networks that do not need excessive bandwidth, performance, or extreme fault tolerance.

LIN enables a cost-effective communication network for switches, smart sensors and actuator applications inside a vehicle. The communication protocol is based on the SCI (UART) data format, a single-master/multiple-slave concept, a single-wire (plus ground) 12 V bus, and a clock synchronization for nodes without a precise time base (i.e., without a crystal or resonator).

Typical LIN applications are associated with body-control electronics for occupant comfort, such as assembly units for doors, steering wheel, seats and mirrors, and motors and sensors in climate control, lighting, rain sensors, smart wipers, intelligent alternators and switch panels. With LIN, automotive subsystem designers can connect modules for these applications to the car's network and then have them accessible for a variety of diagnostics and services.

Click here to read more ...