LIN/RS-232 Converter

The LIN/RS-232 Converter allows a personal computer to act as a diagnostic analyzer during development and testing of an automotive ECU (electronic control unit) that supports the LIN communications protocol.

LIN protocol

LIN (Local Interconnect Network) is a low-cost automotive communications network. Automotive electronic control modules (ECUs) that implement LIN communicate with each other over a one-wire data bus.

A consortium including Audi, BMW, DaimlerChrysler, Motorola, Volcano Communications, Volkswagen, and Volvo developed the LIN Protocol Specification.

LIN is intended as a low-cost alternative to CAN. Typically LIN serves as an SAE Class A (low-speed) bus — for sensors and body control modules — interconnecting to a dual-bus ECU that acts as the LIN bus master, and a bridge to the higher-speed CAN network.

LIN can be implemented by low-cost microcontrollers. The hardware required for a slave-mode LIN ECU is a standard SCI (serial communications interface) or UART (universal asynchronous receiver/transmitter). ECUs with low application processing requirements can even handle LIN without an SCI or UART. Data speed is 1,000 to 20,000 bps. The physical layer transceiver is very simple.

With respect to the physical layer, LIN is similar to ISO-9141 and ISO-14230. However these diagnostic protocols are active only when a tester device is connected to the ECU, at the factory or in a service depot. LIN is a protocol for exchanging information between modules when the vehicle is moving down the road.

Operation

The LIN/RS-232 Converter connects to a personal computer over an RS-232 serial link running at the standard PC baud rate of 38,400 bps. It contains a built-in microcontroller that handles the LIN protocol. The LIN baud rate is programmable from 1000 to 20,000 bps. The LIN/RS-232 Converter does baud rate conversion between 38,400 bps to and from the PC, and the selected LIN baud rate.

The PC and the LIN/RS-232 Converter serve as the LIN bus master. This product does not support LIN slave emulation.

PC software

The LIN/RS-232 Converter comes with a PC program that allows you to send and receive LIN messages to and from a compatible LIN slave ECU. While not a complete LIN protocol stack, this PC software greatly eases the task of developing and testing a LIN slave ECU.

Price

The Model 9003 LIN/RS-232 Converter is available for $249.00 each. We accept American Express, Visa, and MasterCard. For information on quantity pricing and on shipping charges to your destination, please send us a product request.

More information

For more information on the LIN/RS-232 Converter, please send us a product request. We will send you a data sheet with pricing, and a copy of the User's Guide.