Local subsystems

LIN is the abbreviation for Local Interconnect Network. This signifies that all the participating control units are found within a limited area. The LIN bus is used as a secondary sub-bus. As such it is secondary to other bus systems, such as the CAN bus. The communication between two such bus systems is realised using a control unit which is connected to both bus systems and acts as a Gateway. Up to 16 additional LIN devices can be connected to such a control unit. This way it assumes a control function within the LIN subsystem and therefore is called a "Master".

The LIN bus uses only a single wire as a bus line. This makes it necessary for all bus devices to be connected to the same vehicle ground. The bus line's base colour is violet and in usage has an additional system dependent characteristic colour. It has a diameter of 0.35 mm2 and is not shielded.

Since the LIN bus is only used as a secondary sub-bus, it only needs a relatively low transmission rate (up to 20 kbits/s). It is economical and reliable, so that it is certain to replace parts of other bus systems.