LIN Bus
There are several types of networks in cars. The best known, and mostly used is probably CAN (Controller Area network);
these networks are designed to allow microcontrollers and devices to communicate with each other in applications without
a host computer. LIN (Local Interconnect Network) is a serial network protocol used for communication between components
in vehicles. LIN is a lower cost version of CAN, allowing data to be transmitted over a single line.
It is typically used for non-safety critical applications, such as (light) sensors, seat positioning motors or even cruise control.
As it is connected to the car battery, the supply range is broadly defined (7V-18V).
The PHY should be designed to drive a variable load, depending on the number of slaves on the LIN bus.
Additionally, the robustness requirements are quite severe; for example, the IC should survive loss of ground or loss of battery,
pass high ESD levels and have a well thought out EMC design.
Sofics' LIN transceiver PHY combines all these elements.
- Sofics' LIN PHY with built-in on-chip robustness against a myriad of automotive disturbances
Basic Offer
The basic offer contains all circuitry to ensure safe handling of all disturbances at the bus:
- Fully functional driver/receiver according to ISO 17987-4
- Including slope control for EMC compatibility
- Robust for ESD/EMC according to IEC 62228-2
- ESD protection
Sofics LIN transciever PHY is currenlty designed in TSMC 0.25um BCD GEN II.
The design can be ported to other technologies.
- Including slope control for EMC compatibility
Adaptable design
Though the LIN specifications are fixed, some options can be added.
For example, for functionality, options for mode control include:
- Remote/local wake-up
- INH-pin
- TX dominant time-out
- Basic mode control selection pins
- Sleep/stand-by/active mode
- Slope control options
- High speed v/s low emission (beyond ISO 17987-4)
- Compatible with LIN Fast mode (typically for programming)
- Sleep/stand-by/active mode
- Slope control options
- High speed v/s low emission (beyond ISO 17987-4)
- Compatible with LIN Fast mode (typically for programming)