LIN (local interconnect network) is a serial bus system especially suited for networking "intelligent" devices as well as sensors and actuators within a sub-system. It is a concept for low cost automotive networks which complements the existing portfolio of automotive multiplex networks. LIN will be the enabling factor for the implementation of a hierarchical vehicle network in order to gain further quality enhancement and cost reduction of vehicles. The standardization will reduce the manifold of existing low-end multiplex solutions and will cut the cost of development, production, service and logistics in vehicle electronics.

The LIN standard includes the specification of the transmission protocol, the transmission medium, the interface between development tools, and the interfaces for software programming. LIN guarantees the interoperability of network nodes from the viewpoint of hardware and software, and a predictable EMC behaviour.

• single master / multiple slave concept
• low cost silicon implementation (based on common UART/SCI interface hardware a µC solution is possible)
• multicast reception with
• self synchronization without quartz or ceramic resonator in the slaves nodes
• guarantee of latency times for signal transmission
• selectable length of message frames
• data checksum security and error detection
• single-wire implementation
• speed up to 20kBaud

LIN provides a cost efficient bus communication (small die size; single chip systems) where the bandwidth and versatility of CAN are not required.