ABSTRACT
Local interconnect network (LIN) defines a straightforward design methodology and provides definition of tool interfaces and a signal-based application programming interface (API) in a single package. The LIN Consortium started in late 1998 initiated by five car manufacturers Audi, BMW, DaimlerChrysler, Volvo, and Volkswagen, the tool manufacturer Volcano Communications Technologies (VCT), and the semiconductor manufacturer Motorola. The LIN description file (LDF) can be one component used to generate software for an ECU, which shall be part of the LIN network. Debugging and node emulation are based on the LDF produced during system definition. The Automotive Open System ARchitecture (AUTOSAR) standard partially covers the LIN protocol, covering the master node only. The slave node is not addressed based on the argument that LIN slave nodes do not make use of the AUTOSAR platform. LIN Spector is a highly flexible analysis and emulation tool used for testing and validation of LIN networks.
