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RAMBLINı MAN

by Tom Cantrell

Start ı Little Network ı Mini-Message ı LO BAT ı Caravan ı Sources and PDF

CARAVAN

I canıt be sure how LIN will fare, given the historically somewhat insular, proprietary, and arcane inclinations of automakers. As far as Iım concerned, everyone should use it. At the same time, the worth is as much in the concept (a simple network for simple stuff) as the particulars.

Motorolaıs doing its part with a whole laundry list of LIN solutions (see Figure 4). They run the gamut from higher-end 8- and 16-bit parts (ıHC08s and ı12s) that would work well as a LIN master and CAN gateway, to highly optimized app-specific slave nodes (ıHC05s) that integrate everything, including the LIN transceiver, on-chip.

Figure 4ıFull-fledged support for LIN by Motorola bodes well for the standardıs acceptance. (enlarge)

I also notice that, though not a founding member of the consortium, Microchip has announced that itıs getting on the LIN bandwagon. Microchip announced plans to deliver PICs with built-in LIN transceivers and a LIN protocol developersı kit next year. You can find a good app note for a PIC-based LIN driver on the company web site. LIN, along with the latest announcement of dsPIC (a 16-bit MCU with DSP features) and recent acquisition of TelCom Semiconductor, could be just the ticket to boost Microchipıs automotive biz to the heights they enjoy in other markets.

I donıt know about Ford and GM, but between Motorola and Microchip, youıre talking about a lot of 8-bit micros. Furthermore, thereıs some talk of applying LIN in other light, switch, and motor applications such as refrigerators, washers, dryers, and the like.

Whether itıs your desktop, car, or refrigerator, the name of the game is the same. Let the networking begin.

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