Integrating multiple components on to a single bus is required for a modern in-vehicular communications. With a high speed single bus serial communication, there is a decrease in the number of wires used and also it increases security and reaction speed. Hence, it is necessary to choose such a communication technology which is suitable for a faster and secure serial communication.
The concept of multiplex communications Smart Wiring System (SWS) has already been introduced in Mitsubishi Motors. This concept was mainly applied to multiplex signals used among body electronic units (such as power windows, steering column switch, speedometers, etc.) and it successfully reduced the number of wires used to collect all the data from different nodes. There is a need for high-speed and higher- reliable communication systems for fault diagnosis and quick reflex actions of the control unit.
CAN, The Controller Area Network is a serial communication protocol which efficiently supports distributed real-time control with a very high level of security. Its domain of application ranges from high speed networks to low cost multiplex wiring. In automotive electronics, engine control units, sensors, anti-skid-systems, etc. are connected using CAN with bit rates up to 1Mbits/s. At the same time it is cost effective to build into vehicle body electronics, e.g. lamp clusters, electric windows, etc. to replace the wiring harness otherwise required.
