Multiplexed Networks for Embedded Systems: CAN, LIN, FlexRay, Safe-by-Wire...

Preface

Dear reader,

Multiplexed networks such as CAN, LIN and other types are now a mature industrial sector worldwide, and only a few new systems like X-by-Wire are still awaiting the final touches.

Having worked in this field for many years, I felt the need to draw up a report on these newer topics. Very little basic and application-related information and technical training is currently available for engineers, technicians and students. We trust that this book will at least partially make up for this deficiency.

I have waited a long time before taking up my pen again (rather difficult, with a PC!) to write this new volume. This is because many novel products have appeared, accompanied by their inevitable publicity constantly proclaiming that ‘everything is good, everything is fine’. I decided to wait for a while until the dust had cleared and we could begin to see the horizon again; as usual, however, this took some considerable time.

In order not to fall into this trap of exaggerated publicity, let me clarify the situation straight away. At present, the version of LIN known as rev. 2.0 has been stable since the end of September 2003, Safe-by-Wire Plus rev. 2.0 since August 2004 and the final version of FlexRay, rev. 2.1, was officially released in March 2005. After these three births and our sincere congratulations to the happy parents, there is no reason to wait any longer before describing their characteristics.

The aim of this book is therefore to provide the most comprehensive ...