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LIN, CAN and FlexRay: Which Protocol to Choose? | STAR ELECTRONICS

LIN, CAN and FlexRay: Which Protocol to Choose for Your Automotive Network Architecture?
Introduction

When designing a modern vehicle’s network architecture, one of the first and most critical decisions is choosing the right communication protocol. Should you use LIN, CAN, or FlexRay? Each protocol has its strengths, trade-offs, and ideal use cases.

In this article, we compare these protocols based on speed, cost, topology, determinism, complexity, and integration potential. Whether you’re working on a new vehicle platform or updating a specific ECU, this guide will help you make a well-informed, technically sound decision.

Quick Comparison Table

Feature

LIN

CAN (Classic/CAN FD)

FlexRay

Max speed

~20 kbps

1 Mbps / 5 Mbps

10 Mbps

Cost per node

Very low

Medium

High

Complexity

Low (SW-based)

Medium (HW + SW stack)

High (time-triggered)

Topology

Master/Slave (1 wire)

Multi-master (2-wire)

Dual-channel sync

Use case examples

Mirrors, sensors

Powertrain, infotainment

Chassis, ADAS

Determinism

High (fixed schedule)

Medium (priority-based)

Very high (global time)

Protocol standard

ISO 17987

ISO 11898

ISO 17458

When to use LIN

Use LIN when:

  • You need to connect simple, low-cost devices (e.g. seat motors, sensors, ambient lighting)

  • Speed and latency are not critical

  • You want a lightweight software implementation without a dedicated controller

  • You have limited I/O pins or want to reduce cabling

Limitations: LIN is not suitable for safety-critical or real-time systems.

STAR ELECTRONICS offers LIN transceivers, analyzers, and breakout boards for rapid prototyping and system validation.
Explore LIN tools

When to use CAN

Use CAN when:

  • You need a balance between performance, cost, and flexibility

  • The system requires multi-master access and real-time capability

  • Applications include engine control units, ABS, body control modules, etc.

Strengths: Mature ecosystem, extensive support, widely adopted by automotive OEMs.

Consider using STAR’s CAN-to-LIN gateways if you’re integrating legacy LIN devices into a CAN backbone.
See LIN2CAN gateway

When to use FlexRay

Use FlexRay when:

  • You’re working on time-critical systems (e.g. X-by-wire, chassis control)

  • You require fault tolerance and high determinism

  • Speed and synchronization matter more than cost

Challenges: High implementation complexity, demanding hardware requirements, and declining adoption in favor of Automotive Ethernet.

STAR ELECTRONICS supports FlexRay simulation and analysis tools on demand for high-end projects.
Contact us

Architecture Tip: Use a Hybrid Approach

In real-world applications, these protocols often coexist:

  • CAN backbone handles critical ECU communication

  • LIN subnets control peripheral nodes via gateways

  • FlexRay or Ethernet connects time-sensitive components in ADAS or chassis domains

Conclusion

There is no single protocol that fits all. The best choice depends on your system’s performance, cost, reliability, and safety requirements. By understanding the characteristics of LIN, CAN, and FlexRay, you can design an architecture that is efficient, scalable, and robust.

Need help planning your vehicle network design?
STAR ELECTRONICS engineers can help you select the right tools, interfaces, and protocol integration strategy.
Request a consultation

Glossary

Term

Definition

LIN (Local Interconnect Network)

Low-cost serial protocol for simple automotive functions

CAN (Controller Area Network)

Robust multi-master protocol for real-time automotive communication

FlexRay

High-speed, time-triggered protocol for safety-critical systems

ECU (Electronic Control Unit)

Embedded system controlling vehicle functions

Baud rate

Transmission speed measured in bits per second

ISO 17987 / 11898 / 17458

International standards defining LIN, CAN, and FlexRay protocols

Schedule Table

Predefined timing structure used in LIN and FlexRay communication

Multi-master

Network topology where multiple nodes can initiate communication

Restbus Simulation

Simulation of missing or inactive ECUs in a network

Gateway

Device that connects different communication protocols (e.g. LIN to CAN)

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