What is LIN Transceiver : Top Manufacturers Companies

A LIN (Local Interconnect Network) transceiver is an automotive communication component that enables reliable data exchange between electronic control units and peripheral devices over a LIN bus. LIN transceivers are widely used in vehicle body electronics, climate control systems, seat controls, lighting systems, and automotive comfort features.

LIN bus offers a simple, cost effective networking solution with the help of LIN transceivers. It converts a microcontroller’s digital signals into the specific voltage levels required by the LIN network and protects the controller. By reducing wiring complexity and overall system cost, LIN transceivers help automakers build efficient, maintainable and scalable network architectures.

LIN Transceiver Selection Guide

1. It should be compliant with LIN version of protocol used in the network such as LIN 2.0, 2.1, 2.2 or SAE J2602.
2. Standalone transceiver or one integrated with other components such as voltage regulator or watchdog timer
3. Protection against high voltage or ESD
4. Power Management features are also considered during its selection.

LIN Transceiver Chip Manufacturers

Manufacturers	Product with Features & part numbers
Microchip Technology	Some of the part numbers are MCP2003B & MCP2004A (standalone LIN transceiver with voltage regulator), ATA663254 & ATA663454 (System Basis Chip), MCP2021A (Bidirectional LIN Transceiver with voltage regulator) etc.
Texas Instruments (TI)	TLIN1021A-Q1, TLIN1441-Q1, TLIN1029-Q1 (Automotive LIN 2.1/2.2/SAE J2602 transceiver), TLIN2029-Q1 (Dual LIN 2.2a and SAE J2602 transceiver) etc.
NXP Semiconductors	TJA1020 : LIN Transceiver, often considered an industry standard, other parts are TJA1021, TJA1027, UJA1132 etc.
Infineon Technologies	TLE9261BQX, TLE7259-3GE, TLE8457B etc.
ON Semiconductor	NCV7321 (Standalone LIN transceiver), NCV7430 (Multi-channel LIN transceiver driver), NCV7329 (LIN+ LDO system in package)

LIN transceiver based modules

• MikroElektronika is well known provider of development tools and add-on boards.
  • MIKROE-46 : Contains TJA1020 LIN transceiver from NXP.
  • MIKROE-1339 : Contains TJA1021 LIN transceiver from NXP.
• SparkFun offers boards and modules for professionals.
  • SPX-16844 : Features TJA1021
• Many of the chip manufacturers themselves offer evaluation boards, modules and kits including LIN transceivers. The companies include Microchip, Texas Instruments, NXP etc.

Summary

A LIN transceiver is an automotive communication device that connects electronic control units over a LIN bus network. Leading manufacturers provide LIN transceivers for vehicle electronics, body control systems, and automotive automation applications.