LIN (Local Interconnect Network) is a serial network protocol characterised by a master-slave architecture and schedule tables. The master regulates bus access and controls communication for up to 16 participants. Slaves only transmit when polled by the master, according to predefined time sequences.
Introduced in 1999 by five automakers under the supervision of the LIN consortium, this bus offers a cost-effective alternative to CAN for sensor and actuator networks in vehicles — including seats, doors, mirrors, and climate control.
The PLIN-API (PEAK LIN Application Programming Interface) allows Windows applications to connect to LIN buses. Developers have access to functions supporting: C++, C#, C++/CLR, C++/MFC, Delphi, VB.Net, and Python 3.x.
Note: The PLIN-API is designed exclusively for PEAK-System PC LIN interfaces.
Features
- API for developing applications with LIN connections
- Windows® DLL for x86, x64 and ARM64 applications
- Several simultaneous applications on the same physical bus
- Easy switching between channels of a PLIN device
- Internal buffering of messages at the software level (system service)
- Message timestamp precision of 1 microsecond
- User data storage capacity (24 bytes max) in the hardware
- Notification via Windows® events when a message is received and when a device is connected/disconnected
- Description of error codes in four languages
System requirements
- Windows® 11 (x64/ARM64), 10 (x86/x64)
- For LIN bus connection: a PEAK-System PC LIN interface
Scope of delivery
- DLLs d'interface (x86/x64/ARM64)
- Examples and header files for all common programming languages
- Documentation in PDF format
- Documentation in HTML format
| Protocol | LIN (Local Interconnect Network) |
|---|---|
| Architecture | Master-Slave |
| Max participants | 16 |
| Timestamp precision | 1 µs |
| User storage | 24 octets |
| Supported languages | ['C++', 'C#', 'C++/CLR', 'C++/MFC', 'Delphi', 'VB.Net', 'Python 3.x'] |
