Review on Communication Technologies used in Electric Vehicles

The automotive industry relies on wide range of networking protocols to facilitate effective communication and data exchange within vehicles. Local Interconnect Network (LIN) is a cost-effective protocol commonly utilized for non- critical tasks such as controlling interior lighting and transmitting basic sensor data. Similarly, Control Area Network (CAN) is a widely accepted protocol that enables high-speed real-time networking between electronic control units (ECUs), sensors, and actuators. CANopen is a protocol built after CAN, offers standardized communication profiles and advanced features to seamlessly integrate devices in embedded systems across various industries, including automotive. Time- Triggered CAN (TTCAN) enhances traditional CAN by incorporating time-triggered communication capabilities, ensuring deterministic behavior and predictable response times crucial for safety-critical applications. SAE J1939, which is based on CAN is commonly used in heavy-duty vehicles for standardized communication and diagnostics among different vehicle components. FlexRay, known for its high-speed and deterministic characteristics, is used in safety-critical automotive systems like active suspension and steer-by-wire applications, providing fault tolerance and advanced control functionalities. A comprehensive understanding of these automotive networking protocols is vital for establishing reliable and efficient communication networks that support a wide array of functionalities and safety features in modern vehicles.