LIN (Local Interconnect Network) is a low cost serial communication system intended to be used for distributed electronic systems in vehicles, which complements the existing portfolio of automotive multiplex networks (see figure below).
 
LIN is a holistic communication concept for local interconnect networks in vehicles. The specification covers in addition to the definition of the protocol and the physical layer also the definition of interfaces for development tools and application software.
 
LIN enables a cost-effective communication for smart sensors and actuators where the bandwidth and versatility of CAN is not required. The communication is based on the SCI (UART) data format, a single-master/multiple-slave concept, a single-wire 12V bus, and a clock synchronization for nodes without stabilized time base.
 
The LIN consortium has been developed to standardize a concept of a serial low cost communication concept in conjunction with a development environment, that enables the car manufacturers and their suppliers to create, implement, and handle complex hierarchical multiplex systems in a very cost competitive way.
 
The LIN standard reduces the manifold of existing low-end SCI based multiplex solutions and cuts the cost of development, production, service, and logistics in vehicle electronics.