Low cost optical bus solution for automotive applications

The Local Interconnect Network (LIN) bus is used in automotive systems as a non-redundancy required low-cost bus with a low safety integrity level (SIL). Currently LIN is used as a bus for glow plug control units and alternator control units in harsh environment conditions. This paper outlines a possible solution to reduce the electromagnetic interference (EMI) and electrical disturbance in engine bays. In particular optical solutions are helpful. Experimental investigations have been carried out with a test bench for glow plug control units.