Multi-channel LIN Analysis with Kvaser PCIe 4xLIN and CanKing

LIN remains the network of choice for many cost-sensitive automotive applications. While individual LIN networks are relatively straightforward, modern systems often contain numerous LIN clusters interacting with CAN, CAN FD and other networks. As a result, engineers are increasingly faced with the challenge of monitoring, troubleshooting and validating communication across multiple LIN networks at the same time.

To address this need, Kvaser has expanded its LIN offering with the new Kvaser PCIe 4xLIN and LIN support in Kvaser CanKing, creating new possibilities for multichannel LIN analysis in vehicles, laboratories and industrial test environments. CanKing 7.1 introduced LIN support, enabling engineers to monitor and analyze LIN traffic, configure LIN master nodes using LDF-based schedule tables, and work seamlessly with Kvaser’s CAN, LIN, and Hybrid interfaces.

Tobias Stalfors, Chief Technology Officer of Kvaser says;

“Many engineers work with both CAN and LIN networks as part of the same system. By combining the PCIe 4xLIN with LIN support in CanKing, we’re making it easier to connect to multiple LIN channels, monitor communication and investigate network behaviour using familiar Kvaser tools.”

Flexible analysis with CanKing
(LIN support from CanKing 7.1)

• LIN traffic monitoring and analysis
• LIN master scheduling via LDF files
• CAN and LIN support in one tool
• Command-line interface for automation
• Ideal for development and production testing
• Compatible with Kvaser CAN and LIN hardware

Built for multichannel LIN applications

• Four independent LIN channels
• PCI Express integration for host PCs and test systems
• Low-latency, high-stability operation
• Ideal for HIL, test benches and manufacturing
• Per-channel galvanic isolation
• TimeSync support for synchronized LIN and CAN networks

Example Use Cases

Testing multiple vehicle subsystems simultaneously
A body electronics validation team may need to evaluate communications across mirror controllers, interior lighting modules, seat electronics and/or HVAC actuators, each connected through separate LIN segments. Instead of switching between networks, engineers can use the Kvaser PCIe 4xLIN to access multiple buses simultaneously from a single workstation. Combined with CanKing, the PCIe 4xLIN gives engineers a practical way to monitor traffic, review communication behaviour and investigate issues across several LIN clusters at once.

Supporting demanding HIL environments
In HIL environments, the PCIe 4xLIN provides four deterministic LIN channels directly through the host PC. Engineers can validate LIN schedules, analyse wake-sleep behaviour, inject faults and correlate LIN activity with CAN and other network events. High-precision timestamps allow correlation with other Kvaser CAN and LIN interfaces in the same system, or with external PPS (pulse per second) signals across multiple systems and networks, including FlexRay and Automotive Ethernet.

Enabling scalable production testing
LIN is widely used in manufacturing environments, where multiple devices may need to be tested in parallel. By installing one or more PCIe 4xLIN cards, manufacturers can create scalable automated test systems that communicate with multiple devices simultaneously, helping streamline production and improve test efficiency. ‘Headless’ CANKing allows multiple test-stations to be controlled centrally and easily via CLI and Python scripts xLIN.

Getting started with LIN
Engineers looking to monitor and analyze LIN traffic can start with Kvaser CanKing, which provides traffic monitoring, message transmission, logging and LIN master functionality. When access to both CAN and LIN networks is required, Kvaser Hybrid CAN/LIN interfaces offer a convenient way to work across both protocols from a single device. For applications involving multiple LIN clusters, the Kvaser PCIe 4xLIN provides four independent LIN channels for simultaneous testing and analysis.

Together, these tools provide a practical platform for developing, validating and troubleshooting LIN-based systems.