Network definition and communication contracts
Review or define the messages, signals and timing a unit must send and receive, so every participant shares one interpretation.
Focus topic
CAN, LIN & Ethernet Communication Integration
Make control units and devices exchange data the way the network definition says they should, and find out why when they do not.
Embedded network work covers the agreement between communicating units as much as the software that implements it. The scope can be the communication configuration of one unit, the integration of a stack into a platform, or the investigation of a network problem between several participants.
From network definition to verified communication
Communication problems usually trace back to a mismatch between these steps. Highlighted steps are the typical integration scope.
- Network definitionMessages, signals, timing
- Stack configurationPer control unit
- Platform integrationDrivers, scheduling, memory
- Bus communicationCAN, CAN FD, LIN, Ethernet
- Interface testBehaviour against definition
Definition changes flow back into configuration
What the work covers
The agreed assignment determines which activities are included and where the responsibility boundary sits.
Stack configuration and integration
Configure and integrate communication stacks for CAN, CAN FD, LIN or Ethernet where appropriate to the system, in line with the platform baseline.
Gateways and interface boundaries
Clarify how data moves between networks and which unit is responsible for conversion, timing and error handling at the boundary.
Measurement and calibration access
Integrate measurement or calibration communication, including XCP/CCP-style interfaces where the platform and assignment require them.
Interface testing and fault investigation
Test communication behaviour against the definition and isolate faults across configuration, software and wiring.
Typical starting points
A control unit joins an existing network and must match a communication definition it did not shape.
Units communicate on the bench but lose messages or miss timing in the integrated system.
A network definition changes and several units need consistent configuration updates.
Example engineering outputs
Outputs are assignment-dependent and agreed for each engagement.
Communication configuration for the agreed units and networks.
Integrated communication stack within the platform baseline.
Interface specifications and records of agreed behaviour.
Interface test configurations, results and fault findings.
Common questions
Do you also cover diagnostics?
Diagnostic behaviour can be part of the scope. The supported platform and the precise diagnostic scope are established during technical scoping, because they depend on the product and customer requirements.
Can you investigate a problem between units from different suppliers?
Yes, within the access the customer can arrange. Investigation needs the relevant network definition, measurement access and a contact for each affected unit.
Is this limited to vehicles?
No. The same engineering applies to machines and devices that use these networks. For device-to-cloud or upstream connections, MQTT or REST-based interfaces can be part of the scope where relevant.
Part of
Connectivity, Diagnostics & Interfaces
Communication architecture, interface specifications and configuration across embedded devices, networks and upstream systems.
Discuss a communication configuration, stack integration or network fault.
Describe the current state, the interfaces involved and the result you need. Leave confidential technical files out of the first message.