Communications Network: Notes

Vehicle communication utilizes both medium and high speed controller area network (CAN) communications. CAN is used for many modules to communicate with each other on a common network. CAN in-vehicle networking is a method for transferring data among distributed electronic modules using a serial data bus. Without serial networking, intermodule communication requires dedicated, point to point wiring resulting in bulky, expensive, complex, and difficult to install wiring harnesses. Applying a serial data network reduces the number of wires, thereby combining the signals on a single network. Information is sent to the individual control modules that control each function.

The vehicle has 2 module communication networks:

• Medium speed (MS) CAN
• High speed (HS) CAN

Both networks are connected to the data link connector (DLC), located under the dash. This makes diagnosis and testing of these systems easier by allowing one scan tool to be able to diagnose and control any module on both networks from one connector. The DLC can be found under the instrument panel between the steering column and the audio control module (ACM).

Fig 1: Network Topology

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.