Principles of Operation: Notes

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2013 Lincoln MKX and 2013 Ford Edge. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The High Speed Controller Area Network (HS-CAN) operates at a maximum data transfer speed of 500 Kbps and is designed for real time powertrain information transfer and control. Modules on the HS-CAN communicate using bussed messages. The HS-CAN uses an unshielded twisted pair cable, data bus (+) and data bus (-) circuits. In addition to scan tool communication, the HS-CAN allows sharing of information between all modules on the network.

The Medium Speed Controller Area Network (MS-CAN) operates at a maximum data transfer speed of 125 Kbps for bus messages and is designed for general information transfer. Modules on the MS-CAN communicate using bussed messages. The MS-CAN uses an unshielded twisted pair cable, data bus (+) and data bus (-) circuits. In addition to scan tool communication, the MS-CAN allows sharing of information between all modules on the network.

The Infotainment Controller Area Network (I-CAN) operates at a maximum data transfer speed of 500 Kbps and is designed for real time audio and multimedia information transfer and control. Modules on the I-CAN communicate using bussed messages. The I-CAN uses an unshielded twisted pair cable, data bus (+) and data bus (-) circuits. The I-CAN allows sharing of information between all modules on the network. The I-CAN is connected to the Data Link Connector (DLC), but the I-CAN modules communicate with the scan tool over the HS-CAN. The Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) is used as a gateway module for the messages to transfer between the scan tool and the modules on the I-CAN.