LEMON Manuals: Even more car manuals for everyone: 1960-2025
Home >> Lexus >> 2004 >> SC 430 >> Repair and Diagnosis >> External Pages >> Different car >> Section 233 (Multiplex Communication System - Diagnosis) >> System Description
April 5, 2026: LEMON Manuals is launched! Read the announcement.

System Description

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Lexus LS 430. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
  1. Basic of MPX 

    General 

    The LEXUS LS430 multiplex communication uses serial communication, which converts multiple pieces of information into serial communication data. As a result, they can be transmitted through a single communication wire.

    Fig 1: Basic Of MPX Circuit Diagram
    G01444945Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002

    Serial communication data consists of bits and frames. A bit is the basic unit that represent the amount of information. A bit is represented by binary values "0" or "1". A frame is a body of data that is transmitted together. A frame contains a "header" that indicates the beginning of the data and an "end" message that indicates the end of the data.

    Fig 2: Identifying Serial Communication Data Consists Of Bits And Frames
    G01444946Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002

    Network Style 

    Based on serial communication, various ECUs are connected on a network to exchange various pieces of information. Such a system is called a multiplex communication system.

    • The CAN uses the multi star style bus connection. The 3 junction connectors are connected with a main bus line. The junction connector extends a sub bus line and enables communication between all the connected ECUs.
      Fig 3: Network Style ECUs
      G01444947Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
    • The BEAN uses the ring and bus styles of networks to connect ECUs. This style of connection method is called a daisy chain. In a daisy chain, communication can be maintained even if there is an area that has an open circuit.
      Fig 4: Identifying Daisy Chain
      G01444948Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
    • The AVC-LAN uses a star style, which is centered on the multi display or audio head unit.
      Fig 5: Identifying Multi Display Or Audio Head Unit
      G01444949Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002

    Difference of CAN, BEAN and AVC-LAN 

    1. General

    The protocols, which are the rules for establishing data communication, differ between the CAN, BEAN and the AVC-LAN. If ECUs use different types of data such as communication speed, communication wire, and signals, they will be unable to understand each other. Therefore, protocols (rules) must be established among them.

    Fig 6: CAN, BEAN and AVC-LAN Difference Table
    G01444950Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
    1. Communication Wire

    A single, Automobile Vinyl (AV) wire is used for BEAN communication. A twisted-pair wire is used for CAN and AVC-LAN communication.

    Fig 7: Communication Wire Chart
    G01444951Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
    Fig 8: Automobile Vinyl (AV) Wire And Twisted-Pair Wire Single
    G01444952Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
  2. Gateway ECU 

    General 

    The gateway ECU of the LEXUS LS430 has the following functions.

    Fig 9: Functions Chart
    G01444953Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002