Sharing | High-Speed Flashing Configuration and Application of TL1011 FastLIN Mode

TOSUN has recently released the TL1011 device, which not only supports LIN 2.2 protocol for LIN communication and simulation but also features FastLIN mode, supporting baud rates up to 200 Kbps. FastLIN significantly enhances LIN flashing speed and expands application scenarios. The TL1011, in combination with the powerful TSMaster software, supports LDF database loading for easy monitoring, analysis, and simulation of LIN bus data. It also enables UDS diagnostics and high-speed ECU flashing. This article will cover the high-speed flashing configuration and application of TL1011’s FastLIN mode.

Keywords:TL1011, FastLIN, High-Speed LIN Communication, LIN Flashing

Technical background

The LIN (Local Interconnect Network) communication standard was defined in 2010 (LIN 2.2A, LIN Consortium) and later included in the ISO 17987 standard, officially published in 2016. LIN is a low-speed serial communication protocol designed to meet the automotive industry's need for low-cost, low-speed networks, particularly in body electronics such as windows, mirrors, headlights, and air conditioning controls.

In recent years, automotive ambient lighting systems have increasingly adopted LIN communication. Given the large number of nodes in a single vehicle, OEMs and suppliers demand higher flashing speeds for ambient light controllers. To address this, some ambient lighting systems employ LIN controllers that support high-speed FastLIN mode, reaching baud rates of up to 200 Kbps. FastLIN enables significantly faster and more efficient LIN flashing operations.

In response to this industry need, TL1011 was developed to support FastLIN mode with baud rates up to 200 Kbps. FastLIN dramatically improves LIN ECU flashing speeds, optimizing production processes and making it ideal for high-speed communication and flashing scenarios.

TL1011 FastLIN Mode High-Speed Flashing Configuration and Waveform Analysis

To explore the high-performance communication capabilities of TL1011 in FastLIN mode, we use two TL1011 devices to simulate a LIN master node and a LIN slave node, conducting communication tests. The following steps guide you through the hardware configuration and analysis using an oscilloscope for waveform observation.

2.1 FastLIN Engineering Configuration and Transmission

The first step involves connecting two TL1011 devices to a computer and launching the TSMaster software. Within the Hardware menu, navigate to Channel Selection and set up two LIN channels, assigning each channel to a respective TL1011 device.

Next, in the Bus Hardware section, configure the bitrate for LIN1. The baud rate parameter can be manually set to 200 Kbps by selecting the value field and entering the desired rate using a keyboard. After adjusting the necessary protocol settings, clicking Apply completes the configuration, ensuring that communication operates at the specified speed.

Similarly, LIN2 can be set to operate at 200 Kbps, mirroring the configuration of LIN1.

After setting up the baud rate, two LIN transmission windows are created: LIN Transmission #1 operates in master node mode, defining the schedule table ID, channel assignment, transmission direction, and data length. Meanwhile, LIN Transmission #2 runs in slave mode, where the master mode function is disabled. The slave node ID, channel, direction, length, and data content are configured accordingly before execution.

Once both LIN channels are running, message exchanges between LIN1 and LIN2 can be observed in the LIN message window, verifying the correctness of transmission.

2.2 Observing FastLIN Waveforms via Oscilloscope

To further analyze the behavior of FastLIN communication, a Picoscope oscilloscope is used to capture waveform characteristics. The oscilloscope’s Channel A probe is connected to the LIN bus, while the ground probe is attached to the LIN ground. Serial decoding is enabled, with the baud rate manually set to 200 Kbps.

The oscilloscope waveform reveals that the synchronization byte 0x55 has a bit time measurement of 5.015 microseconds, translating to an actual baud rate of 199.4 Kbps, which falls within the acceptable jitter range. The waveform appears stable and structured, and serial decoding confirms accurate parsing of all LIN message IDs.

For further analysis, the experiment is repeated with the baud rate adjusted to 150 Kbps. Under identical testing conditions, the sync byte bit time measures 6.664 microseconds, corresponding to an actual baud rate of 150.1 Kbps, which also remains within tolerance limits. This demonstrates the adaptability and robustness of FastLIN mode across different speeds.

High-Speed Flashing with TL1011 and FastLIN Mode

The diagnostic flashing functionality in TSMaster supports a range of communication protocols, including LIN, CAN, CAN FD, and DOIP, using the Unified Diagnostic Services (UDS) protocol. When combined with TL1011’s FastLIN mode, UDS-based flash bootloader operations can be significantly accelerated, making it an ideal solution for programming FastLIN-compatible LIN controllers.

3.1 Hardware Configuration for FastLIN Mode

Configuring FastLIN mode primarily involves setting a higher baud rate. For instance, when operating at 200 Kbps, the parameter is set accordingly in TSMaster’s interface.

3.2 LIN Diagnostic Transport Layer

In TSMaster’s Basic Diagnostic Module, selecting LIN as the bus type automatically enables FastLIN mode. Additionally, the NAD (Node Addressing) parameter for the LIN controller can be defined to facilitate communication.

3.3 Diagnostic Service Layer Timing and Seed-Key Authentication

At the diagnostic service layer, the request and response timing parameters for UDS services (e.g., 0x3C request, 0x3D response) can be manually adjusted, including response retry limits.

For seed-key authentication, TSMaster offers two processing methods: (1) loading an external DLL dynamic library (compatible with WIN32 and DotNET architectures), or (2) using the built-in SeedKey interpreter, which allows direct scripting of authentication algorithms and exporting them as DLL files for use in secure communication processes.

3.4 Diagnostic Service Configuration and File Transfer

In the Basic Diagnostic Configuration, service commands are created based on diagnostic function requirements. Each service request and response parameter is configured accordingly.

For file transfers, the File Download Combination Service enables automatic generation of 0x34, 0x36, and 0x37 service commands based on the loaded firmware data file. The system supports various formats, including HEX, BIN, S19, and VBF, and offers features such as checksum verification, memory erase strategies, segmented downloads, address offsets, and file integrity checks.

3.5 Automating High-Speed Flashing with FastLIN

In the Automated Diagnostic Workflow, pre-configured diagnostic service steps are assembled into a complete FastLIN UDS flashing sequence. With a single button press, the entire flashing process can be executed, with an option to repeat the operation multiple times for verification.

During actual LIN or FastLIN flashing scenarios, precise timing adjustments may be required. TSMaster allows users to customize transmission intervals and response timeouts, optimizing the process for different LIN controllers and ensuring a smooth flashing experience.

Abbreviations

Tip:
1. Software download:
Click on the software download link below to download and install directly, beta version is recommended:

2. Software upgrades:
You can check for upgrades to the latest version within the software, provided that your computer has an Internet connection.

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