Advantages of K-line protocol | Disadvantages of K-line protocol
This page covers advantages and disadvantages of K-line protocol and its basics. It mentions benefits or advantages of K-line protocol and drawbacks or disadvantages of K-line protocol.
Introduction : K-line is one of the series of protocols used in automotive domain for communication between devices. K-Line stands for K-Line Local Interconnect Network. The other more advanced communication interfaces used in automotive domain include CAN, Ethernet, FlexRay, LIN, MOST etc.
What is K-line protocol ?
K-Line is a serial communication protocol which is used in automobile or car to allow various systems or ECUs (Electronic Control Units) to communicate with one another via single line of communication. The ECUs can be Engine Control Unit (ECU), Transmission Control Unit (TCU), Airbag Control Unit (ACU), Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), Body Control Unit (BCU), Instrument Cluster, Immobilizer Unit, Steering Control Unit etc. The specifications of K-line protocol are defined in ISO9141 (part-2) and ISO14230 (4 parts).
The features of K-line bus protocol are as follows.
• Single wire to transmit data
• Half duplex communication (one device at a time)
• Multiple devices can connect with single line
• Error detection mechanism (such as checksum)
• Diagnostic capabilities
• Relatively robust and reliable
• Single master architecture
• Cost effective implementation
The K-line protocol uses standard format frame to transmit data between devices or ECUs. The K-line frame consists of start bit, data bits, parity bit and stop bit. The K-line protocol specifies time intervals to be used between start bit, data bits, parity bit and stop bit. The common speeds used in automotive domain for communication are 9600 or 10400 baud. The K-line commonly use 10.4 kbps for communication.
Benefits or advantages of K-line protocol
Following are the benefits or advantages of K-line protocol:
➨It is very simple and easy to implement by engineers.
➨It is robust and reliable and hence used widely in automotive industry.
➨It supports diagnostic functions which allows shops and technicians to repair the issues more efficiently.
➨Many olders vehicles are equipped with K-line interface and is being used by many car manufacturers.
This compatibility allows diagnostic tools to communicate with vehicles's ECUs.
➨It supports relatively low transmission speed which is suitable for basic diagnistic functions.
This slow speed does not require high bandwidth communication.
➨It is very cost effective implementation for automotive industry due to its single wire communication.
Drawbacks or disadvantages of K-line protocol
Following are the drawbacks or disadvantages of K-line protocol:
➨It supports relatively low data transfer rates which is not suitable for more complex and data intensive applications.
➨It supports half duplex communication which makes it to be used by one device at a time.
➨It supports limited number of nodes.
➨It supports limited functionalities and lacks in advanced features and capabilities.