RFK-Line Protocol Frame and Testing Tools
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This article discusses the K-Line protocol frame format and commonly used K-Line protocol testing tools.
Introduction to K-Line Protocol
The K-Line protocol is a common method used for communication with various Electronic Control Units (ECUs) in automotive systems. It’s employed for both communication and diagnostics, functioning as a single-wire, half-duplex interface.
Here’s a breakdown of its key characteristics:
- Usage: Automotive systems (especially older vehicles and OBD systems)
- Type: Single-wire, half-duplex interface
- Data Rate: Relatively slow
- Strengths: Robust and reliable
K-Line Protocol Test Tools
The following table outlines common K-Line protocol testing tools and their features:
| K-line Tools | Features |
|---|---|
| OBD-II scan tools | These tools can read and clear fault codes, perform live data monitoring, and execute various diagnostic functions. Examples include: BlueDriver OBD2 Scan Tool, FIXD OBD-II Scanner, Autel AutoLink AL519, Innova 3150RS OBD2 Scanner, Actron CP9690 Elite AutoScanner Kit etc. |
| K-line Interface Modules | These modules facilitate communication with K-Line equipped ECUs, acting as a bridge between the K-Line bus and a diagnostic tool (or computer). They enable monitoring and control of ECUs. Examples include: ScanTool OBDLink SX, HEX-V2 VAG COM Cable, BIMMERCODE, MPPS V21 etc. |
| K-line Breakout Boxes | They provide a convenient way to tap into K-Line communication and monitor signals. Some boxes include LEDs or indicators to display activity on the K-Line bus. Examples include: G-scan KDS K-Line Breakout Box, AEZ Flasher K-Line Breakout Box, Bosch MTS 6513 K-Line Breakout Box etc. |
| Oscilloscopes and Logic Analyzers | They are used to monitor and analyze K-Line signals, providing insights into voltage levels, timing, and waveform characteristics. Examples include: Bosch MTS 6513 K-Line Breakout Box, Tektronix Mixed Signal Oscilloscopes, Keysight InfiniiVision Oscilloscopes, Saleae Logic Pro 16 logic analyzer etc. |
| Other test tools from various manufacturers | CarDAQ-Plus 3 from Drew Technologies, Autohex II from HexProg, Autel MaxiSys Elite from Autel Intelligent Technology Corp. Ltd, Bosch KTS series such as KTS 560, KTS 590 from Robert Bosch GmbH etc. |
K-Line Protocol Frame Format
The K-Line protocol uses a specific frame format to enable communication between devices or ECUs. It employs NRZI (Non-Return to Zero Inverted) encoding, where a transition from low to high represents a logic 1, and the absence of a transition represents a logic 0.
The frame typically consists of the following fields:
- Start Bit: A logic low (0) signal indicating the beginning of a K-Line signal frame.
- Address Byte: Specifies the target address of the ECU intended to receive or respond to the K-Line message. It contains the identification of the control module or a broadcast address.
- Data Bytes: Contains the actual data being transmitted, such as diagnostic requests or responses. The number of data bytes can vary based on the specific message.
- Parity Bit: A bit used for error detection, calculated based on the contents of the address byte and data bytes.
- Stop Bit: A logic high (1) signal indicating the end of a K-Line protocol frame.
