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To interconnect automotive engine control units (ECUs), you can choose from among several in-vehicle network buses, ranging from the Local Interconnect Network (LIN) to Ethernet. Among the options, the Controller Area Network (CAN) bus remains popular because it’s easy to use, offers good common-mode noise rejection, and supports priority-based messaging and bitwise arbitration.

In addition, the CAN bus provides error detection and recovery, and you can easily add nodes to an existing CAN bus. Beyond the automotive space, it finds use in a host of industrial applications.