System Description

1. The LEXUS RX400h Multiplex Communication System (MPX) 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: Multiplex Communication System Circuit Diagram

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2. Serial communication data consists of bits and frames. A bit is a basic unit of information represented by the binary values "0" and "1". The amount of information is represented by the number of bits. A frames is a group of bits. A frame contains a "header" that indicates the beginning of the frame and an "end message" that indicates the end of the frame.
   Fig 2: Identifying Serial Communication Data Consists Of Bits And Frames

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3. 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.
   Fig 3: Identifying Serial Communication

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   1. The BEAN uses a ring and bus style of network to connect ECUs. This style of communication method is called a daisy chain. In a daisy chain, communication can be maintained even if the network has an open circuit.
      Fig 4: Identifying Daisy Chain Method

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   2. The AVC-LAN uses a star style, which is centered on the multi-display or audio head unit.
4. Difference of CAN, BEAN and AVC-LAN
   1. The CAN, BEAN and AVC-LAN protocols have set guidelines for data. The guidelines include communication speed, type of communication wire, drive type and data length. These guidelines are established to facilitate ECU data communication.
      DRIVING CONTROL SYSTEM CHART
      
      

      Control	Driving Control System	Body Electrical Control System	Body Electrical Control System
      Protocol	CAN (ISO Standard)	BEAN (LEXUS Original)	AVC-LAN (LEXUS Original)
      Communication Speed	500 Kbps* (Max. 1 Mbps)	Max. 10 Kbps*	Max. 17. 8 Kbps*
      Communication Wire	Braided-pair Wire	AV Single Wire	Braided-pair Wire
      Drive Type	Differential Voltage Drive	Single Wire Voltage Drive	Differential Voltage Drive
      Data Length	1 to 8 Bytes (Variable)	1 to 11 Bytes (Variable)	0 to 32 Bytes (Variable)

      HINT:

      • *: The abbreviation "BPS" stands for "bits per second".
      • The CAN uses the multi star style bus connection. The 2 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.
   2. A single, Automobile Vinyl (AV) wire is used for BEAN communication. A braided-pair wire is used for CAN and AVC-LAN communication.
      COMMUNICATION WIRE CHART
      
      

      Communication Wire	Outline
      AV Single Wire for BEAN	Lightweight single communication wire that consists of insulated single core line surrounded by insulation. Voltage is applied to this line in order to drive communication. This system is called "Single Wire Voltage Drive".
      Braided-pair Wire for AVC-LAN Braided-pair Wire for CAN	Pair of insulated lines braided together. Communication is driven by applying positive (+) and negative (-) voltage to 2 lines in order to send single signal. This system, which is called "Differential Voltage Drive", can reduce noise.

The network gateway ECU of the LEXUS RX400h has the following functions.