Communications Network: Notes

Vehicle communication utilizes the controller area network (CAN) communications. The CAN allows many modules to communicate with each other on a common network. CAN in-vehicle networking is a method for transferring data among distributed electronic modules via a serial data bus.

Without serial networking, intermodule communication requires dedicated, point to point wiring resulting in bulky, expensive, complex, and difficult to install wiring harnesses. Applying a serial data network reduces the number of wires, combining the signals on a single network. Information is sent to the individual control modules that control each function.

The vehicle has 2 module communication networks:

• Medium speed controller area network (MS-CAN)
• High speed controller area network (HS-CAN)

Both networks are connected to the data link connector (DLC). This makes diagnosis and testing of these systems easier by allowing one scan tool to be able to diagnose and control any module on the 2 networks from one connector. The DLC can be found under the instrument panel between the steering column and the audio control module (ACM).

Fig 1: Vehicle Communication Network (MS-CAN And HS-CAN) - Block Diagram

Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.