The TLIN2021-Q1 is a local interconnect network (LIN) physical layer transceiver, compliant to LIN 2.0, LIN 2.1, LIN 2.2, LIN 2.2A, SAE J2602-1, SAE J2602-2, ISO 17987–4, and ISO 17987–7 standards. LIN is a low-speed universal asynchronous receiver transmitter (UART) communication protocol focused on automotive in-vehicle networking.

The TLIN2021-Q1 transmitter supports data rates from 2.4 kbps to 20 kbps and the receiver supports data rates up to 100 kbps for end-of-line programming. The TLIN2021-Q1 controls the state of the LIN bus via the TXD pin and reports the state of the bus via its open-drain RXD output pin. The LIN protocol data stream on the TXD input is converted by the TLIN2021-Q1 into a LIN bus signal using an optimized electromagnetic emissions current-limited wave-shaping driver as outlined by the LIN physical layer specification. The receiver converts the data stream to logic-level signals that are sent to the microcontroller through the open-drain RXD pin. The LIN bus has two states: dominant state (voltage near ground) and recessive state (voltage near battery). In the recessive state, the LIN bus is pulled high by the transceivers internal pull-up resistor (45 kΩ) and a series diode. No external pull-up components are required for responder applications. Commander applications require an external pull-up resistor (1 kΩ) plus a series diode per the LIN specification.

The TLIN2021-Q1 is designed to support 24 V applications with a wide input voltage operating range and also supports low-power sleep mode. The device supports wake-up from low-power mode via wake over LIN, the WAKE pin, or the EN pin. The device allows for system-level reductions in battery current consumption by selectively enabling the various power supplies that may be present on a node through the TLIN2021-Q1 INH output pin.

The TLIN2021-Q1 integrates ESD protection and fault protection which allow for a reduction in the required external components in the applications. The device prevents back-feed current through LIN to the supply input in case of a ground shift or supply voltage disconnection.

The TLIN2021-Q1 also include undervoltage detection, temperature shutdown protection, and loss-of-ground protection. In the event of a fault condition, the transmitter is immediately switched off and remains off until the fault condition is removed.