The CAN-bus (Controller Area Network) is an antenna bus system, in which all connected stations are equally entitled, i.e. each control unit can both send as well as receive. In other words, the connected control units can "communicate" and exchange information via the lines.
Due to the linear structure of the network, the bus system is fully available for all other stations in the event of one station failing. The connection consists of two data links (CAN-L and CAN-H) which are protected against interference by shielding (CAN-S).
At present, the control units adaptive transmission control AGS, digital motor electronics DME, electronic throttle control EML and dynamic stability control DSC are interconnected with this system.
The connected control units must all have the same CAN status. The CAN status can be checked via the diagnosis interface. The CAN status (bus index) is specified on the identification of the relevant control unit connected to the CAN-bus.
A large number of information items such as CAN statuses or operating variables such as engine speed and temperature, are exchanged between the control units via the CAN-bus.