The Token Slot Data Link is intended to provide periodic, broadcast communications (communication that must occur on a regular, predetermined basis) within a vehicle system.

The Token Slot protocol achieves this by implementing a masterless, deterministic, non-contention Token slot sequence which is designed to offer a transmit token to all devices (or nodes) without requiring that they respond. After acquiring the token, messages may be sent and verified using a variety of built-in techniques. The token passing slot sequence is then reinitiated by the current token holder.