This document covers the requirements for SAE implementations based on LIN 2.0. Requirements stated in this document will provide a minimum standard level of performance to which all compatible systems, design and development tools, software, ECUs and media shall be designed. This will assure consistent and unambiguous serial data communication among all connected devices regardless of supplier.

This document may be referenced by any vehicle OEM component technical specification that describes any given ECU in which the single wire data link controller and physical layer interface is located.

The intended audience includes, but is not limited to, ECU suppliers, LIN controller suppliers, LIN transceiver suppliers, component release engineers and vehicle system engineers.

The goal of SAE J2602 is to improve the interoperability and interchangeability of LIN devices within a network by resolving those LIN 2.0 requirements that are ambiguous, conflicting, or optional. Moreover, SAE J2602 provides additional requirements that are not present in LIN 2.0 (e.g., fault tolerant operation, network topology, etc.).