What Lessons Can Controller Area Networks Learn From FlexRay

After a cursory overview of two key players in the embedded automotive industry, FlexRay and controller area networks, the feasibility for a change in CAN is assessed. CAN is a bus based communication protocol for embedded applications. CAN has well defined message delivery latencies and fills the requirements of a variety of applications that cannot be met by other protocols. FlexRay is a new protocol, attempting to position itself as the X-by-wire standard. FlexRay inspired improvements for topology and higher lever protocol are accessed in this paper. Then some of the key design challenges are addressed, in order to make the new scheme for the topology of CAN to fully function and maintain legacy compatibility