This document covers the requirements for SAE implementations based on ISO 17987:2016. Requirements stated in this document will provide a minimum standard level of performance to which all compatible ECUs and media shall be designed. This will assure full serial data communication among all connected devices regardless of supplier.

The goal of SAE J2602-1 is to improve the interoperability and interchangeability of LIN devices within a network by adding additional requirements that are not present in ISO 17987:2016 (e.g., fault tolerant operation, network topology, etc.).

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The term "master" has been replaced by "commander" and term "slave" with "responder" in the following sections.