ISO 11898-1-2024 PDF

Full title and description

Road vehicles — Controller area network (CAN) — Part 1: Data link layer and physical coding sublayer. This 2024 edition modernizes the CAN data link and physical coding definitions to cover three protocol generations (Classical CAN, CAN FD and CAN XL), introduces extended data-field length support and new service identifiers to support higher-layer configuration and multi‑channel operation.

Abstract

This International Standard specifies the CAN data link layer (DLL) and the physical coding sublayer (PCS). It defines the logical link control (LLC) and medium access control (MAC) sublayers, service data units and frame formats including support for extended data-field length (XL) frames with SDU sizes up to 2048 bytes, while also standardizing optional features such as CAN FD Light and identifiers for higher‑layer configuration (SDT and VCID).

General information

• Status: Published / Current.
• Publication date: 24 May 2024 (ISO edition 2024).
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• ICS / categories: 43.040.15 (Car informatics / On-board computer systems).
• Edition / version: Edition 3.0, 2024.
• Number of pages: 82 pages (typical published PDF length reported by national bodies/resellers).

Details above are taken from the ISO publication listings and national/reseller records for ISO 11898-1:2024.

Scope

Specifies the DLL and PCS for CAN used in road vehicles and related control systems. The document: breaks the DLL into LLC and MAC sublayers; defines the LLC frame (including service data unit type — SDT — and virtual CAN channel identifier — VCID); defines Classical CAN, CAN FD and CAN XL frame formats; and permits XL frames with data-field lengths (SDU) up to 2048 bytes. It also includes an annex standardizing CAN FD Light for simple commander/responder networks and lists multiple implementation options for backward and forward compatibility.

Key topics and requirements

• Definition of the CAN data link layer split into LLC and MAC sublayers and the physical coding sublayer (PCS).
• Support for three protocol generations: Classical CAN, CAN FD (Flexible Data Rate) and CAN XL (Extended data‑field length).
• New XL frame format enabling payloads up to 2048 bytes (expanded SDU).
• Introduction of LLC frame fields for higher‑layer configuration: Service Data Unit Type (SDT) and Virtual CAN Channel Identifier (VCID).
• Annex for CAN FD Light (simple commander/responder networks) and guidance on multiple implementation options for compatibility.
• Normative requirements intended to support conformance testing and integration with updated physical‑layer documents in the ISO 11898 series.

Typical use and users

Used by automotive OEMs, tier‑1 suppliers, semiconductor and microcontroller vendors, test laboratories, tool and analyzer manufacturers, embedded‑systems integrators and standards/conformance bodies to design, implement, test and certify CAN controllers, transceivers and networks across passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles and other control applications. The standard is the primary reference for DLL/PCS behavior when implementing CAN, CAN FD or CAN XL functionality.

Related standards

ISO 11898 is a multi‑part series. Closely related parts include ISO 11898-2:2024 (high‑speed physical medium attachment / PMA), ISO 11898-3 (low‑speed, fault‑tolerant PMA and related corrigenda), ISO 11898-4 (time‑triggered communication aspects) and other historical/ancillary parts and corrigenda. Implementers should consult the corresponding physical‑layer (part 2) and conformance test plan documents when performing system or device certification.

Keywords

CAN, Controller Area Network, data link layer, physical coding sublayer, DLL, PCS, LLC, MAC, CAN FD, CAN XL, XL frame, SDU, SDT, VCID, CAN FD Light, vehicle communications, ISO 11898-1:2024.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 11898-1:2024 is the International Standard that specifies the CAN data link layer and the physical coding sublayer used in road‑vehicle and related control networks; it is the 2024 edition updating previous editions to include CAN FD and CAN XL features.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers the logical link control (LLC) and medium access control (MAC) sublayers, the physical coding sublayer, frame formats (Classical CAN, CAN FD, CAN XL), new XL extended‑length payload support (up to 2048 bytes), and additional identifiers and options (SDT, VCID, CAN FD Light).

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Automotive manufacturers, electronics suppliers, SoC/microcontroller designers, network tool vendors, test and certification labs, and systems integrators working on vehicle and industrial CAN networks.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: ISO 11898-1:2024 is the current published edition (published May 2024) and supersedes the 2015 edition; users should migrate to the 2024 text for new designs and conformance efforts.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — ISO 11898 is a series of CAN standards (parts 1, 2, 3, 4, etc.). Part 1 addresses DLL/PCS, part 2 addresses high‑speed PMA, part 3 covers low‑speed fault‑tolerant PMA, and other parts cover time‑triggered communication and historical items; consult the ISO 11898 package for the complete list.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: CAN, CAN FD, CAN XL, data link layer, physical coding sublayer, XL frame, SDU, SDT, VCID, CAN FD Light, vehicle communications, ISO 11898.