BUSnet-VS

BUSnet-VS is an open-source, low-speed multi-drop serial
network designed to connect applications running on
multiple distributed microcontrollers.

BUSnet-VS is for those who want to do their own protocol thing and just need a reliable transport layer for inter-node data.

BUSnet-VS is a network protocol designed to connect applications running on multiple and distributed microcontrollers/processors, the network appears to each application as a virtual serial interface.

As you have by now probably guessed the VS stands for "Virtual Serial", but "Very Simple" is just as appropriate.

With VS you broadcast serial data to the network and/or receive serial data from the network. The format of the data is up to you, BUSnet-VS neither knows nor cares about the format of the data that is broadcast, it simply provides a reliable transport mechanism.

Develop your own Nodes and network using a 4800bps 8N1 ASYNC connection and just transmitting or receiving using you normal serial functions.

Suitable for retrofitting to older vehicles, also for use in other environments from model train layouts to simple industrial control.

Peer-to-peer one-to-all communications.

Fault-tolerant (using LIN or CAN transceivers) or simple (diode-AND’d) physical level.

Wide supply voltage, VBAT can range between 6 and 18 volts if using LIN transceivers or the entire network can run from a 5v supply if using diode-ANDing.

Three-core cable includes power and data signals. Any standard auto-style or ribbon cable will do.

Provision for Nodes to be connected with two wires (or even one wire) using existing cabling and/or body frame.

Flexible wiring topology, “anything goes”.

Processor independant; AVR, PIC, Picaxe, ARM, 8051 etc.

More soon
There will be more information specific to BUSnet-VS here soon. Meanwhile BUSnet-VS uses the same tools and hardware as BUSnet so much of the information on this site is relevant to both (VS is just a lot simpler to use), and the documents page has an overview document.