The Lipowsky Baby-LIN-3-Single is a USB LIN bus simulator with one galvanically isolated LIN interface, support for LIN 1.2, 1.3, 2.0, 2.1 and 2.2, and an on-board voltage range of 8V to 26V. It runs as LIN master, LIN slave or passive monitor from a PC, and can also run stand-alone without a PC. It is aimed at ECU and actuator development benches, residual bus simulation and endurance test rigs where one LIN channel is enough.
LIN Master, Slave and Monitor from One USB Device
Connected to a PC, the Baby-LIN-3-Single lets the host act as LIN master, as one or more simulated slave nodes, or as a passive monitor on an existing bus. Logging works at up to 100% bus load. Frame data can be read and written in real time, and the Diagnostic Transport Layer (DTL) is supported for diagnostic requests and responses. The LIN interface is galvanically isolated.
Residual Bus Simulation and Stand-Alone Test Runs
As a LIN bus simulator, the Baby-LIN-3-Single replaces the rest of the vehicle network around the node under test: the master schedule and any missing slaves are simulated so a single ECU, sensor or actuator can be exercised on the bench. Simulations are built and run with the LINWorks PC software or from your own application. Once a simulation is loaded, the device can run it without a PC attached, for example for endurance runs, as Lipowsky suggests.
Software, DLL and Host Platforms
Each unit comes with a download licence for the LINWorks suite, which includes the PC software, sample files and documentation. LINWorks runs on Windows 10 and 11 (32 and 64-bit). For automated test, the LIN bus can be controlled from your own programs through the Baby-LIN DLL, available for Windows (x86 and x64), PC-based Linux and Arm-based Linux. The native interface is C/C++, with wrappers for .NET languages, Python, VB6 and LabVIEW. Arm Linux support means the Baby-LIN-3-Single can add a LIN interface to a Raspberry Pi as well as a desktop PC.
Specifications
| Host interface | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/s), USB-C socket |
|---|---|
| LIN interfaces | 1, galvanically isolated |
| LIN versions | 1.2, 1.3, 2.0, 2.1, 2.2; Cooling and SAE J2602 |
| LIN baud rate | Up to 115,200 |
| Operating modes | LIN master, LIN slave, monitor; stand-alone operation without PC |
| Node simulation | LIN master and slave nodes |
| Diagnostics | Diagnostic Transport Layer (DTL) |
| Logging | Up to 100% bus load |
| On-board voltage | 8V to 26V |
| LIN connectors | 3-pin screw terminal and male SUB-D9 |
| Max. LIN cable length | 30 m |
| Processor | 480 MHz Arm Cortex-M7, 1 MB RAM |
| Operating temperature | -20 to +80 °C |
| Protection | IP20 |
| Size and weight | 92 x 66 x 28 mm, 90 g |
| Connector supplied | 3-pole screw-connection plug (MC 1,5/3-ST-3,81) |
| PC software | LINWorks suite, Windows 10/11 (32/64-bit) |
| DLL interface | Windows (x86, x64), PC-based Linux, Arm-based Linux |
| Programming languages | C/C++; wrappers for .NET, Python, VB6, LabVIEW |
Limitations
- One LIN channel only, and no CAN interface. For LIN plus high-speed CAN in one unit, choose the Baby-LIN-3-Dual.
- No display or keypad. For stand-alone operation with local control, choose the Baby-LIN-3-RC.
- The LINWorks PC software runs on Windows only. On Linux, control is through the DLL from your own code.
- The user manual, the LINWorks software package and firmware updates are downloaded from Lipowsky's site after registering.
Baby-LIN-3-Single Compared with the Baby-LIN-3 Range
| Model | Bus interfaces | Local control | Price ex VAT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baby-LIN-3-Single (this product) | 1 x LIN | None, PC or stand-alone | £550 |
| Baby-LIN-3-Dual | 1 x LIN, 1 x CAN high-speed (ISO 11898-2), CAN FD by paid activation | None, PC or stand-alone | £720 |
| Baby-LIN-3-RC | LIN | Integrated keypad, display and I/O interface | £705 |
Typical Applications
Simulating the body controller master schedule to bench-test a LIN window-lift or seat motor ECU. Logging a fully loaded LIN 2.2 bus on a vehicle harness to trace a missing or corrupted frame. Driving a LIN sensor from a Python test script on a Raspberry Pi in an automated end-of-line or endurance rig.
The Baby-LIN-3-Single suits automotive electronics engineers developing or validating a single LIN node, and test engineers who need a scriptable, isolated LIN interface for a PC or embedded Linux host.
What's Included
- Baby-LIN-3-Single device
- USB-C 2.0 cable, 1m, type A to type C
- 3-pole screw-connection plug (MC 1,5/3-ST-3,81)
- SUB-D9 female plug with solder cups
- Download licence for the LINWorks suite (PC software, sample files, documentation)
Lipowsky's datasheet (v1.2, February 2026) lists the SUB-D9 plug; the web page does not. We will confirm the box contents on request.
Order the Baby-LIN-3-Single from £550 ex VAT. To check if your setup needs CAN as well as LIN, send us the bus details and we will confirm the right Baby-LIN-3 model, or request a formal quotation. See all LIN bus simulators.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Baby-LIN-3-Single Support CAN?
No. It has one LIN interface only. The Baby-LIN-3-Dual combines a LIN interface with a high-speed CAN interface (ISO 11898-2), which can be upgraded to CAN FD by paid activation.
Can I Control It from Python or LabVIEW on Linux?
Yes. The Baby-LIN DLL is available for PC-based and Arm-based Linux as well as Windows, with a native C/C++ interface and wrappers for Python, .NET, VB6 and LabVIEW. The LINWorks graphical software itself runs on Windows 10 and 11.