New CAN-Bus NFC Converter Developed for the Automotive Industry
Based on the proven iDTRONIC Desktop Reader NEO 2, a compact solution was developed to read CAN bus data via widely used NFC technology – without the need for additional diagnostic devices. The goal was to significantly increase efficiency during test operations for a globally active German sports car manufacturer.
Project: Reading CAN Bus Data
Challenges
- Cumbersome access to CAN bus data via wired diagnostic devices
- Time-consuming, manual execution of on-site vehicle diagnostics
- High effort due to wired interfaces (e.g., OBD-II)
- Delayed analysis of vehicle data due to lack of real-time transmission
Project Highlights
- Direct, wireless retrieval of vehicle CAN bus data via NFC
- Secure data transmission using standardized NDEF format
- Real-time access to vehicle parameters via smartphone
- Future-proof, modular software design for flexible system integration
Product: CANBus NFC Reader
Technical Features
- Direct CAN bus interface (CAN 2.0) for real-time communication with vehicle ECUs
- Integrated NFC interface compliant with ISO 14443 Type A for contactless smartphone connection
- Optimized firmware with native support for standardized NDEF data format
- Rugged, vibration- and temperature-resistant housing for automotive test environments
iDTRONIC Products & Services
- Development based on iDTRONIC NEO 2 HF/NFC Desktop Reader
- Hardware redesign with CAN bus (M8, 5-PIN) interface
- Firmware for converting CAN bus data into NDEF formats
- Technical project support provided by iDTRONIC
More efficient vehicle testing in prototype development
In the early development phase of new vehicle models, access to CAN bus data is essential. This data provides insights into the status and behavior of central control units (ECUs) during test drives — whether for function checks, error analyses, or validations. Until now, this access was anything but easy: test vehicles first had to be painstakingly wired with diagnostic hardware. A special reading device, usually via OBD-II or proprietary interface, was required to access the data.
A globally operating German sports car manufacturer therefore approached iDTRONIC with a clear requirement: they were looking for a compact, robust solution that allows test engineers to read CAN bus data directly and wirelessly using a smartphone.
Complex CAN Bus Data as an NFC Message
The technical challenge lay in preparing the diverse and structurally varied CAN bus messages in such a way that they could be read via a smartphone’s NFC interface. Unlike conventional OBD connectors, which only provide diagnostic codes, this required the development of intelligent firmware capable of interpreting raw CAN bus data, compressing it, and converting it into the standardized NDEF format (NFC Data Exchange Format).
At the same time, it was necessary to take into account the limitations of typical NFC communication: restricted packet sizes, limited memory space, and the need to ensure stable data exchange even under challenging environmental conditions such as vibration or electromagnetic interference.
The CAN-Bus NFC Reader as an intelligent converter
Based on the proven iDTRONIC NEO 2 HF/NFC Desktop Reader, a CAN-Bus NFC Reader specifically designed for this automotive application was developed. The device receives CAN-Bus messages directly from the vehicle control unit (e.g., engine control) and processes them internally for transmission to an NFC-enabled smartphone.
In the so-called reader-to-reader mode, the smartphone acts as an active reader that can wirelessly retrieve the prepared vehicle data and display or store it in real time.
The hardware was completely redesigned: an M8 5-pin CAN-Bus connector ensures industrial-grade reliability, and the housing is shock- and temperature-resistant.
More efficiency, less effort
The use of the new CAN-Bus NFC Reader significantly simplifies the testing process. Instead of complex wiring and special diagnostic devices, an NFC-enabled smartphone is now sufficient to allow engineers to quickly, wirelessly, and securely access relevant CAN-Bus data directly at the vehicle.
The solution accelerates prototype development and provides a future-proof foundation for modern, mobile diagnostic processes in the automotive industry.
iDTRONIC as a Development Partner
With the new CAN-Bus NFC Reader, iDTRONIC once again demonstrates how innovative RFID and NFC technologies can create real added value – even in demanding automotive and industrial projects. From the initial idea to implementation, we work in close partnership with our customers to develop solutions tailored precisely to their requirements.
Do you have questions or want to learn more about this technology? We look forward to hearing from you.