New devices on a CAN network
Development of modules compatible with an existing CAN network without breaking system behaviour.
Services
Reverse Engineering and Development on CAN/LIN Networks
We analyse, interpret and build solutions on CAN and LIN networks for vehicles, industrial machinery and embedded systems. We help manufacturers, engineering firms and R&D departments understand, extend and integrate electronic systems with full reliability.
- CAN network reverse engineering
- Embedded firmware development
- Sensor and ECU integration
- Diagnostic tools and gateways
What is CAN/LIN engineering?
CAN (Controller Area Network) and LIN (Local Interconnect Network) form the communication backbone of most electronic systems in modern vehicles and industrial machinery. They enable information exchange between control units (ECUs), sensors, actuators and smart devices.
Engineering on these networks covers communication traffic analysis, message interpretation, development of compatible new devices, electronic component integration and validation of the full system behaviour.
When does a company need this service?
Idesoftbcn combines electronics, firmware, software and communications engineering for an end-to-end solution: we do not only analyse the network — we also design tools, document protocols and integrate new devices.
No technical documentation
Analysis of vehicles or machinery when manufacturer documentation is not available.
Sensors and actuators
Integration of sensors or actuators into an existing ECU with communication validation.
Industrial modernisation
Upgrading industrial machinery with new electronics and protocol gateways.
Test benches and R&D
Node simulation, frame generation and test automation to validate firmware.
Special vehicles
Conversion of digital or electric vehicles and validation of new electronic systems.
CAN/LIN engineering services
We do not only analyse communication networks: we design, develop and integrate complete solutions for automotive and embedded systems.
CAN reverse engineering
Traffic capture, message and ID identification, signal decoding and protocol documentation.
LIN network engineering
Master/slave nodes, module integration, device simulation and functional testing.
Firmware for ECUs
C/C++ development on STM32, ESP32, NXP, Microchip and other embedded platforms.
Diagnostics and monitoring
Capture applications, logging, real-time dashboards and maintenance tools.
Sensors and modules
Integration of sensors, actuators and electronic modules into existing networks.
Gateways and converters
CAN–CAN, CAN–LIN, CAN–Ethernet, USB–CAN gateways and adapters for PLCs.
Validation and test benches
Node simulation, stress testing, UDS diagnostics and bench tests.
Consulting and R&D
Technical support for research projects, prototyping and collaboration with engineering teams.
CAN reverse engineering
When manufacturer documentation is missing, we capture traffic, identify ECUs and signals, and interpret system behaviour. The result is technical documentation that enables new development and integrations.
- Message capture and identification
- Signal and status decoding
- ID and behaviour analysis
- Protocol documentation
Development on LIN networks
LIN networks remain key for comfort and distributed control. We develop nodes, validate communications and simulate devices for functional testing.
- Master and slave nodes
- LIN module integration
- Diagnostics and specific firmware
- Simulation and testing
Firmware and embedded electronics
Solutions tailored to the project: peripheral control, communication buses and links to desktop or mobile applications.
- Firmware in C and C++
- CAN, LIN, UART, SPI and I²C
- Optimisation and OTA updates
- Integration with external software
Need to develop or analyse a CAN/LIN network? Talk to our engineers
Working methodology
Every project follows a structured methodology to minimise risk and guarantee results, suitable for one-off assignments and longer collaborations.
- 01
Technical meeting
We understand the system, environment and project goals.
- 02
Goal definition
We define scope, deliverables, risks and validation criteria.
- 03
Capture and analysis
We record CAN/LIN traffic and interpret messages and signals.
- 04
Reverse engineering
We document protocols, ECUs and system behaviour.
- 05
Development
Firmware, gateways, diagnostic tools or supporting software.
- 06
Integration
We connect the new device or module to the existing system.
- 07
Validation
Functional, stress and compatibility tests on bench or vehicle.
- 08
Delivery and support
Technical documentation, knowledge transfer and ongoing support.
Supported communication protocols
Beyond classic CAN: analysis, integration and development on automotive, industrial vehicle and machinery standards.
- CAN 2.0A / 2.0B
- CAN FD
- LIN Bus
- ISO-TP (ISO 15765)
- UDS
- OBD-II
- SAE J1939
- K-Line
- UART · SPI · I²C
Engineering and diagnostic tools
We master analysis software and hardware to capture traffic, replay scenarios, validate firmware and speed up development.
- Vector CANoe
- Vector CANalyzer
- PCAN Explorer
- Peak PCAN-USB
- SocketCAN (Linux)
- Wireshark
- Logic analysers
- Oscilloscopes
- HIL / SIL benches
Common use cases
Real scenarios where CAN/LIN engineering adds value, without revealing confidential client information.
Integrating a new device
Problem: add a module without changing the rest of the system.
Solution: traffic analysis, message identification, firmware and integration.
Benefit: new features while keeping compatibility.
ECU reverse engineering
Problem: no technical documentation available.
Solution: frame capture, IDs, signals and protocol documentation.
Benefit: a foundation for building compatible equipment.
R&D test bench
Problem: validate firmware without a full vehicle.
Solution: node simulation, frame generation and test automation.
Benefit: shorter development time and higher reliability.
Machinery modernisation
Problem: integrate new sensors and electronics.
Solution: gateways, protocol adaptation and validation.
Benefit: extend service life and improve efficiency.
Benefits for manufacturers and engineering firms
Working with a team specialised in CAN/LIN reduces technical risk and speeds up R&D and integration projects.
Less development time
A clear methodology from capture through to validation.
Lower integration risk
Compatibility with existing ECUs and networks verified.
Technical documentation
Protocols, signals and behaviour documented.
Custom tools
Diagnostics, logging and monitoring tailored to the project.
Quality firmware
Robust embedded development ready to evolve.
Prior validation
Bench tests before field deployment.
- Automotive
- Industrial vehicles
- Buses
- Agricultural machinery
- Construction
- Electric mobility
- Motorsport
- Mobile robotics
- Industry
- Technology centres
- Universities
- R&D
Frequently asked questions about CAN/LIN engineering
Can you analyse a CAN network without documentation?
Yes. We capture traffic, identify messages and IDs, decode signals and document the protocol to enable further development.
Do you work with CAN FD and LIN?
Yes. We work with CAN 2.0, CAN FD, LIN and other standards common in automotive and industrial vehicles (UDS, OBD-II, J1939, ISO-TP, K-Line).
Do you develop custom firmware?
Yes. We develop C/C++ firmware for STM32, ESP32, NXP, Microchip and other platforms, with CAN, LIN, UART, SPI and I²C communication.
Do you design diagnostic tools?
Yes. Capture and visualisation apps, logging, real-time dashboards, firmware updates and configuration interfaces.
Can you work with our engineering team?
Yes. We collaborate with manufacturers, engineering firms, Tier 1 suppliers and R&D departments on one-off or long-term projects.
Do you sign confidentiality agreements (NDA)?
Yes. We sign an NDA before analysis or development when the client requires it.
Can you develop custom gateways?
Yes. We design CAN–CAN, CAN–LIN, CAN–Ethernet, USB–CAN gateways and adapters for integration with PLCs or other systems.
Do you provide support after delivery?
Yes. We deliver technical documentation and can provide support, evolution and maintenance after deployment.
Need to analyse or develop on a CAN/LIN network?
If you need to analyse a CAN/LIN network, develop a new electronic device or integrate systems on existing platforms, our team can support you through every project phase.
A first technical conversation with no commitment to assess scope, risks and next steps.