Electrical · Embedded Systems
CAN Bus Vehicle Data Logger
Advanced 5 weeks 35-55 hours
Build an embedded device that reads automotive CAN bus messages and logs sensor data to SD card. CAN bus is one of the most-requested embedded/automotive skills in job postings.
Major
Electrical
Focus area
Embedded Systems
Total hours
35-55 hours
What you'll need
- Arduino Uno R3 ATmega328P microcontroller board
- MCP2515 CAN bus module for Arduino
- microSD card data logging module for Arduino
- 16x2 LCD display module with I2C for Arduino
- DS3231 real time clock RTC module for Arduino
- breadboard jumper wires male female assortment pack
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Steps
- Research CAN bus basics and how to access your car's OBD-II port.
- Wire the MCP2515 CAN module, SD card module, clock module, and LCD to the Arduino.
- Program the Arduino to read CAN messages and save them to the SD card with timestamps.
- Decode a few common messages like engine RPM and vehicle speed.
- Log data on a real drive while a passenger monitors the device.
- Plot the decoded data and document the logger for your portfolio.
What to photograph for your portfolio
- CAN logger build
- decoded message logs
- data capture screenshots
- wiring diagram
- dashboard
Resume bullet starters
Copy one, then swap in your own numbers.
Designed and built a CAN bus vehicle data logger using CAN bus protocol, embedded C, automotive systems
Applied data logging and sensor decoding to implement, test, and validate the system end-to-end
Quantified performance with [insert your result, such as accuracy, error reduction, response time, or load capacity] after iterative tuning
Skills you'll show off
CAN bus protocolembedded Cautomotive systemsdata loggingsensor decoding