The evolution of CAN protocols: from standard CAN to CAN FD

With the increasing complexity of modern vehicles, a new generation of CAN protocol has become essential.

Today’s vehicles integrate high-resolution sensors, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), and multi-module coordination. These all demand faster and much richer data exchanges, beyond the limits of standard CAN.

To address these new requirements, CAN FD (Flexible Data-rate) was introduced in 2012. This enhanced version increases payload capacity, reduces latency, and enables significantly faster communication speeds, while remaining physically compatible with existing CAN networks.

Beyond traditional uses such as fleet management or remote starters, CAN FD is vital to handle the massive data flow required by today’s advanced systems:

• Autonomous and assisted driving (LIDAR, RADAR, and camera-based systems – ADAS)
• Multi-module coordination in electrified platforms
• Autonomous driving and over-the-air (OTA) updates
• Modular architectures and gateway integration
• And much more

Fortin’s EVO-ALL and EVO-ONE platforms have been recognized for years as some of the most complete, flexible, and reliable vehicle integration solutions on the market. Compatible with over 5,000 vehicle makes and models, EVO-ALL and EVO-ONE are leading systems for remote starters, transponder key bypass, and security upgrades. Their mature architecture and broad compatibility make them reference solutions for today’s installations.

In parallel, Fortin launched the EVO-X-ONE platform, specifically designed for vehicles using CAN FD networks. This next-generation platform carries forward EVO-ONE’s high standards while delivering the speed and data management required for CAN FD platforms.

As the automotive industry accelerates toward autonomous and assisted driving modes that rely on increasingly complex data ecosystems, the need for faster and smarter communication protocols is non-negotiable.

With EVO-ALL and EVO-ONE covering today’s vehicles and EVO-X-ONE anticipating the future, Fortin empowers its partners to stay ahead of the curve by offering robust, scalable, and future-ready solutions.