The automotive industry is racing toward a connected future, with vehicles evolving into data‑driven ecosystems that generate gigabytes of data every hour. The Controller Area Network (CAN) bus protocol remains the backbone of vehicle communication, enabling Electronic Control Units (ECUs) to manage critical functions like engine control, safety systems, and infotainment. Yet, integrating modern cellular IoT modules with CAN‑based architectures poses challenges for Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and Original Design Manufacturers (ODMs), often requiring costly custom hardware. Cavli Wireless’s AQ20 IoT module tackles this with its innovative SPI‑to‑CAN integration, eSIM‑enabled global connectivity, and compliance with stringent automotive standards, offering a scalable, cost‑efficient solution for next‑generation connected vehicles.
What is Automotive IoT and Why Does It Matter?
Automotive IoT transforms vehicles into intelligent platforms by enabling real‑time data exchange for applications like telematics, remote diagnostics, and predictive maintenance. Modern vehicles are data centers on wheels, demanding robust connectivity to meet consumer and fleet‑operator expectations.
The AQ20 module is engineered for automotive IoT, delivering:
- LTE Cat 4 and 2G connectivity for reliable data transfer.
- Qualcomm MDM9628 chipset with an Arm Cortex‑A7 processor (up to 1.3 GHz) for high‑performance processing.
- Yocto Linux support with extensive SDK customization for developers.
- 512 MB RAM and NAND memory to handle data‑intensive tasks.
- Qualcomm Location Suite Gen8C Lite GNSS for precise global positioning.
For engineers, the AQ20’s compliance with IATF 16949:2016, alongside Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) and Production Part Approval Process (PPAP), ensures reliability in harsh environments like engine bays, where heat and vibration are constant challenges.
How AQ20 Enables Seamless CAN Bus Integration with SPI
The automotive industry has standardized the use of the CAN bus protocol to ensure smooth and efficient communication between a vehicle’s ECUs. CAN is essential for managing everything from engine control to advanced safety features.
However, traditional CAN interfaces are not readily available in typical IoT modules at more affordable price points. This has posed a challenge for OEMs who wish to integrate IoT functionality into their existing vehicle systems while ensuring compatibility with established automotive infrastructure.
One of the AQ20’s standout features is its SPI interface, which enables seamless integration with the CAN bus protocol using cost‑effective SPI‑to‑CAN converters. This eliminates the need for expensive, custom‑designed CAN interfaces and reduces the complexity of integration.
The Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) is a high‑speed, synchronous serial communication protocol widely used in embedded systems. By incorporating SPI, Cavli Wireless provides a flexible bridge between the cellular IoT world and a vehicle’s existing CAN network, offering both cost‑efficiency and scalability for OEMs and ODMs.
Steps for CAN Bus Integration with AQ20:
- Connect AQ20 to SPI‑to‑CAN converter: The AQ20’s high‑speed SPI interface pairs with cost‑effective converters, eliminating custom CAN hardware.
- Integrate with vehicle CAN bus: The converter translates SPI signals to CAN protocol, enabling seamless ECU data access.
- Process and transmit data: The MDM9628 chipset processes CAN bus data for real‑time applications like telematics.
- Leverage Yocto Linux: Customize data handling via SDK for specific use cases.
Benefits of SPI‑to‑CAN Integration:
- Eliminates costly hardware redesigns.
- Reduces integration complexity with off‑the‑shelf converters.
- Accelerates development cycles for faster time‑to‑market.
- Scales across vehicle models and applications.
eSIM‑Powered Global Connectivity for Automotive IoT
The AQ20’s eSIM automotive connectivity removes the need for physical SIM cards, enabling seamless global deployments. This is a game‑changer for OEMs targeting international markets, simplifying hardware design and reducing region‑specific variations.
Why eSIM Matters:
- Global reach: Supports LTE Cat 4 and 2G networks across regions.
- Simplified logistics: Avoids physical SIM replacements for different markets.
- Cost efficiency: Reduces operational overhead for global fleet management.
Telematics Solutions: AQ20 vs. Traditional Approaches
The SPI interface of the AQ20 module has far‑reaching implications for automotive OEMs in terms of development cycles and cost management.
Example Scenario: A premier OEM developing a telematics solution for commercial vehicles can use the AQ20 to access CAN bus data globally, bypassing the complexity of custom MCU and modem setups.
Comparison: AQ20 vs. Traditional Telematics Solutions
- CAN integration: AQ20 uses SPI‑to‑CAN converters, no custom hardware needed; traditional solutions require costly CAN interfaces.
- Cost: AQ20’s single‑module design cuts costs; traditional setups need separate MCUs and modems.
- Development time: AQ20 streamlines integration; traditional solutions demand lengthy redesigns.
- Global connectivity: AQ20’s eSIM enables region‑agnostic deployment; traditional solutions rely on region‑specific SIMs.
IATF 16949 Compliance: Ensuring Automotive‑Grade Reliability
IATF 16949 compliance is a cornerstone of automotive quality, ensuring components meet rigorous standards for reliability and safety. The AQ20 adheres to IATF 16949:2016, APQP, and PPAP frameworks, making it ideal for deployment in demanding environments like engine bays.
Why Compliance Matters:
- Ensures durability under extreme heat and vibration.
- Validates AQ20’s suitability for mission‑critical applications.
- Builds trust with OEMs requiring certified components.
Remote Diagnostics and End‑User Benefits with AQ20
The AQ20 enables remote diagnostics for vehicles, turning standard vehicles into intelligent assets by accessing CAN bus data. It supports:
- Predictive maintenance: Identifies issues proactively, reducing downtime.
- Usage‑based insurance: Enables data‑driven insurance models.
- Enhanced safety: Powers advanced safety features with real‑time data.
- Fleet efficiency: Optimizes operations through remote monitoring.
Yocto Linux and Qualcomm MDM9628: Powering Customization
The AQ20’s Yocto Linux automotive support allows developers to tailor applications via an extensive SDK, ideal for custom IoT solutions. The Qualcomm MDM9628 chipset (Arm Cortex‑A7, 1.3 GHz) delivers the computational power needed for data‑intensive tasks.
Developer Benefits:
- Flexible SDK for custom telematics or diagnostics applications.
- High‑performance processing for real‑time CAN data handling.
- Scalable architecture for diverse automotive use cases.
Conclusion: Why AQ20 is the Future of Automotive IoT
The Cavli Wireless AQ20 module redefines automotive IoT with its SPI‑to‑CAN compatibility, eSIM‑powered global connectivity, and IATF 16949 compliance. For engineers and OEMs, it delivers a scalable, cost‑efficient solution to accelerate development. For end‑users, it unlocks advanced features like remote diagnostics and predictive maintenance, transforming vehicles into intelligent assets. Explore the AQ20 and the Hubble Connectivity Platform at Cavli Wireless to drive the future of connected vehicles.
Go Beyond and Explore
How does the AQ20 simplify CAN bus integration?
What industries benefit from the AQ20?
How does eSIM support global deployment?
What are the end-user benefits of AQ20?
How versatile is the AQ20 for automotive applications?
How does the AQ20 module simplify CAN bus integration for automotive IoT?
What’s the best module for eSIM automotive connectivity in global deployments?
Can the AQ20 module support remote diagnostics for vehicles?
How does the AQ20 compare to traditional telematics solutions?
How many automotive applications can the AQ20 module support?
Author
Soorya Kumar A
Sr. Associate- Product Marketing
Cavli Wireless
