Hello Siemens Team,

I would like to inquire whether Siemens PLCs, particularly models from the S7 series, are capable of monitoring vehicle diagnostics in real-time. The goal is to integrate PLC technology with a live vehicle data system to enhance operational efficiency and predictive maintenance in the transport sector.

We are exploring options for our fleet at Heathrow Transfer, where real-time vehicle diagnostics could significantly improve service reliability and reduce downtime. We would like to know if Siemens offers compatible modules or communication protocols (like CAN bus integration) that can support this functionality.

Looking forward to your insights and any recommended solutions.

Thank you!

Hello,

Yes, with the right interfaces and protocols, Siemens S7 PLCs can be part of a system that monitors real-time vehicle diagnostics,but they are not natively designed for automotive data acquisition(like reading CAN bus data directly from a vehicle). You will need intermediate hardware and protocol translation.

🔧 Communication Protocols and Integration Options

1.CAN Bus Integration

TheCAN busis the standard vehicle communication protocol used to access diagnostics (OBD-II, UDS, J1939, etc.).

Siemens PLC Support:

• Siemens S7 PLCs (S7-1200, S7-1500)do not have native CAN bus interfaces, but can be integrated usingthird-party CAN modules or gateways.

Recommended Hardware Interfaces:

• HMS Anybus Communicator CAN: Converts CAN/J1939/OBD-II messages into Modbus or PROFINET (which Siemens PLCs can read).

• IXxat CAN@net / CANbridge / CANopen modules(also from HMS): Offer flexible CAN to Ethernet/PROFINET options.

• PEAK-System (PCAN gateways): Useful in development and diagnostics phases.

• Kvaser CAN interfaces: Often used for bridging CAN with industrial Ethernet protocols.

⚠️ Ensure the hardware supports thespecific vehicle protocolin use — OBD-II for cars, J1939 for heavy-duty vehicles, or proprietary CAN frames.

🧠 System Architecture Overview

You can build areal-time vehicle diagnostics systemusing Siemens S7 PLCs as follows:

• Vehicle ECU: Provides raw diagnostic data.

• CAN Gateway: Translates CAN messages to a PLC-readable format.

• S7 PLC: Handles logic, thresholds, alerts.

• MindSphere (optional): Siemens’ cloud-based IoT platform for analytics, predictive maintenance, dashboards, etc.

🌐 Siemens Ecosystem Enhancements

1.Siemens MindSphere (IoT Platform)

• Can be used in tandem with PLCs to collect and analyze data from vehicles.

• Ideal for large-scalefleet analytics,predictive maintenance, anddashboard visualization.

2.SIMATIC IOT2040 / IOT2050 Gateways

• These areindustrial IoT edge devicesby Siemens.

• They caninterface with CAN bus directly via expansion cards or USB-CAN adapters.

• Act as abridge between vehicles and PLC/cloud.

• Programmable viaNode-RED, C++, or Python, and support MQTT, OPC UA, and more.

🚐 Application in Your Use Case: Heathrow Transfer Fleet

You could deploy:

• CAN gateway per vehicleto acquire real-time diagnostics (engine health, fuel consumption, battery status, etc.).

• Transmit this via4G/5G or Wi-Fito a centralized location.

• ASIMATIC S7-1500 or IOT2050 deviceat the control center could handle:

  • Live data ingestion

  • Decision-making logic (maintenance alerts, route optimization)

  • Forwarding toMindSpherefor advanced analytics.

🔍 Summary

🔄 Recommendations

• Start with a piloton a small group of vehicles.

• UseIOT2050for edge processing if PLCs are too rigid for mobile deployment.

• UseMindSphereor integrate with your own backend fleet software for full visibility.

• Choose CAN gateways that supportOBD-II and J1939, depending on your vehicle types.