Basics, Protocols and Future trends

What you'll learn

Understand the history and evolution of OBD

Interpret and analyse Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs)

Explore UDS communication protocols and OSI layer mapping

Apply model based design in Simulink to diagnostics for real systems, including worked example of a transmission and EV battery diagnostics

Evaluate legislation (OBD-II, EOBD, ISO 14229) and security implications

Use model-based and data-driven diagnostic approaches

Recognise the role of telematics and predictive diagnostics, prognostics and health management

Requirements

Computer with internet access, a suitable vehicle. OBD Scan tool(optional)

Description

This comprehensive course introduces learners to the principles, technologies, and evolving practices in automotive diagnostics. From traditional On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II) to advanced Unified Diagnostic Services (UDS) and predictive maintenance (prognostics and health management) it equips automotive professionals with the knowledge to confidently identify, interpret, and respond to vehicle faults.You will learn how diagnostics fit into the vehicle development lifecycle, explore fault detection strategies (model-based and data-driven), and understand the role of legislation in shaping diagnostic standards like ISO 14229 and SAE J1979. Real-world systems are described with a worked example of a diagnostic system for a dual-clutch transmission, which is used to illustrate software development in modern vehicles.The course also covers UDS message structure, OSI layer mapping, and security implications—highlighting how diagnostic ports can be exploited if not secured. As vehicles become more connected, the course discusses the integration of diagnostics with telematics, over-the-air updates, and the shift toward cloud-based monitoring and prognostics.Ideal for automotive engineers, technicians, tool developers, and trainers, this course blends theory with applied examples to build deep competence in vehicle diagnostics. Whether you're in the workshop or designing the next generation of ECUs, this course will elevate your understanding and readiness for tomorrow's vehicles.At the end of the technical sections, a short quiz aids the learning process. These are optional, and the answers are shown on the slide following the quiz.

Overview

Section 1: Contents

Lecture 1 Contents

Section 2: Introduction

Lecture 2 Part 2

Section 3: Fault Codes and Tools

Lecture 3 Fault Codes and tools

Section 4: Diagnostic Development

Lecture 4 Diagnostic development

Section 5: UDS and Communication Protocols

Lecture 5 UDS Communication Protocols

Section 6: Telematics

Lecture 6 Telematics

Section 7: Legislation

Lecture 7 Legislation & Compliance Standards

Section 8: Security

Lecture 8 OBD Security and cybersecurity

Section 9: Prognostics

Lecture 9 Prognostics and Future of Vehicle Diagnostics

Section 10: Conclusion & Key Takeaways

Lecture 10 Conclusion & Key Takeaways

Automotive engineers, vehicle technicians, diagnostic tool developers, technical trainers, and automotive electronics students.