Modern vehicles are computers. They consist of sensors, controllers, and actuators that respond to the drivers demands. In fact, most modern vehicles do not have any physical linkage between the accelerator and the engine.

In this talk, I'll discuss the control systems in modern vehicles, how these systems communicate, and how hackers can talk to them. I'll also touch on new vehicle technologies that are increasingly reliant on these advanced control systems systems.

Specifically, I'll discuss Controller Area Network (CAN), automotive diagnostics systems (OBD-II, UDS, J1939), hybrid vehicle control systems, and what to do when your hydrogen storage system leaks (a personal experience).

Eric Evenchick

I'm a student in Electrical Engineering at the University of Waterloo, and the Electrical Team Lead for the University of Waterloo Alternative Fuels Team. Our group takes stock vehicles and re-engineers them to run on alternative fuels. I've had the chance to work on hydrogen fuel cell and hybrid vehicle technologies, designing electronics to interface with new powertrains.

I'm currently a Firmware Engineering Intern at Tesla Motors. In the past, I worked with CrossChasm Technologies to design data-logging solutions for electric and hybrid vehicles. I'm into hardware, firmware, and software design, especially relating to the automotive industry. I like to learn and teach about these topics whenever possible.