BusForge · CAN interface
BusForge One
PrototypeAn open, hackable CAN interface and logger for people who build and debug vehicle electronics — with a documented data format and no closed software lock-in.
BusForge One is the first BusForge model: a compact, open CAN interface and logger built for the way people actually develop vehicle electronics. Connect it over USB to watch and filter live traffic, or leave it logging to microSD during a test session with no laptop attached.
Everything about the data path is meant to be understood. The log format is open and documented, so your captures are yours — not trapped behind proprietary software.
BusForge One is at the prototype stage. The hardware works on the bench and in early vehicle testing, but firmware and specifications are still moving. Planned features such as CAN FD, wireless streaming, and J2534 are labelled clearly and are not yet available. We would rather show you where the project honestly stands than imply a finished product.
Use cases
In-vehicle CAN development
Observe, filter, and log live traffic while developing or debugging on a real bus.
Standalone session logging
Record a full test session to microSD with no laptop attached, then analyse later.
Live telemetry to a laptop
Stream selected signals over USB for real-time inspection.
Signal reverse-engineering
Build and refine your own signal definitions against captured traffic.
Capabilities
Each capability is labelled by how far it has actually been taken.
- USB CAN interfaceImplemented
- Standalone microSD loggingImplemented
- Configurable message filtersImplemented
- Replaceable vehicle cablesImplemented
- Live data streaming to hostTested
- Configurable signal decodingExperimental
- Internal expansion interfaceExperimental
- CAN FDPlanned
- Wi-Fi / BluetoothPlanned
- Telemetry & video-overlay integrationPlanned
- J2534 pass-throughPlanned
- Guaranteed compatibility with any vehicleUnsupported
Key features
- Two high-speed CAN channels
- Standalone logging to removable microSD
- Configurable hardware and software filters
- Live streaming to a host over USB
- Open, documented log format
Planned
- CAN FD support
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth streaming
- Telemetry and video-overlay integration
- J2534 pass-through
Technical specifications
Vehicle interfaces
- CAN channels
- 2
- CAN FD
- Planned
- Termination
- Software-selectable (target)
- Isolation
- Galvanic (target)Design target
Logging & storage
- Removable storage
- microSD (UHS-I)
- Log format
- Open and documented
- Timestamp resolution
- 1 µs (target)
Connectivity
- Host interface
- USB-C
- Wireless
- Planned (Wi-Fi / BLE)
Electrical
- Supply voltage
- 7–28 V (target)
- Reverse-polarity protection
- Yes (target)
Physical & environment
- Enclosure
- Machined aluminium (prototype)
- Operating temperature
- Not yet characterised
Interfaces
Protocols
Compatibility
BusForge One targets standard high-speed CAN buses. Vehicle-specific signal decoding is user-supplied.
- Bus types
- High-speed CAN (ISO 11898-2)
- Vehicle decoding
- User-provided signal definitions
In the box
- BusForge One unit (prototype)
- USB-C cable
- One CAN cable (vehicle connector varies by application)
- Quick-start notes (digital)
Known limitations
Please read before applying
- Prototype firmware — interfaces, formats, and behaviour may change.
- CAN FD, wireless, and J2534 are not yet implemented.
- No environmental, EMC, or long-term reliability validation has been performed.
- Not certified or intended for unattended or safety-critical use.