Article’s

Modern automobiles rely on multiple Electronic Control Units (ECUs) for monitoring, control, safety, and automation functions. Efficient and secure communication among these ECUs is essential for reliable vehicle operation. Conventional Controller Area Network (CAN) systems suffer from limitations such as restricted payload capacity, lack of built-in security, vulnerability to unauthorized node access, and limited scalability. This paper presents a Secure Multi-Node Automotive Monitoring and Control System using CAN with Flexible Data Rate (CANFD) communication protocol. The proposed system employs a distributed ECU architecture with four intelligent nodes: (1) Cabin Temperature & Cooling Fan Control, (2) Oil Monitoring (temperature and level), (3) Rain Detection & Smart Lighting, and (4) Security Monitoring (gas concentration and door status). A Master ECU supervises the entire system and implements Hash-based Message Authentication Code (HMAC) with SHA-1 algorithm for secure node authentication. The system is implemented using Arduino Uno controllers, MCP2518FD CANFD modules, and various sensors including DS18B20, MQ7, rain sensor, LDR, and magnetic door sensors. Experimental results demonstrate reliable CANFD communication, successful node authentication, real-time monitoring, intelligent automation, and enhanced security capabilities. The distributed architecture reduces computational load on the central controller while improving system scalability, reliability, and modularity for modern automotive applications.