About IOcan¶

IOcan is a professional CAN gateway designed to make modern OEM automatic and
dual-clutch transmissions usable outside of their original vehicle environment.

Modern transmissions such as the ZF 8HP, DCT/DKG, and PDK are deeply integrated
into OEM vehicle architectures. They expect a constant stream of CAN
communication from engine, chassis, and driver-input modules, and without that
ecosystem the transmission simply does not function. IOcan solves this by
recreating the communication environment the transmission expects, allowing it
to operate reliably in standalone setups, engine swaps, custom vehicles, and
motorsport applications.

• Table of contents
• About IOcan
  • Designed for Standalone Transmission Operation
  • Flexible Gateway and Protocol Translation
  • Versatile Driver Control Options
  • Integrated Power Management
  • Diagnostics, Adaptations, and Firmware Control
  • Built for Integrators, Builders, and Developers
  • Where to next

Designed for Standalone Transmission Operation¶

The primary purpose of IOcan is to let OEM transmissions run independently of the
vehicle they were originally designed for. Acting as an intelligent CAN gateway,
IOcan translates signals from standalone ECUs, driver controls, and vehicle
systems into the native OEM protocol the transmission control unit requires.

From the transmission's perspective, IOcan behaves like the missing OEM modules,
allowing full functionality without factory engine or chassis electronics. See
Wiring Concepts for how the vehicle and transmission sides are separated and
connected.

Flexible Gateway and Protocol Translation¶

IOcan connects multiple CAN networks and protocols simultaneously, translating
between them in real time. This makes it compatible with a wide range of
standalone ECUs as well as selected OEM engine and chassis communication
standards.

Driver commands, engine data, and vehicle signals are converted into valid OEM
CAN messages, ensuring predictable and stable transmission behaviour regardless
of the surrounding hardware. The full list of supported modules is maintained on
the Supported Vehicles & Modules page.

Versatile Driver Control Options¶

IOcan gives the user full freedom in choosing how the transmission is controlled.
Supported input methods include:

• sequential shifters
• paddle shifters
• OEM gear selectors
• CAN-based keypads and button panels
• custom combinations of multiple input devices

The control logic is fully configurable, allowing IOcan to translate any
supported input into the correct OEM commands. This makes it equally suitable for
road cars, race cars, and experimental setups. See Configuration Concepts for
how inputs are mapped and processed.

Integrated Power Management¶

Unlike simple CAN interfaces, IOcan is a complete transmission integration
solution. The device features a dedicated semiconductor relay for powering the
transmission and managing its wake-up behaviour.

Thanks to its low-power design, IOcan can be connected directly to a constant
battery supply through a fuse, eliminating the need for external relays. Only five
vehicle connections are required:

• Battery positive (BAT+)
• Ground (GND)
• Ignition signal (KL15)
• CAN High
• CAN Low

All transmission power sequencing, wake-up signalling, and shutdown handling are
managed internally. IOcan can also measure the transmission's current draw,
providing additional insight into system behaviour and safety. Electrical limits
and ratings are listed on the Hardware & Electrical Specifications page.

Diagnostics, Adaptations, and Firmware Control¶

IOcan goes beyond basic control by offering service and development capabilities.
When connected to a laptop, it allows diagnostic access to supported
transmissions.

For BMW ZF 8HP applications, this includes:

• reading diagnostic trouble codes
• accessing and monitoring adaptation values
• live status and operational data

IOcan can also flash OEM 8HP transmission control units with custom firmware and
read TCU memory, making it a capable tool for development, calibration, and
advanced integration work. Support for additional platforms, including DCT and
PDK transmissions, is planned.

Built for Integrators, Builders, and Developers¶

IOcan is aimed at professionals and advanced enthusiasts who need a reliable way
to integrate OEM transmissions into non-OEM environments. Typical applications
include:

• engine swaps using modern automatic or DCT transmissions
• custom vehicle builds and restomods
• motorsport and track vehicles
• transmission retrofits into non-original chassis
• development, testing, and reverse-engineering projects

By combining intelligent CAN gateway functionality, protocol emulation, flexible
control inputs, integrated power management, and diagnostic capabilities, IOcan
provides a compact, purpose-built solution for running OEM transmissions where
they were never intended to run.

Where to next¶

• Getting Started with IOcan — install, wire, and validate your first setup
• Supported Vehicles & Modules — check compatibility with your build
• Wiring Concepts and Configuration Concepts — understand the system before configuring
• Hardware & Electrical Specifications — electrical limits and interfaces