Service-Oriented Vehicle Diagnostics - SOVD

Enabling Scalable Diagnostics for Software-Defined Vehicles

DSA helps OEMs and Tier-1 suppliers shape next-generation diagnostics strategies and implement scalable, cloud-ready diagnostics architectures based on SOVD and ISO 17978.

As active contributors to automotive diagnostics standards, we support the transition from ECU-centric diagnostics to service-oriented diagnostics for software-defined vehicles (SDVs), turning evolving standards into robust, future-proof diagnostic.

ISO 17978 Expertise
SDV Diagnostics Architecture
Remote Diagnostics Enablement
OEM & Tier-1 Experience

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What is Service-Oriented Vehicle Diagnostics (SOVD)?

Service-Oriented Vehicle Diagnostics (SOVD) is a modern diagnostics architecture designed for software-defined vehicles (SDVs). Unlike traditional ECU-centric diagnostics approaches, SOVD introduces service-oriented communication mechanisms and API-driven diagnostics access.

SOVD enables:

Scalable diagnostics for SDVs
Remote vehicle diagnostics
Cloud-native diagnostics integration
Diagnostics access via standardized APIs
HPC-ready architecture
Seamless backend connectivity

SOVD is standardized in ISO 17978 and is considered a key enabler for future automotive software architecture.

Evolution from UDS to SOVD

Why SOVD for Software-Defined Vehicle Diagnostics?

Challenge: Modern SDVs require a new diagnostics approach

High-performance computing platforms centralize vehicle functions and software execution
Software-defined architectures increase system complexity and interdependencies
OTA updates and cloud-native services require continuous diagnostics capabilities
Service-oriented communication changes how ECUs and applications interact
Remote operations and connected services demand scalable, secure access to vehicle diagnostics
Traditional diagnostics concepts and protocols are not designed for these dynamic environments

SOVD as the enabler for scalable SDV diagnostics

Provides a standardized abstraction layer for modern vehicle diagnostics
Supports diagnostics for both classic ECUs and HPC-based architecture
Enables scalable diagnostics independent of network topology and communication protocols
Simplifies integration of cloud services, remote diagnostics and OTA workflows
Improves interoperability between OEMs, tools and backend systems
Supports secure, service-oriented and future-proof diagnostics concepts for SDVs
Helps OEMs maintain serviceability, scalability and cybersecurity across the vehicle lifecycle

Example of SOVD Architecture

SOVD vs UDS

While UDS remains essential for many diagnostics workflows, SOVD extends diagnostics capabilities to support modern SDV architectures and cloud-connected vehicle ecosystems.

Expertise

DSA combines standardisation leadership with practical implementation experience across the full lifecycle of vehicle diagnostics.

Initiator of SOVD standardisation in 2019
Leading contributor within SOVD standardisation
Proven hands-on experience in series programmes

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Consulting: Diagnosing SDV architectures

Integration of classic ECUs into modern SDV platforms
Monitoring and diagnostics of HPC-based systems
Handling service-oriented vehicle architectures

Consulting: Impact of SOVD

Implications of introducing SOVD across the lifecycle
Role and benefits of on-board testers
Implications for IT and backend integration

SOVD in Practice: Engineering

SOVD server
Tooling for creation, validation and simulation

Training: Role-specific training programmes

Management Level: Strategic context and evolution of diagnostics (1 day)
System Architect Level:
SOVD architecture, API principles, and system integration (1 day)
Developer Level: SOVD hands-on incl. simulation and test sequence development (3 days)

➜ Get information about SOVD trainings

SOVD in Practice: Production

On-board tester replacing classic diagnostic testers
Full control over test benches

SOVD in Practice: After-sales

Workshop-level remote diagnostics
Migration of classic vehicles to SOVD

Typical SOVD Use Cases

Frequently Asked Questions about SOVD

What is SOVD?

SOVD is a diagnostics architecture designed for software-defined vehicles using service-oriented communication concepts.

What is ISO 17978?

ISO 17978 is the standard defining service-oriented diagnostics concepts for modern vehicle architectures.

What is the difference between UDS and SOVD?

UDS is ECU-centric, while SOVD introduces service-oriented and API-based diagnostics approaches for SDVs.

Is SOVD replacing UDS?

SOVD complements and extends traditional diagnostics concepts to support modern vehicle architectures.

Why is SOVD important for SDVs?

Software-defined vehicles require scalable, cloud-ready and service-oriented diagnostics architectures.

How can OEMs implement SOVD?

OEMs typically integrate SOVD concepts into their SDV architectures, backend systems and diagnostics ecosystems.

Build the Future of Vehicle Diagnostics with DSA!

Whether you are planning SDV architectures, implementing remote diagnostics concepts or evaluating SOVD adoption strategies — DSA supports you from strategy to implementation.

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