A quick way to precisely diagnose myriad automotive problems—or at the very least get a rough idea of what might be wrong—is to use an automotive scan tool.

NXP Semiconductors NV, the biggest maker of computer chips for cars, on Thursday said it had introduced a new platform that will simplify and speed up software development for its customers.

A quick way to precisely diagnose myriad automotive problems-or at the very least get a rough idea of what might be wrong-is to use an automotive scan tool. Here's what these pint-sized computers ...