Digitalization and communication in cars are developing rapidly. A further step is the networking of the vehicle's telemetry with its environment. Thus, we are talking about Car2X/V2X today.
The purpose of digitalization is to connect the following areas:
• V2V (Vehicle to Vehicle): The connection of vehicles
• V2I (Vehicle to Infrastructure): Connecting vehicles with the infrastructure
• I2V (Infrastructure to Vehicle): Connecting the infrastructure with vehicles
The aim is to digitize the processing of information such as position, status (ignition on/off), condition (wear and tear) or speed of the vehicle and not limit it to the driver's ability to judge, as it is usually the case.
To ensure that this works smoothly, manufacturers rely on wireless transmission technologies such as Dedicated Short-Range Communication (DSRC, also known as Car2X) and LTE/5G (V2X). This makes it possible to create a telemetry data fusion of vehicles and infrastructure.
Why is this required?
The fusion of telemetry data opens new possibilities for developing intelligent driver assistance systems (ADAS). Volkswagen, for example, has added Car2X to its ADAS for ACC (Adaptive Cruise Control), which is now called c-ACC (connected-Adaptive Cruise Control). This means, the adaptive cruise control system reacts to traffic jam warnings reported by other vehicles or the infrastructure and automatically adjusts the speed. The transmission range of DSRC is about 850m in open spaces and 150m in urban areas.
What other ADAS can be realized with Car2X?
• Green wave assistant
• Junction assistant
• Electronic brake light
• Roadworks warning
• End of traffic jam warning
• Platooning - vehicles follow each other in groups at very close intervals without compromising road safety.
How easily can these systems be manipulated?
With the Golf 8, Volkswagen has implemented the ADAS Car2X and has also taken tamper protection into account. Each time Car2X-messages are sent, a digital certificate is also sent to confirm the integrity. These certificates are downloaded from the Volkswagen backend when the ignition is switched on. If the vehicle is set to incognito mode by the driver (that is, standard data transmission has not been agreed to), the Golf 8 downloads and uses "stock" certificates. This means that 60 of these offline certificates are valid for a maximum of one week. After that, they must be renewed digitally.
In the Golf 8, the Car2X control unit is located directly under the shark antenna. The control unit and the shark antenna form a single unit. On vehicles with a glass roof, there is another Car2X-module in the side mirror.
It remains to be seen how the topic of telemetry fusion will develop and whether Car2X or V2X will prevail. But the infrastructure is in place for both systems, the 5G network is being further expanded and VW has taken the plunge with Car2X. However, this technology is definitely a clear component of autonomous driving. Let's wait and see what comes next 😉
Thank you for reading my ADAS blog and I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did. This is the last blog article I will be publishing for the time being. You can still reach me in the ReCO™ Expert Team if you have a challenge. Best regards and see you soon!