Dedicated Short-Range Communications (DSRC), function - GF82.88-P-2001FQJ

MODEL 218 as of model year 2013 with CODE 498 (Japanese version) Dealer option 

Function requirements for Dedicated Short-Range Communications in general 

• Circuit 15R ON
• Transport mode not active
• COMAND controller unit (A40/3) activated via "ON" button
• For the Electronic Toll Collection System (ETC): ETC card inserted

Dedicated Short-Range Communications in general 

The Dedicated Short-Range Communications (DSRC) system combines the following functions:

• Payment of toll fees from inside the vehicle in the ETC system
• Use of Vehicle Information and Communication System (VICS) services in 5.8 GHz reception range

The ETC system encompasses not only payment at the tollbooth but also a detailed list of payments made.

The services provided through the VICS include, e.g.:

• Warning of obstacles in stretch ahead
• Information on traffic conditions in stretch ahead
• Warning if separate lanes are merged in the stretch ahead
• Electronic direction signs
• Messages from the disaster early warning system (e.g. earthquake and Tsunami warnings)

Function sequence for Dedicated Short-Range Communications 

Installed in the vehicle for sending and receiving data are the ETC/DSRC antenna (A2/94) and the Dedicated Short-Range Communications control unit (A50/6). The ETC/DSRC antenna enables the Dedicated Short-Range Communications control unit to communicate with the toll clearing station and to receive the VICS information in the 5.8 GHz range.

A special ETC card is required for the ETC system and it has to be inserted in the Dedicated Short-Range Communications control unit. All information concerning the user and the fees that have already been paid are stored on this card.

On the vehicle side, the Dedicated Short-Range Communications control unit is connected via a universal serial bus (USB) interface to the COMAND controller unit. Voice outputs and display messages as part of the ETC and VICS functions are forwarded through this connection to the COMAND controller unit. The picture signals of the displays are received by the Audio/COMAND display (A40/8) via an LVDS line from the COMAND controller unit. The COMAND controller unit forwards the audio signals to the speaker system. In vehicles with CODE 810 (Sound system) or CODE 811 (Advanced sound system), the COMAND controller unit forwards the audio signals via the Media Oriented Systems Transport (MOST) to the sound system amplifier control unit (N40/3), which actuates the speaker system.

More detailed information on the speaker system is available in the "Speaker output function" information.

The COMAND controller unit transmits the picture signals of the displays to the Audio/COMAND display via an LVDS line (low voltage differential signaling).

In the following cases, an ETC voice message is output via the speaker system and also appears on the Audio/COMAND display:

• ETC card not inserted
• ETC card read error
• ETC card not accepted
• ETC card reader error
• Fault in the communication with the tollbooth
• Detailed information about recent toll payments available
• Payment completed successfully (beep)

In the following cases, the LED shows an error on the Dedicated Short-Range Communications control unit (LED flashes red):

• Invalid ETC card inserted
• ETC card not inserted correctly
• Malfunction of the ETC card reader

If an ETC card is inserted and the Dedicated Short-Range Communications control unit does not recognize an error, the LED is lit in green.

Electrical function schematic for Dedicated Short-Range Communications		PE82.88-P-2059-97XAA
Overview of system components, telematics	MODEL 218.3 as of model year 2013 with CODE 498 (Japanese version) with CODE 527 (COMAND APS with single DVD drive (with navigation)) Dealer option	GF82.85-P-9999FQA