Dedicated Short-Range Communications (DSRC), Function - GF82.88-P-2001LFJ

Model 217, 222 

up to model year 2018 

with code 498 (Japanese version) 

Dealer option 

Shown on model 222, 217 

Courtesy of MERCEDES-BENZ USA

Function requirements for Dedicated Short-Range Communications in general 

• Circuit 15R ON
• Electronic Toll Collection System (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 the vehicle in the Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) system
• Use of Vehicle Information and Communication System (VICS) services in the reception range of 5.8 GHz

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

Function sequence for Dedicated Short-Range Communications 

The DSRC antenna and the Dedicated Short-Range Communications control unit are installed in the vehicle for transmitting and receiving data. The DSRC antenna allows 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. The voice outputs and display messages of the ETC and VICS functions are forwarded to the COMAND controller unit via this connection. The Audio/COMAND display receives the picture signals for the display messages 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 over MOST to the sound system amplifier control unit, which actuates the speaker system.

In the following cases, an ETC voice message is emitted through the speaker system:

• 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.
• Current information on road and traffic situations available.

In the following cases, a visual ETC message (pop-up) is shown on the audio/COMAND display:

• COMAND controller unit booted and ETC card not inserted
• COMAND controller unit booted and ETC card inserted
• Feedback from tollbooth

	Electrical function schematic for Dedicated Short-Range Communications		PE82.88-P-2059-97SEA
	Overview of system components, telematics		GF82.85-P-9999LF