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

Model 172.4 

as of model year 2013 

with code 498 (Japanese version) 

Dealer option 

Function requirements for Dedicated Short-Range Communications in general 

• Circuit 15R ON (from electronic ignition lock control unit (N73) via interior CAN (CAN B))
• Transport mode not active
• ETC (Electronic Toll Collection) 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 VICS services (Vehicle Information and Communication System) in the 5.8 GHz reception range

As well as payment at the toll station, the ETC also includes a detailed list of payments made, which is produced in the COMAND controller unit (A40/3).

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.

At the vehicle side, the Dedicated Short-Range Communications control unit is connected to the COMAND controller unit via a USB interface (universal serial bus). The signals for the ETC and VICS functions are forwarded via this connection to the COMAND controller unit. The COMAND controller unit outputs acoustic messages via the speaker system (except code 810, Sound system) or forwards them via Media Oriented Systems Transport (MOST) to the sound system amplifier control unit (N40/3), which actuates the speaker system. Visual messages are sent by the COMAND controller unit via a low voltage differential signaling (LVDS) line to the Audio/COMAND display (A40/8); control of the Audio/COMAND display takes place via the telematics CAN (CAN A).

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 detected.
• ETC card not accepted.
• ETC card reader error detected.
• Error in communication with tollbooth.
• Detailed information about recent toll payments available.
• Payment procedure successfully completed (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-2059-97TAA
	Overview of system components, telematics		GF82.85-P-9999RD