At the recent TU-Automotive Detroit 2019 auto tech show at the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi, Harman International unveiled a new Dual-Mode V2X system aimed at enhancing automotive safety.
Harman, a subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co. with offices in Novi, says its new flexible telematics system features both software and hardware. The technology utilizes dedicated short-range communication (DSRC) and cellular (5G) Vehicle-to-Everything (C-V2X) networks, removing the guesswork for numerous safety system setups.
V2X communication refers to the compatible transfer of data between a connected vehicle and its surroundings, including other vehicles on the roadway, infrastructure, and even pedestrians. Currently, there are two standards that support this communication: DSRC, which is based on wireless LAN-like technology, and C-V2X, which is part of the 5G mobile network standard.
The availability of both DSRC and C-V2X, however, varies by region and can cause significant guesswork for automakers looking to launch V2X features, such as improved blind spot warnings, adaptive cruise control, and traffic sign recognition.
With the development of Harman’s Dual-Mode V2X system, automakers now can leverage over-the-air commands to select which of the two standards will be implemented on each vehicle. As a result, according to Harman, this technology offers a cost-effective solution for automakers by eliminating compliance guesswork while improving road safety and enhancing overall user experience.
“DSRC and C-V2X will be critical in transforming network connectivity,” says Ram Iyer, senior engineering director for Harman’s telematics business unit. “Launching our Dual-Mode V2X system continues our commitment to offering key solutions that can better meet the demands of automakers looking to seamlessly implement more connected safety features.
“By leveraging our relationship with Samsung for mobile technology, as well as our already-potent telematics control unit technology, our offering provides automakers with the true flexibility needed, in order to support both modes without having to have custom solutions for each standard.”
HARMAN’s Dual-Mode V2X system will be available for 2021 model-year vehicles and will support a growing set of safety and efficiency use cases.
