Dedicated Short-Range Communication (DSRC) technology, which supports digital transportation, requires two components to function properly: the On Board Unit (OBU) and the Road Side Unit (RSU).
The On Board Unit is a small component installed in a vehicle that enables communication with other vehicles or with infrastructure that supports DSRC.
Are you familiar with the On Board Unit? Read this article to the end to learn about the device that is an important part of the advancement of digital transportation.
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Table of Contents
What is an On Board Unit?
An On Board Unit (OBU) is an electronic device that is a component of Dedicated Short-Range Communication (DSRC) technology in support of digital transportation.
With an OBU, vehicles can communicate bidirectionally with other vehicles (Vehicle-to-Vehicle / V2V) to send information about the vehicle’s condition (such as sudden braking, speed, or position).
Additionally, the OBU can receive information from road infrastructure (Vehicle-to-Infrastructure / V2I), such as traffic lights, electronic message signs, and as part of an automatic toll road payment system.
All such communications, whether V2V or V2I, occur within milliseconds using 5.9 GHz radio frequency technology.
The Function of On Board Unit
The main function of the On Board Unit (OBU) is to communicate with other vehicles and road infrastructure (Road Side Unit / RSU). The following are its functions and applications:
1. Communication with vehicles and infrastructure
Using 5.9 GHz radio frequency technology, the OBU can communicate quickly with other vehicles (V2V) and infrastructure (V2I) to receive information related to traffic management and hazards in the vicinity.
2. Navigation and Route
The OBU sends vehicle location and speed data to the RSU for traffic management, which then provides navigation and the best route. The OBU will receive information on traffic congestion so that traffic flow is maintained, reducing congestion and improving overall transportation efficiency.
3. Automatic speed management
The OBU is integrated with the vehicle system, enabling it to automatically adjust speed based on the information received. For example, when a vehicle suddenly stops dozens of meters ahead, when approaching a school zone, or when a red light is about to turn on.
4. Improving safety
With its ability to communicate in real-time and quickly via V2V and V2I, drivers can obtain information related to hazards in their vicinity. OBU can receive information related to collision warnings, emergency braking, sudden vehicle stops, and lane changes. This allows drivers to anticipate potential hazards.
5. Automatic toll payment
In support of fully automated digital transportation, the OBU enables automatic toll payment. The device stores identity data and other information, allowing vehicles to pass through toll gates automatically without stopping or queuing.
On Board Unit Regulation
The On Board Unit (OBU) uses technologies such as Short Range Devices (SRD) that operate within a specific frequency spectrum, 5.9 GHz. In every country, any SRD-based wireless device is required to have a Type Approval Certification.
The certification ensures that the product meets government safety and quality regulations and does not interfere with other communication devices. The certification process involves technical testing, such as frequency adjustments, safety checks, and compatibility with the surrounding environment.
Once the tests are completed, products that pass are listed in a Test Result Report, which confirms that the product is safe and ready for sale. This report reassures customers that the product meets technical standards and is secure.
For companies wanting to sell an OBU in South East Asia, especially Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia, you can contact Dimulti as the great SEA Product Compliance Specialists and Certification Services that are available to assist with the process.
