Author: Ryan Hall

OmniAir Consortium®, the leading industry association promoting interoperability and certification for ITS, tolling, and connected vehicles, is excited to announce the completion of our latest V2X, Test Control Interface Version 3 (TCIv3).

Our latest publication introduces new elements for automating C-V2X testing and includes enhancements that support 802.11, 3GPP, 1609.x, J2945/1, and J3161/1 in addition to C-V2X test scripts. This version utilizes a standard protocol between test tools and devices that allows for controlled and repeatable testing.

TCIv3 is scalable and enables users to push “AT” commands and to change XML config files to C-V2X devices under test. These updates will help lower the overall cost of certification testing as the process is automated.

“Developing the latest OmniAir test control interface was a major endeavor,” said Mike Brown, Institute Engineer at Southwest Research Institute and OmniAir Connected Vehicle Techincal Working Group Chair. “The new version is designed to bring about a streamlined approach to testing and certifying life-saving V2X devices.”

There are a few items a device under test (DUT) vendor must do to enable TCIv3. The DUT must support an IPv6-based link (Ethernet, Board, USB, Wifi or Cellular), generate basic safety messages (BSM), read security credentials, and be able to download security credentials for at least one vendor.

OmniAir members have the exclusive right to implement TCIv3 into their test systems and V2X devices. It is also important for our members participating in Plugfest readiness testing events to incorporate the latest version. Those attending without TCIv3 will have limited manual testing available.

Members are encouraged to contact Aaron Moore, Technology Programs Manager for access to the Github and SharePoint sites.

About OmniAir Consortium

OmniAir Consortium is the leading industry association promoting interoperability and certification for ITS, tolling, and connected vehicles. OmniAir’s membership includes public agencies, private companies, research institutions, and independent test laboratories. Learn more about OmniAir at www.omniair.org.

 

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Earlier this week, OmniAir sat down with Frank Perry, Assistant Vice President, Senior Technical Principal of Connected and Automated Vehicles at WSP, and Chair of OmniAir’s Certification Working Group. Frank has volunteered to lead an effort to develop an OmniAir C-V2X Module Level Certification Program. The program’s goal is twofold, to focus testing on core communications required for exchanging data between V2X devices as well as to help drive down the overall cost of certification.

Q: What is a Module?

Frank: In this case, for the new OmniAir program, a module is a chipset, firmware, and software required to provide core (radio) V2X communications.  A typical V2X module supports the PHY (R14/802.11p) layer through Network (1609.3) layer.  Security (1609.2) may also be part of a V2X module.

Q: How does OmniAir’s Module Level Certification Program differ from OmniAir’s existing OBU and RSU Certification Programs?

Frank: While (radio) V2X communications are the primary focus of OmniAir Certification, existing programs focus on the entire device, including hardware, (V2X) security, positioning, and other functionality.

Separating core communications from overall device functionality enables device manufacturers to purchase the communication functionality, confident that it meets OmniAir testing requirements, and focus their development on other aspects of a device.

Q: What are the benefits of utilizing an OmniAir certified V2X module?

Frank: With the module handling the core V2X communication functions, device manufactures can focus on developing V2X hardware, security, positioning, applications, etc., reducing development resources.   Incorporating a certified V2X module can reduce overall risk and lower the cost of bringing a device to market.

Q: I understand you have worked for an automotive OEM, a tier-one supplier, and now a systems integrator. How does your experience guide the development of the new certification program for modules?

Frank: I am taking my cues from the device manufacture standpoint. The goal is to develop a robust program that can be implemented in a reasonable timeframe and within a reasonable budget.

Q: What stage of development is the new certification program, and is it too late to join?

Frank: We are in the very early stages and have developed a rough outline. At our next meeting, we will flesh out the bullet points to set the direction. The second answer is easy, no it is not too late to join. We encourage additional module providers to join OmniAir and help shape the program.

Q: How will this certification program impact the future development of V2X devices?

Frank: If done correctly, it would open up the industry to further innovation. Currently, most V2X device makers are developing software and modules for their specific device. When there are certified modules on the market, it will reduce development time and encourage others that might not have the resources to develop new applications and V2X devices. 

Q: What is the best way to get involved in the Working Group?

Frank: First, your organization must be an OmniAir member. OmniAir working groups are open to all OmniAir member employees.

If you are already an employee of an OmniAir member company, there is a simple form to fill out online. The next step is to roll up your sleeves and work collaboratively to develop and determine the requirements for this and other national and international focused certification programs.

The Certification Working Group meets on the 1st and 3rd Monday of each month at 11:00 am Eastern.  We look forward to seeing you there!

About OmniAir Consortium
OmniAir Consortium is the leading industry association promoting interoperability and certification for ITS, tolling, and connected vehicles. OmniAir’s membership includes public agencies, private companies, research institutions, and independent test laboratories. Learn more about OmniAir at www.omniair.org.

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OmniAir Consortium is kicking off the New Year with several major strategic priorities.

1. C-V2X Device Certification – OmniAir will offer certification for C-V2X (LTE-V2X PC5) devices, including On-Board Units (OBUs) and Roadside Units (RSUs), ensuring those devices conform with industry standards and meet minimal interoperability and security requirements. OmniAir is in the process of qualifying test equipment and authorizing test laboratories. Advanced reservations are available now, with device testing expected to begin in late February.

2. Multi-Protocol RFID Tolling Certification – OmniAir’s Tolling Working Group is developing a certification testing program for multi-protocol RFID tags and readers. OmniAir will offer independent, third-party testing and certification for tri-protocol (TDM, SeGo, and 6C) tags and readers, ensuring conformance and interoperability. Certification testing is expected to open by late Q1.

3. Authorized Field Test Site Program – OmniAir is launching a new program to audit and authorize field test sites to perform field testing for connected vehicles and tolling. OmniAir’s Board approved the program’s guidelines in December. The program is expected to roll out in Q2.

4. LTE-V2X Module Certification – OmniAir’s Certification Working Group, is developing a new program for the testing and certification of PC5 modules. This new certification program will build on OmniAir’s LTE-V2X radio certification program. This program is expected to launch in Q4.

5. V2X Application Testing – OmniAir’s Application Testing Sub-Group is developing a new testing and certification program focused on V2X applications. The initial focus is on Vehicle-to-Infrastructure (V2I) based applications, with a target of offering certification by late Q4.

6. V2X-based Tolling and Road Usage Charging – OmniAir will be launching a new initiative to address testing and certification of message sets for V2X-based tolling and road usage charging. OmniAir will host a workshop and stakeholder engagement to begin this process early in the year.

In addition, OmniAir is planning a series of webinars and workshops for our members to help advance these initiatives. We are also planning Plugfests, building on the success of our OmniAir Global Plugfest last fall.

To participate in each of these activities, you must be an OmniAir Member. To learn more about OmniAir Membership benefits, please contact Ryan Hall, Senior Director of Business Development, or visit our website and apply today.

If you are already an OmniAir Member and would like to get involved, please sign up for an OmniAir Working Group or contact Kate Oldham, Senior Director of Meetings & Membership.

About OmniAir Consortium
OmniAir Consortium is the leading industry association promoting interoperability and certification for ITS, tolling, and connected vehicles. OmniAir’s membership includes public agencies, private companies, research institutions, and independent test laboratories. Learn more about OmniAir at www.omniair.org.

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OmniAir Consortium®, ITS Canada, and the Standards Council of Canada have entered into a landmark agreement that will advance the testing and certification for connected vehicle, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technologies.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) pledges collaboration between the three organizations in the development of a certification framework, the creation of a joint accreditation program for test laboratories and building awareness of the benefits of certification within the Canadian ITS stakeholder community. The organizations aim to create a single-window approach for stakeholders seeking accreditation, testing, or procurement of OmniAir Certified V2X devices.

The MOU, which was developed with support from Transport Canada’s Program to Advance Connectivity and Automation in the Transportation System, (ACATS) will help align Canadian and U.S. approaches to the testing and certification of connected vehicle safety technologies in the United States and Canada.

“We are delighted to contribute to the development and implementation of a new testing system designed to meet the rigorous safety requirements of SCC’s accreditation program. We look forward to leveraging standards such as ISO/IEC 17025 and our own accreditation methods to ensure that new transportation technologies meet the evolving demands of today’s global market.” – Elias Rafoul, Vice President of Accreditation Services

“OmniAir Consortium is honored to enter into this historic agreement with ITS Canada and the Standards Council of Canada to further cooperation on Connected Vehicle testing and certification,” said Jason Conley, Executive Director of OmniAir Consortium. “This new partnership is consistent with OmniAir Consortium’s mission to advance interoperability and certification of life-saving V2X technologies around the world.”

OmniAir Certification ensures that trusted communications devices conform with industry standards and meet minimal interoperability and security requirements. Since 2017, OmniAir® has offered independent, third-party testing and certification for V2X radios, including On-Board Units (OBUs) and Roadside Units (RSUs). Early this year, OmniAir will launch the world’s first comprehensive certification program for LTE-V2X.

About OmniAir Consortium
OmniAir Consortium is the leading industry association promoting interoperability and certification for ITS, tolling, and connected vehicles. OmniAir’s membership includes public agencies, private companies, research institutions, and independent test laboratories. Learn more about OmniAir at www.omniair.org.

About ITS Canada
The Intelligent Transportation Systems Canada (“ITS Canada”) promotes the application of innovative ITS-related technologies and facilitates the compatibility of ITS applications though the development and adoption of appropriate national and international standards and architectures within the industry.

About the Standards Council of Canada
As Canada’s leading accreditation organization, SCC creates market confidence at home and abroad by ensuring that conformity assessment bodies meet the highest national and international standards. SCC advances Canada’s interest on the international scene as a member of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) by connecting thousands of people to global networks and resources, opening a world of possibilities for Canadians and businesses.

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OmniAir Consortium® is now accepting applications for the qualification of test equipment and the authorization of test laboratories to support OmniAir’s planned certification program for C-V2X (LTE-V2X PC5) radios.

OMNIAIR QUALIFIED TEST EQUIPMENT PROGRAM

The OmniAir Qualified Test Equipment (OQTE) program assesses and qualifies test equipment, systems, and other test tools for use in OmniAir Certification Testing. Only those test systems and equipment that successfully pass OmniAir’s rigorous audit process will achieve OQTE status, eligible for use by OmniAir Authorized Test Laboratories for certification testing.  OmniAir is now accepting applications for the qualification of test systems for OmniAir’s C-V2X Certification Program.

OMNIAIR AUTHORIZED TEST LABORATORY PROGRAM

The OmniAir Authorized Test Laboratory (OATL) program authorizes independent third-party test laboratories for eligibility for testing devices under OmniAir Certification programs. OmniAir Authorized Test Laboratories are ISO 17025 accredited, pass OmniAir’s rigorous audit program, and demonstrate the ability to perform testing for OmniAir Certification programs.  OmniAir is now accepting applications for the authorization of test laboratories for OmniAir’s C-V2X Certification Program.

On December 2, OmniAir’s Board of Directors approved over 300 new test specifications, to support the testing of C-V2X OnBoard Units (OBUs) and Roadside Units (RSUs), as well as an update to our Connected Vehicle Conformity Assessment program.

This initial set of LTE-V2X test cases (Release 1.0) were developed over the course of the year by OmniAir Members, are based on industry standards, and were validated at the OmniAir Global Plugfest in October of this year.  The initial release of test cases will be updated in early 2021 to reflect any changes in the final standards or regulatory releases.

“OmniAir® set an aggressive timeline to complete and approve a comprehensive set of C-V2X test cases for our certification program by Q4 of 2020, and I am proud to announce that we delivered on our promise,” said Jason Conley, Executive Director for OmniAir Consortium. “This milestone will ensure that all OmniAir Certified® C-V2X devices conform to industry standards and meet minimal interoperability and security requirements.”

OmniAir Members may review the test cases and policy documents by logging into the ‘Members Only’ section of the OmniAir website.

If you are interested in OmniAir’s certification program or would like to learn more, contact Ryan Hall, Senior Director of Business Development, or visit our certification services page for more information.

About OmniAir Consortium
OmniAir Consortium is the leading industry association promoting interoperability and certification for ITS, tolling, and connected vehicles. OmniAir’s membership includes public agencies, private companies, research institutions, and independent test laboratories. Learn more about OmniAir at www.omniair.org.

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