Co-operation targets growing V2X market

12th October 2015

u-blox

Barney Scott

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Whitepaper

u-blox has announced a further co-operation with Cohda Wireless. To meet rapidly increasing demand for V2X modules for trials, early deployments and infrastructure roll-out, Cohda Wireless and u-blox have agreed on an exclusive license for the use of the latest MK5 module design, leveraging u-blox strengths in quality manufacture and global supply of automotive components for positioning and communications.

V2V and V2I wireless technologies, together comprising vehicle-to-everything, or V2X, are paving the way to the transportation of the future, and ultimately autonomous driving. By allowing communication between vehicles and their surroundings, V2X improves road safety, reduces traffic congestion and energy consumption, while enhancing passenger experience and safety. Coupled with more conventional Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) technologies, such as radar sensors and cameras, V2X enables a 360° situational awareness with information such as the position, speed and direction of surrounding vehicles.

"While Cohda Wireless developed the MK5, a state-of-the-art V2X radio module, we have decided to license its design in order to focus on software IP. V2X communication is a growing exciting market and, by taking this step, we are looking forward to a closer co-operation with u-blox ", explains Paul Gray, CEO of Cohda Wireless.

THEO-P1 is a compact, automotive-grade transceiver module facilitating development of electronics for V2X communication systems. Already with a strong market penetration, it addresses both equipment within vehicles (OBU-On Board Units) and road infrastructure (RSU-Road Side Units). THEO-P1 delivers proven superior performance - it is based on 5.9GHz radio link, a two way, short range wireless communications technology and is designed to work with vehicles at speeds up to 250km/h and within a 1000m range. Cohda Wireless will continue to offer MK5 OBU and MK5 RSU products into V2X trials and low-mid volume V2X deployments, but in future these will be based on the THEO-P1.

"This is a very exciting move for us, since u-blox is now at the forefront of both short range and positioning technologies for V2X solutions. As this market matures with an increasing number of new deployments, we can offer best-of-breed V2X solutions composed of our modules to address the requirements of both our automotive and infrastructure equipment customer base," explains Herbert Blaser, Senior Director, Product Centre, Short Range Radio, u-blox. "We are also convinced that conventional driver assistance solutions will significantly benefit from the adoption of V2X technologies."