ACTIA VCM Connectivity ECU Factory Fitted in Cars User Manual

ACTIA VCM Connectivity ECU Factory Fitted in Cars

General

Revision history

5.1 Added information about antenna

and cable length.

Abbreviations

References

Introduction

The VCM is a connectivity ECU that is factory fitted in cars from Volvo Car Corporation (VCC). It handles the diagnostic routing between the vehicle and the external test equipment for diagnostic connections via CAN*, Ethernet/WLAN and Remotely via available Internet connections. The VCM can also be used as a Wi-Fi hotspot for people inside the vehicle as well as a W-Fi client to connect to available hotspots (for instance, a hotspot provided from a passenger’s laptop or cell phone), and it provides raw GNSS position for use by other ECUs in the vehicle, such as the Navigation system.
The VCM is capable of routing data to/from available Internet sources in the vehicle, for instance the Wi-Fi station in the VCM, a Bluetooth handy connected to another ECU in the vehicle, or a vehicle modem, also located in another ECU in the vehicle. Legislated OBD diagnostics (11-bit CAN) are not routed via the VCM.

Technical Description

Connectors

• DLC Ethernet connector
  The DLC Ethernet connector is used for Ethernet communication with external diagnostics equipment.

• USB/IHU Ethernet connector
  The IHU Ethernet connector is used for Ethernet communication with the head unit in the car.

• Main connector
  The main connector is used to connect power, FlexRay and CAN communication, external SIM card holder, microphone and speaker, SOS, roadside assistance and exit buttons, and connection to the SRS control unit.

• WLAN antenna
  The pastel orange Fakra connector is used to connect an external WLAN antenna.

• GNSS antenna
  The blue Fakra is the input for the GNSS antenna.

• Power supply
  Operating voltage range: 8-16 VDC. Nominal 13.8V. Maximum current consumption 1.5A @ 8V.

Supported bands

WLAN
The WLAN antenna is connected to the orange Fakra connector. The product supports dual-band 802.11b/g/n at 2.4GHz and 802.11a/n at 5GHz. Supported channels are listed below. When the product is installed in a vehicle the useable channels are limited to what is allowed in the current country.

Supported bands

802.11b

Parameter|
---|---
Channels| 1-13
Data rates| 1, 2, 5.5, 11 Mbps
Output power| +18 dBm

802.11g

Parameter|
---|---
Channels| 1-13
Data rates| 6, 9, 12, 18, 24, 36, 48, 54 Mbps
Output power| +15 dBm

802.11n

Parameter|
---|---
Channels| 2.4GHz: 1-13

5GHz: 36-165

Data rates| MCS0-MCS7
Output power| 2.4GHz: +15 dBm

5GHz: channesl 36-140: +13dBm, channels 149-165 +11 dBm

802.11a

Parameter|
---|---
Channels| 36-165
Data rates| 6, 9, 12, 18, 24, 36, 48, 54 Mbps
Output power| 5GHz: channels 36-140: +13dBm,

channesl 149-165: +11 dBm

Functional Description

Diagnostics

• DoIP connection
  The IP interface in the vehicle is located in the OBD connector. When test equipment is connected on the OBD Ethernet port, the VCM presents itself on the network using a “Vehicle Announcement Message”, as specified in ISO 13400-2. Based on the content of this message, an external tester tool can connect to the VCM and create a diagnostic session.

• CAN connection
  The diagnostics over CAN interface is also located in the OBD connector. To communicate with the VCM and the ECUs behind the VCM in the vehicle topology, the diagnostic requests shall be sent with 29-bit addressing. The same CAN interface is used for legislated ODB diagnostics. For such purposes, 11-bit addressing is used. Such CAN traffic does not affect the VCM.

• WLAN
  Diagnostics functionality is also available via WLAN. The unit ca be set in a mode where it acts like a WLAN station and attaches to a hotspot in the workshop.

• WLAN access point
  VCM can act as a WLAN access point for passengers in the car. User interface needs to be implemented in an external unit, e.g. in a head unit with display. The WLAN access point functionality is controlled via IHU Ethernet interface.

• Data gateway
  VCM acts as a data gateway for the WLAN access point and other ECUs in the vehicle. It can e.g. provide internet connectivity for the head unit. The data gateway is controlled via the IHU Ethernet interface.

• Positioning information
  The product automatically outputs GNSS raw position data on the CAN bus. The GNSS data is used by other ECUs in the vehicle, for instance the Navigation system.

Installation and maintenance

Installation
The VCM is factory fitted in Volvo vehicles. It is not possible to buy this product separately. The product is certified to be used with an external roof mounted antenna. Volvo part number 31346764 Minimum cable length is 2.5m.
Maintenance
The status of the VCM can be read via diagnostic connections using special workshop tools. In addition, other ECUs monitor the communication from the VCM and in case of missing/invalid communication, the Central Electronic Module in the vehicle is alerted, and will display a warning to the driver. Maintenance and replacement of the VCM can only be performed by Volvo certified workshops.

Regulatory Certifications

USA (FCC)
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

1. This device may not cause harmful interference, and
2. This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

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