[Editor's Note] The latest automobiles are connected to networks, providing users with the ability to control their cars. Connected cars require constant connectivity and must be accessible anywhere. LTE Cat. M1 is an LTE-based communication method that can be used even without communication infrastructure and is created for Internet of Things devices through constant network connection. It supports low-speed communication with a maximum transmission speed of 300 Kbps with LTE network coverage. Jang Byeong-nam, CEO of Codeju, which provides IoT communication modules, introduced a connected car implementation case that is possible even in older cars using an LTE Cat. M1 modem, Vodafone Global IoT Sim, ESP32 low-power MCU, and Azure cloud services.
■ What is the concept of a connected car and what are its components?

A connected car is a car that is always connected. The target components can be defined as always-on communication and devices inside and outside the vehicle.

Connected cars have recently become an issue as cars are no longer just a means of transportation, but are being used for various purposes such as car camping due to the impact of Corona. When managing various services using vehicles, it is easy to manage them all at once if they are connected to a network.

The concept of infotainment, which is accessed through the dashboard inside a vehicle, has expanded to include a system that allows users to check various statuses in the vehicle through a PC or mobile phone even when they are not in the vehicle.

■ Features of LTE Cat.M1 used for this development

Recently, companies are using LTE Cat.M1 a lot. Generally, it is used to collect and monitor necessary data through various devices such as sensors and transmit them to the server, using AT commands provided by module manufacturers.

In order to implement connected car functions, it is necessary to utilize various network functions by maintaining constant connection. At this time, a network-only communication mode called PPP mode is activated.

Additionally, the MCU connected here must directly load and use the software network stack. I think this part will be different from the existing one.

■ Briefly explain the use of materials used in development

Although 5G is often mentioned for automotive communications, LTE Cat. M1 communications are the cheapest and lowest power consumption communications using LTE, making them ideal for the purpose.

Connected cars require low standby power consumption to ensure constant connectivity, i.e., to be constantly connected to the network, send status information to the user, and wait for user control.

Connected cars use electricity generated by a 'generator' device while the car is running, but when the car is turned off, it uses the battery. At this time, LTE Cat. M1 can minimize the current consumption during standby time so that the car is always connected.

'Vodafone Global IoT Sim' is a global cellular communication service provided by Vodafone in the UK to enable the same IoT communication in over 180 countries around the world. In Korea, roaming services are supported through SKT and KT networks, and in the case of KT, LTE-M dedicated services including PSM mode can be used through roaming.

The 'Azure IoT Central' service is a SaaS service of Microsoft's Azure cloud provided to quickly integrate IoT devices into the cloud environment. It includes a dashboard that can check real-time status related to the web and apps, as well as a data transmission control function for the terminal, and a service that can analyze data.

By integrating various services, such as the machine learning storage service provided by Azure, you can analyze data in real time and display and predict results.

The 'ESP32 Arduino' board allows developers without specialized knowledge of microprocessors to easily connect this device via an LTE Cat. M1 modem and open source. In particular, an RTOS is implemented on the backend service side to operate the Azure IoT Central service. The two can be combined to enable real-time control and monitoring.

Codeju is also preparing to provide closed source and design data through a license sales method for a professional package that allows professional developers to utilize Azure IoT Central FOTA and all functions 100%, configuring it with Arure RTOS and Azure SDK and aiming for mass production.

■ How does it work and what functions can be implemented in that way?

Using the Web App provided by Azure IoT Central Service, you can implement functions such as remotely turning the car door lock On/Off and monitoring the battery status in real time through the user's smartphone or PC. This is provided as open source code.

The webinar will also cover how to connect other devices, such as other sensors. Azure IoT Central Service also has strong support for web and apps, making it easy to expand cloud services.

■ Whether it can be connected to other devices or other connected cars

The connected car discussed here is implemented from the perspective of installing and controlling a device that monitors various actions occurring inside the vehicle in real time, rather than operating the car by turning the steering wheel, starting the engine, or opening and closing the windows.

First of all, the test was conducted on the Ssangyong Korando Turismo and Hyundai Grandeur IG models, and the function can be applied to Renault or other brands of vehicles by modifying the equipment to fit their models.

Because it utilizes a space called a car, it can be installed in older cars without an OTA system, and it is not limited to the car model. Accordingly, interoperability such as protocol compatibility with other connected cars is impossible.

■ What is the way to manage security risks when implemented in this way?

Due to the nature of automobiles, security is the most important part. In addition to transmission and reception between the inside and outside of the car, control-related parts are especially important.

For this purpose, we used Azure, an internationally certified cloud service. Azure IoT Central Service is implemented in a way that devices and clouds connect in accordance with international security specifications and standards.

You can achieve reductions in maintenance costs and time for security patches that occur when using a personal server.

■ If certification and commercialization are possible, the necessary elements are

I think it will be important to know exactly what to connect.

If it's a car, the car needs to focus on what's not always with us and productize it with clear goals about what information it needs to be connected to and what it needs to control.

As a company that creates communication models, Codeju focuses on how to implement communication through technology rather than dealing with the product itself.

We believe that ideas are out there, and we aim to help by providing the communications and device-related technologies and resources to make those ideas come true.

thank you