The first two episodes of this miniseries provide an overview of the new UN ECE R156 regulation, the related standard ISO 24089, and their management level requirements. In this third episode, the focus shifts to requirements impacting the vehicle, such as the required update version number identifier, RxSWIN, and the related Vehicle Type Approval scheme (VTA).
Miniseries history
- EP.1 Overview of UN R156 and ISO:24089
- EP.2 Focus on Software Update Management Systems (SUMS)
- EP.3 Focus on vehicle requirements (RXsWIN & VTA)
- … Do not hesitate to contact us for new blog post ideas.
RXSWIN WHAT IS THAT?
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iThe RXSWIN is a unique identifier suggested by UNECE R156 regulations and shall not be confused with the VIN, Vehicle Identification Number.
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The RXSWIN contains both the relevant regulation identifier, which applies to the electronic component that will be updated, Rx, and the software’s version installed on the electronic component, SWIN YYYY. The version number will only be updated in case of modification that will modify the vehicle type approval.
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To illustrate this identifier, a software update that modified the Automated Lane Keeping Assistant, ALKS, speed limit from 60km/h to 130 km/h, according to the amendment of UN ECE R157. This update will require an extension of the vehicle type approval. Thus, the RXSWIN will look like R157SWIN 001 Ext 01. The RXSWIN stays the same, but an extension is mentioned. The numbering is illustrated in the left part of the figure below.
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Another example will be an update of the steering regulation, UN ECE R79, to add steering assistance, autopilot mode on Tesla, or Travel mode on Volkswagen. As this is a new feature, the update will modify the vehicle type approval. Thus, the complete software update procedure explained in Episode 1 shall be conducted, leading to a new RXWIN, as illustrated in the right part of the figure below.
The RXSWIN’s administration is under the vehicle manufacturer’s responsibility. He shall ensure his integrity and numbering. Those properties treatment is described in the Software Update Management Systems, SUMS.
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Vehicle Type Approval
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The UNECE VTA, Vehicle Type Approval, and EU VTA, Vehicle Type Approval, are both regulations that specify the technical requirements that vehicles must meet to be sold and registered for use on public roads. However, there are some key differences between the two regulations.
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Firstly, the EU VTA applies specifically to vehicles sold and registered in the European Union. At the same time, the UNECE VTA is a global regulation adopted by many countries worldwide, including many European countries. This means that if a vehicle is approved under the UNECE VTA, it can be sold and registered in multiple countries without needing additional type approval testing.
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Secondly, while the UNECE VTA and EU VTA are designed to ensure that vehicles meet particular safety and environmental standards, the specific requirements and testing procedures can differ significantly. For example, the EU VTA strongly emphasizes environmental performance, including exhaust emissions and fuel efficiency. In contrast, the UNECE VTA focuses more on crash safety and pedestrian protection. Furthermore, the UNECE VTA is based on the 1958 Agreement of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), which has been signed and ratified by many countries around the world. As of 2021, 54 countries are contracting parties to the UNECE 1958 Agreement, including many European countries and countries in Asia, Africa, and South America.
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This miniseries is about the UNECE R156 regulations, so only the UNECE VTA scheme will be described.
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How to grant a UNECE VTA regarding R156
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The UNECE VTA process involves an assessment of vehicle manufacturers’ capabilities to manage and execute a safe and secure update, with an audit of their SUMS and then a series of tests and inspections that are designed to ensure that a vehicle meets the technical requirements specified in the UNECE regulations. The process typically involves the following steps:
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1. Application: The first step in the UNECE VTA process is to submit an application to an authorized technical service. The application should include information about the vehicle, such as its make, model, and technical specifications. For Regulation 156, the required documents are illustrated in the below figure. Those elements are taken from Annex 1 of the regulation.
2. Test Plan: Once the application is accepted, the technical service will develop a test plan based on the requirements specified in the relevant UNECE regulation. The test plan will include a list of the tests and inspections the vehicle must undergo to be approved. R156 allows two testing strategies: testing on-site at the technical services or a test sampling conducted by the vehicle manufacturer. The technical services/approval authorities define this strategy.
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3. Evaluation: After the testing and inspections are completed, the technical service will evaluate the results to determine whether the vehicle meets the requirements specified in the UNECE regulation. If the vehicle passes all of the tests and inspections, it will be deemed to be in compliance with the regulation.
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4. Certificate of Conformity: Finally, if the vehicle is found to be in compliance with the UNECE regulation, the technical service will issue a certificate of conformity. This document confirms that the vehicle meets the necessary technical requirements and can be sold and registered on public roads.
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The figure below illustrates all those four steps and the requirement on the organization level, the car manufacturer shall have a certified SUMS.
In conclusion, the UNECE VTA process is a comprehensive testing and certification procedure that ensures that vehicles meet the technical requirements specified in the UNECE regulations. The process involves a series of tests and inspections, and compliance with the UNECE regulations is essential for successful market entry in many countries worldwide.
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How can CertX ecosystem support regarding UNCEE R156 and ISO 24089
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CertX has technical services. As a recognized certification body, CertX made a partnership with FAKT, a technical service recognized in Germany, to conduct SUMS certification and required test by the regulation.
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We are also currently developing a certification scheme for the Software Update Management Systems, SUMS, regarding ISO 24089 for lower-tier suppliers that UNECE R156 impacts due to supply chain requirements.
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Furthermore, At CertX, we can provide you or your customer with further support to integrate the Software update management Systems, SUMS, into your existing management systems.