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DIMO Open Hardware Specification
The DIMO Open Hardware Spec is designed to guide manufacturers and device integrators in ensuring that their hardware is compatible with the DIMO platform.
DIMO OPEN HARDWARE SPECIFICATION REV N/C December 19 2022
Overview
The DIMO Open Hardware Specification is a critical component of the Open Hardware Ecosystem. Prospective manufacturers of DIMO-compatible devices are expected to adhere to the below specifications for all aspects of the device’s design. Auditing a device and confirming if the materials, components and design adhere to the below spec is a major aspect approval process for a DIMO-compatible device.
Engineers and designers are encouraged to contact DIMO or the DIMO Foundation if any questions arise regarding the below specifications.
Hardware Requirements
WiFi
To be DIMO-compatible, devices must meet the following specifications:
802.11 b/g/n/ac/ax compatibility: This ensures that the device can connect to modern WiFi networks and communicate with other devices using the latest WiFi standards.
2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency support: This allows the device to operate on both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands, which are commonly used by IoT devices.
WPA2/WPA3 security protocol support: This ensures that the device can securely connect to and communicate over WiFi networks, using the latest security protocols.
Minimum 100 Mbps transfer speed: This ensures that the device can transmit and receive data quickly and efficiently over the network.
Small form factor antenna: This allows the device to be compact and portable, while still maintaining a strong and reliable wireless connection. The antenna can be internal or external.
Strong signal strength: In addition to having a small form factor antenna, the device should be able to maintain a strong and reliable signal over a reasonable distance. At a distance of 20 feet, the device should have a minimum SNR of 20 dB and a minimum SSI of -70 dBm. This will ensure that the device can effectively communicate with other devices on the network.
CAN
DIMO-compatible devices with CAN capability must adhere to the following:
Error detection and correction: A robust CAN bus interface must be able to detect and correct errors in the data transmission, in order to maintain the integrity of the data. For example, the interface may have an error detection rate of at least 95%, and an error correction rate of at least 90%.
High data rate: A robust CAN bus interface must be able to support high data rates, in order to transfer large amounts of data quickly and efficiently. For example, the interface may have a data rate of at least 1 Mbps. The maximum length of a CAN message is 8 bytes for standard messages and 64 bytes for extended messages.
Fault tolerance: A robust CAN bus interface must be able to tolerate faults, such as short circuits or open circuits, without affecting the operation of the bus.
High noise immunity: The CAN bus interface must be able to operate reliably in the presence of electromagnetic interference, in order to maintain the integrity of the data transmission. The Interface may have a noise immunity of at least 30 V/m.
The physical layer for the CAN devices must use differential signaling with a signaling voltage of 2.5V. The maximum bus length must not exceed 5 meters, and the maximum number of nodes on the bus is 128.
Compliance with relevant standards: The CAN bus interface must comply with relevant standards, such as ISO 11898 and SAE J1939, which specify requirements for the design and performance of CAN bus interfaces in automotive applications. For example, the interface may be designed to meet the requirements of ISO 11898 and SAE J1939.
Automotive grade CAN devices for CAN controllers and a CAN transceivers. They must also have additional features, such as support for fault-tolerant systems and fail-safe mechanisms.
Bluetooth
To be DIMO-compatible with Bluetooth enabled, devices must meet the following specifications:
Bluetooth 5.0 or later compatibility: Ensures that the device can connect to and communicate with other Bluetooth devices using the latest Bluetooth standard. Previous Bluetooth standards are not supported.
Low Energy (BLE) support: Allows the device to use Bluetooth LE for low-power communication with other devices.
At least 1 Mbps transfer speed: Ensures that the device can transmit and receive data quickly and efficiently over Bluetooth.
Secure Simple Pairing (SSP) support for below Bluetooth 5.2. : Ensures that the device can securely connect to and communicate with other Bluetooth devices using SSP.
Small form factor antenna, internal or external: Allows the device to be compact and portable, while still maintaining a strong and reliable Bluetooth connection.
Low power consumption for battery-powered devices: Ensures that the device can operate efficiently and for an extended period of time on battery power.
Strong signal strength for reliable communication over a 10-foot range: Ensures that the device can maintain a strong and reliable Bluetooth signal over a distance of 10 feet. Refer to SIG standards https://www.bluetooth.com/specifications/specs/
TX power of 18 dBm or lower for compliance with regulatory requirements: Ensures that the device complies with regulatory requirements for Bluetooth transmission power. Refer to SIG standards https://www.bluetooth.com/specifications/specs/
Support for Bluetooth profiles such as HFP, HSP, A2DP, and AVRCP: Ensures that the device can connect to and communicate with a range of devices and applications using common Bluetooth profiles. Refer to SIG standards https://www.bluetooth.com/specifications/specs/
NFC
NFC designed in a DIMO-compatible device must comply with the following:
The NFC device operates at the 13.56 MHz frequency and is compatible with the ISO/IEC 14443 and ISO/IEC 15693 standards, which are commonly used in NFC systems.
The NFC device supports the NFC Forum Type 2 and Type 4 tags, which are standardized NFC tag types used for a variety of applications.
The NFC device has a transfer speed of at least 212 kbps, which is the minimum speed required for fast and efficient data transfer over NFC.
The NFC device supports the FeliCa and MIFARE protocols, which are widely used in NFC systems for various applications such as access control and payment.
The NFC device has a small form factor internal NFC antenna, which allows it to be easily integrated into a variety of devices with limited space.
The NFC device has low power consumption, making it suitable for use in battery-powered devices.
The NFC device has strong signal strength*️, ensuring reliable communication over a reasonable distance.
The NFC device supports NFC-based security protocols such as WPA2-Enterprise and FIDO U2F, which provide additional security measures to protect against unauthorized access.
USB
DIMO-compatible IoT Hardware Device specification using USB:
All USB connectors must be USB-C type and protected against ESD (electrostatic discharge).
Durability: The device must be able to withstand rough handling and extreme environmental conditions (such as temperature, humidity, and vibration).
Charging capacity: The device must be able to charge efficiently and quickly, with a maximum charging speed of 3.0A. Any additional USB charging specifications are not a requirement.
Data speeds: The device must support data transfer speeds of at least USB 2.0 standard (480Mbps).
Compatibility: The device must be compatible with a wide range of operating systems, including but not limited to Windows, MacOS, Linux, and Android.
Security: The device must implement secure data transfer and storage, including encryption and authentication measures.
Ease of use: The device must be user-friendly, with a clear and intuitive interface.
Voltage: The voltage of any USB ports must be 5.0V +/- 5% according to USB specifications.
Certifications: The device must meet all relevant industry certifications and standards, including FCC and CE.
USB cables: All included USB cables must be shielded, of high quality, and be USB 3.2 compatible (even if only for charging, the cable must be capable of data transmission to a USB 3.2 standard).
LoRaWAN
This specification outlines the requirements for DIMO compatible LoRaWAN devices that operate on the Helium network and other networks.
Region-based frequency support: DIMO compatible LoRaWAN devices should support specific frequencies based on the region they are deployed in (see spec table).
Data Transfer Rate: DIMO-compatible LoRaWAN devices should support a minimum data transfer rate as listed (see spec table). Higher rates may be supported depending on the specific device and the network it is connected to.
Protocol support: DIMO-compatible LoRaWAN devices should support the LoRaWAN protocol, as well as any additional requirements by the intended network.
Antenna requirements: Antenna requirements for DIMO compatible LoRaWAN devices may vary depending on the specific device and its intended use, but generally an internal antenna is preferred for compact devices and an external antenna is preferred for devices with larger coverage requirements.
Low power consumption: Power consumption for DIMO compatible LoRaWAN devices should be as low as possible.
Signal strength: Compatible LoRaWAN devices should have a minimum signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of around -6 dB and a minimum signal strength indicator (SSI) of around -105 dBm in order to ensure reliable communication.
OBD-II
All DIMO-compatible OBD-II devices must comply with the ISO 15765 standard for communication over the Controller Area Network (CAN) bus. This includes complying with the following standards:
J1962
Defines the physical connector used for the OBD-II interface.
J1850
Defines a serial data protocol.
J1978
Defines minimal operating standards for OBD-II scan tools.
J1979
Defines standards for diagnostic test modes.
J2012
Defines standards trouble codes and definitions.
J2178-1
Network message header formats and physical address assignments.
J2178-2
Gives data parameter definitions.
J2178-3
Defines standards for network message frame IDs for single byte headers.
J2178-4
Defines standards for network messages with three byte headers.
J2284-3
Defines 500K CAN physical and data link layer.
J2411
Describes the GMLAN (Single-Wire CAN) protocol, used in newer GM vehicles.
In addition to ISO 15765, it is strongly encouraged that DIMO-compatible devices also support the following protocols:
ISO 14230-4 (KWP2000): The Keyword Protocol 2000 is commonly used in 2003+ cars in Asia and other regions.
ISO 9141-2: This protocol is used in EU, Chrysler, and Asian cars from 2000-2004.
SAE J1850 (VPW): This protocol is primarily used in older GM vehicles.
SAE J1850 (PWM): This protocol is primarily used in older Ford vehicles.
5G/LTE
For DIMO compatible devices, LTE/5G communication must comply with all relevant regional laws and certification standards. This includes, but is not limited to, standards such as 3GPP Release 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, and any additional standards required by the specific region in which the device will be used.
In addition to complying with regional laws and certification standards, DIMO compatible devices should also support multi-carrier IoT network providers and SIMs. This allows for greater flexibility and increased reliability, as a vehicle may need to connect to multiple carriers and networks if necessary on a single trip.
Support for multi-carrier IoT network providers and SIMs also allows for easier deployment and management of the device, as it can be used with multiple carriers and networks without the need for additional hardware or software modifications. This can save time and cost in the deployment and management of the device, and can increase its overall reliability and uptime.
Overall, the support for multi-carrier IoT network providers and SIMs is an important specification for DIMO compatible devices, as it ensures that the device can be used effectively in a variety of different regions and environments.
Display
This is a specification for DIMO-compatible hardware devices that utilize displays that are capable of outdoor use and are specifically designed for automotive purposes. Only OLED and paperwhite display types are permitted on DIMO-compatible devices.
Developer Notes
The specifications listed above for displays are general guidelines and may vary depending on the specific application and use case. It is important to carefully consider the needs and requirements of the device and the environment in which it will be used when selecting the appropriate display.
Camera
Processor
Audio
Sensors
Accelerometer
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🇺🇸 If you are located in a region outside of the United States, please consult the DIMO Foundation.
Measurement Range
+/- 16g
Operating Temperature
-40 to +125°C
Accelerometer Sensitivity
1% of the full-scale range
Nonlinearity
< 1% of the full-scale range
Package Alignment Error
< 0.5°
Orthogonal Alignment Error
< 0.5°
Cross-Axis Sensitivity
< 5% of the sensitivity in the sensitive axis direction
Zero-g Bias Level
< 50 µV
Accelerometer Noise Density
< 50 µg/√Hz
Total Noise
< 250 µg
Compliance with Relevant Standards
ISO 26262, SAE J3061, with a failure rate of less than 1 FIT
Gyroscope
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Anular/Rotary Axes
3-axis (X, Y, Z)
Angular Rate Range
±1000°/s
Linearity
±1%
Angular Transverse Sensitivity
<0.01%
Bias Stability
<0.005°/s
Random Walk
<0.005°/s/√hr
Operating Temperature Range
-40°C to +125°C
Shock and Vibration Resistance
N/A
Rate-Integrating Gyro
Yes
Compass/Magnetometer
Operating Temperature
-40°C to +125°C
Full-scale range
2 Gauss
Sensitivity
0.1 microtesla per digit
Noise
0.01 microtesla
Output Data Rate
100 samples per second
Magnetic field range
±2 Gauss
Compass heading accuracy
1 degree
Hard Iron/Soft Iron sensitivity
0.5 Ga
Battery & Power Supply
Physical Requirements
Dimensions
The device’s dimensions should not be excessive, but include enough space for any electronics and cooling.
Weight
Not to exceed 500g if plugged directly into an OBDII port. If a device is greater than 1KG, mounting brackets must be provided.
Material
DIMO compatible devices must be injection molded where possible. Acceptable materials for injection molding include:
ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)
PC (Polycarbonate)
PA (Polyamide/Nylon)
For devices that are CNC machined, the above plastics are still preferred. Aluminum 7075-T6 is to be used for any enclosures that require metal. \
Colors
There are no restrictions or requirements on color.
Environmental Requirements
To body
I, K
To frame
G
On the flexible plenum chamber, not rigidly attached
I, K
In the flexible plenum chamber, not rigidly attached
I, K
On the engine
K, M
In the engine
K, M
On the transmission/retarder
M
In the transmission/retarder
M
Passenger compartment
without special requirements
D
exposed to direct solar radiation
G
exposed to radiated heat
H
Electrical Testing & ICT
There are several key electrical design aspects that must be adhered to for DIMO-compatible devices. All devices manufactured on the DIMO network must be ICT tested.
A test plan must be established and approved for each DIMO-compatible device, and the results from each individual device ICT test should be made available to the DIMO Network.
Functional Requirements
Security
Device Diagnostics
Regional Device Certifications
United States
Europe
Canada
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