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varied widely since its introduction in the early 1980s versions of on-board vehicle computers.
Early versions of OBD would simply illuminate a malfunction indicator light or "idiot light" if a
problem was detected but would not provide any information as to the nature of the problem.
Modern OBD implementations use a standardized digital communications port to provide realtime data in addition to a standardized series of diagnostic trouble codes, or DTCs, which allow
one to rapidly identify and remedy malfunctions within the vehicle.
7.12
OEM
When referring to auto parts, OEM refers to parts and manufacturers involved in the final
assembly of a vehicle.
7.13
OTA
Over-the-air programming (OTA) refers to various methods of distributing new software updates,
configuration settings, and even updating encryption keys to devices like cellphones, set-top
boxes or secure voice communication equipment (encrypted 2-way radios). One important
feature of OTA is that one central location can send an update to all the users, who are unable to
refuse, defeat, or alter that update, and that the update applies immediately to everyone on the
channel. A user could "refuse" OTA but the "channel manager" could also kick them off the
channel automatically.
7.14
R&D
Research and Development (R&D), also known in Europe as research and technical (or
technological) development (RTD), is a general term for activities in connection with corporate
or governmental innovation. The activities that are classified as R&D differ from company to
company, but there are two primary models, with an R&D department being either staffed by
engineers and tasked with directly developing new products, or staffed with industrial scientists
and tasked with applied research in scientific or technological fields which may facilitate future
product development. In either case, R&D differs from the vast majority of corporate activities in
that it is not often intended to yield immediate profit, and generally carries greater risk and an
uncertain return on investment.
7.15
SCU
Cruise control (sometimes known as speed control, autocruise, or tempomat in some countries)
is a system that automatically controls the speed of a motor vehicle. The system is a
servomechanism that takes over the throttle of the car to maintain a steady speed as set by the
driver.
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December 2015