Sharing this data via Wi-Fi over the 5 GHz spectrum is designed to enable much faster data transfer of large vehicle diagnostics files and prevent frequent trips to the garage to offload data, which previously required a plug-in connection from the car to computers in the garage. Data is now transferred via high-speed wireless in the pitlane. This allows the Mercedes racecar to make better use of limited practice sessions and spend more time testing the configuration of the vehicle, providing the team with a distinct competitive advantage.

Through this project, we have learned new ways to use Wi-Fi in the automotive environment. Innovation in motorsport often drives the advancements seen in the consumer auto industry, and we believe this technology, as well as other advanced wireless technologies, has the potential to shape future developments in Dedicated Short Range Communications, Vehicle-to-Vehicle and Vehicle-to-Infrastructure communications. These types of technologies will lead to increased driver safety and provide important data pertaining to the vehicle’s journey.

— Derek Aberle, president of Qualcomm Incorporated

Qualcomm Technologies will continue to advance this solution throughout the 2016 race season and beyond, with potential system architecture changes and planned migration to 802.11ad (also called WiGig) Wi-Fi solutions over 60 GHz spectrum to bring further improvements to the speed and efficiency of data transfer.

(802.11ad will initially provide up to 6.75 Gbps throughput using approximately 2 GHz of spectrum at 60 GHz over a short range; 60 GHz transmission suffers from large attenuation through physical barriers. Qualcomm Atheros, Inc. is delivering tri-band wireless solutions by combining Qualcomm VIVE 11ac with 11ad technology to deliver ultra-high throughput.)

This solution is the first project as part of a collaboration that Qualcomm Technologies first announced with the Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula One Team in March 2015 to develop new connected car technologies to enhance the team’s on-track performance.

Qualcomm Technologies’ vision for the automotive industry involves the creation of an entirely new landscape for communication, convenience, energy efficiency, infotainment and safety by utilizing an array of advanced mobile technologies that work together as seamlessly as mobile devices.

The company is involved in more than 40 connected car programs with more than 15 OEMs globally and has been powering in-car connectivity for more than a decade, including nearly a decade of telematics programs with Daimler. Additionally, Qualcomm Technologies continues to gain traction in infotainment with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 602A processor.

The Snapdragon 602A processor, specifically designed to meet stringent automotive industry standards and built using the 28 LP process, is an integrated chipset solution designed to bring advanced multimedia, navigation, connectivity, voice quality and control to cars.