EDR Compliance for UNECE R169 with iWave Telematics Solutions

Meeting global vehicle safety regulations

As commercial vehicles become increasingly connected and automated, the ability to record, store, and analyze critical driving data is more important than ever. To strengthen accountability and safety, the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) introduced Regulation No. 169 (R169), which requires Event Data Recorders (EDRs) to be integrated into heavy-duty vehicles such as trucks and buses.

EDRs act as the vehicle’s “black box,” capturing essential operating parameters before, during, and after a crash. These insights are vital for accident reconstruction, driver accountability, and compliance with international safety standards.

Core requirements of UNECE R169

For compliance, EDR devices must reliably capture and protect a wide range of information under challenging operating conditions:

• Data Parameters: Vehicle speed, acceleration, braking force, steering angle, engine metrics, airbag/seatbelt status, turn indicators, ABS/ESC activation, and precise timestamps across pre-crash, crash, and post-crash phases
• Data Storage & Integrity: Non-volatile memory must ensure recorded data is preserved, even under mechanical shock or system reset
• Power Continuity: Devices must continue to log data during power interruptions using backup power solutions
• Environmental Resilience: Ruggedness is critical—EDRs must withstand shock, vibration, extreme temperatures, and humidity
• Interfaces & Connectivity: Multi-CAN support, Ethernet, USB, and wireless connectivity simplify integration into vehicle networks
• Software & Security: Secure boot, encryption, and tamper-proof logging ensure the authenticity of recorded data

How iWave addresses R169 requirements

iWave’s telematics platforms are engineered with UNECE R169 compliance in mind, incorporating both rugged hardware and secure software features to ensure reliability in demanding environments.

• Processing & Memory: High-performance processors paired with reliable memory guarantee uninterrupted recording of event data
• Multi-CAN & Interfaces: Support for multiple CAN-FD channels allows simultaneous logging of critical subsystems such as braking, powertrain, and ADAS. Additional interfaces like Ethernet and USB support real-time data exchange
• Ruggedized Enclosures: IP67-certified casings protect against dust, moisture, and immersion, ensuring operation in all weather conditions
• Mechanical Shock & Vibration Resistance: Designed and validated to withstand heavy-duty vehicle environments, including 50 g shock tests, without compromising data integrity
• Power Management: Integrated backup power modules ensure continuous logging during sudden power loss or ignition cutoff
• Secure Software Stack: Features include secure boot, authentication, and encrypted logging to safeguard data against tampering

iWave telematics product line for EDR solutions

iWave offers a comprehensive set of telematics platforms that address UNECE R169 requirements while enabling OEMs to accelerate deployment.

Telematics Connect Hub
Compact yet powerful, this hub integrates dual CAN-FD interfaces, hardware-based security, LTE Cat-1 bis cellular connectivity, and Bluetooth. Its small footprint makes it well-suited for motorcycles, light EVs, and connected fleet solutions.

Typical iWave telematics connect hub. (Image source: iWave)

Rugged Telematics Device
Engineered for demanding automotive environments, this platform supports multiple CAN-FD ports, cellular and GNSS connectivity, and offers extended temperature tolerance. Its IP67 housing and vibration resistance make it ideal for heavy trucks, buses, and off-highway vehicles.

Typical iWave rugged telematics device. (Image source: iWave)

Both platforms can be customized for customer-specific deployments, ensuring flexibility while maintaining compliance with UNECE R169.

Benefits for OEMs and integrators

By leveraging iWave’s R169-compliant platforms, manufacturers and telematics integrators can:

• Simplify compliance efforts – Pre-validated hardware reduces certification complexity.
• Accelerate time-to-market – Production-ready solutions shorten development cycles.
• Ensure rugged performance – Tested for shock, vibration, and extreme environments.
• Secure critical data – Built-in security features guarantee authenticity of event logs.

Summary

As regulations tighten globally, Event Data Recorders are becoming a mandatory element of vehicle safety ecosystems. iWave delivers EDR-ready telematics solutions that combine rugged hardware, secure software, and rich connectivity in a production-ready form factor.

By partnering with iWave, OEMs can deploy systems that not only meet UNECE R169 compliance but also ensure long-term reliability in the field.

To learn more about iWave’s telematics portfolio and how it supports EDR compliance, contact mktg@iwave-global.com.