With the advancement of automotive intelligence and connectivity, the in-vehicle infotainment system (IVI) has evolved from a simple radio and CD player into an integrated information platform that combines navigation, audio-visual entertainment, vehicle information, remote control, and Internet services. In this evolution, stable, high-speed, and reliable wireless connectivity has become a core requirement. EBYTE, with its rich WiFi module product line, provides diversified wireless connection solutions for in-vehicle IVI systems. This article will combine EBYTE's product documentation to deeply explore the specific application cases of its WiFi modules in in-vehicle scenarios and provide selection recommendations

Wireless Connection Requirements and Challenges for In-Vehicle Infotainment Systems

Modern in-vehicle IVI systems impose strict requirements on wireless modules:

  • High Reliability: Vehicles operate in complex environments and need to cope with challenges such as drastic temperature changes (industrial-grade standards of -40℃ ~ +85℃ are basic), electromagnetic interference, and continuous vibration.

  • Fast Connection and Low Latency: For functions like mobile phone projection (e.g., CarPlay, Android Auto), online audio-visual streaming, and OTA upgrades, fast connection establishment and low-latency transmission are required.

  • Multi-Protocol and High Integration: In addition to basic WiFi connectivity, Bluetooth (BLE) is often integrated for mobile phone pairing, audio transmission, or low-power sensing. Some high-end models also need dual-band WiFi to provide better bandwidth.

  • Low Power Consumption and Security Management: Even in some functions after the vehicle is turned off (e.g., remote status query, anti-theft), the module needs to maintain extremely low power consumption; meanwhile, connection security (WPA2/WPA3 encryption) is crucial.

  • Easy Development and Integration: The development cycle of in-vehicle systems is long, requiring modules to provide mature AT command sets, transparent transmission functions, or SDKs to reduce development thresholds and accelerate product launch.

EBYTE's WiFi module product matrix can just meet these needs at different levels.

Typical Application Cases of EBYTE WiFi Modules in In-Vehicle IVI

Based on the technical characteristics of multiple models in the documentation, we can outline the following typical application scenarios:

Application Case 1: Low-Cost Basic Networking and Data Transparent Transmission (T-Box/Telematics Unit)

  • Scenario Description: Used in in-vehicle T-Boxes or mid-to-low-end IVI hosts to upload vehicle status data (e.g., GPS location, fault codes, sensor data) to cloud servers via in-vehicle WiFi hotspots or external mobile hotspots, or receive commands issued by the cloud.

  • Core Requirements: High cost-effectiveness, industrial-grade temperature range, stable and reliable TCP/UDP/MQTT connections, low power consumption.

  • Recommended Models and Basis:

    • E103-W01 / E103-W05 Series: The documentation clearly states that they are based on ESP8266EX or W600 chips, support STA/AP modes, have built-in complete TCP/IP protocol stacks and AT command sets, and can quickly realize transparent transmission of serial port data to WiFi networks. Their ultra-high cost-effectiveness and mature ecosystem make them very suitable for basic networking applications with cost sensitivity and clear functional requirements.

    • E103-W12 Series: Based on Dialog DA16200 chips, designed for ultra-low power consumption. The documentation emphasizes its "ultra-low power consumption" feature, which has significant advantages in scenarios where network connections need to be maintained after the vehicle is turned off to support functions such as remote wake-up and status reporting.

  • Working Mode: The module acts as an STA, connects to the hotspot created by the 4G/5G C-V2X module in the vehicle or the passenger's mobile hotspot, and then connects to the car manufacturer's backend server in TCP Client mode to realize data transparent transmission.

Application Case 2: Dual-Band High-Speed Connection and Hotspot Sharing (High-End IVI Host)

  • Scenario Description: Used in high-end vehicle IVI hosts. On one hand, it acts as an in-vehicle WiFi hotspot (AP) to provide high-speed Internet access for passenger mobile phones, tablets, and other devices; on the other hand, it acts as an STA itself, which can connect to external high-quality networks for HD map updates, online entertainment, etc.

  • Core Requirements: Support for 2.4GHz & 5GHz dual bands, high throughput (support for 802.11ac or even ax), and ability to handle multiple device connections simultaneously.

  • Recommended Models and Basis:

    • E103-RTL8811CU / E103-RTL8812CU Series: The documentation clearly marks that they support the IEEE 802.11b/g/n/ac protocol, operate in 2.4GHz and 5GHz dual bands, and have a maximum rate of up to 433Mbps (RTL8812CU). Their USB 2.0 interface facilitates high-speed communication with the in-vehicle main control chip, making them very suitable as in-vehicle high-speed wireless network cards or hotspot modules.

    • E101-C5WN8 Series: Based on ESP32-C5 chips, the documentation states that they support the latest IEEE 802.11ax (WiFi 6) standard and also operate in dual bands. They support technologies such as OFDMA and MU-MIMO, which can better cope with high-concurrency scenarios of multiple devices in the vehicle and provide a more efficient and stable network experience.

  • Working Mode: The module works in STA+AP mode. The STA side connects to external networks (e.g., 5G CPE or high-quality home WiFi), and the AP side creates a WiFi network for in-vehicle passenger devices.

Application Case 3: Smart Bluetooth Network Configuration and Dual-Mode Interconnection

  • Scenario Description: Simplify the process for users to connect the in-vehicle host to a new WiFi network (e.g., connecting to home WiFi after arriving home). Users do not need to enter passwords cumbersome on the in-vehicle screen; instead, they can send the WiFi password to the in-vehicle module via a mobile APP using Bluetooth.

  • Core Requirements: Integration of WiFi and Bluetooth (BLE) dual modes, support for secure and convenient network configuration via BLE (SmartConfig or similar technologies).

  • Recommended Models and Basis:

    • E103-W14 Series: The documentation clearly states that this module supports the Bluetooth BLE5.2 protocol and supports the simultaneous operation of the module's STA and BLE slave. This means the in-vehicle host can keep BLE broadcasting on all the time. After the user's mobile APP scans and connects, the SSID and password of the home WiFi can be securely transmitted to the module through the BLE channel, and the module then automatically connects to the WiFi. This greatly improves the user experience.

    • E103-W11: The documentation mentions that it is a low-power Bluetooth BLE5.1 and Wi-Fi 6 module, which also has dual-mode capabilities and is suitable for models with requirements for power consumption and the latest protocols.

  • Working Process: After the module is initialized, BLE is in broadcast state. The user's mobile APP connects to the in-vehicle BLE and sends network configuration information. After receiving it, the module automatically switches to STA mode to connect to the specified WiFi.

Application Case 4: In-Vehicle Device Interconnection and Local Services (e.g., USB Dongle)

  • Scenario Description: Used for wireless projection adapters connected to in-vehicle USB interfaces, game controllers, or as a network hub for aftermarket entertainment systems to realize local high-speed wireless interconnection between screens, audio systems, and game devices.

  • Core Requirements: Small size, plug-and-play USB interface, high bandwidth, low latency.

  • Recommended Models and Basis:

    • E103-RTL8812CU (USB Interface Type): Its USB 2.0 interface form is very suitable for making plug-and-play USB Dongles. Dual-band ac support can ensure low-latency transmission of HD video streams and game control commands.

    • E103-W06 (Based on TI CC3235S): The documentation states that it supports both 2.4G and 5G frequency bands and has powerful functions. It is suitable for integration inside in-vehicle devices that require high-performance wireless connections.

Selection Guide and Key Considerations

When selecting models for in-vehicle IVI systems, the following ideas can be followed:

Clarify Core Functions and Interfaces

  • Pure Data Upload (T-Box): Prioritize E103-W01/W05 (cost) or E103-W12 (power consumption).

  • In-Vehicle Hotspot and High-Speed Internet Access: Must choose dual-band modules, such as E103-RTL8811CU/RTL8812CU (mature ac solution) or E101-C5WN8 (cutting-edge ax solution).

  • Convenient Network Configuration and Dual-Mode Applications: Choose WiFi modules integrated with BLE, such as E103-W14.

  • Main Control Integration and Development: If the in-vehicle main controller is a high-performance processor (e.g., ARM Cortex-A series) that needs to connect to a WiFi chip via SDIO/USB interfaces, refer to models like E103-RTL8189FTV (SDIO interface) in the documentation, or use programmable modules like E101-C5WN8 for in-depth customization.

Strict Environmental Adaptability

  • All in-vehicle applications must select models marked in the documentation with an operating temperature range of -40℃ ~ +85℃ or -20℃ ~ +70℃ (wide-temperature industrial grade).

  • Pay attention to power supply requirements (usually 3.3V) and ensure that the in-vehicle power supply design can meet its peak current (the documentation often recommends that the external LDO power supply capacity is greater than 500mA).

Protocols and Security

  • Ensure the module supports WPA2/WPA3 encryption to meet in-vehicle network security requirements.

  • According to the car manufacturer's protocol requirements, confirm whether the module supports required network protocols such as TCP/UDP/MQTT/HTTP.

Development Support

  • For rapid mass production projects, transparent transmission modules controlled by AT commands (e.g., E103 series) can greatly shorten the development cycle.

  • For projects that require in-depth customization of network protocols and deep integration with the in-vehicle system, modules that can be redeveloped (e.g., E101 series based on ESP32-C3/C5/S3) provide greater flexibility.

EBYTE's WiFi module product line, with its complete layout from economical to high-performance, from single-band to dual-band, and from pure WiFi to WiFi+BLE dual-mode, provides a solid and diverse hardware foundation for the wirelessization and intelligence of in-vehicle infotainment systems. Whether it is to realize basic vehicle connectivity, build an in-vehicle high-speed information hub, or create a convenient and seamless smart interactive experience, corresponding solutions can be found.

As the smart cockpit evolves into a "third living space," the requirements for wireless connection bandwidth, real-time performance, reliability, and security will continue to increase. EBYTE's continuously iterated modules that support WiFi 6/6E and even more advanced standards in the future will help the next generation of in-vehicle IVI systems achieve more immersive audio-visual entertainment, smoother multi-screen interaction, and more reliable remote services, ultimately bringing users an excellent smart travel experience.