The function of the automotive ETC component
The core components of the vehicle ETC system use dedicated short-range communication (DSRC) technology to achieve vehicle identification, rate calculation, and automatic deduction, enabling non-stop fast passage.
Core Components and Their Functions
Vehicle Unit (OBU): An electronic tag installed on the windshield, storing vehicle identification information, responsible for communicating with roadside equipment, sending identification codes, receiving deduction instructions and executing anti-tampering locking; it contains a security chip (ESAM), radio frequency module, battery/solar panel and main control chip.
Roadside Unit (RSU): Deployed at toll stations or gantries, the reading antenna and control module emit microwave signals to activate the OBU, receive vehicle data and upload it to the backend, and simultaneously send transaction confirmation signals.
IC Card (Payment Medium): Inserted into the OBU, a stored-value card or account card (dual-chip system), bound to a bank account, used to store keys and complete fund settlement authorization (single-chip OBU has integrated this function).
Back-end Settlement System: Processes transaction data, verifies account balance, calculates tolls and executes settlement to ensure financial accuracy and security.
Collaborative Work Flow
Trigger Communication: When the vehicle enters the coverage area of the RSU (approximately 5.8GHz frequency band), the RSU activates the OBU to establish a two-way connection.
Identity Verification: The OBU reads the information from the IC card and uploads the vehicle model/license plate data, which is forwarded to the backend for verification of validity.
Automatic Deduction: The backend calculates the fee and deducts the amount, the RSU receives the success signal to control the barrier to rise, and the OBU displays the deduction result.
Security Mechanism: The OBU has a tamper-proof switch. Once it is illegally removed, it locks out and becomes ineffective to prevent the equipment from being misappropriated and evading tolls.
Note: Some new models adopt the "built-in ETC" solution, integrating the OBU antenna and chip into the front windshield, with the same functions as the external-mounted type but with more stable signals and no need for additional stickers.
The core failure points of vehicle ETC components refer to hardware/communication abnormalities of the OBU electronic tag or ETC card, resulting in inability to identify and deduct tolls; it is necessary to distinguish between self-checkable items such as "battery/looseness/tamper trigger" and items that require processing at the service point such as "hardware damage/blacklist".
Quick Self-Check and Corresponding Measures
Screen not lit/ no response: First, plug and unplug the ETC card to listen for a "beep"; if there is no response, park the vehicle in the sunlight for 30-60 minutes (using the solar panel for power supply); if there is still no display, it is likely that the battery is depleted or the motherboard is damaged, and a new device is required.
Prompt "Invalid Tag/Tamper Trigger": Due to the detachment or unauthorized removal of the device, the backside tamper switch resets, and it is impossible to reattach it; one must bring the device, ID card, and driving license to the original service point or any ETC service point to re-activate.
Passing through an overpass without raising the barrier: Check if the vehicle speed exceeds 20km/h, if the front windshield is covered with metal film to block the signal (requiring a hole or adjustment of the position), if the card is inserted in the wrong position or the chip is dirty (wipe and reinsert).
Poor Contact of the Card: Unplug the card to check for scratches/oxidation on the chip, clean with a soft cloth and reinsert it; if the new card works normally, the original card is damaged and a new card must be replaced at the service point.
Must-visit Service Point Scenarios
The device shows "tag failure" and still reports an error (tamper lock) after re-sticking.
Screen remains black after charging in the sunlight, and buttons have no response (hardware damage).
Account is blocked, balance is abnormal or the vehicle registration information has not been synchronized.
The device is water-damaged, cracked, etc., with physical damage.
Processing Flow Recommendation
Observe the phenomenon: Confirm whether it is "no display", "display abnormal" or "passage failure".
Basic Troubleshooting: Charge, re-insert the card, clean the chip, and check the installation stability. Online attempt: Some provinces support the secondary activation of APP/mini program (only applicable when the anti-tampering lock has not been triggered).
Offline processing: Bring your ID card, vehicle registration certificate, ETC device and card to the branch of the issuing bank or the ETC service center of the expressway to have it inspected and replaced; for non-human damage, the device is usually replaced free of charge; for human damage, you need to bear the cost yourself.
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