Kapsch releases TDM protocols

Kapsch has released the specifications of the time division multiplexing (TDM) protocols used in E-ZPass electronic toll collection signalling. Both patented and unpatented proprietary codes associated with what has been called the IAG system are now an open standard, free for all to download and use, says Chris Murray, president and CEO of Kapsch Trafficom North America. The IAG-TDM protocol is now available to all interested parties including competing toll system suppliers free of any royalty and in perp
April 26, 2013 Read time: 2 mins
81 Kapsch has released the specifications of the time division multiplexing (TDM) protocols used in E-ZPass electronic toll collection signalling. Both patented and unpatented proprietary codes associated with what has been called the IAG system are now an open standard, free for all to download and use, says Chris Murray, president and CEO of Kapsch Trafficom North America.

The IAG-TDM protocol is now available to all interested parties including competing toll system suppliers free of any royalty and in perpetuity. The only requirement, Murray says, is that those downloading the protocol sign a licence agreement in which they commit to make available without restriction any derivative or supplementary applications or code they write for the IAG-TDM.

He called this a circular licence in that those accepting Kapsch's offer of a free and in-perpetuity right to use its IAG-TDM must agree to allow everyone else similar open access to any variants or supplementary routines they develop on top of IAG-TDM.

Chris Murray said this is designed to prevent what has happened to some ostensibly open standard protocols with add-on features and slight variants to an open standard being declared proprietary, referring to competitor TransCore's development of the eGo and SeGo protocols. While substantially based on the open ISO 18000 6B standard they have features, mostly related to encryption on which patents and other proprietary rights are claimed.
Charging, Tolling & RUC

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Mexico and the US slow to adopt ETC interoperability
    April 12, 2013
    Splinteroperability is a word devised by Travis P. Dunn and Victor J. Michelet C. to encapsulate the lack of progress towards ETC harmonisation in the US and Mexico. Five thousand miles of tolled roads and bridges. Widespread implementation of electronic toll collection (ETC) systems. One dominant interoperable ETC service provider covering just over half the nation’s toll facilities. Numerous other ETC service providers offering alternative visions of interoperability. Years of customer requests for better
    Read More
  • Key business gains for Kapsch in the US and Portugal
    April 17, 2012
    Kapsch TrafficCom IVHS has been selected by the E-ZPass Group, a coalition of 24 toll agencies in 14 US states, as vendor for a new 10-year technology and services contracts, subject to individual agency approval processes. As a result of the selection, Kapsch TrafficCom IVHS will continue to provide transponders, readers, ancillary equipment and services to support the operations of members of the E-ZPass Group, who collectively operate the largest interoperable toll collection system in the world with mor
    Read More
  • Enforcement ensures equity for toll road users
    January 25, 2018
    All-electronic tolling boosts traffic flow but introduces the tricky question of enforcement. Workable solutions are starting to emerge. Enforcement is an essential part of tolling and one of the most important ways for a mobility agency to keep faith with its investors, its community stakeholders and the vast majority of its users. It can also be one of the most unpopular and contentious things a toll authority has to undertake. If tolling is about paying for the roads, then everyone has to pay their
    Read More
  • Travel times halve for tolling converts
    August 5, 2013
    The Port Mann Bridge in Vancouver is a prime example of how the latest ITS systems enable new infrastructures to be built and paid for while still providing additional user benefits. Vancouver has 2.2 million inhabitants and, like so many major cities, is divided into two by a river, the Frazer river. This combination makes Vancouver the second most congested city in North America and the most congested in Canada. Through the middle of the city runs the Trans-Canadian Highway 1 which crosses the Frazer Riv
    Read More

Highlighted Content