In the automotive industry, a telematic control unit (TCU) is an embedded system that connects a vehicle to the internet and serves as a hub for external wireless communications. It enables modern connected vehicle services, including telematics, fleet management, and V2X (Vehicle-to-Everything) communication. The TCU's primary functions are to collect data from the vehicle's internal systems, a process known as telemetry, and to facilitate two-way communication with cloud-based services. While the term typically refers to a factory-installed (OEM) unit, its functionality is also available through third-party aftermarket telematic devices that can be installed in vehicles not originally equipped with an OEM system.
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👉 Telematic control unit in the context of GPS tracking unit
A GPS tracking unit, commonly referred to as a GPS tracker or simply tracker, is a device used as part of a tracking system to track the location of the asset it is connected to. It uses a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) to determine its geographic position. This location data, along with other vehicle or asset telemetry, is transmitted to an Internet-connected device or a central server using an embedded cellular, radio, or satellite modem. This enables the real-time monitoring and management of vehicles, assets, personnel, and animals from a remote location, and is used in intelligent transportation systems. The global market was valued at over $2.5 billion in 2022 and projected to grow at a CAGR of over 13% to reach $4.76 billion by 2027.
GPS tracking units are used by consumers and are a component of fleet telematics systems and fleet digitalization. Data collected by these devices is typically sent to specialized fleet management software platforms. While many modern vehicles are equipped with a factory-installed telematic control unit (TCU) from the manufacturer, aftermarket GPS tracking units are used to manage mixed fleets (with vehicles from different brands) and to equip vehicles that lack native telematics systems. Specialized hardware manufacturers produce these devices.
In this Dossier
Telematic control unit in the context of Vehicle location data
Vehicle location data is the big data collection of vehicle locations, including automatic vehicle location data, a core feature of any vehicle tracking system. This usually includes times and often photographs as well, a practice known as video telematics. The process of collecting this data from remote assets via telemetry is a core component of telematics, often managed by a telematic control unit. Its application in the commercial sector forms the basis of fleet digitalization and is central to any fleet telematics system.
Common methods of data collection include automatic number plate recognition from cameras, such as a Dashcam, and radio-frequency identification (RFID) from transponders. In commercial contexts, a dedicated GPS tracking unit is often used for this purpose, forming part of a wider tracking system. Databases of this information are maintained by both government and private entities. For businesses, this data is essential for fleet management tasks like Track and trace, enabling vehicle repossession, and consumer profiling through methods like Driver scoring. Government databases have been subjected to legal orders for location data, and access may be granted in both criminal and civil cases.
Telematic control unit in the context of Telematics
Telematics is an interdisciplinary field encompassing telecommunications, vehicular technologies (road transport, road safety, etc., as part of Intelligent transportation systems), electrical engineering (sensors, instrumentation, wireless communications, etc.), and computer science (multimedia, Internet, etc.). Telematics can involve any of the following:
- The technology of sending, receiving, and storing information using telecommunication devices, such as a Telematic control unit, to control remote objects
- The integrated use of telecommunications and informatics for application in vehicles and to control vehicles on the move
- Global navigation satellite system technology (most commonly GPS) integrated with computers and mobile communications technology in automotive navigation systems, often using a GPS tracking unit
- (Most narrowly) The use of such systems within road vehicles (also called vehicle telematics)