Overview
IEC TR 63038:2016 - "Conceptual model of standardization for multimedia car systems and equipment" - is a Technical Report from the IEC that defines a high‑level conceptual model for multimedia car systems and describes possible standardization items. Rather than prescribing detailed technical specifications, it organizes the ecosystem of in‑vehicle multimedia (infotainment, audio‑visual, navigation, sensors, and networked services) and identifies use cases, system elements, interfaces, content types, measurement approaches, security considerations and regulatory aspects.
Key topics and technical coverage
The report structures the multimedia car domain into clear elements and topics, including:
- Use cases: infotainment, navigation, audio‑visual entertainment, parking concierge, car monitoring, emergency call and user‑experience systems (e.g., UX mirroring, smart start, data synchronization).
- Network models: in‑car networks, inter‑vehicle (V2V) links, car-to‑cloud and car‑to‑home connections, and device networks (see network diagrams).
- System elements and devices: source/sink devices, sensors (cameras, other sensors), output devices, car black box, mobile and wearable devices.
- Content types: maps, traffic/road info, vehicle drive and maintenance data, network service information and AV content.
- Measurement and test approaches: audio/video device testing, camera and sensor measurement considerations.
- Security and regulations: high‑level security considerations for networked and non‑networked systems, and references to related IEC security work (informative annex).
Note: IEC TR 63038 provides a conceptual framework and catalogues potential standardization items rather than mandatory technical requirements.
Practical applications and who should use it
IEC TR 63038 is useful for organizations involved in the design, integration and assessment of automotive multimedia systems:
- Automotive OEMs and Tier‑1 suppliers designing infotainment and AV architectures.
- Consumer electronics and software vendors developing head‑units, mobile integration, streaming or UX mirroring solutions.
- System integrators and test labs planning measurements and interoperability testing for in‑vehicle multimedia.
- Standards developers and regulators seeking a snapshot of possible standardization needs across use cases, interfaces and security concerns.
- Cloud and service providers integrating navigation, traffic, and remote services with vehicles.
By adopting the conceptual model, stakeholders can improve interoperability, clarify interface boundaries, plan test strategies, and align security and regulatory requirements across the automotive multimedia ecosystem.
Related standards
IEC TR 63038 aligns with IEC TC 100 (audio, video and multimedia systems) work and references IEC security standards and other TC100 deliverables (see Annex B). For implementation and conformity assessment, consult the latest IEC standards and the IEC webstore for updates and normative documents.