Study of CAV System Architecture

Focus Area: ITS Technologies
Submitting On Behalf Of: Other: Bin Ran, Joseph Qu Zhou, Ken Yang
Urgency: Critical - High Priority
Cost: $500,000 - 749,000
Timeframe: 1 - 2 years
Type of Research: Full Research Project

Date Posted: Jun 26, 2026
Status: Not Funded

Research Description

Research Objective: • To investigate and develop the guidelines and principles of the system architecture and technical development roadmap for CAV systems. • To develop a basic consensus and evaluation framework among agencies and enterprises for top-level system design for CAV in the US in general and CDA in particular.

Study Approach and Basis: • Conclusions and recommendations from meetings of the system architecture and technical development roadmap for vehicle-highway automation from 2023-2025. • FHWA/USDOT’s CDA system architecture works. • SAE CDA system architecture works, including J3316. • Based on needs of industry and agencies. • Follow the ITS system architecture as the starting point.

Things to Learn: 1. Recent Activities a. TRB ACF17 Committee Task Group 4 - System Architecture, V2X Systems, and Cybersecurity b. FHWA/USDOT’s CDA system architecture c. SAE CDA system architecture d. Other professional organizations e. Relative initiatives and programs f. Reports and whitepapers

2. Guidelines, Principles, Concepts for System Architecture and Technical Development Roadmap a. CAV Systems and CDA b. Impact of AI Systems, V2X, and Digital Infrastructure c. Potential Approaches for US Deployment – Agency Oriented d. Potential Approaches for US Deployment – Enterprise Oriented e. Major Steps for Technical Development Roadmap

3. Preliminary Study on Concepts and Evaluation of System Architecture and Technical Development Roadmap a. Basic Assumptions & Assessment b. Needs Survey and Assessment – Enterprise and Agency c. Evaluation Matrix for Enterprise d. Evaluation Matrix for Agencies e. Initial Recommendations for System Architecture Framework and Technical Development Roadmap for Enterprise f. Initial Recommendations for System Architecture Framework and Technical Development Roadmap for Agency

4. Action Items a. Basic Conclusions – Plans of Whitepaper or Manifesto b. Planning for Future TRB Meetings and Workshops/Webinars c. Outcomes – Memos, Reports, Project SOW

Additional Supporting Information

Benefits: • Clear communications on how to address CAV system architecture in general and CDA in particular • Path to deployment and scalability of CAV/CDA as a function of transportation application • Provide systematic reviewing of the CAV system architecture and development roadmap • Provide reference and guidance for multiple stakeholders (OEM, IOOs, etc.) in planning the deployment of CAV system in general and CDA in particular • Identifies means to accelerate or advance CAV/CDA • Enables agencies and industry to consider a broader set of system architecture options when planning CAV/CDA deployments • Encourages evaluation of CAV/CDA that could enhance performance or reduce deployment barriers

Submitted By: Jim Katsafanas; Michael Baker International; 412-269-4635

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