If you are a car driver, you are probably familiar with a device called a head unit, especially if you need entertainment or information updates while traveling.
However, many people still do not realize that an automotive head unit is one of the devices that requires SDPPI/Postel certification.
An automotive head unit is one of the telecommunication devices that the Ministry of Communication and Informatics requires to obtain SDPPI certification.
This requirement is intended to ensure that devices used by people in Indonesia can function properly and safely.
Do you already know that automotive head units require Postel certification?
Let’s take a look at the following explanation.
What Is an Automotive Head Unit?
An Automotive Head Unit, also commonly known as an Infotainment System, In-Car Entertainment (ICE), or In-Vehicle Infotainment (IVI) system, is hardware and software installed in a vehicle to provide audio or video entertainment.
A head unit generally consists of several components, such as:
- Display screen
- Buttons
- Control systems
- Information and entertainment integration systems
Head units can provide various functions.
During the early development of head unit technology, common features included:
- Radio
- Satellite radio
- DVD/VCD players
- Cassette players
As technology has developed, head unit functions have become more advanced.
Modern head units may include:
- USB MP3
- Dash cameras
- GPS navigation
- Bluetooth
- Wi-Fi
- Vehicle system status
- Android-based software
Head Unit Size Standards
Head unit size standards are covered under ISO 7736, developed by the Deutsches Institut für Normung (DIN).
In Indonesia, this standard is commonly known as the DIN Standard.
The standard is divided into two main categories.
1. Single DIN
A Single DIN head unit has dimensions of approximately:
180 mm × 50 mm or 7.09 in × 1.97 in
It has a compact rectangular design.
However, because of its limited size, it generally does not provide enough space for video display features.
2. Double DIN
A Double DIN head unit has twice the height of a Single DIN unit.
Its dimensions are approximately:
180 mm × 100 mm or 7.09 in × 3.94 in
Because of its larger size, Double DIN provides enough space for video displays or touchscreens.
These displays may support features such as:
- GUI
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
Double DIN is also often written as 2 DIN or Double DIN.
Both Single DIN and Double DIN use the ISO 10487 standard connector to connect the head unit to the vehicle’s electrical system.
Single DIN units are commonly found in older vehicles and may still include cassette or CD players.
They generally do not have display screens.
Meanwhile, Double DIN units are often used in newer vehicles because they already include monitor displays.
Automotive Head Units Require SDPPI Certification
Brand owners, importers, and distributors of head unit products are required to standardize their products before they can be marketed or sold in Indonesia.
This requirement is established by the government to help protect consumers and the Indonesian public when using these products.
For information, approximately 147 head unit devices had been registered on the official Postel certification website.
This number may continue to increase as more devices enter the Indonesian market.
Automotive head units that are submitted for SDPPI/Postel certification must undergo device testing according to the features they support.
For example, if a head unit includes WLAN and Bluetooth, it must comply with the applicable technical standards.
For WLAN or Wi-Fi, the technical reference is:
PERDIRJEN SDPPI No. 2 of 2019
For Bluetooth and other Short Range Device technologies, the applicable technical reference is:
PERDIRJEN SDPPI No. 161 of 2019 concerning Frequency Short Range Devices (SRD).
Therefore, the testing requirements for an automotive head unit depend on the wireless features available in the device.
The explanation above provides a brief overview of automotive head units and their SDPPI certification requirements.
We hope this information helps you better understand automotive head units and the requirement to obtain SDPPI certification.
PT. Alpha Romeo Teknologi is ready to help make the SDPPI certification process easier and smoother.
Planning to apply for SDPPI certification?