ISO 26021-3:2022

Overview

ISO 26021-3:2022 - "Road vehicles - End-of-life activation of in‑vehicle pyrotechnic devices - Part 3: Data definitions" is the ISO standard that defines the data model and identifiers required for safe, controlled end-of‑life activation (deployment) of in‑vehicle pyrotechnic devices (PCUs). Part 3 specifies all identifiers, data identifiers (DIDs), routine identifiers, data types, computations and units needed by vehicle diagnostic tools and deployment controllers. It forms the data-definition layer of the ISO 26021 series and ties into vehicle diagnostic communication frameworks (UDS, DoCAN, DoIP).

Key topics and technical requirements

• Data identifiers and structure: Normative DID definitions for PCU-related information (examples include DID FA00 NumberOfPcu, FA01 PcuHardwareDeploymentMethod, FA02 PcuAddressInfo, FA06 DeploymentLoopIdTable, FA07 DismantlerIdentification).
• Parameter types and constraints: Explicit specification of data types (8/16/32‑bit unsigned), scaling, read/write rules (e.g., DismantlerIdentification must be written before ignition and locked/read‑only after first successful write).
• Deployment loop and routine controls: Annex B and C define deployment loop parameters and routine control parameters required to perform end‑of‑life activation safely and audibly record status.
• Interoperability with diagnostic protocols: Normative references to ISO 14229‑1 (UDS), ISO 15765‑5 (DoCAN) and ISO 26021‑1; support for DoIP and diagnostic connector options is reflected in the series.
• Traceability and versioning: Parameters include method/version identifiers (ACLMethodVersion, PcuHardwareDeploymentMethodVersion) to ensure backward compatibility and controlled updates.

Practical applications and who uses this standard

ISO 26021-3:2022 is used where standardized, auditable control and data exchange for end‑of‑life PCU deployment is required:

• Vehicle manufacturers (OEMs) - to implement compliant on‑board data structures and PCU interfaces.
• PCU and component suppliers - to ensure device addressing, deployment loop definitions and method versions match vehicle requirements.
• Aftermarket diagnostic tool and PDT (Portable Deployment Tool) vendors - to implement DIDs, routines and communication sequences used during scrappage.
• Dismantlers and service centres - to follow mandated write/read procedures (e.g., DismantlerIdentification) and safely execute deployment routines.
• Test labs and regulators - to verify conformity, data integrity and secure activation procedures.

Related standards

• ISO 26021-1:2022 - Application and communication interface (use cases, requirements)
• ISO 14229-1 - Unified Diagnostic Services (UDS) - Application layer
• ISO 15765-5 - Diagnostic communication over CAN (DoCAN) - diagnostic link connector

Keywords: ISO 26021-3:2022, end-of-life activation, in-vehicle pyrotechnic devices, PCU, data identifiers (DID), deployment loop, routine control, UDS, DoCAN, DoIP, vehicle diagnostics.