Broadcom Unveils Automotive Ethernet Switch Portfolio

Broadcom Corporation, a global innovator in semiconductor solutions for wired and wireless communications, has unveiled its next-generation BroadR-Reach automotive Ethernet switch portfolio with integrated PHYs for automotive central gateway, Advanced Driver Assistance Systems(ADAS), infotainment, head units and time-sensitive applications.

The new 28 nm devices utilize a unique design that delivers 30 percent power savings to provide the industry’s lowest power automotive switch solution. For more news, visit Broadcom's Newsroom.

The dramatic rise of in-car applications has led to an increase in demand for bandwidth, creating strain on the car’s network. Through the use of Broadcom’s high-performance BroadR-Reach Ethernet technology, automotive manufacturers not only address bandwidth concerns but also ensure compliance with the latest standards and enable a secure network.

Serving as the car’s network gateway, wired Ethernet connectivity provides device authentication to protect the car from malicious attacks, eavesdropping and the installation of non-approved devices. Additionally, Broadcom’s new BCM8953x family creates a centralized switch that brings together previously standalone connections such as back-up camera, instrumentation, audio and video streaming to share data across various applications and improve the user experience.

Broadcom’s BroadR-Reach automotive Ethernet technology is on the road today in a wide range of vehicles, including the BMW X3, X4, X5, X6, i3, i8, 6 Series and 7 Series vehicles; the Jaguar XJ and XF; and the Volkswagen Passat.

“The performance, scalability and security of Ethernet technology demonstrates massive potential for the automotive market, with experts predicting up to one-half billion Ethernet ports to be deployed in cars by 2020[3],” said Dr. Ali Abaye, Broadcom Senior Director of Automotive. “With our next-generation highly integrated BroadR-Reach devices, Broadcom reduces power consumption by 30 percent and cuts down BOM costs, paving the road for successful mainstream adoption.”

“Automotive Ethernet started in Europe, but this new generation of smaller and lower-power Ethernet switches is helping to open up opportunities elsewhere, including significant market potential across Asia and especially in Japan,” said Ian Riches, Director, Global Automotive Practice, Strategy Analytics. “Broadcom’s standards-based BroadR-Reach technology provides a secure foundation to accelerate connected car development on a global scale.”

“The standardization of one-pair Ethernet technology by OPEN and IEEE, based on Broadcom’s BroadR-Reach, has led to a steady increase in adoption by car makers worldwide. By simplifying deployment, offering a standardized solution and uniting a diverse group of users and suppliers, the OPEN Alliance SIG has played a critical role its adoption,” said Natalie A. Wienckowski, Strategy Lead, Core Hardware Team at General Motors and Chair for the OPEN Alliance SIG. “Comprised of nearly 300 automotive and technology companies, the OPEN Alliance provides the foundation and support to drive Ethernet-based networks into the mainstream.”