How Ethernet is set to Drive in-Car Connectivity

Freescale has just announced its first automotive-grade Ethernet chipset and software, making the way for automotive suppliers to install upto 100Mbps networks inside the vehicles and add a whole new dimension to the in-Car connectivity.

Freescale Semiconductor has introduced a hardware/software development system for enabling automotive grade Ethernet connectivity for next generation infotainment, instrument cluster, camera telematics and rear seat entertainment designs.

The new solution will support real-time data transport throughout the vehicle and replace expensive digital technologies and other alternatives.

“The newest SABRE AI development system brings Freescale’s extensive networking expertise into the vehicle, delivering Ethernet AVB solutions that connect cars to their drivers, the cloud and the rest of the Internet of Things”

The comprehensive new SABRE (Smart Application Blueprint for Rapid Engineering) for Auto Infotainment (AI) development system leverages the proven performance and scalability of Freescale’s i.MX 6 series applications processors to speed and simplify Ethernet Audio Video Bridging (AVB) deployment. The development system helps connect a broad array of onboard multimedia nodes using automotive-grade Ethernet components and is optimized for hardware/software integration. Freescale has also introduced automotive-grade AVB Ethernet software stacks engineered to work seamlessly with the development system’s hardware for a truly comprehensive solution.

“The newest SABRE AI development system brings Freescale’s extensive networking expertise into the vehicle, delivering Ethernet AVB solutions that connect cars to their drivers, the cloud and the rest of the Internet of Things,” said Dan Loop, automotive business development manager for Freescale’s MCU group. “In the Internet of Things era, infotainment’s primary role is to intelligently connect the car and all of its subsystems to the driver and passengers’ world -- enriching the driving experience and enhancing the safety of the vehicle. Freescale’s new SABRE for Auto Infotainment system helps automotive OEMs and their Tier One suppliers rapidly create and deploy automotive multimedia systems for this new paradigm.”

Ethernet Goes Inside Cars

Ethernet can internally power the connectivity inside the vehicle, while at the same time. Externally, it can also drive connectivity of the car to the Internet of Things.

According to industry experts, by the year 2020, many cars will have 50 to 60 Ethernet ports and this will considerably enhance the connectivity experience inside the cars and improve upon the connected car concepts.

The growth in audio and video devices, such as federally mandated backup cameras, lane-departure warning systems, traffic light recognition and collision avoidance sensors, also all require more robust in-car networks.

In a not so distant future scenario, powered by Ethernet driven connectivity, it will be possible to have greater bandwidth as well as resiliency available inside the cars and deliver turn-by-turn navigation control to the drivers, while separate display units can help passengers in front seat as well as back seat to experience seamless internet connectivity.