Broadcom touts power-efficient car Ethernet switch

Broadcom Corp. has introduced 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. According to the company, the 28nm devices use a novel design that delivers 30 per cent power savings.

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, stated the company.

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 BCM8953x family creates a centralised 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 available in a range of vehicles such as the BMW X3, X4, X5, X6, i3, i8, 6 series and 7 series vehicles; the Jaguar XJ and XF; and the Volkswagen Passat.

The BCM8953x switch is offered by the company as a second generation automotive switch with integrated BroadR-Reach PHYs enables cost-effective connectivity through lower cabling and connector costs. It boasts integrated low pass filters, advanced power savings with multiple low-power mode technologies, advanced architecture to support non-blocking, line-rate data transfer at wire speed performance for all frame sizes over unshielded single-pair twisted cable, a processor subsystem that supports timing stack and audio video broadcast (AVB) bridging support functions, and an enhanced design to surpass AEC-Q100 and EMC requirements.

The BCM8953x switch portfolio is sampling.