Ethernet bridge sol'n targets car infotainment, telematics

Toshiba Corp.'s Semiconductor & Storage Products Co. has uncloaked an automotive-grade Ethernet bridge solution for in-vehicle infotainment (IVI) and other automotive applications. The TC9560XBG supports standards such as IEEE 802.1AS and IEEE 802.1Qav, generally referred to as Ethernet-AVB, which enables stable, reliable multimedia transmissions, making it suitable for IVI and telematics, noted the company.

Automotive electronics are becoming more complex with the addition of advanced sensors, high-resolution displays, on-vehicle cameras, automated driver assistance systems (ADAS), and their data transmission and controls. Connecting these devices with an industry-standard Ethernet protocol contributes to simplified wiring, cost savings, reduced harness weight and improved mileage. Toshiba's automotive-grade Ethernet solution also supports Ethernet-AVB, which is an important factor for multimedia applications. In addition, the device will be AEC-Q100 qualified to ensure performance in rigorous automotive environments.

TC358791XBG block diagram

Connected to an application processor or other SoC host, the TC9560XBG allows the host device to deliver audio, video and data information through the 10/100/1000 Ethernet network in an automotive environment. Connection to the host is achieved via PCI Express (PCIe), HSIC or Time Division Multiplex (TDM)/I2S for audio traffic. The IC's RGMII/RMII interface connects to the Ethernet switch or PHY device, and both AVB and legacy traffic are supported. An on-chip ARM Cortex-M3 processor can perform system control and management.

Sample shipments of the TC9560XBG Ethernet bridge solution and TC9560AXBG, packaged in P-LFBGA 170 balls, 10mm x 10mm, 0.65mm pitch, with CAN-FD features are available with volume production slated for October 2016.

IVI block diagram