NXP Ethernet switches enables vehicle networks

The S32J family utilises the NXP NETC switch core, which is also found in the latest S32 microcontrollers and processors. This allows them to function together as a unified virtual switch, simplifying integration and software reuse within the recently launched NXP CoreRide platform. The unified switch core offers OEMs greater flexibility and efficiency in creating adaptable and re-configurable network solutions.

With up to 80Gbps bandwidth and support for ports ranging from 10Mb to 10Gb, the S32J family is equipped with dual Arm Cortex-R52 cores, addressing the diverse needs of modern vehicle architectures. These devices adhere to automotive Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN) standards and offer robust safety features (ASIL-D), a hardware security engine (HSE), and MACsec ports for handling mixed-criticality data traffic.

When combined with the NXP CoreRide platform, the S32J provides OEMs and Tier-1 suppliers with production-ready networking solutions, featuring pre-integrated software and tools. This includes a comprehensive software enablement kit for security (HSE and MACsec), TSN protocol stacks, and remote configuration and monitoring. A virtual development kit for the S32J family is expected to be available by the end of 2024, with full solutions ready for OEMs and Tier-1 suppliers by 2025.

Building blocks for Software-Defined Vehicles (SDVs)

“The transition to software-defined vehicles requires OEMs to simplify their network architectures and reduce the software and hardware integration complexity,” said Meindert van den Beld, Senior Vice President and General Manager of in-vehicle networking at NXP. "The S32J and NXP CoreRide networking solutions provide production-ready building blocks for these new software-defined network architectures.”

“Sonatus is a longstanding partner with NXP, with our combined technologies already in millions of production vehicles. This new NXP CoreRide networking solution deepens our support for vehicle networking and the NETC networking foundation across NXP products, enabling OEMs to accelerate development of more adaptable, upgradable architectures for software-defined vehicles," said Dr. John Heinlein, Chief Marketing Officer at Sonatus.

The NXP CoreRide Platform

The NXP CoreRide platform is a significant development, helping automakers overcome integration challenges and scale their development efforts for software-defined vehicles. The platform combines NXP’s S32 compute, networking, and system power management with middleware, operating systems, and software from automotive technology providers, such as Accenture ESR Labs, ArcherMind, Blackberry QNX, Elektrobit, ETAS, Green Hills Software, Sonatus, Synopsys, TTTech Auto, Vector Informatik, Wind River, and Tier-1 suppliers like Valeo, as well as integration service providers such as Foxconn.