Ethernet chip enables telematics & shark fin antennas

5th January 2015

Broadcom

Siobhan O'Gorman

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Designed for use in low-power automotive applications, the next-gen BroadR-Reach automotive Ethernet chip has been released by Broadcom. The BCM89811 PHY, which combines the functionality of multiple discrete devices in a 6x6mm package, delivers 100Mb/s performance over a single, unshielded twisted pair wire.

Due to its low power features, the chip enables uses for automotive Ethernet which go beyond infotainment and ADAS into telematics, shark fin antennas, instrumentation clusters, head unit and centre stack module applications. According to the company, the PHY offers the industry's highest level of integration, eliminating the need for costly external components. This reduces board space by more than 25%, and the overall BOM cost by up to 20%.

The company’s BroadR-Reach automotive solutions provide both the high bandwidth required for advanced safety and infotainment applications and the authentication and encryption features needed to shield the connected car from malicious cyber-attacks and threats.

Currently, Broadcom's BroadR-Reach automotive Ethernet technology enables a number of advanced features in the 2014 and 2015 BMW X5, the 2015 Jaguar Land Rover XJ and the 2015 Volkswagen Passat.

"As the deployment of more sophisticated connectivity features continues to ramp at a rapid pace, so does the need for higher bandwidth and scalability," said Dr. Carsten Kromke, Head of E/E-Architecture and Networks, Volkswagen. "Automotive Ethernet delivers the scalable bandwidth needed for multiple applications while providing full control over the configuration of the in-car network."

"Automotive Ethernet has spurred a shift from decentralised domain-specific communication to a centralised backbone architecture, offering greater flexibility, scalability and innovation in the car," said Dr. Ali Abaye, Senior Director of Automotive, Broadcom. "Serving as the car's network backbone, our BroadR-Reach automotive Ethernet devices enable the deployment of advanced safety and infotainment features beyond the luxury class, meeting growing consumer demand for a truly connected experience on-the-go."

"Ethernet offers a variety of mature and widely supported and deployed options to protect the car from malicious attacks and secure the network infrastructure," said Dominique Bonte, Vice President and Practice Director, ABI Research. "These innate features are just one of the reasons Ethernet is well primed to play a critical role in securing the connected car for years to come."