MOST50 networking enhances Lexus RX SUV infotainment

2nd February 2016

Nat Bowers

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Toyota Motor is continuing to roll out Microchip’s MOST50 Intelligent Network Interface Controllers (INICs) to power the infotainment systems throughout the company's vehicle line. The Lexus RX SUV is the latest deployment among a wide variety of the Toyota brands, which have been using MOST50 in their infotainment systems for several model years.

Toyota is using MOST technology to ensure high-quality digital audio streaming throughout its luxury Lexus RX SUV.

Dan Termer, Vice President, Automotive Information Systems Division, Microchip, commented: “The Lexus RX by Toyota is the latest luxury SUV rolled out in mass production that uses MOST50 network technology in its infotainment system to provide the highest quality in digital audio streaming applications. The Lexus RX SUV deployment reflects Toyota’s trust and confidence in using MOST technology for developing feature-rich and cost-effective infotainment systems.”

MOST continues to extend its worldwide adoption as the high-speed networking technology developed by carmakers for carmakers. For many years, Toyota and all major carmakers have successfully implemented MOST technology in their multi-node infotainment networking systems. Approximately 200m MOST devices have been deployed in 194 mass production car models since 2001.

Toyota’s infotainment networks utilise Microchip’s MOST50 INICs, which feature an electrical PHY (ePHY). The result is an inherently predictable and efficient system that can transport video, audio, packet and control data throughout the vehicle without time-synchronisation protocols, using dedicated channels for minimal processor overhead in the main infotainment control unit processors.

The remote-connection-management and remote-control capabilities of all Microchip MOST INICs enable further options, including the ability to build slim (processor-less) network nodes. MOST INICs also provide industry-standard hardware interfaces to processor and peripheral devices for the efficient routing of audio, video and packet data, which greatly simplifies module designs. End users can immediately use the vehicle’s infotainment system, due to the MOST INIC’s ultra-fast network startup feature.

The MOST Cooperation standards enable automotive OEMs and their Tier 1 suppliers with a proven and well-supported methodology for defining and implementing high-bandwidth infotainment and ADAS systems, including a standard physical layer and a robust method for system management and control with superior reliability and QoS. Using MOST technology also results in reduced weight for easier compliance with environmental regulations.