Toyota Vellfire adds Microchip's MOST50 networking

In the Vellfire implementation, Toyota is once again using MOST technology to ensure high-quality digital audio throughout the vehicle.

To date, more than 170m MOST devices have been installed in 191 car models since 2001. Toyota and all major carmakers have for many years successfully implemented MOST technology in their multi-node infotainment networking systems, as it provides a field-proven, low-risk, whole-system solution. Toyota’s networks utilise Microchip’s MOST50 INICs, which feature an electrical physical layer that is optimised for use with unshielded twisted pair copper wire. The result is a system that can predictably and efficiently 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 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 access the vehicle’s infotainment system, due to the MOST INIC’s ultra-fast network startup feature.

Dan Termer, Vice President, Automotive Information Systems Division, Microchip, commented: "The Toyota Vellfire emphasises strength and luxury, and uses our MOST50 technology in its infotainment system to provide high-quality digital audio. Toyota has been using MOST technology for more than a decade and Vellfire is the latest entrant into the market. MOST provides a flexible platform to develop feature-rich infotainment systems.”