Microchip’s MOST150 INICs enhance Kia Telematics

16th June 2015

Nat Bowers

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Datasheet

Kia Motors is enriching its infotainment system with powerful smart-phone connectivity in its flagship Kia K900 luxury sedan (known as Quoris in some countries), using Microchip’s OS81110 INIC (Intelligent Network Interface Controller). Building on years of experience using Microchip’s MOST INICs, Kia adopted the latest MOST150 standard for the 2015 K900 in order to take advantage of its internet-connectivity capabilities.

To date, more than 170m MOST interface controllers have been installed in 184 car models since 2001. Kia 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. The MOST150 standard meets Kia’s Internet-connectivity requirements. This latest version of MOST technology continues to 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.

Soon-Nam Lee, Vice President of Overseas Marketing Group, Kia Motors, commented: “MOST150 provides us with a platform on which to create systems that bring our customers’ digital lives into the car. This technology enables our newest cars to seamlessly connect drivers and occupants to the internet and the whole world outside the car.”

MOST150 also provides 150Mb/s performance and proven EMC behaviour. All MOST INICs offer industry-standard hardware interfaces to processor and peripheral devices for the efficient routing of streaming, packet and control 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 behaviour.

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.

“The K900 is Kia’s flagship vehicle, and we are excited about their selection of our MOST150 devices for its infotainment system. Kia has been using MOST technology to create compelling systems for their customers for several years now, and the K900 showcases their latest achievements, where in-vehicle networking technology is a key differentiator," added Dan Termer, Vice President, Automotive, Microchip.