MOST technology increasingly popular in vehicle infotainment networks

Microchip has announced that the BMW Group is continuing to broaden the proliferation of MOST technology in its vehicle infotainment networks, using Microchip's Intelligent Network Interface Controllers (INICs). The BMW 2 Series Active Tourer is BMW's latest volume car model to implement MOST technology, following the company's wide deployment among its premium models, which began in 2001. To date, more than 150 million MOST devices have been installed in over 180 car models since 2001. BMW and a host of other automakers have consistently chosen this technology for their infotainment networks because it provides high-bandwidth transport and streaming of Audio, Packet/Internet Protocol (IP) and Control data with zero processor overhead and proven electromagnetic-compatibility (EMC) behaviour. Additionally, MOST technology offers dedicated channels for this data with dedicated, application-specific hardware interfaces, to simplify communication system designs. For drivers and their passengers, MOST technology provides ultra-fast start-up for immediate access to their multimedia systems. The MOST Cooperation standards enable automotive OEMs and their Tier 1 suppliers with a proven and well-supported methodology for defining and implementing their infotainment systems, including a standard physical layer and a robust method for system management and control with superior reliability and Quality of Service (QoS). Using MOST technology also results in reduced weight for easier compliance with environmental regulations, says the company. "We are gratified that BMW has once again deployed MOST technology in its new BMW 2 Series Active Tourer," said Microchip COO, Ganesh Moorthy. "This is another example of MOST technology migrating from premium to volume car models for the reliable distribution of data within the vehicle."