Networking devices for infotainment systems

Microchip Technology has announced that its MOST50 Intelligent Network Interface Controllers (INICs) are powering the infotainment systems of Toyota Motor Corporation’s new Lexus GS line of luxury sedans. The new GS line is the latest Toyota brand to use the devices in their infotainment system. The Lexus GS is using company’s OS81092 INIC. The carmaker is one of more than 30 manufacturers to rely on Media Oriented Systems Transport (MOST) technology to transport video, audio, packet and control data throughout the vehicle. “Audio quality is clearly important to Toyota, who promotes the Lexus GS audio system as ‘home-audio-system quality in your home away from home’,” said Dan Termer, vice president of Microchip’s Automotive Information Systems Division. “MOST technology delivers through pure digital audio transmission from source to sink—and does so cost-effectively, allowing simultaneous transmission of audio and control over a single cable.” The company’s MOST technology, used in over 200 car models across the globe, features an ePHY that is optimised for use with UTP copper wire. The result is a system that can predictably and efficiently transport video, audio, packet and control data without time synchronisation protocols, using dedicated channels for minimal processor overhead in the main infotainment control unit. MOST INICs also provide industry-standard hardware interfaces to processor and peripheral devices for the efficient routing of information, 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. To facilitate development, MOST technology comes with a complete ecosystem of tools, software and support: tools vendors include OptoLyzer MOCCA family and OptoLyzer Studio, both from K2L; software stack can be MOST Linux driver, MOST NetServices or DTCP-Stack; schematics and layout reviews such as MOST Check are available; and, multimedia companion IC products include video encoding, DTCP content protection, I/O expansion and power management.