New compact Ethernet interfaces for portable use

Vector offers the VN5611 and N5612 hardware. They are compact and handy interfaces for automotive Ethernet applications. Users profit from flexible configuration and use options in the Ethernet environment. Advantages including Ethernet monitoring and individual access options to the network under test are characteristic for these devices.

The interfaces offer two ports for automotive Ethernet IEEE 100BASE-T1/1000BASE-T1 (VN5611) and standard Ethernet IEEE 100BASE-TX/1000BASE-T (VN5612). These devices are excellent for portable usage due to their compact and small format. The connection to the computer and the power supply is through USB 3.0.

The devices offer the user a transparent connection between two (automotive) Ethernet nodes for monitoring with accurate time stamps. Also, the interfaces offer flexible configuration options to support a broad diversity of application areas. Moreover, individual access options to the network under test and network access for simulation and test purposes are achievable. The two devices offer a switch with up to two physical ports. The access to the connected automotive network, in the context of simulations and the connection of virtual nodes to the network, is assured. Particularly the VN5611 also supports the sleep/wake mechanisms according to OPEN Alliance TC10.

For testing, the two interfaces can be employed to send errored frames on individual ports. For testing with ECUs with more than one Ethernet port or for reprogramming ECUs, the access is individual and to each port.