Microchip LAN866x Enables Zonal Networking with 10BASE-T1S Endpoints
LAN866x 10BASE-T1S endpoint ICs support multidrop Ethernet and RCP, enabling centralized control, reduced cabling, and simpler sensor, lighting, and audio integration.
LAN866x 10BASE-T1S Ethernet endpoint devices
The LAN866x series of 10BASE-T1S Ethernet endpoint devices has recently been introduced by Microchip. These ICs, which have been optimized for in-car networking applications, leverage the Remote Control Protocol (RCP) to remove software coming from edge nodes and promote true centralized control of systems. This speeds up the deployment of zonal Ethernet and makes the idea of Software Defined Vehicles (SDVs) possible. Connecting an increasing number of sensors and actuators ends up becoming more difficult for designers as the automotive industry transitions to zonal architectures for in-car networking. By acting as bridges and translating Ethernet packets straight to local digital interfaces, the LAN866x endpoints are intended to make network integration easier. These endpoints are software-less, which eradicates the need for node-specific software programming and simplifies silicon consumption and physical footprint, in contrast to traditional solutions.
lan866x-lmx-regular
The LAN866x endpoint IC family, which includes specialized versions for control (LAN8660), lighting (LAN8661), and audio (LAN8662) applications, is the centerpiece of Microchip’s announcement. These devices’ ability to translate Ethernet packets straight to local digital interfaces via an OA3p network interface is a key feature. The chips eliminate the need for embedded code or microcontroller-based logic at each node. The endpoints make room for centralized control of edge nodes for device management and data streaming by supporting standard-based RCP protocols. This solution supports an all-Ethernet, zonal architecture that lowers cabling, software integration, and cost by using a 10BASE-T1S multidrop topology.
Connects with Remote Control Protocol
Microchip’s Single Pair Ethernet (SPE) accessories can be used with 10BASE-T1S, 100BASE-T1, 1000BASE-T1, and higher speed-grade standards and include a variety of transceivers, bridges, switches, and development tools that enable quick and reliable data transfer over a single twisted-pair wire. Effective communication between the central compute unit and the dispersed sensors and actuators located throughout the vehicle is essential to zonal automotive architectures. These software-free endpoints work in tandem with a centralized Ethernet controller which incorporates RCP commands to control node behavior. The endpoint ICs transparently bridge the physical hardware interfaces in a typical RCP-based system, while the central controller sends commands over the Ethernet network. Operation at 10 Mbps with deterministic, full-duplex communication and low latency is required by the IEEE 802.3cg standard. Those characteristics render the standard a good match for control and sensor networks in zonal architectures. The endpoints can be effectively utilized in the most demanding automotive environments for instance the area of the vehicle lighting which includes interior, front and rear headlamps, along with audio systems and a vast variety of control functions.
LAN866x -Connects with Remote Control Protocol
Additional details can be found on the official product page, press release, and the company’s social media platforms.
Images used courtesy of Microchip.
