Interface controller offers integrated cPHY, USB 2.0

Article By : EE Times Asia

Using the OS81119 INIC simplifies the network architecture of automotive in-vehicle infotainment systems, according to Microchip.

Microchip Technology has introduced a new MOST150 intelligent network interface controller (INIC), which will allow automotive manufacturers and tier one suppliers to incorporate Media Oriented Systems Transport (MOST) networks in a daisy-chain configuration on coaxial physical layer with the support of full-duplex communication as well as a ring topology.

With a full-duplex daisy-chained network, a single cable segment is enough to connect two adjacent devices in the network, reducing cables and connectors for the back channel on each network connection. It also eliminates the return wire connecting the last node of the network to the first. This reduces wiring and component count resulting in lower system costs as well as potential weight savings that can impact Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) goals and other fuel efficiency regulations.

Using Microchip’s OS81119 INIC allows customers to simplify the network architecture of automotive in-vehicle infotainment systems by using integrated coaxial physical layer (cPHY), optical physical layer (oPHY), daisy-chain topologies or creative hybrid combinations. Customers currently using MOST150 systems can also rapidly migrate to new topologies or daisy-chain additional nodes with little hardware and software redesign.

Besides an integrated cPHY, a USB 2.0 high-speed user interface is also part of the OS81119 INIC. This integration further reduces system component count, driving down overall costs. Time to market can be improved when using the USB standard and corresponding standardised MOST Linux driver. Additionally, utilising an open-source Linux open-source operating system and drivers for the OS81119 helps customers reduce cost. By using the standard Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), customers can also minimise the risk of application issues.

Figure 1: OS81119 block diagram (Source: Microchip)

The OS81119 is offered in a QFN88 package. Devices are available today in volume production in 10,000 unit quantities.