Avnu Alliance Introduces Groundbreaking TSN Component Certification Program

The Avnu Alliance has introduced the first-ever Component Certification Program for Time Sensitive Networking (TSN) in industrial and automotive applications. This initiative is aimed at ensuring the interoperability of devices utilizing the IEEE 802.1 TSN standards. By certifying components, manufacturers in various sectors can guarantee compliance with core standards, thereby minimizing integration challenges during deployments.

Originally established for low latency, deterministic communications in professional audio visual (ProAV), the Alliance has now expanded its focus to include industrial and automotive Ethernet applications. In 2021, it rolled out a certification program for end devices incorporating TSN, including those implementing the Milan network protocol for professional media.

TSN capabilities are crucial in time-critical scenarios where data must be reliably delivered with bounded latency. These capabilities facilitate the co-existence of different types of traffic on a single network. For successful deployment and management of such devices, adherence to IEEE SA-defined TSN standards and ensuring interoperability are essential.

The certification program initially concentrates on core standards for timing and synchronization for time-sensitive applications (802.1AS) and enhancements for scheduled traffic (EST). Future plans include expanding to cover interspersed express traffic (IET) and the forwarding and queuing of time-sensitive streams (FQTSS) later this year.

"We are thrilled to announce the launch of the Component Certification Program," stated Avnu Alliance President Dave Cavalcanti. "This program's profile-agnostic nature will play a pivotal role in ensuring conformance within TSN standards, enabling seamless integration of compliant components and devices from various vendors and industries. This will meet the market demand for greater interoperability and standards-based converged networks."

The Component Certification Program is designed to promote the adoption of converged networking. By certifying their products, manufacturers, vendors, and solution providers can ensure that their TSN-capable products meet market requirements. Users will benefit from a wider selection of certified, off-the-shelf devices that can be seamlessly integrated into their networks without disrupting operations.

The companies supporting the launch of the certification program include Intel, Texas Instruments, NXP Semiconductors, Analog Devices, and Moxa. Intel's Senior Director of Technology Products, Sunita Shenoy, emphasized the importance of advancing industry standards and enabling seamless integration of real-time computing and networking. Texas Instruments' Pekka Varis highlighted the collaborative efforts within the Avnu Alliance and the acceleration of TSN technology adoption in industrial applications.

NXP's Vice President and General Manager, Jeff Steinheider, sees the TSN Component Certification Program as a key enabler for widespread adoption of TSN technologies, promoting multi-vendor interoperability. Analog Devices' Strategic Marketing Manager, Mark Geisler, emphasized the critical milestone the program represents for faster development cycles and easier adoption of TSN solutions. Moxa's Jack Lin expressed excitement about contributing to the creation of the new Component Certification Program and the potential for truly converged networks.

For more information on the TSN component certification program, visit the Avnu Alliance website.