Title: Ethernet Drives into the Software Defined Vehicle

The automotive industry is undergoing a significant transformation with the shift towards software-defined vehicles, and Ethernet is emerging as a crucial technology in this evolution. European chip makers are making strategic moves to position themselves as key suppliers in the Ethernet space, with recent acquisitions reshaping the landscape. Infineon Technologies in Germany, for example, acquired the automotive Ethernet business of Marvell, a move that has solidified its presence with 45 OEMs, including eight of the top 10 players in the industry.

According to Mike Yeager, general manager of automotive Ethernet solutions at Infineon, the adoption of Automotive Ethernet is paving the way for zonal architectures in vehicles. This transition is expected to bring about significant changes in the way in-vehicle networks are structured, with a focus on enhancing performance and connectivity. Yeager highlighted the evolution towards higher data transfer speeds, such as 10Gbit/s, which is driving the industry towards more advanced Ethernet solutions.

Looking ahead to the future, the industry is gearing up for designs that are projected to be implemented in 2028 and 2030. The development of the IEEE802.3dm standard is a key milestone in this journey, as it aims to establish a robust framework for Ethernet deployment in automotive applications. This standard is set to define the performance characteristics of link segments suitable for use with automotive cabling, providing a roadmap for future advancements in Ethernet technology.

On the hardware front, several companies are actively involved in developing chips for automotive Ethernet, with a focus on enhancing connectivity and performance. Microchip Technology, for instance, is introducing a family of automotive 10Base-T1S Ethernet endpoint devices that aim to streamline network integration and reduce complexity. These endpoints are designed to bridge Ethernet packets to local digital interfaces, offering a seamless connectivity solution for in-vehicle networks.

Meanwhile, NXP Semiconductors has completed a significant acquisition of Aviva Links, a move that strengthens its position in the automotive connectivity space. The integration of SerDes point-to-point and Ethernet-based connectivity from the Automotive SerDes Alliance (ASA) is expected to drive innovation in high-speed communications for automotive applications. With data rates of up to 16Gbit/s, these solutions are poised to address the growing demand for advanced connectivity in modern vehicles.