The new intelligent network interface controller with MOST technology enables Daisy chain communication in automotive applications

     Microchip Technology announced the release of its latest MOST150 Intelligent Network Interface Controller (INIC), which, in addition to ring topology, enables automotive manufacturers and tier-1 suppliers to adopt a daisy-chain-configured "MOST" network at the coaxial physical layer. Supports full-duplex communication. With a full-duplex daisy-chain network, a single cable is sufficient to connect two adjacent devices in the network, reducing the number of cables and connectors that each network has to connect the back-end channel, and avoiding the return line used to connect the last node of the network to the first node. This reduces wiring and component counts, resulting in lower system costs and vehicle weight, which can impact Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) targets and other fuel efficiency compliance requirements.

     With Microchip's OS81119 INIC, customers can simplify the network architecture of automotive infotainment systems by using an integrated coaxial physical layer (cPHY), optical physical layer (oPHY), Daisy chain topology, or innovative hybrid combinations. Customers currently using MOST150 systems can quickly migrate to new topologies or more nodes in the Daisy chain with minimal hardware and software redesign.

     "This is the first time a customer has used a Daisy chain configuration to build the MOST150 network," said Dan Termer, vice president of Microchip's Automotive Information Systems business unit. The MOST network is a proven standard for more than 200 models from all major Oems. As this new device shows, continued innovation now makes MOST more cost-effective."

     OS81119 INIC not only integrates cPHY, but also supports USB 2.0 high-speed user interface. This integration further reduces the number of system components and reduces the overall cost. When using the USB standard and the corresponding standardized MOST Linux® drivers, time to market can be further reduced. In addition, leveraging the open source Linux operating system and OS81119 drivers helps customers reduce costs. By using standard application programming interfaces (apis), customers can minimize the risk of application problems.

     MOST technology is the choice of many automakers and Tier 1 suppliers for their in-vehicle networks. It specifically targets infotainment and telematics applications such as smart antennas, front-end units, amplifiers, digital clusters, rear seat entertainment, Advanced driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), driver/passenger information systems, and public transportation infotainment and information systems.