Freescale Semiconductor has unveiled a new set of hardware/software solution to enable automotive grade Ethernet connectivity for next generation infotainment, instrument cluster, camera telematics and rear seat entertainment designs.
The new Smart Application Blueprint for Rapid Engineering (SABRE) solution will support real-time data transport throughout the vehicle and replace expensive digital technologies and other alternatives, the company said.
SABRE is powered by Freescale’s i.MX 6 series applications processors to speed and simplify Ethernet Audio Video Bridging (AVB) deployment. The development system helps connect a broad array of onboard multimedia nodes using automotive-grade Ethernet components and is optimized for hardware/software integration.
Freescale’s new SABRE for Auto Infotainment system helps automotive OEMs and their Tier One suppliers rapidly create and deploy automotive multimedia systems for this new paradigm.
Freescale has also introduced automotive-grade AVB Ethernet software stacks engineered to work seamlessly with the development system’s hardware.
The development system saves OEMs considerable hardware system cost and cabling weight by leveraging Ethernet AVB using 2-wire CAN cabling to replace more expensive connectivity technologies.
The Ethernet AVB solutions can connect cars to their drivers, the cloud and the rest of the Internet of Things.
SABRE AI supports both 100 Mbps automotive Ethernet physical interfaces as well as multi-port switches to allow customers to design for their specific needs.
Freescale SABRE for Auto Infotainment (AI) is sampling now, with broad availability planned for Q1 2015. The corresponding AVB software solutions will be released in Q1 2015.