Freescale Semiconductor has introduced a comprehensive hardware/software development system for enabling automotive grade Ethernet connectivity for next generation infotainment, instrument cluster, camera telematics and rear seat entertainment designs. The new solution will support real-time data transport throughout the vehicle and replace expensive digital technologies and other alternatives.
The new SABRE (Smart Application Blueprint for Rapid Engineering) for Auto Infotainment (AI) development system leverages the proven performance and scalability of 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 optimised for hardware/software integration. Freescale has also introduced automotive-grade AVB Ethernet software stacks engineered to work with the development system’s hardware for a truly comprehensive solution.
“The newest SABRE AI development system brings Freescale’s networking expertise into the vehicle, delivering Ethernet AVB solutions that connect cars to their drivers, the cloud and the rest of the Internet of Things,” said Dan Loop, automotive business development manager for Freescale’s MCU group. “In the Internet of Things era, infotainment’s primary role is to intelligently connect the car and all of its subsystems to the driver and passengers’ world – enriching the driving experience and enhancing the safety of the vehicle. 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’s newest SABRE solution will be displayed at the SAE Convergence Conference & Exhibition on October 21st and 22nd, as well as at the IEEE-SA Ethernet & IP @ Automotive Technology Day on October 23rd and 24th in Detroit, Michigan.
SABRE AI is designed to work with Freescale’s corresponding Microcontroller Software Solutions to support the development of Ethernet AVB connectivity applications for automotive systems and the integration of automotive grade Ethernet components. 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. 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.
Hardware Features
The new SABRE AI development system hardware includes:
SABRE Automotive Rev2 CPU Cards with i.MX 6Quad and i.MX 6DualLite applications processors (MCIMX6QAICPU2, MCIMX6DLAICPU2)
New “Flexible Ethernet Expansion” header supporting:
Atheros Gb PHY (software compatible with CPU1 systems)
10/100 Broadcom BroadR-Reach PHY
10/100 Broadcom BroadR-Reach 4-port switch
Silicon-Aware AVB Software
Competitive solutions often rely on generic software that is not applicationspecific, which can require cycle-hungry abstraction and result in low performance. But Freescale’s automotive-grade AVB software is specifically optimized for i.MX 6 series processors, enabling exceptional real-time performance.
