What are backbone connections?
In the automotive sector, “backbone connections” refers to the central data cables that are used as the main lines of communication in the vehicle on-board network. These cables transmit large quantities of data, mainly between electronic control units (ECUs), gateways or hubs. These connections are crucial for integrating complex systems with high data rates in modern vehicles, e.g. infotainment, driver assistance systems (ADAS) and autonomous driving functions.
Roles in modern on-board networks
Backbone connections are used in modern on-board networks as a central infrastructure for communication between different subsystems. They enable Ethernet to be integrated with other traditional network technologies such as Can, LIN and FlexRay. This integration takes place via central gateways which act as a bridge between the different protocols and enable seamless and reliable data communication between the vehicle’s different components. What is new here is the integration of 10BASE-T1S which will replace many traditional network technologies.
The technologies and components used
Backbone connections in modern vehicles increasingly use Ethernet-based technologies, especially Automotive Ethernet, which is becoming the standard for high-speed communication in vehicles. For these connections, twisted-pair cables are used which are generally designed for transmitting high data rates of up to 10 Gbit/s. Connectors such as H-MTD (High-Performance Modular Twisted Pair Data) and GEMnet have been specially designed to meet the high bandwidth requirements. To improve electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), twisted-pair cables and connectors are often additionally shielded, which helps to reduce interference.
Future developments
The future of backbone developments will be strongly characterized by the further development of Ethernet technologies. Ethernet is expected to play an increasingly important role in vehicles, particularly with the introduction of zone architectures, where data processing and distribution will be further centralized. These architectures will offer greater efficiency and flexibility while, at the same time, simplify wiring and reducing costs.
In addition, the introduction of TSN (Time-Sensitive Networking) standards with new functions such as time synchronization and traffic shaping will improve the network’s real-time capability which is of vital importance to safety-critical applications and driverless vehicles. These developments will help to ensure that backbone connections play an even more important role in the infrastructure of future vehicles as they meet the high demands for data transmission and network security.
Helmut Pritz
Helmut Pritz is the Product Manager for fiber optic data transmission at MD Elektronik. With over 20 years’ experience in the sector, he has a great deal of expertise to offer in promoting this future-oriented technology. It is his mission to develop innovative solutions for the automotive industry with customers, startups, control unit manufacturers and suppliers.
After working as a project manager where he was responsible for developing plug-in components and the associated automation systems, he then took on the role of Manager Development RF Technology and built up a development department which was mainly concerned with high-frequency technology.
The wide range of contacts he has with customers, suppliers and the global team at MD is one of the things he most appreciates about his role.