What is Multi-Gigabit Ethernet?
Multi-Gigabit Ethernet is the name given to a technology which is designed to enable the high-speed transmission of data of up to several Gigabits per second. In the automotive sector, this technology is increasingly being used to support ever more complex and data-intensive systems in modern vehicles. This includes advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), autonomous driving functions and high-resolution infotainment systems. Multi-Gigabit Ethernet offers the bandwidth required to transmit large quantities of data quickly and reliably between the different systems, control devices and sensors in the vehicle.
Standards
Automotive Multi-Gigabit Ethernet is based on standards such as IEEE 802.3ch, which supports transmission rates of 2.5 Gbps, 5 Gbps and 10 Gbps. These standards ensure that the components are interoperable and meet the strict demands for electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and signal requirements.
Technologies
Special types of cable and connector are used to support the high data rates of Automotive Multi-Gigabit Ethernet. This primarily includes Shielded Twisted Pair (STP) cables which offer adequate shielding against electromagnetic interference. Connectors such as H-MTD (High-Performance Modular Twisted Pair Data) and GEMnet are designed for high data rates and at the same time are compact and robust enough to resist the harsh conditions in the vehicle.
Challenges and developments
The greatest challenges involved in implementing Multi-Gigabit Ethernet in vehicles include optimizing the network topology and transmitting high data rates in short latency times. This requires the development of new cables and networking technologies as well as adaptation of vehicle electronics. Therefore, alongside the selection of suitable network architectures, the further development of Ethernet protocols and standards will be crucial to meeting the requirements of the next generation of vehicles.
The future of Ethernet on-board networks
Ethernet plays a key role in the on-board networks of the future, and particularly in the development of autonomous and networked vehicles. It ensures the seamless integration of different systems such as sensors, cameras, control devices and communication modules, and will also play a key role in introducing zone architecture into on-board networks, as its high bandwidth and deterministic transmission capacity enables stable and perfectly timed communication which is necessary for distributed systems. Future viability will be secured through the integration of new protocols and redundant network designs. These systems support reliable and uninterrupted real-time diagnostics and maintenance functions which enable continuous monitoring and adaptation of network performance. Thus, Ethernet technologies will establish the basis for driverless vehicles and improved safety and comfort functions.
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.