Freescale Semiconductor announced a hardware/software development system for Ethernet connectivity (Wi-Fi) in vehicles. The system can be used for infotainment, instrument cluster, camera telematics and rear seat entertainment designs. It supports real-time data transport throughout the vehicle.
The new SABRE (Smart Application Blueprint for Rapid Engineering) for Auto Infotainment (AI) features i.MX 6 processors to speed and simplify Ethernet Audio Video Bridging (AVB) deployment. Freescale reports that it is Freescale’s most scalable implementation of the ARM Cortex-A9 CPU cores, with processing speeds up to 1 GHz, and a high level of automotive-specific integration. The expansion boards range in price from $699-$799.
The development system helps connect af onboard multimedia nodes using automotive-grade Ethernet components and is optimized for hardware/software integration.
Freescale has also introduced automotive-grade AVB Ethernet software stacks engineered to work seamlessly with the development system’s hardware.
SABRE AI is designed to work with Freescale’s corresponding Microcontroller Software Solutions.
Freescale claims that he development system saves car makers 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.
Many of Freescales MPUs are found in Tesla vehicles. Freescale announced wireless charging ICs for automotive deployment and ADAS solutions.
Freescale’s newest SABRE (Smart Application Blueprint for Rapid Engineering) for Auto Infotainment (AI) is sampling now, with broad availability planned for Q1 2015. The company also plans to release corresponding AVB software solutions in Q1 2015.