Connected Car News: Peachtree Corners, Spoke, Keysight, JLR, Elektrobit, JL Audio, Samsung, Avanci, Waze, Volvo, SiTime & Ansys.

In connected car news are Peachtree Corners, Spoke, Keysight, JLR, Elektrobit, JL Audio, Samsung, Avanci, Waze, Volvo, SiTime & Ansys.

In this Article

Peachtree Corners Partners with Spoke

Peachtree Corners – one of the nation’s first smart cities powered by real-world connected infrastructure and 5G – today launched a collaboration with Spoke, a company that aims to transform roadway safety and rider connectivity by delivering the first ever connected IoT ecosystem for vulnerable road users (VRUs). This technology provides insight and contextual awareness to drivers by connecting VRUs to the mobility ecosystem around them, ensuring VRUs are seen and protected. This partnership allows Spoke to continue testing and developing their VRU2X technologies using Curiosity Lab’s living smart city ecosystem where real drivers, pedestrians and autonomous vehicles use the public roadways each day.

Spoke’s VRU2X system leverages three levels of connectivity within the mobility system. This includes C-V2X to provide direct and immediate communication between cars and VRUs, LTE/5G cellular communications for advanced contextual awareness alerts between cars and VRUs and camera/radar system for vehicle identification and visualization. Leveraging these layers of connectivity, Spoke’s technology ensures VRUs, including pedestrians, cyclists and more, are identifiable by vehicles and that VRUs are aware of vehicles before the naked eye can detect them. Spoke also works closely with premium automaker Audi in conducting C-V2X initial deployments to develop solutions around bicycle-to-vehicle use cases.

Keysight: New Novus Mini

Keysight Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: KEYS) is expanding its Novus portfolio with the new Novus mini, a network test platform in a compact form factor that addresses the needs of network engineers as they deploy automotive and industrial internet of things (IoT) devices.

As enterprises transition to Industry 4.0 business models to take advantage of digitalization, their reliance on connected IoT devices become more important to business operations. Industries such as automotive and manufacturing can improve safety and efficiency by connecting IoT machines and sensors to business systems. However, system failures and downtime caused by connectivity and network issues can result in high-risk, life-threatening situations. To mitigate any potential problems, network engineers must fully test the connectivity and performance of network components and IoT devices before deploying them.

Keysight’s Novus mini addresses this need by giving network engineers a compact, quiet, and affordable platform to test the performance and conformance of their industrial networks. The Novus mini also supports testing based on time-sensitive networking (TSN) standards, which is a critical safety component in IoT applications such as the advanced driver assistance systems employed in autonomous vehicles.

The following benefits are provided by the Novus mini:

Network testing value – A combined solution offering both traffic generation and protocol testing in a single platform.
Compact, quiet, and affordable – Features the smallest footprint in the industry, outstanding cost per port, and ultra-quiet, fan-less operation.
Validates layers 2-3 – Covers full performance and conformance testing.
Tests critical timing standards for industrial IoT – Supports full timing testing and automated time TSN for 802.1AS 2011/2020, 802.1Qbv, 802.1Qav, 802.1CB, and 802.1Qci.

Ed Agis, Avnu Alliance Work Group Co-Chair, Avnu, said: “The Novus mini offers a comprehensive TSN conformance suite based on multiple Avnu Alliance test plans for different applications and markets, enabling companies to easily test their products on the path to interoperability.”

Ram Periakaruppan, Vice President and General Manager, Network Test & Security Solutions, Keysight, said: “The Novus mini provides real-world validation and automated conformance testing for leading edge technologies. Our customers must trust that their products consistently meet quality standards and comply with regulatory requirements to avoid costly fines and penalties. The Novus mini allows us to deliver this confident assurance with a compact, integrated network test solution that can keep pace with innovation as industries constantly evolve. As a member of the Avnu Alliance community, Keysight is working with other market leaders to advance Industry 4.0 by crafting essential standards for the next generation of IoT.”///

JLR to Deploy Elektrobit

Elektrobity announced that Jaguar Land Rover will use Elektrobit’s software platform and Automotive OS offering to build their next-generation EVA Continuum electrical architecture that will be featured in Jaguar Land Rover’s full line of vehicles from 2024. Jaguar Land Rover selected Elektrobit as part of its initiative to drive standardization and predictability in the software platform for the new architecture, which will enable it to bring new vehicles quickly and efficiently to market.Today’s leading car makers are challenged to keep pace in the rapid industry transition towards software-defined vehicles. Using Elektrobit software and engineering services, Jaguar Land Rover has been able to accelerate production of electric vehicles (EVs) and other next-generation cars. Elektrobit software and solutions have enabled Jaguar Land Rover to develop electronic control units (ECUs) more easily, reducing both development time for innovative new features, and hidden costs, without compromising quality, safety and security.

Since 2021, Elektrobit has provided Jaguar Land Rover access to its full real-time computing (RTC) portfolio – including EB tresos with firmware for over-the-air update functionality and EB zentur supporting state-of-the-art embedded security – to enable ECUs for the new Jaguar Land Rover EVA continuum platform architecture. Elektrobit’s engineering services have been an integral part of the relationship with Jaguar Land Rover providing a dedicated team for feature enhancements.

“It has been truly exciting to work alongside the Jaguar Land Rover team as their software partner of choice in bringing to life the EVA Continuum platform and supporting the realization of their vision,” said Maria Anhalt, CEO, Elektrobit. “Jaguar Land Rover has been pushing the boundaries of innovation by radically transforming its business to build software-defined vehicles. We are proud to be working with Jaguar Land Rover in enabling its next generation of iconic vehicles.”

JL Audio Intros MediaMaster Remote in App Stores

JL Audio, the leader in premium, high-performance marine audio systems, announced the launch of its MediaMaster® Remote app on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Designed to work with the latest JL Audio MediaMaster marine audio source units and network controllers, including the MM105, MM105-HR and MMR-40, the MediaMaster Remote app connects via Bluetooth Low Energy technology and offers comprehensive control of all system features and settings.

“These apps represent an exciting control upgrade for the vast number of vessels that feature the latest MediaMaster audio source units as standard or optional equipment,” said Stephen Leigh, Sr. Vice President, Electronic Engineering, JL Audio. “The wireless control functionality and display of music data offered by the apps is comprehensive, far exceeding the features found on typical wired controllers and key fob-style remote controls.”

The MediaMaster Remote app from JL Audio furthers the brand’s mission of providing the absolute best sounding and feature-rich audio solutions for boating, powersports and RV customers. JL Audio’s MediaMaster Remote app features a clean, intuitive user interface that mirrors the UI layout and menu structure of its MM105 source unit, MMR-40 network controller, and the JL Audio control apps for popular multi-function display (MFD) systems.

Main control functions of MediaMaster Remote mobile app include:

Power ON/OFF
Source navigation and selection
Stored presets
All volume level controls (master & individual zones)
All subwoofer level controls (master & individual zones)
All tone & balance controls (master & individual zones)
Source specific settings

The JL Audio MediaMaster Remote iOS and Android apps are available immediately for free on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

Main control functions of MediaMaster Remote mobile app include:

Power ON/OFF
Source navigation and selection
Stored presets
All volume level controls (master & individual zones)
All subwoofer level controls (master & individual zones)
All tone & balance controls (master & individual zones)
Source specific settings

The JL Audio MediaMaster Remote iOS and Android apps are available immediately for free on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store

Samsung Licenses Avanci

-Avanci, a leader in simplifying the sharing of advanced technologies, announced that Samsung Electronics has become a licensor for several of its licensing programs, including Avanci Vehicle 4G, Avanci Aftermarket and Avanci Broadcast.

Avanci has transformed how companies share technology, enabling product makers to access patented technology from many companies and research institutes in a single transaction at fixed rates, paid once for the product’s lifetime. The Avanci model efficiently helps businesses unlock the potential of technologies created by thousands of inventors around the globe to create innovative new products for their customers.

Existing licensees of Avanci Vehicle 4G, spanning more than 80 auto brands, are now also licensed to the 4/3/2G standard essential patents (SEPs) of Samsung Electronics for their connected vehicles, extending the value of their license. Similarly, Avanci Aftermarket licensees are covered for their aftermarket vehicle products.

Avanci also recently launched Avanci Broadcast, a one-stop licensing platform for the ATSC 3.0 television standard. Samsung Electronics was one of the largest contributors to the development of that standard and is among the initial licensors for the platform, which collectively represent more than 70% of all patent families containing patents declared essential for the ATSC 3.0 standard. Samsung Electronics is also the world’s largest manufacturer of televisions and is one of the initial licensees for Avanci Broadcast, which collectively have been responsible for the vast majority of ATSC 3.0 televisions sold to date.

“We are delighted to welcome Samsung Electronics, a global leader in innovation and a long-term contributor to the development of standardized technologies, as an Avanci licensor,” said Kasim Alfalahi, Founder and Chief Executive Officer at Avanci. “This announcement reinforces the broad industry enthusiasm for the Avanci model and adds value for existing and future licensees at no additional cost to them. We look forward to working with Samsung Electronics and our other partners on efficient licensing solutions for today and in the future.”

In-Car Waze for Volvo

Waze becomes available to all Volvo cars with Google built-in around the globe. Our collaboration also brings the in-car Waze app to drivers in the US and Asia Pacific for the first time.

The best of Waze’s real-time routing, navigation and alerts are accessible with nothing more than a one-time setup after downloading in the Google Play Store in your Volvo car. No matter who’s driving the car and what device they use, navigation with Waze will be just one simple tap away.

The in-car Waze app helps make your everyday journey easier by avoiding phone-related hassles and distractions, while continuing to offer the excellent functionalities that you’ve come to expect from the Waze app on your mobile phone.

Seamlessly displayed on Volvo Cars’ infotainment system, the in-car Waze app utilizes more of the center screen in the Volvo user interface you’re most familiar with, making navigation more comfortable with a bigger and bolder eye-level display area.

“We’re continuing to expand our in-car app offer to bring more options and benefits to our customers, allowing them to personalise their car,” says Erik Severinson, our global head of new car programmes & operations strategy. “We’re committed to continuously improving the experience in Volvo cars through our in-house software development and ongoing collaborations with tech companies such as Google and Waze.”

“We’re thrilled to announce our collaboration with Volvo Cars as their car owners around the world can now access the best of Waze real-time navigation, routing and traffic alerts through the car’s infotainment system,” said Aron Di Castro, Director, Marketing and Partnerships at Waze. “Having Waze’s real-time navigation, routing, and alerts seamlessly displayed in the car, without needing to connect your phone to the car, makes for a simplified and seamless driving experience.”

With the Android emulator offered on the Volvo Cars Developer Portal, Waze could develop and test the in-car app virtually, alongside the in-car infotainment system. This dual testing allowed the team to deliver a high-quality user experience before launching in customer cars today.

The small print

The Waze app is available for download in the Google Play Store on all Volvo cars with Google built-in in Volvo Cars’ markets globally except China, South Korea, and Vietnam.
Availability of the features and services mentioned above may differ between markets.
Google, Google Play, and Waze are trademarks of Google LLC.

SiTime New Oscillators

SiTime Corporation (NASDAQ: SITM), the precision timing company, today introduced its latest generation of automotive oscillators to enable higher safety for advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), infotainment and car-to-home wireless connectivity. SiTime SiT1623/25 automotive-grade oscillators comply with the stringent AEC-Q100 standard and address a $100M market.

According to McKinsey¹, four macrotrends are driving growth in automotive – autonomous driving, connectivity, electrification, and shared vehicles. The market for automotive electrical/electronic components and software to serve these macrotrends is expected to reach $450 billion by 2030, which is more than double the growth of the overall automotive market.

Precision timing is the heartbeat of all intelligent, connected automotive electronics, and the number of timing chips in cars has grown and will continue to grow. SiTime believes that in 2018, vehicles used up to 20 timing chips. Today, SiTime believes cars have up to 60 timing chips, and that number will grow to 100 timing chips by 2026. The compute power and connectivity requirements for automotive electronics is expected to outpace the growth of the overall automotive market.

SiTime precision timing solutions, based on resilient and reliable silicon MEMS technology, are designed to perform in extreme conditions and provide the robust system performance and stability required in harsh environments. Today, the leading electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers work with SiTime because of the unique advantages offered by SiTime’s precision timing solutions. It is anticipated that broad adoption of precision timing solutions will continue as these devices become the de facto standard in cars.

“This new generation of automotive oscillators is an additional milestone in the precision timing industry,” asserts Pierre Delbos, Technology and Market Analyst, Sensing and Actuating at Yole Intelligence, part of Yole Group. “With the growing needs for high-frequency connectivity in cars and the inherent reliability of silicon-based oscillators, we expect the MEMS timing industry to grow with a 35 percent CAGR from 2021-27².”

SiTime’s MEMS-based timing technology is known for high performance in harsh conditions such as high or low temperatures, shock, and vibration. The SiT1623/25 precision timing devices showcase SiTime’s proven advantages in reliability and frequency stability over a wide temperature range, combined with significant improvements in jitter and power consumption.

“Automotive is a dynamic market where electronics companies are innovating rapidly in the fields of automated driving, instrument clusters, and connectivity. It is a focus market for SiTime, where we uniquely deliver superior robustness and reliability,” said Piyush Sevalia, executive VP Marketing, SiTime. “The new automotive-grade SiT1623/25 oscillators are designed to perform in extreme conditions with exceptional stability and jitter, enabling safer cars with higher performance ADAS. Precision timing is the heartbeat of the latest automotive technologies that keep drivers safe and connected.”

SiT1623/25 oscillators provide a high-temperature, low-power timing reference for leading automotive connectivity protocols, including SerDes and automotive Ethernet. Automotive applications require high-speed, in-car connectivity to transfer data between sensors, displays and central computers in the car. Each has stringent jitter requirements to ensure reliable ADAS system performance. The new oscillators offer exceptional jitter performance and ±50 ppm frequency stability over -40^oC to +125^oC. Excellent jitter and stability over extended temperature is crucial for reliable ADAS performance.

Key Features of SiT1623/25 Automotive Oscillators

Flexible frequency options:
- SiT1623: 9 commonly used frequencies between 8 MHz and 50 MHz
- SiT1625: 12 commonly used frequencies between 8 MHz and 100 MHz
500 and 750 fs RMS phase jitter (for SiT1625 and SiT1623, respectively)
Supply voltage of 1.5 V, 1.8 V, 2.5 V and 3.3 V
Low power consumption:
- SiT1623: 1.8 mA typical at 1.8 V
- SiT1625: 2.3 mA typical at 1.8 V
1 μA standby current
AEC-Q100 Grade 1 temperature range (-40 °C to 125 °C)
LVCMOS-compatible output
Industry-standard package options: 1.6 mm x 1.2 mm, 2.0 mm x 1.6 mm, 2.5 mm x 2.0 mm,
3.2 mm x 2.5 mm
RoHS and REACH compliant, Lead-free, Halogen-free and Antimony-free

Ansys Developer Portal

Deepening its commitment to democratizing simulation, Ansys (NASDAQ: ANSS) announced the launch of the Ansys Developer portal to make tools for developers more accessible —the new digital space will better enable the Ansys ecosystem and connect users and Ansys experts in all areas of simulation.

The Ansys Developer portal brings together developer tools from the entire Ansys portfolio into a single hub with documentation, examples, guides, and use cases. The portal equips users to accelerate their work by extending simulation workflows across the Ansys portfolio. It also includes a community forum for customers, partners, and internal developers to collaborate, share ideas, ask questions, and suggest features while providing direct access to open-source initiatives like the PyAnsys project Python libraries.

Ansys is committed to providing customers with the tools needed to speed innovation and achieve goals. By simplifying and streamlining the availability of this set of resources, Ansys is enabling engineers, architects, and developers to better design new solutions for automating repetitive and complex simulations and workflows across physics and engineering domains. Facilitating access to these resources through the portal will significantly reduce the time required to complete tasks and minimize the potential for errors. The portal is a key foundation for building new solutions in simulation, including those used to train artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML) models.

Customers across all industries will benefit from the tools and support provided by the Ansys Developer portal. For example, Danfoss, a market-leading company delivering an extensive range of products and solutions across three business segments, is focused on empowering its customers to decarbonize through energy efficiency, machine productivity, low emissions, and electrification.

“Ansys’ robust ecosystem of developer tools empowers our engineers to automate shared workflows, combine different tools, and democratize simulation for all team members to use,” said Jakob Harming, a lead system simulation engineer at Danfoss. “Having access to Ansys tools provides us with a common framework to easily create apps, set up and run simulations, and create reports. Additionally, having to learn only Python is a huge advantage since most graduates have a basic understanding of it.”

“The Ansys Developer portal will bring our developer tools and enablement together, into a single environment for collaboration, shared learning, and innovation,” said Shane Emswiler, senior vice president of products at Ansys. “With this platform, we can grow and nurture Ansys’ developer ecosystem and greatly improve the experience by providing easier access to relevant tools, resources, and technical support.”