In connected car news are Sony, VinFast, oToBrite and Aeonsemi .
Sony RIDEVU in VinFast, Keysight, ETAS, Molex,
VinFast Auto announced the launch of Sony’s new online entertainment service, RIDEVU, on its VF 8 electric car model in the U.S. As the world’s first automobile manufacturer to launch RIDEVU, VinFast reaffirms its commitment to providing modern, smart electric car products and superior driving experiences to its customers.
RIDEVU will be included as a complimentary service in the VF Connect Prime package. U.S. owners of the VF 8 who register for the service will receive access to RIDEVU with the over-the-air (OTA) software update version 9.6.1.11.
Developed by Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE), RIDEVU provides customers with access to a selection of over 2,000 movies. For 12 months, users can enjoy RIDEVU’s library of regularly updated titles, with unlimited replays of up to 100 movies. Customers can also access premium titles by redeeming credits, purchasing, or renting directly through the app.
RIDEVU offers a modern technology experience, with easy synchronizing and streaming content on multiple screens, including in-car displays and brought-in devices. The central screen, with its Screen Manager feature, gives users full control over playback on all connected displays, providing convenient parental controls directly from the vehicle’s dashboard.
For a safe in-car experience, drivers can only watch movies via the RIDEVU app on the central screen while parked (charging, camping, etc.). Passengers can watch movies on their mobile devices (smartphones, tablets) using the Screen Manager feature in the RIDEVU Companion app while the vehicle is in motion.
RIDEVU is compatible with Android, iOS, Android TV, Apple TV, and Linux, enabling a seamless experience across a wide range of devices.
oToBrite Compact AI DMS
oToBrite, a leading provider of vision-AI ADAS solutions, has successfully developed a compact all-weather vision-AI Driver Monitoring System (DMS). With a high-sensitivity automotive-grade global shutter image sensor, the system achieves outstanding Quantum Efficiency (QE), providing clear image quality day and night. With oToBrite’s proprietary secondary optical system, the overall combination effectively enhances the accuracy and reliability of the vision-AI algorithm in all weather conditions. The DMS has already been successfully delivered to heavy commercial vehicle manufacturers, mitigating the potential risks of traffic accidents.
oToBrite’s vision-AI DMS utilizes self-developed AI 3D facial landmark technology to identify over 100 driver IDs and recognize driving behaviors, including smoking, phone use, distraction, fatigue. The system remains effective even when drivers wear Level 3 sunglasses or coated glasses, without compromising the detection and recognition capabilities of vision-AI.
The vision-AI DMS features a 940nm infrared and high-QE sensor, coupled with oToBrite’s proprietary optical design, ensuring clear images in strong light conditions (>120K lux) or during nighttime driving. Additionally, oToBrite’s vision-AI technology optimizes facial image quality, ensuring accurate AI recognition whether driving against sunlight, backlight, or through tunnels.
Miniaturization is a significant trend in driver monitoring applications. oToBrite further emphasizes that, compared to many systems on the market requiring multiple LEDs for sufficient illumination, the DMS only needs one LED to meet the system’s image quality requirements. In terms of hardware technology, oToBrite’s secondary optical system adjusts the LED light source to any angle to meet light distribution needs. Concentrating the light source can double the illumination, producing more reliable images for AI recognition. This also reduces optical component usage, enhances image clarity, and saves installation space and system costs.
Keysight Tech & ETAS Cybersecurity
Keysight Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: KEYS) and ETAS are partnering to provide automakers and automotive suppliers with a comprehensive automotive cybersecurity solution to ensure vehicles are protected when they hit the road. Through this arrangement, the ESCRYPT CycurFUZZ smart automotive fuzzer tool from ETAS will be integrated into Keysight’s Automotive Cybersecurity Test Platform.
The growing connectivity of automotive systems exposes connected vehicles to cybersecurity risks that must be mitigated to ensure the development of safe and secure vehicles. One component of an effective, comprehensive security testing is fuzzing, a test automation method that injects invalid, malformed, or unexpected inputs into a device to reveal defects and vulnerabilities.
By embedding ESCRYPT CycurFUZZ into the Keysight automotive cybersecurity solution, automakers can rapidly fuzz test targets via controller area network (CAN) interfaces. Fully integrated into the Keysight solution, the CycurFUZZ tool provides smart software to do CAN bus fuzzing at the module or system level. This offers an effective way to automatically scan the device under test’s automotive CAN bus for unknown vulnerabilities and uncover software weaknesses. The integration of ESCRYPT CycurFUZZ ensures that the cybersecurity risks associated with the CAN bus are effectively mitigated.
The Keysight automotive cybersecurity solution enables automated testing of all layers of the open systems intercommunication (OSI) stack for in-vehicle interfaces including Wi-Fi, cellular, Bluetooth, CAN, and automotive Ethernet to validate the robustness of electronic control unit (ECU) and telematic control unit (TCU) subcomponents, or the entire vehicle. In addition, the solution enables automakers and suppliers to comply with international cybersecurity regulations, such as UN R-155 and ISO / SAE 21434.
Molex Intro MX-DaSH
Molex, a global electronics leader and connectivity innovator, continues to build on its automotive industry expertise with the introduction of its MX-DaSH family of data-signal hybrid connectors that unify power, signal and high-speed data connectivity in a single connector system. These innovative wire-to-wire and wire-to-board connectors are designed to support the transition to zonal architecture and address the full range of emerging applications requiring reliable data transmission. These include autonomous driving modules, camera systems, GPS and infotainment devices, LiDAR, high-resolution displays, sensor-device connectivity and more.
“The complete MX-DaSH portfolio enables automotive designers to reimagine vehicle electronics by integrating power and high-speed data transmissions within a single connector system to achieve major savings in size, space, cost and labor,” said Greg Everly, director, new product introduction for Molex, Transportation Innovative Solutions (TIS). “Our holistic approach lets designers mix and match different types of terminals, offering greater freedom and flexibility to support zonal architectures and simplify wiring harnesses.”
Optimizing Innovative Automotive Designs
MX-DaSH connectors are available with sealed and unsealed options to optimize next-gen automotive architectures with assorted environmental and design requirements. Versatile configurations support different power and signal terminal sizes, such as 0.50, 0.64, 1.20, 1.50, 2.80 or 4.80mm, as well as high-speed FAKRA Mini (HFM®) modules for high-speed data transmission.
To ensure heightened reliability, MX-DaSH wire-to-wire connectors feature industry-leading male blade stabilization and independent secondary locks for robust and reliable terminal mating. Moreover, MX-DaSH empowers automotive engineers to accommodate a growing mix of devices and sensors with different network requirements by offering modular sections or cartridges in the wire to board option that support various interfaces without changing form factors or footprints.
Reducing Cost and Complexity
With the new MX-DaSH family, automotive OEMs and their suppliers can better meet escalating demands for more compact, hybrid connectivity to support a multitude of automotive applications. For example, MX-DaSH makes it possible to reduce the number of inline, wire-to-board connectors for an instrument panel and body control harness from eight to two while removing up to six meters of copper wiring, depending on the specific vehicle model.
Multiple options in this connector system encompass a variety of wire-to-wire applications. For instance, the 31+1-Way connector system combines 31 power and ground circuits, as well as a high-speed data connection, to decrease packaging requirements by up to 30%. With more functionality built into every MX-DaSH connector, considerable time savings can be realized through streamlined harness installations. Fewer component requirements also offer increased opportunities to further reduce BOMs.
Additionally, MX-DaSH connectors have been designed for automated harness assembly to decrease cycle times and elevate overall manufacturing process efficiency and quality.
Product Availability
MX-DaSH connectors have been validated in accordance with global industry standards groups, including USCAR, Peugeot and IEC, to ensure reliable performance under the harshest automotive environmental conditions. MX-DaSH wire-to-wire connector models are available, along with select wire-to-board models and custom configurations. A continued expansion of the product family is underway to help customers keep pace with evolving vehicle connectivity needs.
AGVs in Assembly
A large vehicle manufacturing company has improved the way large vehicles are produced by integrating Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) into their assembly line. This innovative approach has broken previous production records and has increased production by 33%. The use of heavy-duty AGV systems has allowed the company to redefine efficiency and challenge production boundaries.
Faced with the challenge of maneuvering massive vehicle bodies—weighing up to 10,000 pounds—from the main conveyor line to various stations for loading and securing seats, then returning them to the main line. The goal was to find a solution that could streamline the process, increase output, and maintain high safety standards without compromising the quality of work.
The solution is a custom-designed, battery-powered AGV transporter by Align Production Systems. This heavy-duty AGV system embodies a blend of strength, precision, and innovation. It provides greater flexibility and mobility with a chain conveyor system on top for moving the vehicles, allowing it to handle loads up to 10,000 lbs and dimensions ranging from 18 to 40 feet, revolutionizing the traditional assembly line.
“Our AGV solutions are not just about moving things,” explains Blake Ringger, a Mechanical Design Engineer from Align Production Systems. “We designed various static chain conveyors for splicing into their existing production line and giving us the communication with the AGV.”
However, the journey to integrating automation was not without its hurdles. Adapting the AGV systems to accommodate a wide range of vehicle configurations and ensuring their operation in constrained spaces meant building the AGV to rotate 180 degrees even in the most limited spaces. LIDAR technology was used to enable precise navigation, ensuring AGVs could move safely in manufacturing sites around workers and equipment.
By embracing automation through assembly line AGVs, the company not only overcame logistical inefficiencies but also redefined what’s possible in the realm of large vehicle manufacturing. As we move forward, the integration of AGVs into manufacturing processes promises a future where operational efficiency, flexibility, and safety are not just goals but realities.
Nemo Aeonsemi
Aeonsemi, a leader in high-speed Ethernet ICs, is entering the automotive market with the introduction of Nemo™, industry’s most complete IEEE 802.3ch compliant multi-Gigabit Ethernet chipset for In-Vehicle Networking (IVN) applications. Nemo™ features the world’s first automotive switch with integrated 10GBASE-T1 PHYs and the industry’s lowest power 10GBASE-T1 PHYs for symmetric and asymmetric communications. Providing end-to-end solutions, the chipset comprises a CSI-2 serializer bridge, a CSI-2 deserializer hub, a single/dual-port PHY, and a 6-port zonal switch.
Ethernet has emerged as the technology of choice in automotive networking. It enables zonal Electrical/Electronic (E/E) architecture leading to significant performance improvements, wiring harness weight reduction and cost savings. However, high-speed sensor links have remained separate from the Ethernet IVN. They rely on proprietary point-to-point SerDes technology due to the lack of high-speed, low-power, cost-effective asymmetrical Ethernet solutions. The Nemo™ chipset bridges this gap by offering the industry’s lowest power 10G/5G/2.5G symmetric and asymmetric connectivity in Energy Efficient Ethernet (EEE) mode over 15 meters of single-twisted-pair or coaxial cable. The AS30110 serializer consumes less than 300mW with a 10Gbps payload and less than 200mW with a 5Gbps payload. The AS30010/20 single/dual-port PHYs consume under 800mW power per port in symmetric 10Gbps mode.
“With the increased adoption of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and Full Self-Driving (FSD), the market for sensors, including cameras, radar, and LiDAR, is expected to grow at a 14% Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) to $27 billion by 2028,” explained Pierrick Boulay, Senior Technology & Market Analyst, Automotive Semiconductors at Yole Group. Ethernet-based sensors can significantly reduce automotive sensing system cost as more sensors are added to each vehicle.
OEMs and Tier 1s seek sensor link solutions that are based on an open standard such as IEEE 802.3ch, with an interoperable multi-vendor ecosystem. “Contrary to the misconception that Ethernet PHYs are not power-efficient for asymmetric sensor links, our Ethernet camera solution is the lowest power among all available serializers at comparable speeds. It comes in a compact 5mm x 5mm package and supports referenceless operation to further reduce the Bill of Materials (BOM) cost,” stated Yunteng Huang, CEO of Aeonsemi. “The Nemo™ chipset marks a significant milestone in IVN evolution. By enabling seamless end-to-end integration of automotive sensors into a unified Ethernet network, we streamline the software and hardware of the ‘datacenter on wheels’ for tomorrow’s intelligent vehicles.”
Key Features of the Nemo™ Chipset:
- AS30110: CSI-2 serializer bridge with industry’s lowest power of under 300mW at 10Gbps. It supports Power over Coaxial (PoC) with 50% BOM reduction.
- AS30240: Quad-port aggregation deserializer hub with built-in Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN) functions.
- AS30010/20: Single/dual-port 10GBASE-T1 PHY with under 800mW power consumption per port in 10Gbps full duplex symmetrical mode.
- AS30340: 6-port Ethernet switch for zonal aggregation. It comes with 4 integrated MGBASE-T1 PHYs and has 40Gbps switching bandwidth.
Designed on TSMC’s automotive process node, the Nemo™ chipset is AEC-Q100 grade 2 and ISO26262 ASIL-B compliant. Evaluation kits and samples are available to selected customers, and an end-to-end live demo will be showcased at AutoSens in Detroit, May 21-23.
For more information about the Nemo™ chipset and how it can transform in-vehicle networking, visit Aeonsemi’s website or contact nemo@aeonsemi.com.
Keysight & Riscure Approval
Keysight Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: KEYS), device security research lab, Riscure Security Solutions, has received formal approval from the Netherlands Vehicle Authority (RDW) to become a designated technical service provider for approval of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) R155 and R156 regulations.
Created by the World Forum for Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations (WP.29), the UNECE R155 and R156 regulations establish cybersecurity and software update requirements to strengthen the safety and security of automotive systems. UN R155 outlines cybersecurity requirements for vehicle manufacturers and applies to specific vehicle types across all phases of development, production, and post-production. UN R156 specifies software update requirements for vehicle manufacturers and applies to specific vehicle types exclusively during the post-production phase, excluding the development and production phases.
Through this approval, Riscure Security Solutions can now conduct vehicle type approvals according to the UNECE WP.29 regulations, which become a requirement for all new vehicles produced beginning July 2024 for all UNECE countries. Achieving UN R155 and UN R156 compliance from the RDW agency covers vehicles in all 27 European Union countries and 37 countries worldwide, including Australia, Japan, South Korea, and the United Kingdom.
With Riscure Security Solutions, Keysight further expands its support for automakers and the entire automotive supply chain, providing a comprehensive range of solutions to assess vehicle safety, security, performance, and compliance throughout the complete life cycle of the products.
Marc Witteman, Director of the Device Security Research Lab at Keysight, said: “When we evaluate a component or a system for potential security vulnerabilities, we take into account existing threats and capabilities of an adversary, as well as attack types that may become relevant in the future. Being prepared for the threats of tomorrow is critical in automotive, where the average life cycle of a component is often measured in decades. Approval from RDW marks an important milestone for Keysight, solidifying our position as a trusted partner in ensuring vehicle safety, security, and regulatory compliance.”