A next-generation controller for the FlexRay automotive-industry in-vehicle networking protocol that delivers 10-megabit-per-second speed over two channels has been developed by Fujitsu Microelectronics America Inc. (FMA), Sunnyvale CA.
Based on IP developed by Robert Bosch GmbH of Germany, the MB88121 is an application-specific standard product (ASSP) that supports FlexRay version 2.0, and provides fault-tolerant, deterministic data transmission, which is suitable for the engine control, braking and steering subsystems now being introduced using the FlexRay protocol.
The device complements all of the existing standard automotive buses, including Controller Area Network (CAN) and Local Interconnect Network (LIN).
According to FMA, FlexRay-based technology, which can provide approximately 10 times the throughput of CAN, is expected to gradually replace CAN as automakers and their suppliers adopt x-by-wire solutions in new generations of vehicles.
As a member of the FlexRay Consortium, Fujitsu says it is the first company to deliver a complete developers’ kit designed to enable early-stage application development.
“This new FlexRay communication controller incorporates all the features and capabilities required to spur significant production of FlexRay systems by vehicle makers and automotive-equipment manufacturers,” Keith Horn, FMA senior vice president of sales and marketing, says. “Embedding FlexRay IP into real silicon will allow early adapters to design a range of automotive electronic-control applications at production grade.”
The new chip can be connected directly to existing CPUs, enabling the development of production systems that use a next-generation network, while simultaneously maximizing the performance of equipment already in the vehicle. Internal speeds reach 80MHz, with 4, 5, 8, 10MHz external oscillators, or by external clock. The chip’s parallel interface affords a maximum frequency of 33MHz.
FlexRay is a high-speed serial communication system using point-to-point links over unshielded or shielded twisted pair cable. It provides fault tolerance and deterministic data transmission at speeds of 500kbps to 10Mbps with a 24-bit CRC. A time-triggered bus, it enables electronic systems to communicate continually in pre-defined time slots.
