USB and Ethernet Products For Connected Car Applications

USB and Ethernet Products For ‘Connected Car’ Applications

SMSC introduces a USB 2.0 UTMI+ low-pin interface (ULPI) transceiver and a 10/100 3-port managed Ethernet switch.

Smart Mixed-Signal Connectivity™ specialist SMSC has extended its comprehensive portfolio of digital automotive connectivity (Connected Car) products with the addition of a USB 2.0 UTMI+ low-pin interface (ULPI) transceiver and a 10/100 3-port managed Ethernet switch. With the extension of its TrueAuto™ USB and Ethernet product set, SMSC becomes the only company offering a full suite of automotive technologies that complement the Media Oriented Systems Transport (MOST®) infotainment backbone. SMSC products are designed, fabricated, tested, characterized, qualified and supported from the ground up for automotive-grade reliability.  The TrueAuto quality process, goes far beyond the stress tests prescribed by the AEC-Q100 specifications..

The USB83340 is a USB 2.0 UTMI+ low-pin interface (ULPI) transceiver while the LAN89303 is a 10/100 3-port managed Ethernet switch. Designed to meet the stringent requirements of the automotive industry, the two new products complement SMSC’s existing TrueAuto suite, which includes a Hi-Speed USB 2.0 hub controller, a USB 2.0 hub/card reader combo, an MII/RMII 10/100 Ethernet transceiver and single-chip 10/100 Ethernet controller, together with the company’s various MOST IC products long used by the automotive industry.

According to Christian Thiel, Vice President and General Manager of SMSC’s Automotive Information Systems group, car makers need to anticipate rapidly changing consumer behavior to design vehicles that fit their customers’ digital lifestyles: “USB provides a fast, plug-and-play connection to consumers’ multimedia devices while Ethernet connects the vehicle to the IT infrastructure of service shops for accurate diagnostics and fast software download. Our MOST products ensure a reliable backbone within the vehicle to bring these various interfaces together and network car-mounted infotainment components”, Thiel said.

Engineering samples of the USB83340 are currently available and can be requested via Ismosys.com. LAN89303 engineering samples will be available in the first quarter of the 2010.

About TrueAuto:
SMSC’s TrueAuto quality process goes far beyond the typical automotive quality standards. Integrated circuits (“ICs”) designed for automotive applications are usually qualified according to the Automotive Electronics Council’s (AEC-Q100) requirements. Because AEC-Q100 covers minimum common requirements for the qualification of an automotive IC, many car companies and tier-one automotive suppliers require additional qualification tests to ensure ultra-low defect rates. In addition, AEC-Q100 primarily focuses on the qualification phase of the product cycle of an IC. Other phases such as IC design and production, customer support and the handling and investigation of returns are not covered in detail. In order to reach the automotive goal of near-zero defect rates, all phases of the IC product cycle need to be addressed thoroughly.

TrueAuto uses a proven total approach to deliver leading edge quality and services to satisfy the most demanding automotive customers. TrueAuto robustness begins with SMSC’s design for reliability techniques that build automotive-grade excellence and testability into the IC. The IC is fully characterized over many operating parameters to validate that the quality of the design meets or exceeds AEC-Q100 reliability standards and customer specific requirements. In addition, SMSC employs extensive technologies and processes, such as enhanced process monitors, during fabrication of TrueAuto products in order to drive continuous improvements in accordance with SMSC’s zero Defects per Million (DPM) goals.