MOST® Technology Establishes Itself as the De Facto Standard for High-Bandwidth Automotive Multimedia Networking, from Chevy Cruze to Cadillac Escalade

Microchip Technology (Korea Representative: Han Byeong-don) announced that General Motors (GM) uses Microchip's MOST® (Media Oriented Systems Transport) Intelligent Network Interface Controller (INIC) to manage infotainment system networking functionality across its global compact vehicle platform.

This includes Chevy Cruze, Chevy Volt, Opel Astra, Buick Excelle, and Buick Verano. The flexible and cost-effective synchronous MOST networking technology is being adopted across all vehicle brands at GM not only in compact vehicles but also in mid-to-large vehicles, high-performance vehicles, crossover vehicles (CUV) and sport utility vehicles (SUV), trucks, and premium platforms.

MOST has been established as the de facto networking system standard and is installed in 30 global automotive manufacturer brands and more than 204 vehicle models. Currently, MOST-based vehicles are being produced worldwide, including in North America, Asia, and Europe.

Since MOST networks can support various data types simultaneously, they provide automotive manufacturers with a flexible system and feature set for infotainment applications both today and in the future. Additionally, using MOST technology allows vehicle weight reduction, making it easier to meet environmental regulations.

GM's infotainment network uses Microchip's MOST50 INIC, which supports an electrical physical layer (ePHY) optimized for Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) copper wiring and meets the automotive industry's stringent EMC standards. The MOST INIC provides industry-standard hardware interfaces to processors and peripherals, effectively routing audio, video, packet data, and control messages while significantly simplifying module design. End users can immediately access the vehicle infotainment system through the MOST INIC's ultra-fast network startup capability.

Dan Termer, Vice President of Microchip's Automotive Infotainment Systems Division, stated, "The integration of MOST technology in GM's compact vehicles demonstrates that Microchip's MOST system solutions are being adopted across diverse vehicle platforms globally, proving their value beyond luxury vehicle brands. MOST technology possesses synchronous characteristics and intelligently utilizes network bandwidth, enabling automotive manufacturers to provide networking functionality cost-effectively. Additionally, automotive manufacturers can leverage Microchip's superior systems-based application engineering support throughout their platform development processes."

MOST is a high-speed networking technology developed for automotive manufacturers and continues to expand its adoption worldwide. The MOST Association, which oversees MOST standardization and revisions, recently announced procedures to initiate the transfer of MOST specifications to ISO (International Organization for Standardization). This measure aims to facilitate easier access to MOST specifications through an internationally recognized standardization organization and to establish international standards that meet OEM requirements for long-term safety, maintenance, and reliability. This measure follows international norms for continued development and supports participation from relevant parties worldwide.