- World's first Ethernet connection solution achieving 100Mbps over a single UTP cable
- Significant improvement in connection costs and cable weight
- Expected to meet the rapidly increasing demand for automotive network applications
December 13, 2011 – Broadcom, a global wired and wireless semiconductor company, today announced the world's largest range of Ethernet-based connectivity portfolios specifically designed to meet the stringent requirements and demands of the automotive semiconductor market. Broadcom's BroadR-Reach® technology reduces connectivity costs by up to 80%, decreases cable weight by approximately 30%, and provides high-performance bandwidth of up to 100 Mbps.

Implementation of next-generation connected cars
As the demand for in-vehicle connectivity grows, automotive manufacturers are constantly striving to provide competitive and innovative features while minimizing costs. Broadcom’s BroadR-Reach® automotive solution enables multiple in-vehicle systems to access information simultaneously via a single UTP cable (e.g., infotainment, automated driving assistance, and in-vehicle diagnostics). By eliminating cumbersome shielded cables, automotive manufacturers can significantly reduce connectivity costs and cable weight.

Broadcom's automotive Ethernet product portfolio consists of a total of five products: three switches with built-in PHYs and two standalone PHY solutions. Each device in the automotive portfolio is designed to meet automotive EMC verification standards and automotive temperature ratings. TS16949 and AEC-Q100 certifications are currently in progress.

The spread of automotive Ethernet
This announcement by Broadcom follows the recent announcement of the establishment of the One-Pair Ether-Net Alliance Special Interest Group. The Special Interest Group (SIG), established to promote the widespread adoption of Ethernet-based automotive networks as a standard for automotive networks, reduces network complexity and cabling costs while improving in-vehicle safety, comfort, and infotainment. Member companies include Broadcom, as well as NXP Semiconductors NV, Freescale Semiconductor, Harman International, BMW, Hyundai Motor, and Jaguar Land Rover. Licenses for the BroadR-Reach® specifications are provided to interested OPEN Alliance members under the RAND terms of the Broadcom license.

The current trends in the automotive network industry are as follows.

• Customer demand for automotive connectivity is increasing rapidly.
• The adoption of automotive electronic devices has nearly doubled over the past decade.
• New devices and solutions require high bandwidth and convergence.
• The number and complexity of automotive electronic devices are increasing.
- The neural center of the in-dash display console is automated for driver/passenger control.
- Increase in cameras, sensors, diagnostic tools, advanced driver assistance systems, infotainment, etc.
- Continuous digitization of in-vehicle analog electronic systems
• Automotive manufacturers require vehicle connectivity that provides openness and scalability.
- Increasing need for a common network supporting various types of electronic systems and devices

The key features of Broadcom’s automotive Ethernet product portfolio are as follows.

BCM89500
• 4 built-in Broad R-Reach® PHYs and 7-port, Layer 2 switch
• Designed to support IEEE 1588 and IEEE 802.1AS timing functions
• Provides deep sleep and ultra-low power modes to reduce power consumption

BCM89501
• 5 built-in Broad R-Reach® PHYs and 7-port, Layer 2 switch
• Designed to support IEEE 1588 and IEEE 802.1AS timing functions
•&nProvides deep sleep and ultra-low power modes to reduce power consumption

BCM89200
• 2 built-in Broad R-Reach® PHYs and 4-port, Layer 2 switch
• Supports various uplink ports for connecting to external devices
• Designed to support IEEE 1588 and IEEE 802.1AS timing functions
• Provides deep sleep and ultra-low power modes to reduce power consumption

BCM89610
• Single Port 10/100/1000GbE Base-T PHY
• Optimized for in-vehicle diagnostic applications for when the vehicle power supply is off
• Supports various connection options to external devices

BCM89810
• Single-port, 100Mbps Broad R-Reach® PHY
• Optimized for various in-vehicle network applications for when vehicle power is supplied
• Supports various connection options to external devices

All devices except the BCM89610 comply with OPEN Alliance requirements.

Broadcom automotive Ethernet products are currently available for sampling, and mass production is scheduled for the second half of 2012.

"The number of devices used in vehicles today is increasing to a level comparable to that of consumer electronics," said Ali Abaye, Senior Director of Product Marketing at Broadcom. "Broadcom is at the forefront of developing innovative technologies that enable people to connect to almost anything using only their homes, their hands, and infrastructure. Automotive networks are a perfect fit for Ethernet technology and represent the next generation." "Broadcom is taking the lead in significantly reducing costs for automakers and simplifying in-vehicle connectivity," he said.

Furthermore, Thilo Koslowski, Vice President of Gartner’s Automotive division, stated, “Network connectivity in the automotive sector represents a significant opportunity for new products and business innovation in the industry.” He added, “By 2016, a majority of customers in mature markets will consider in-vehicle web access as a key criterion when purchasing a vehicle. Automotive network technology will enable automakers to lead major industry trends, such as sustainability requirements, digital lifestyle convergence, changing market demographics, new transportation policies, and mobility innovation. Automotive networks can be said to mark the dawn of a new era in the automotive industry, where the principle of ‘controlled open’ partnerships drives new customer experiences and successful business strategies.”