Car Networking Applications Center

A SemiApps.com Applications Center

Automotive electronic systems are becoming increasingly complex and new interfaces and protocols are being introduced. Computer processors control many functions in the car, e.g. anti-lock braking systems (ABS), fuel injection units and cutting-edge entertainment systems.

Car networks are usually divided into body and power train control networks and telematics and multimedia sub-networks. A central controller is the core element of an automotive system. The central controller allows the operation of the different electronic systems and control units. To communicate with these electronic control units, the central controller has access to all types of buses through the gateway controller, which acts as a router between the different electrical and optical buses in a car.

The controller area network, CAN, and local interconnect network, LIN, protocols carry the communication between the electronic control units within the body and powertrain systems. In future, FlexRay a timing-triggered CAN, will be used for an advanced, high data-rate control system for combining multiple sensors and electronic control units.

With the rapid expansion of digital and wireless (e.g., GSM and UMTS) technology, end-users will have access to various advanced services such as digital video, audio, and multimedia broadcasts. The telematics and multimedia sub-networks provide various telematic services, including wireless links to portable devices such as personal digital assistants (PDAs) and digital audio or video sub-systems. The telematics and multimedia sub-systems commonly use media oriented systems transport (MOST), FireWire (IDB 1394), and USBs to connect to the gateway.