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Introduction
As we all are aware that over the period of its history, Ethernet data transfer rates have increased from the 1 Mbit/s to the latest 800 Gbit/s. In coming time, users will also get speed of 1.6Tbits/s, as it is under development currently. Out of all these Ethernet speeds, this article focuses on how Automotive Ethernet is different from regular 10 Gigabit Ethernet. 10GE was first defined by the IEEE 802.3ae-2002 standard while Automotive Ethernet is defined by the IEEE 802.3ch.
In today’s emerging Automotive market Ethernet is a preferred choice. Though in the Automotive market Ethernet is a new player, it has been around for 30 years in the networking industry. Since 1970s Ethernet has been a standard for computer networking. With evolution of networking protocols and security methodologies, it meets heads on to match challenges of Automotive networking and cybersecurity. While Ethernet is familiar to all for so many years, Automotive Ethernet is slightly different, a flavour of regular Ethernet, optimised for use in Automotive vehicles.
Automotive Ethernet’s speeds have increased from 10Mbps to 10Gbps over the years since 2016.
Types of 10G Ethernet and Automotive Ethernet (10G)
Depending on various data frequency and transmission distance requirements, 10 Gigabit Ethernet is distinguished into the following types.
10GBase -SR, 10GBase-LR, 10GBase-ER, 10GBase-CX4, 10GBase-T and 10GBase-T1.
Here 10GBase – SR, LR and ER are defined by IEEE 802.3ae standards where fibre optic cables are used as data transmission media while 10GBase-CX4 is introduced under IEEE 802.3ak standards. The transmission media in this type is twin axial cables.
10GBase-T and 10GBase-T1 are basically used in Automotive applications. Automotive speeds from 10Mbps to 10Gbps using these base are defined under different standards like 802.3 - i/ u/ ab/ an/ bw/ bp/ cg and ch. Here, we use unshielded/shielded twisted pair cables as transmission Media. 802.3cy will be released in 2023 which will support speeds beyond 10G for Automotive.
Figure 1 Types of 10G Ethernet
Applications of 10G Ethernet
Applications of Automotive Ethernet
10G Automotive Ethernet vs Ethernet
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Ethernet/Automotive Ethernet Features Classification |
Ethernet Features (10G) |
Automotive Ethernet Features (10G) |
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Data Rate |
Data rate 10 Mbps to 800 Gbps data rate
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10 Mbps to 10 Gbps data rate (Spec under development for 25G-50G)
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Length |
Length - 100 m to 2 km is not uncommon
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Length - 15 m |
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Cable |
Cable- Coaxial to fiber optic depending on the speed. It can handle speeds from 10 Mbps to 400 Gbps using a variety of media from coaxial cable to fiber optic transmissions.
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Cable- Copper, a single twisted pair with bi-directional data The unshielded twisted pair (UTP) cabling used by Ethernet is an attractive lower cost alternative to the optical fibre, LVDS, or coaxial cabling currently used for high-performance Automotive applications
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Ethernet/Automotive Ethernet Advantages Classification |
Ethernet Advantages (10G) |
Automotive Ethernet Advantages (10G) |
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Speed |
Provides reliable superfast speed
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PoDL allows vehicle manufacturers to run a single pair of wires to some sensors for all of their needs, reducing weight and simplifying the architecture. |
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Security |
Prevents data bottlenecks. Its wired solution makes it resistant to external interference such as a broken connection. Unlike wireless network, it requires physical access to the router.
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Automotive Ethernet offers protection for various in-vehicle systems. This is observed from alarm based systems to assisted driving; lane departure warning system to in-vehicle control to completely autonomous cars.
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Bandwidth |
Provides reliable security. If you have several computers sharing bandwidth in a server setup, 10G Ethernet helps prevent data bottlenecks.
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Greater Bandwidth and scalability by adopting Ethernet hardware components. It supports high bandwidth applications operating at high or low speed. |
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Server Capability |
Expands server capabilities
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Cost efficient. Automotive Ethernet uses a single pair of wire which has equal but opposite voltages, thus making it cost effective. Overall connectivity cost can see reduction by 80%.
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Scalability |
Provides greater scalability
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Capable of managing time synchronisation
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Ethernet/Automotive Ethernet Disadvantages Classification |
Ethernet Disadvantages (10G) |
Automotive Ethernet Disadvantages (10G) |
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Use |
Not for personal use. If you are considering upgrading to a 10Gbit Ethernet for personal use, you might want to think again. The average computer does not need a 10Gbit connection and can cope just fine on traditional Gigabit Ethernet. Unless you are in need of a faster connection typically work purposes you might find yourself paying unnecessary prices for high speed you just don’t need.
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High cost due to added switches in network. Contributed by complex cabling, the wiring harness is the 3rd highest cost component in a car (behind the engine and chassis). Harnesses are built one at a time, and comprise 50% of the cost of labor for the entire car.
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Implementation |
10G Ethernet installation and setup is difficult, as wiring is very complex, if you are not aware of the process troubleshooting will require professionals.
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Complexity to cable design and implementation
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Power Input |
Requires higher power input. Causes challenges for data center operations and wiring closets.
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Testing is quite difficult. High bandwidth of Ethernet can make autonomous driving a reality. But power consumption of this technology is not optimized for Automotive applications.
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Cost |
Cost may be a little high
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Cost is a key hindrance in wider adoption of Automotive Ethernet. CAN, CAN-FD, LIN are all cost effective. |
Conclusion
Automotive Ethernet overcomes the limitations like noise, high bandwidth, data rate and data security for in-vehicle communication by offering advance capabilities like alien crosstalk noise rejection, UTP/STP cables, inclusion of TSN and pre-emption etc. while 10G Ethernet provides connection for any devices anywhere and anytime with high quality.
As Ethernet is a flexible network, thus allowing reconfigurations. This is important for uninterrupted connectivity for both normal as well as Automotive Ethernet.
Truechip’s 10G as well as Automotive Ethernet VIP offers all different modes and functionalities with features like Pre-emption, Mac Security and Time synchronisation along with an efficient Testsuite.
Contributed by: Truechip VIP Team
D-25, 1st Floor, Lajpat Nagar -II, New Delhi 110024
+1 408 372 0541
