Broadcom launches line of in-vehicle Ethernet switches

     Broadcom announced the introduction of a new family of BroadR-Reach in-vehicle Ethernet switches with integrated physical layers for automotive central gateways, Advanced Driver assistance systems (ADAS), infotainment, car audio, and time-sensitive applications. The new 28nm device features a unique design that reduces power consumption by 30%, making it the industry's lowest-power automotive switch solution.

     The rapid growth of in-vehicle applications has led to rising bandwidth demands, which puts pressure on automotive networks. By using Broadcom's high-performance BroadR-Reach Ethernet technology, automakers can not only boost bandwidth, but also ensure they meet the latest industry standards for a highly secure network. The wired Ethernet connection acts as the car's network gateway, providing device authentication to protect the car from malicious attacks, eavesdropping, and unauthorized device installation. In addition, Broadcom's latest BCM8953x series creates a centralized switch that brings together previously separate connections such as reverse cameras, dashboards, and audio and video streaming to share data across a variety of different applications and improve the user experience.

     Broadcom's BroadR-Reach in-vehicle Ethernet technology is now widely available in a wide range of models, including the BMW X3, X4, X5, X6, i3, i8, 6 Series and 7 Series, as well as the Jaguar XJ, XF and Volkswagen Passat.

     Dr. Ali Abaye, Senior Director of Broadcom's automotive business, said: "The performance, scalability and security of Ethernet technology shows great potential in the automotive market. Experts predict that 500 million Ethernet ports will be deployed in cars by 2020[1]. "With the new generation of highly integrated BroadR-Reach devices, Broadcom will not only reduce power consumption by 30 percent, but also reduce bill of materials costs, paving the way for widespread and successful adoption of in-vehicle Ethernet."

     Ian Riches, Global Automotive Business Director at Strategy Analytics, said: "Automotive Ethernet started in Europe, but the new generation of smaller, lower power Ethernet switches in vehicles is constantly creating opportunities for it in other regions, including the huge potential for the Asian market in general and Japan in particular. "Broadcom's standards-based BroadR-Reach technology provides a solid foundation for accelerating the development of connected cars around the world."

     Natalie A. Wienckowski, Chair of the OPEN Alliance SIG and head of strategy for GM's Core Hardware team, said: "The standardization work by OPEN and IEEE on single-pair Ethernet technology based on BroadR-Reach has driven widespread adoption by automotive manufacturers around the world, and the range of applications continues to expand. By simplifying deployment, providing standardized solutions, and uniting the diverse user and supplier communities, the OPEN Alliance Special Interest Group plays a vital role in its rollout. "With nearly 300 automotive and technology companies as members, the OPEN Alliance provides a solid foundation for driving Ethernet-based technologies into the mainstream market."