Microchip introduces the first fully integrated solution for in-vehicle Ethernet audio and video bridging

     As connected cars increasingly rely on Ethernet for network connectivity, smart technology is helping developers simplify the development of infotainment systems and quickly adapt to the changing needs of automakers. Microchip Technology announced the launch of the LAN9360, the first hardware-based AVB audio endpoint solution, a single-chip Ethernet controller with built-in embedded protocols.

     Microchip's LAN9360 audio endpoint controller interconnects vehicle infotainment devices including speakers, amplifiers, microphones, navigation systems, radio tuners, and smart headrest via Ethernet AVB. The LAN9360 Bridges audio between Ethernet AVB and Inter-IC Sound (I2S™), Time Division multiplexing (TDM) and pulse density modulation (PDM) local audio interfaces. It fully supports audio transmission over Ethernet AVB, including universal precise time protocol gPTP, timestamp, transport protocol, and content protection for high bandwidth Digital Content Protection (HDCP). It also supports secure boot over Ethernet and secure remote updates. Unlike other Ethernet bridging networking solutions that require system-on-chip (SoC) microcontrollers (MCUS) and third-party software protocol stacks, the LAN9360 endpoint device does not require software integration, enabling designers to simply and quickly configure the device based on the manufacturer's unique audio and networking requirements.

     Microchip's LAN9360 audio endpoint controllers are certified to the AVB protocol Ethernet interoperability industry standard and are also certified to the IEEE 802.1BA-2011, IEEE 802.1AS, IEEE1722, and IEEE1733 Ethernet specifications. In addition, the device is certified to the AVB interoperability and reliability standards established by the Avnu Alliance.

     "When looking for an AVB solution for our automotive remote tuner products, the LAN9360 allowed us to develop quickly on a trusted platform without changing our current software," said Pierrick Labeau, FIAMM Horn and antenna R&D Manager at Elettra1938 Group.

     "This endpoint controller is a single smart chip for Ethernet interoperability in infotainment systems," said Matthias Kaestner, Microchip's vice president of Automotive Products. In today's fast-paced design environment, this out-of-the-box device provides engineers with a quick starting point for development, allowing them to avoid months of engineering work and the technical risks involved in collaborating with coding or third-party integrators."

     The LAN9360 adds to Microchip's comprehensive Ethernet portfolio and total system solutions for automotive developers. Microchip's other Ethernet devices for automotive applications include the LAN8770 100BASE-T1 PHY, a cost-effective single-port physical layer transceiver that complies with the IEEE 802.3bw-2015 specification. Transmit and receive capacity of 100 Mbps via a single unshielded Twisted pair (UTP) cable. In addition, the Trust Anchor (TA100) is a security element in Microchip's CryptoAutomotive™ security IC portfolio for automotive security applications that supports code authentication, secure startup, and audio content protection with high-bandwidth Digital Content protection (HDCP).