Microchip's INICnet technology supports Ethernet, audio, and video over a single data cable

     Microchip introduces the industry's most efficient automotive infotainment connectivity solution that supports all data types, including audio, video, control, and Ethernet, with a single data line. Intelligent Network Interface Controller Connectivity (INICnet) technology is a synchronous and scalable solution that significantly simplifies the creation of audio and infotainment systems for seamless application in cars with Ethernet system architectures.

     As in-vehicle networks add mobility services, cross-domain communications, and autonomous driving applications, infotainment systems demand more flexible solutions for transmitting packets, data flows, and controlling content. The existing implementation method is expensive and inconvenient to use, or the bandwidth and data packet capacity are limited, and can not support system update to meet the requirements of network interconnection.

     Audio is an important feature of automotive infotainment systems, and INICnet technology offers enough flexibility with multiple input and output ports to support a variety of digital audio formats. INICnet technology also enables high-speed packet data communication while supporting file transfer over standard Ethernet frames, over-the-air (OTA) software updates, and system diagnostics. As a result, INICnet technology enables seamless integration of Internet Protocol (IP) -based system management and data communication, as well as efficient streaming data transmission. INICnet technology does not require additional development and certification protocols or software stacks, reducing development costs, labor, and time.

     Matthias Kaestner, Microchip's vice president of automotive business, said: "With Microchip's experience as a leading provider of connectivity solutions for high-bandwidth in-car infotainment systems, INICnet technology that supports Ethernet, audio, video, and control content in a single cable is a future-proof solution that enables Oems to build applications that are aligned with in-car networking trends."

     INICnet technology is a standardized solution that can use either 50 MB unshielded twisted pair (UTP) or 150 MB coaxial cable. With low deterministic latency, INICnet technology enables the deployment of complex audio and acoustic applications. Integrated network management capabilities support networks of 2 to 50 nodes by remotely configuring and managing nodes, as well as portable, processorless modules. The solution's power over the wire (PoDL) capability reduces power management costs for headphones and other lightweight modules. Nodes can be arranged in any order, the effect is exactly the same, and any two nodes in the system can communicate directly with each other.