Automotive Ethernet Controller Thoroughly test and validate vehicle networks

From Härter Hendrik| Translated by AI 2 min Reading Time

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More and more control units, sensors, and cameras are relying on automotive Ethernet-based communication to securely manage the growing data streams. With the Automotive Ethernet Controller G PXIe 6242, all relevant Ethernet standards, including 10BASE-T1S, can be tested.

Automotive Ethernet Controller: The G PXIe 6242 from Göpel electronic tests all relevant Ethernet interfaces.(Image: Göpel electronic)
Automotive Ethernet Controller: The G PXIe 6242 from Göpel electronic tests all relevant Ethernet interfaces.
(Image: Göpel electronic)

The increasing connectivity of vehicles and the rapid growth of data-intensive applications present developers and engineers with significant challenges. More and more sensors for advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), high-resolution cameras, infotainment units, and other control devices must efficiently communicate with each other—preferably through a powerful and robust network. This is where Ethernet comes into play as a modern communication protocol in the automotive environment: it offers high transmission rates, is scalable, and can be adapted in various ways. However, to ensure reliable implementation, professionals need extensive testing and validation options so that safety-critical systems also function flawlessly.

Automotive Ethernet Controller

With the G PXIe 6242 introduced by Göpel electronic, the company offers an automotive Ethernet testing solution specifically designed for developers and engineers in the automotive environment. The PXI Express card, with its four independent 10/100/1000 Mbit/s interfaces, enables comprehensive testing and validation of Ethernet-based vehicle networks, including the current 10BASE-T1S technology (IEEE 802.3cg).

The development of modern vehicles increasingly requires powerful data networks. Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), high-resolution cameras, and connected infotainment units generate high data rates. Ethernet is therefore establishing itself as a key solution in vehicles because classic bus systems like CAN or LIN are reaching their limits. To ensure the safety and reliability of all control units (ECUs) and sensors, comprehensive testing and validation solutions are indispensable.

G PXIe 6242: Flexible and modular

The new Automotive Ethernet Controller G PXIe 6242 meets exactly this need:

  • Extensive PHY support: Through modularly configurable extension boards, each of the four Ethernet interfaces can be adapted to different requirements. This allows a wide range of Ethernet standards in the automobile to be reliably tested.

  • Powerful onboard functionalities: Integrated tools such as DoIP (Diagnostic over IP), DoSoAd, TLS, PTP (Precision Time Protocol), XCP, iPerf, and Ping provide developers with deep insights into communication behavior.

  • Easy integration into existing environments: The system can be quickly integrated into existing test and inspection stands via the C-API (G API) or through LabVIEW.

  • FPGA-based switching matrix: It supports versatile data paths for tapping, bypassing, and routing, meeting the demands of complex testing setups.

Focus on 10BASE-T1S

A special feature of the G PXIe 6242 is the support of 10BASE-T1S, an Ethernet variant specifically for multi-drop topologies in automotive applications. Unlike traditional point-to-point connections, this can reduce cabling effort. Since 10BASE-T1S enables half-duplex transmission over a twisted pair, systems like CAN or LIN can be replaced if needed. The integration of Physical Layer Collision Avoidance (PLCA) ensures efficient bus utilization.

For complex test environments, the manufacturer recommends the Net2Run software package. It is based on the Autosar standard and allows, among other things, the import of common control unit description files (ARXML, DBX, LDF, FIBEX). Users can comfortably configure their residual bus simulation via a user-friendly graphical interface and are equipped for a wide range of testing and diagnostic tasks in automotive Ethernet. (heh)

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