Molex enhances automotive Ethernet network platform

By Alex Pluemer, contributing writer

Molex LLC recently announced advances to its 10-Gbits/s automotive Ethernet network platform for autonomous vehicles. The platform delivers complete vehicle connectivity while providing multi-zone integration across multiple hardware, software, and interconnect cabling systems. In addition, it offers scalability to implement future upgrades as well as the flexibility to integrate legacy automotive protocols.

The automotive platform provides robust encryption and certification technology to ensure a secure and layered network. The multi-layered approach to security includes enhanced hypervisor capabilities that allow it to run multiple virtual machines and/or applications concurrently, providing OEMs with even greater design flexibility. New safety features include multi-zone, fail-functional, and redundancy capabilities.

For high-speed networking, the platform incorporates Molex’s HSAutoGig high-speed Ethernet solution to provide 20-Gbits/s+ data speeds in conjunction with a reliable interface for seamlessly connecting smart-sensor systems and Ethernet network platforms. The high-speed HFM FAKRA mini coaxial cable solution is also provided to deliver up to 20 GHz in support of connected and autonomous vehicle technologies.

Key features:

• Security and safety integrating device certification, multi-layered security
• Multi-zone redundancy, Time-Sensitive Networking capabilities, and AUTOSAR device support
• AWS integration for edge computing and network diagnosis
• Advanced infotainment solutions that connect and rapidly charge consumer devices

New infotainment features include cascading USB hubs via USB and Ethernet so that multiple devices within the vehicle can be used simultaneously. Molex USB hubs and media modules meet all wired and wireless device-to-vehicle connectivity needs. The media modules provide scalable power delivery solutions to manage the proliferation of USB Type C.

Molex works closely with automotive technology service and solution providers like Accenture, Allgo, Amazon Web Services, Aquantia, BlackBerry (QNX and Certicom), Broadcom, Cypress, Excelfore, Laird CVS, Microchip, Texas Instruments, and Rosenberger to provide the latest in automotive connectivity technology.

Molex will showcase the automotive multi-zone Ethernet network platform at CES 2019 in Booth MP25171 in South Hall 2, Las Vegas Convention Center, Jan. 8–11.