Microchip Technology Introduces New High-Speed Solution for In-Vehicle Infotainment Networks

Microchip Technology has recently announced the availability of a high-speed network solution for in-vehicle infotainment with device control over Internet Protocol (IP). Unified Centralized Software Stack (UNICENS) is a software module available without any charge to Microchip customers who use Intelligent Network Interface Controllers (INIC) like the OS81118, OS81119, and any future INICs.

 

The software encompasses many network specifics and enables customers to focus on the application development rather than being burdened by network management details. It also allows customers to choose the device control methods as per their preference. These methods include Media Oriented Systems Transport (MOST) technology’s FBlock, Ethernet IP, and customer specific methods.

 

 

“In essence, UNICENS and INICs provide the customer with the control method of an Ethernet-based network without the challenges of managing bandwidth reservation protocol for audio and video data,” said Dan Termer, vice president of Microchip’s Automotive Division. “Using UNICENS eliminates the need for an MCU and software management in network nodes, which results in cost savings and faster time to market. It takes Ethernet and MOST technology and combines the best of both worlds.”

 

UNICENS also supports the configuration control of all network participants from one central node. It can also eliminate the need for microcontrollers (MCU) in all other nodes in the network.

 

Customers can apply standardized software API (such as open, read, write) and Ethernet device control with the free UNICENS software and MOST technology INICs from Microchip without having an extensive knowledge of the technology or having to commit to an extensive MOST technology network.