Microchip introduces a new coaxial transceiver that powers coaxial cable-based in-vehicle infotainment networks

     Microchip Technology, the world's leading provider of integrated microcontroller, mixed-signal, emulator and flash memory patented solutions, has announced the industry's first MOST150 coaxial transceiver. The new OS82150 device integrates a coaxial cable driver and a coaxial cable receiver in a compact 4x4 mm QFN package, extending the use of coaxial cable to powerful in-vehicle infotainment networks based on the latest MOST150 standard.

     "The introduction of the OS82150 coaxial transceiver adds to Microchip's portfolio of MOST150 networking products," said Dan Termer, Microchip's vice president of Automotive Information Systems. The new devices provide customers with an exciting new option to successfully deploy efficient infotainment networks and help them easily migrate from fiber to coaxial cable while protecting their existing investments in MOST150 technology. "The OS82150 design is very simple and allows for easy optimization of the total system cost."

     This simple solution reflects today's market demand for the powerful capabilities of in-vehicle infotainment systems, including navigation units, antenna modules, amplifiers, tuners, Blue-ray™ players, rear-seat entertainment systems, instrument components, head-up displays and cameras. MOST networking technology distributes these multimedia entertainment functions among the various controls in the car.

     The OS82150 coaxial transceiver integrates a coaxial cable receiver with equalization function, which ADAPTS to different cable types and continuously compensates for initial and long-term cable losses to ensure a robust and reliable network connection. To meet automotive grade electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) standards, the device also incorporates features to minimize electromagnetic radiation and handle automotive electromagnetic interference (EMI) levels, facilitating the smooth installation of the MOST150 network in the car.

     By seamlessly connecting with Microchip's MOST150 Intelligent Network Interface controllers (INics) such as the OS81110 and OS81118BF, the OS82150 can be easily integrated into existing designs. In addition, the OS82150's signal and timing specifications comply with the MOST physical layer specifications, thus ensuring interoperability.

     The OS82150 coaxial transceiver also has additional features, including a low-power sleep mode that provides wakeup signal functionality through activity detection to reduce power consumption and facilitate power management for on-board electronic control units (ECUs). The new device provides both dual/simplex transmission to support the ring topology, making the network scalable and scalable. Since only one voltage level is required, a single 3.3V supply also simplifies the design.