OPEN Alliance SIG

Background

Ethernet is a family of computer networking technologies for local area networks (LANs). Since its commercial introduction in 1980, Ethernet was used in wired LAN applications.

In 1985, the IEEE 802.3 Ethernet standard was introduced. Since its introduction, the IEEE 802.3 standard has transformed the way we work and play. Ethernet has made possible the networking of, among other things, PCs, smartphones, and tablets, as well as live and streaming video and optical transceivers. Technically speaking, the standard defines the physical and media access control layers for Ethernet communications across different wired devices.

Ethernet has largely replaced competing wired LAN technologies and today is being leveraged in automotive networks. Ethernet in automotive was initially used primarily for on-board diagnostics and has now expanded to enable advanced driver assistance systems and infotainment platforms. Ethernet has been adapted to meet the rigorous requirements of the automotive industry including TS16949 compliance/ISO 9001 certification, in-car EMC performance and AEC-Q100 qualification.

Goals and objectives

The OPEN Alliance SIG wishes to facilitate the adoption of Ethernet based communication in automotive:

By establishing the OPEN Alliance 100Mbit/s BroadR-Reach (OABR) physical layer specification as an open industry and de facto standard.

By examining interoperability requirements and identifying independent parties to conduct interoperability testing.

By encouraging and supporting the development of an automotive suitable higher speed physical layer solution in a standards setting organization.

By ensuring that the gaps needing standardization, when implementing Ethernet based communication in automotive, are filled (by OPEN or others).

Members

Founding members of the OPEN Alliance SIG include BMW, Broadcom Corporation, Freescale Semiconductor, Harman International, Hyundai Motor Company, and NXP Semiconductors. Since that time membership has surged to more than 125 members.

A complete list of members can be found at http://www.opensig.org

Access to OABR specification and license to standard

Members of the OPEN Alliance SIG obtain access to the OPEN Alliance BroadR-Reach (OABR) specification. For technology implementers, typically semiconductor companies, it is necessary to acquire a license to the BroadR-Reach technology prior to implementation.

License to specification of Broadcom's BroadR-Reach Automotive Ethernet technology is available to OPEN Alliance members under RAND terms via a license from Broadcom. Visit http://www.opensig.org to learn more.

Technical committees

Committee 1

BroadR-Reach 100Mbit/s Specification Objective: Ensure spec compliance and interoperability between ECUs of different Tier1 products on the physical layer.

Committee 2

Enabling Technologies for 100Mbit/s BroadR-Reach Objective: Recommend a number of specifications needed to allow vehicle level implementation of BroadR-Reach technology.

Committee 3

Higher Data Rate Ethernet for Automotive Objective: Pave the way to 1Gbit/s Ethernet suitable for automotive.

Committee 4

Tools Objective: Provide the basis for tools that support the development process along the V-cycle.

Committee 5

Gap Handling Objective: Identify the open issues on all protocol layers that need to be solved in order to adopt Ethernet based communication in automotive.