Fraunhofer IPMS develops TSN IP-Core family for driver assistance systems

Press Release /

From lane departure warning to automatic emergency braking: numerous assistance systems are at work in modern vehicles. These driver assistance systems continuously send large amounts of data, processing more and more information that must be transmitted in real time and sorted according to priority. Fraunhofer IPMS has developed real-time capable IP cores, that meet the Ethernet time sensitive networking (TSN) standard, for the automotive sector.

Echtzeitfähige Kommunikation fürs Auto

Part of the TSN IP Core product family, the Fraunhofer IPMS LLEMAC-1G IP design has achieved the highest ASIL-D ready security level according to ISO 26262 norm since January 2020. Focusing on preventing or controlling hardware failures, ISO 26262 specifies security requirements for electronic systems in the automotive sector. The implementation of pre-certified IP cores considerably simplifies the overall system approval process by providing relevant component documents such as Failure Mode, Effects and Diagnositc Analysis (FMEDA) or a safety manual, as well as additional tested security features.  Highly security-relevant electronic systems for the automotive sector can be safely and reliably implemented in real-time with the Fraunhofer IPMS TSN IP Core family. This guarantees maximum functional safety for vehicle system development. By means of a 32-bit controller interface (8-bit and 16-bit, an AXI4 stream interface, as well as AMBA APB and AHB optional) and a fully synchronized description, TSN IP Cores can be flexibly implemented in individual control units or circuits (system-on-chip, FPGA).

Fraunhofer IPMS Group Leader Marcus Pietzsch explains, "Because more and more data is being simultaneously transmitted in modern vehicles, classic fieldbus systems such as CAN or LIN are reaching their limits. It is important to prioritize information transmitted within the vehicle: a person running out in front of a car demands instant reaction. Sensors that detect the surroundings of the vehicle must have absolute priority.  TSN-IP cores make it possible to establish a common, highly precise time basis in the entire network. This forms the basis for deterministically transferring important data in real time with guaranteed bandwidth and minimal latency: a milestone in the development of data interfaces. Numerous customers from the automotive sector have already successfully used Fraunhofer IPMS IP designs. "

Current Fraunhofer IPMS developments expand the range of IP design for industrial communication in the automotive sector. IP cores for ASIC and FPGA design are distributed by cooperation partners Fraunhofer IPMS and CAST Inc. Certification of Fraunhofer IPMS IP cores from the automotive sector is provided by SGS TÜV Saar.

Fraunhofer IPMS experts will present the IP designs for the automotive sector together with corresponding CAST representatives at the 6th Automotive Ethernet Congress taking place on 12-13 February 2020 in Munich.