Against the backdrop of the increasing demand for high-speed data transmission in in in vehicle infotainment systems (IVI), various technical solutions have been proposed to meet the requirements of high bandwidth, low latency, and high reliability. The following are the current mainstream solutions and their technical features:
1、 Integrated Transmission Protocol and Network Architecture
INICnet ™ technology
Features: Supports synchronous transmission of Ethernet, audio, video, and control signals through a single data cable (50Mbps UTP or 150Mbps coaxial cable), compatible with IP protocols, supports OTA upgrades, and real-time diagnostics.
Advantages: No need for additional protocol stack development, reducing development costs; Support PoDL (data cable power supply), simplify lightweight module design; Nodes can communicate directly with each other, with latency as low as microseconds.
Application scenario: Suitable for in vehicle networks that require integration of multiple data types (such as audio and video, control commands), especially suitable for multi screen interaction and complex acoustic systems.
GMSL (Gigabit Multimedia Serial Link)
Features: Based on SerDes technology, it supports transmission rates of up to 12Gbps (fourth generation) and achieves low latency transmission of UHD video, audio, and sensor data through coaxial cables or shielded twisted pair cables.Advantages: Supports multi screen display, camera synchronization signal processing, and integrated diagnostic functions; Compatible with MIPI CSI-2, DP/eDP and other interfaces, meeting ADAS and high-definition cockpit requirements.
Application case: ADI's GMSL solution has deployed over 500 million nodes for 4K video transmission and LiDAR data aggregation.
MOST (Media Oriented System Transport)
Features: Traditional fiber/twisted pair architecture, bandwidth of 24.8Mbps (synchronous transmission)+14.4Mbps (asynchronous transmission), supporting 64 node ring topology and plug and play.
Advantages: Anti electromagnetic interference, suitable for real-time audio and video streaming transmission; European car companies widely adopt it, such as BMW and Audi.
Limitations: Low bandwidth, gradually replaced by higher performance Ethernet and SerDes technology.
2、 High performance connector technology
Guangse Electric (HRS) series connectors
AU1 series: Car USB Type-C, supports 10Gbps (USB 3.2 Gen2), DisplayPort 1.4, and 240W power supply, is resistant to high temperatures (-40 ℃~+105 ℃) and vibration environments, and ensures connection stability through mechanical structure (CPA).
FX23 series: Floating inter board connector, supports PCIe Gen4 (16Gbps) and 125 ℃ high temperature, absorbs substrate offset, and enhances design flexibility.
CX series: Multi functional USB4 connector, supporting 20Gbps transmission and IP68 waterproof, used for high-speed interconnection of external devices (such as mobile NAS).
TE Connectivity Solution
High speed connectors: including HSD (High Speed Data Transfer), HSL (Ultra Compact Design), HDMI, and FAKRA RF connectors, supporting the USCAR 30 standard and suitable for high-frequency signal transmission.
MOST network connector: Supports fiber optic and copper cables, compatible with MOST 25/150 and eMOST standards.
3、 Emerging Technologies and Application Scenarios
Integration of Ethernet and SerDes technology
Vehicle Ethernet (such as 10BASE-T1S) gradually replaces traditional buses, supports regional architecture, and reduces wiring harness costs; ADI's E2B Ethernet solution is used for the "last mile" connection of sensors.
SerDes technology achieves higher bandwidth (such as GMSL) by increasing frequency, becoming the core of multi-sensor fusion and high-definition audio and video transmission.
Mobile NAS and Multi screen Interconnection
Mobile NAS such as Arctic Space T2 builds an in car LAN through WiFi 6 and AP mode, supporting multiple devices to synchronously access the audio and video library, solving storage capacity and content update challenges.
Multi screen independent computing power (such as the three screen system of BYD Han EV) relies on high-speed connectors (such as PCIe Gen4) to achieve data distribution and synchronization.
4、 Technical Comparison and Trends
| Representative | Bandwidth | Delay | Applicable scenarios | Representative manufacturer |
| INICnet ™ | 50-150Mbps | microsecond level | multi data type integration | Microchip |
| GMSL | 1-12Gbps | nanosecond | high-definition video ADAS | ADI |
| MOST | 24.8Mbps | low traditional | audio and video stream | Bosch、 Infineon |
| USB4/CX series | 20Gbps | low external | device connection to Hirose | Electric |
Future Trends:
Higher bandwidth: GMSL and USB4 are evolving towards over 20Gbps, supporting 8K video and real-time AI processing.
Integration: For example, INICnet integrates power supply and data transmission to reduce the complexity of wiring harnesses.
Safety: Functional safety standards (such as ASIL-B) and link diagnostics have become essential features.
Through the above solutions, car companies can choose technology combinations based on different needs (such as cost, performance, compatibility), such as using GMSL+Guangse connectors to achieve multi screen interconnection, or integrating control and audio/video networks through INICnet to promote the evolution of intelligent cockpits towards the "third living space".