Nextron‘s 1000BASE-T1 Automotive Ethernet Solution：4 way SPE circular connectors

Ethernet has long been adapted by the automotive industry, such as in 1Mbps Controller Area Network (CAN) for ECU. Even while the latest infotainment system is adapting 150Mbp data rate MOST structure, Ethernet is still highly expected with its great potential.

One of the biggest challenges EE architectures are facing is the integration of systems such as high-resolution cameras, radar, LiDAR, and ADAS. The demand of high bandwidth and multiple systems operation poses a huge challenge to communication interface.

Bandwidth Requirements of Automotive Applications

Advantages of Automotive Ethernet

To solve the issues of electromagnetic interference, cost and weight of Ethernet,  Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) has established 100BaseT1 (802.3bw) and 1000BaseT1 (802.3bp) as the standard for automotive Ethernet. OPEN Alliance SIG members such as Broadcom, BMW and other major players are putting effort into the promotion of automotive Ethernet applications.

Compared to traditional Ethernet technology, 100BaseT1 and 1000BaseT1 use a single pair of unshielded twisted cables, which significantly reduces up to 80% of cost and 30% of cable weight while complying with automotive electromagnetic radiation regulations. With data rates of up to 100Mbps or 1Gbps, automotive Ethernet meets the high-speed data transmission needs of digital radar, LiDAR in future self-driving cars.

Moving with the trend, Nextron has joined the SPE Industrial Partner Network aand teamed up with global leading brands to promote and improve the ecosystem of automotive Ethernet, a.k.a Single Pair Ethernet (SPE).  By leveraging on capabilities in high-speed signal processing and mechanism design,  Nextron first invested in the 1000Base T1 architecture and launched 1Gbit/s SPE connector and cable solution.

Nextron’s SPE Solution

Nextron’s SPE products are one of the very few 4 way SPE circular connectors available on the market. It can support up to 1000Base-T1 (1Gbit/s) with 15m UTP unshielded/40m STP shielded cable.

SPE products could pass electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) tests of vehicles and meet high bandwidth requirements of LiDAR and radar of ADAS.Nextron’s M8 4 Way comply with IEEE 802.3bp and IEC 63171-6 standards.

Technical Characteristics

Mechanical

• Endurance: 500 mating cycles

• Insertion force: 50N max

• Vibration:

    Frequency: 10 Hz~500 Hz.

    Amplitude: 0.35 mm. Sweep rate 1 octave/min.

    Acceleration: 50 m/s.

    Duration: 2 hours per axis, total 6 hours

    Axes: x, y, z. Standard atmospheric conditions. (Connectors in mated and locked position)

Electrical

• Voltage: 60V DC

• Contact resistance: 20mΩ

• Withstanding voltage: 1000V DC contact to contact; 1500V DC contact to shield

• Insulation resistance: 1000 mΩ

• Rated current：8A per pin for Power; 4A per pin for Signal

• Characteristic resistance: 100Ω±10%

Environmental

Waterproof rating: IP67 (mated)