IEEE Forms 802.3 Twisted Pair GigE Study Group -- Automotive Ethernet

IEEE has formed an 802.3 Reduced Twisted Pair Gigabit Ethernet PHY study group that will examine automotive networking applications.


The global automotive industry is increasingly looking toward Ethernet to provide the backbone for all data connectivity, from infotainment systems to driver assistance to vehicle control systems such as those used in brakes, suspension and transmission. To achieve Gigabit Ethernet networking speeds via 1000BASE-T for those applications, four pairs of wires would be required. Reducing the number of wire pairs would cut the size and weight of Ethernet wiring in a vehicle.


The new IEEE 802.3 study group will explore the potential for an IEEE 802.3 Ethernet standards project to define a Reduced Twisted Pair Gigabit Ethernet PHY.


“With a tremendous expansion in the number of Ethernet nodes in automobiles forecasted, the efficiencies to be realized in reducing wire pairs to achieve Gigabit Ethernet networking speeds will be of growing importance to that industry,�? said Steve Carlson, chairperson of the IEEE 802.3 Reduced Twisted Pair Gigabit Ethernet PHY Study Group and president of High Speed Design, Inc.


Added Dr. Kirsten Matheus, project manager for Ethernet IP & Strategy at BMW: "The automotive industry is moving full speed towards Ethernet-based in-car networking. A reduced pair Gigabit Ethernet standard suitable for automotive use is the missing link toward the flexible, scalable and future-proof networking technology we would like to deploy. We are excited at the prospect of this IEEE 802.3 activity."http://www.ieee802.org/3/RTPGE/index.html