Ethernet Audio-Video Bridging

September 20, 2014

Jennifer Shuttleworth

Excelfore enables simplified audio-video interconnectivity using Ethernet audio-video bridging (AVB), which leads to lower cost and system weight for infotainment systems in vehicles. Connectivity is simplified by use of a single cable for synchronized audio, video, and control data. The device uses a single CAT-6 or unshielded twisted-pair cable instead of a cable harness, therefore reducing weight. Additionally, the Ethernet AVB reduces cost/node since it is based on advances in consumer Ethernet connectivity. According to the company, it is a suitable replacement for the MOST standard since it provides a similar synchronization functionality. “Very accurate synchronization is now possible—rivaling that of MOST. We are driving parity among various silicon offerings from semiconductor companies replacing proprietary implementations,” said Shrikant Acharya, Excelfore CTO. It addresses industry challenges like the unavailability of certifiable Ethernet AVB that can leverage AVB hardware implementations as well as unavailability of applications due to lack of production-ready software. Suitable for use in both automotive and industrial environments, the first AVB standard-compliant synchronized video software stack will be production ready at SAE 2014 Convergence.