Microchip Launches New VelocityDRIVE™ Software Platform and Automotive-Grade Multi-Gigabit Ethernet Switch to Support Software-Defined Cars

Driven by the need for higher bandwidth, advanced features, enhanced security and standardization, automotive original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) are transitioning to Ethernet solutions. Automotive Ethernet provides the necessary infrastructure to support Software-Defined Networking through centralized control, flexible configuration and real-time data transmission. To provide OEMs with a comprehensive Ethernet solution, Microchip Technology Inc. (Microchip Technology) today announced the launch of the new LAN969x family of multi- gigabit Ethernet switches and VelocityDRIVE™ software platform (SP). The platform is a turnkey Ethernet switch software solution and configuration tool (CT) based on the standardized YANG model .

The LAN969x series, combined with VelocityDRIVE SP, is the first in the industry to integrate the CORECONF YANG model, providing an innovative industry-standard network configuration solution. The CORECONF YANG standard is designed to empower designers by separating software development from the hardware network layer. This reduces complexity and cost, and accelerates time to market.

High-performance LAN969x Ethernet switches feature a 1 GHz single-core Arm® Cortex®-A53 CPU with multi- gigabit capabilities and bandwidth scalable from 46 Gbps to 102 Gbps. Advanced Time Sensitive Networking (TSN) is designed to meet the precise timing and reliability requirements of applications such as Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS).

“The introduction of the VelocityDRIVE software platform provides our automotive customers with a turnkey software switch solution and configuration tool to easily manage in-vehicle Ethernet networks,” said Charlie Forni, vice president of Microchip ’s USB and Networking business unit. “It uses the standardized YANG configuration protocol, which allows software to be independently developed and reused on multi-vendor Ethernet switches.”

The LAN969x series of switch chips support ASIL B functional safety and AEC-Q100 automotive certification standards, providing high reliability and safety for automotive applications. These devices are optimized for systems with small embedded memory space, have a safe and fast boot function, use integrated ECC SRAM to execute code, and do not require expensive external DDR memory.

As in-vehicle networks continue to evolve, software solutions such as VelocityDRIVE SP are essential for customers to configure and manage their network systems. The LAN969x family of switches supports Microchip 's portfolio of automotive Ethernet solutions, which include 10 Mbps to 1000 Mbps PHY transceivers, controllers, switches and endpoints. For more information on Microchip's automotive Ethernet solutions, visit the website.

Development Tools

The LAN969x family is supported by the LAN9692 VelocityDRIVE evaluation board and the VelocityDRIVE Configuration Tool (CT).

Availability and Pricing

The LAN9691, LAN9692 and LAN9693 are available in volume production now. The VelocityDRIVE software platform is available for download. For more information or to purchase, contact a Microchip sales representative, authorized worldwide distributor or visit Microchip's procurement and customer service website at www.microchipdirect.com.

About Microchip Technology Inc.

Microchip Technology Inc. is a leading supplier of smart, connected and secure embedded control and processing solutions. Its easy-to-use development tools and rich product portfolio enable customers to create optimal designs, thereby reducing total system costs and time to market while reducing risks. Microchip's solutions serve approximately 123,000 customers in the industrial, automotive, consumer, aerospace and defense, communications and computing markets. Headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, USA, Microchip provides excellent technical support, reliable product delivery and excellent quality. For more information, please visit the company's website at www.microchip.com.