Issue link: https://te.mouser.com/i/1385324
12 Proven in the Harshest Environments That's more than 30 cables and links that need to be EMI-resistant and smartly routed while considering space, weight, and EMI to maintain signal integrity inside and outside of the chassis and as the links come into one ECU. More data means more bandwidth needs, which means connectors and cables that can handle more speed. The immense size of industrial and commercial vehicles presents a challenge to maintaining signal integrity and transmitting data reliably. For sending an Ethernet signal in cars, the Ethernet standard specifies technical requirements up to 15m. But in trucks, buses, and off-highway vehicles, signal integrity must be maintained for longer lengths, up to 40m, while withstanding heavy vibration, extreme temperatures, and shock, severe dust conditions, and more. The Ethernet standard currently specifies for up to four in-line connections along that 40 meters. Designers need to assess how long each segment can maintain optimal signal integrity. Factors affecting this could be exposure to outside elements or high temperatures, placement near an antenna, or other components that could cause EMI. Routing is a critical element of design, and the entire physical layer must be scaled for the performance expected. Choosing the Right Components "When designing a mixed architecture with CAN and Ethernet, engineers need to think about the entire connectivity infrastructure upfront in terms of what advanced, data-heavy functions they will be incorporating," says Abbas Alwishah, TE Connectivity data connectivity engineering manager. "The more advanced technology gets, the more collaboration between OEMs and suppliers is important. "Suppose a customer tells me they need a high- definition camera or proximity detection system that works with very low latency. In that case, I can explain all the individual components needed for that function or system—sensors, connectors, cable assemblies, antennas, processors, display, etc.— and make recommendations on the topology to optimize performance, space, weight, and costs." Choosing Ethernet-compatible components that can withstand harsh conditions is key to reliable data transmission in long-lifetime, heavy-duty vehicles. Automotive Ethernet connectors (those designed originally for passenger vehicles) can be used in the cabin or other areas of the vehicle not exposed to extreme shock, temperature, or other elements, where more ruggedized connectors and longer-length cables are not needed. When trying to meet mechanical resilience needs, some engineers may instinctively think to add a larger, more robust housing, but thicker walls may negatively impact electrical performance. — Mark Brubaker, Data Connectivity Product Manager, TE Connectivity " "