Keysight Technologies Inc. (NYSE: KEYS) has announced a significant enhancement to its Automotive Ethernet Receiver Compliance Solution. As of February 28, 2025, the company will now support MultiGBASE-T1 data rates, aligning with the growing demand for high-performance networking solutions in modern vehicles. This development is integral to the evolving landscape of automotive technology, particularly in advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS).

1. The Need for Enhanced Data Rates

With the increasing complexity of vehicles, particularly those incorporating next-generation ADAS, the need for high-resolution camera and radar systems has never been more critical. These systems demand higher data rates and robust networking capabilities within the vehicle's backplane. The IEEE 802.3ch and Open Alliance TC15 standards have been established to meet these requirements, especially for software-defined vehicles (SDV) that are becoming the norm in the automotive sector.

2. Comprehensive Testing Solution

The updated Keysight solution aims to improve device and system validation by providing new test automation tools specifically designed for receivers within advancing SDV zonal architectures. The Receiver Test Compliance Solution for Automotive Ethernet MultiGBASE-T1 encompasses all necessary hardware, software, cables, and accessories to facilitate compliance and design characterization testing for these state-of-the-art devices.

Key Features of the New Solution

The Receiver Test Compliance Software for Automotive Ethernet MultiGBASE-T1 introduces several critical features:

Comprehensive Test Framework: The solution automatically executes Ethernet PHY tests for receiver compliance, ensuring thorough validation processes.

Custom Test Fixture: A specially designed fixture couples noise to an active link, effectively stress-testing the receiver under realistic conditions.

Accurate Results: The integration of Keysight's arbitrary waveform generator (AWG) allows for the generation of precise noise profiles, leading to repeatable and reliable test outcomes.

3. Industry Collaboration

This innovative solution is the result of collaboration with industry partners BitifEye and Wilder Technologies. Julien Henaut, Chief Technology Officer at BitifEye Digital Test Solutions GmbH, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “We are excited to collaborate with Keysight to deliver a new way for the industry to validate receiver devices utilizing IEEE 802.3. Our customers will benefit from testing solutions that enable device makers of new automotive in-vehicle networks to become global standards for automotive high-speed data transmission.”

4. Accelerating Time-to-Market

Thomas Goetzl, Vice President and General Manager of Keysight’s Automotive and Energy Solutions, emphasized the importance of this advancement in technology, noting, “As a leader in automotive in-vehicle network design and test solutions, Keysight expands our offering to support receiver tests for IEEE 802.3ch designs. As the deployment and use of next-generation in-vehicle network technologies grows, we are enabling faster time to market for 802.3ch network designs.”

5. Conclusion

The introduction of the enhanced Automotive Ethernet Receiver Compliance Solution marks a pivotal step for Keysight Technologies in supporting the automotive industry's transition to high-speed, data-driven solutions. As manufacturers and engineers adapt to these new standards, Keysight is positioned as a key enabler, helping to accelerate the development and deployment of next-generation automotive technologies.

For more detailed information, visit the Automotive Ethernet Rx Compliance Solution, the Receiver Test Compliance Software for Automotive Ethernet MultiGBASE-T1, and the Noise Injection Fixture for MultiGBASE-T1 pages.

Original press release