MUNICH, Germany — Austriamicrosystems (Unterpremstaetten, Austria) has rolled out a FlexRay transceiver chip that supports the latest specification V2.1 Rev. B. The vendor claims it is the first device available in volume production that complies with this FlexRay version.
V2.1 Rev. B is the successor to Rev. A which hitherto was the generally accepted FlexRay definition. Differences are referring to the function of the "Error NOT" pin as well as to some communication interface parameters, explained Austriamicrosystems product manager Harald Gall. The chip at hand is backwards compatible but the software needs to take the release in account.
The AS8221 FlexRay Standard Transceiver supports ECUs with permanent battery voltage. Thus, the transceiver can provide wake-up functionality via the network. As a safety feature, Austriamicrosystems' engineers have equipped the device with an interface for monitoring circuits. In the case of a malfunction, these devices can separate the transceiver from the FlexRay network and thus ensure functional capability across the remaining network.
According to Gall, the AS8221 also features particular short asymmetric delays which increases the operational safety for systems based on that chip. Even under worst case conditions, the asymmetric delay for the device at hand is better than competing products, Gall claimed.
The transceiver is certified for the automotive temperature range of minus 40 degrees Celsius to 125 degrees.
Related links and articles:
www.austriamicrosystems.com/flexray/AS8221
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