Transceiver offers embedded bit-reshaping functionality.

Press Release Summary:




Suited for in-vehicle networks, AS8224 FlexRay Active Star Device has embedded bit-reshaper that reduces asymmetric delay caused by components in FlexRay networks or introduced by external interferences. It can reshape single bits in 12.5 ns steps up to 37.5 ns for shortened and lengthened bits. Besides timing reshaping, mechanism performs clock-deviation compensation between I/O stream of device while byte-start-sequence of FlexRay frame is shortened/lengthened by 12.5 ns.



Original Press Release:



austriamicrosystems Announces the World-Wide First FlexRay Active Star Device with Embedded Bit-Reshaping Functionality



AS8224 - the solution for the asymmetric delay problem in FlexRay networks - was
introduced at the FlexRay Product Day on November 26/27

Unterpremstaetten, Austria (December 3, 2008) - austriamicrosystems (SWX: AMS), a leading global designer and manufacturer of high performance analog ICs for automotive, communication, industry and medical applications, presents the AS8224 FlexRay Active Star Device with embedded bit-reshaper, the solution for the most limiting FlexRay system parameter. The new transceiver for in-vehicle networks was introduced during the recent FlexRay Product Day in Fellbach, close to Stuttgart / Germany.

With the new AS8224 Active Star device, austriamicrosystems expands its FlexRay product family, emphasizing its leading position in FlexRay Transceivers. The embedded bit-reshaper reduces the asymmetric delay either caused by components in FlexRay networks or introduced by external interferences onto the network. The bit-reshaper design is capable of reshaping single bits in 12.5 ns steps (microtick) up to a total amount of 37.5 ns (3 microticks) for shortened and lengthened bits. The mechanism performs, besides of the timing reshaping, a clock-deviation compensation between the input and output stream of the device while the BSS (Byte-Start-Sequence) of the FlexRay frame is shortened or lengthened by one microtick. The bit-reshaping function can be set as an option and will be functional if an external clock is connected to the device. Otherwise, the bit-reshaper will be bypassed and the device acts as a standard Active Star without timing reshaping.

"The AS8224 with embedded bit-reshaper enables FlexRay topologies beyond today's applications and allows network topologies with more than one Active Star" comments Harald Gall, Product Manager In-vehicle Networks at austriamicrosystems. "We do not only design and develop our products within the FlexRay specifications, our target is to understand the FlexRay system in detail and to facilitate improvements for our customers beyond the standard."

The AS8224 with embedded bit-reshaper is an Active Star device according the FlexRay Electrical Physical Layer Specification V2.1 Rev B operating as an active hub for 4 FlexRay network branches, the Communication Controller interface and an Interstar interface. Message forwarding is performed including these 6 communication paths. The optimized Interstar interface in combination with the Signal Handler allows two or more connected AS8224 devices to display a timing behaviour similar to one single device.

About austriamicrosystems AG
austriamicrosystems is a leading designer and manufacturer of high performance analog ICs, combining more than 25 years of analog design capabilities and system know-how with its own state-of-the-art manufacturing and test facilities. austriamicrosystems leverages its expertise in low power and high accuracy to provide industry-leading customized and standard analog products. Operating worldwide with more than 1,000 employees, austriamicrosystems focuses on the areas of power management, sensors & sensor interfaces, portable audio and car access in its markets; Communications, Industry & Medical and Automotive, complemented by its Full Service Foundry activities. austriamicrosystems is listed on the SWX Swiss Exchange in Zurich (ticker symbol: AMS). For more information, please visit the web site at www.austriamicrosystems.com.

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