Rohde & Schwarz empowers Allion labs to offer Automotive Ethernet testing according to the OPEN Alliance TC9

Developments in Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and infotainment are driving up automotive data rates. As they grow, it becomes increasingly important to ensure the quality and performance of the cables and components of the communication channel. Automotive Ethernet is a key enabler for high data rate applications, as well as for data backbone, connecting different domain controllers. OPEN Alliance, the global standard-setter for Automotive Ethernet, specifies the electrical requirements and test procedures for cables and connectors through the technical committee TC9. These standards ensure compliance with link segment requirements of the IEEE 802.3 Automotive Ethernet at various speed levels up to 10GBASE-T1 and they describe a mandatory test procedure for all cables & connector manufacturers producing products for Automotive Ethernet.

The combination of the R&S ZNB vector network analyzer from Rohde & Schwarz together with the Allion AET21064 customized cable fixture and a conductive drum provide cable and connector suppliers with an integrated solution to fully certify automotive Ethernet cables and connector tests in accordance with the OPEN Alliance TC9 standard.

“Rohde & Schwarz has always been an important industry partner for Allion and we are honoured to integrate their vector network analyzer in our testing procedures. Allion’s capabilities in Automotive Ethernet testing have thereby been elevated significantly," said Allion CTO Brian Shih. “Rohde & Schwarz’s and Allion’s commitment to rigorous testing is evident in this partnership. Together we will become trusted measurement partners and provide the best service to the Automotive Ethernet market.”

Test fixtures are an essential part of the testing process since signal integrity largely determines the quality of Automotive Ethernet TC9 UTP cables. Allion Labs design expertise allows users to save time on fixture development and significantly shorten the time to market. When the specialist test fixture is combined with the powerful and accurate R&S ZNB vector network analyzer, the reference instrument for Automotive Ethernet testing, the industry has an optimal solution to ensure OPEN Alliance TC9 compliance.

Automotive test solutions – Test it. Trust it.

As a leading worldwide provider of test and measurement software, instruments and systems, Rohde & Schwarz employs its technical expertise to develop innovative solutions for the entire automotive lifecycle from predevelopment to production. OEMs, tier 1s, chip suppliers and engineering service providers around the world rely on the company’s proven test solutions for automotive radar, connectivity, infotainment, high-performance computing and EMC compliance. With innovative solutions for radar tests in development, integration production, Rohde & Schwarz supports its customers as a reliable partner for the launch of next-generation ADAS and AD systems. The company’s many years of experience and expertise in wireless communications ensure robust connectivity conforming to all standards from 5G and C-V2X to UWB, Wi-Fi and GNSS. Rohde & Schwarz instruments enable the development and debugging of in-vehicle networks with leading-edge bus speeds as well as ECUs such as high-performance domain controllers, and help to eliminate EMC issues. Rohde & Schwarz also offers T&M equipment and custom turnkey test systems for carrying out EMI and EMS measurements on vehicles and vehicle components in line with all major CISPR, ISO and manufacturer-specific EMC standards. These systems and equipment support full vehicle antenna testing and wireless coexistence testing with the user’s own systems and instruments. The company also offers outstanding solutions at the component and board level tests during ECU production. Partners and customers around the world use these test solutions to ensure automotive components and systems function correctly, interact flawlessly and smoothly and communicate faultlessly with the outside world.