Toshiba Adds High-Speed Transmitter/Receiver for Automotive LAN to Its TOSLINK(TM) Family of Fiber Optic Devices
Transmitter and Receiver Triple Data Rates for Automotive LAN, Enabling Development of More Advanced Entertainment Systems in Vehicles
IRVINE, Calif., Feb. 20 -- Continuing to expand its broad offering of optoelectronics, Toshiba America Electronic Components, Inc. (TAEC)* and its parent Toshiba Corp. (Toshiba) today announced the addition of a high-speed optical transmitter and receiver specifically designed for the demanding environment of automotive Local Area Networks (LANs). The devices are the latest addition to Toshiba's line-up of TOSLINK(TM) fiber-optic solutions, and deliver data at a rate of 125 megabits per second (Mbps), more than three times faster than current optical transmitters and receivers for automotive LANs. The high-speed capabilities of the transmitter/receiver pair will enable the development of more advanced entertainment systems in the future generations of automobiles.
The new optical transmitter, designated TOTU133, and receiver, TORU133, draw on Toshiba's expertise in developing high-speed TOSLINK solutions for IEEE1394 networks to achieve the high reliability required for car entertainment applications. Toshiba's expertise in miniaturization and mass-production technologies derived from the development of digital audio equipment also played a key role in the development of these devices.
"This new TOSLINK solution enables a three to tenfold increase in the speed of the automotive LAN compared to systems in use today," said Masanobu Sato, business development manager for optoelectronics at TAEC. "Automotive electronics and entertainment systems are becoming increasingly sophisticated, and the higher data transfer rate made possible by these new devices will increase the options available to automotive designers for utilizing more advanced entertainment systems in vehicles."
Current automotive LANs use optical devices that conform to the 10Mbps Digital Data Bus or the 50Mbps Media Oriented System Transport (MOST). Toshiba's new devices enable high-speed automotive LANs that are ten times faster than Digital Data Bus and 3 times faster than MOST systems.
In addition to the standard 125Mbps data rate, the TOTU133 and TORU133 can be operated at 150Mbps for optional needs. The devices also have a very wide temperature operating range, from -40 degrees to 85 degrees centigrade.
Toshiba's TOSLINK series of signal transmission devices convert digital electrical signals into optical signals. Use of optical fiber instead of coaxial cable or twisted-pair cable achieves noise-free operation at high transmission speeds. This high data transmission rate has enabled Dolby(R) Digital Surround Sound and Sony DTS(R) to be added in a variety of applications including set-top boxes, DVD players, desktop and portable computers, digital television, mini-disc players, audio and video receivers, game consoles and digital tuners. In addition to digital AV equipment, other TOSLINK applications include high-speed data transmission such as IEEE1394, home appliance networking, industrial automation, and automotive entertainment LANs in vehicles.
Features:
* High speed data rate
* Transmitter and receiver IC included
* TOTU133 transmitter incorporates a high-speed indium-gallium
phosphide (InGaP) red LED and driver circuit
* The TORU133 receiver incorporates a photodiode and waveform-reshaping
circuit on a single chip
* The interface is 3.3V PECL for both the TOTU133 and TORU133,
facilitating an easier connection with peripheral circuits.
Technical Specifications: Toshiba TOTU133 and TORU133
Minimum Operating
Receivable Temperature Data Rate
Application Power Range (Mb/s,NRZ)
Automotive -22.5dBm, 125Mbps
LAN avg. -40 degrees C to (standard)
(125Mbps) +85 degrees C 150Mbps
(optional)
Fiber Output Supply Package
Power Voltage Interface Dimensions
from -7 to 3.3V plus/ 3.3V 6.3 x 6.9 x 2.3
-3dBm, avg. - 0.3V PECL mm
Pricing and Availability
Samples of Toshiba's high-speed optical transmitter (TOTU133) and receiver (TORU133) are scheduled to become available in April 2003. Sample pricing is set at $16.50 per pair.
*About TAEC
Combining quality and flexibility with design engineering expertise, TAEC brings a breadth of advanced, next-generation technologies to its customers. This broad offering includes semiconductors, flash memory-based storage solutions, optical communication devices, displays and rechargeable batteries for the computing, wireless, networking, automotive and digital consumer markets.
TAEC is an independent operating company owned by Toshiba America, Inc., a subsidiary of Toshiba, the second largest semiconductor company worldwide in terms of global sales for the year 2001 according to Gartner/Dataquest's Worldwide Semiconductor Market Share Ranking. Toshiba is a world leader in high-technology products with more than 300 major subsidiaries and affiliates worldwide. For additional company and product information, please visit TAEC's website at chips.toshiba.com. For technical inquiries, please e-mail Tech.Questions@taec.toshiba.com.
Information in this press release, including product pricing and specifications, content of services and contact information, is current on the date of the announcement, but is subject to change without prior notice.
TOSLINK is a trademark of Toshiba Corporation; Dolby is a registered trademark of Dolby Laboratories; DTS is a registered trademark of Digital Theater Systems LP. All other trademarks or service marks are the properties of their respective holders.
NOTE TO EDITORS: Reader inquiries please publish: Tech.Questions@taec.toshiba.com.