Despite Bumpy Road, Automotive Networking Standardization Efforts Need to Continue: ABI Research

OYSTER BAY, N.Y.--Jan. 1, 20059, 2005--For years, in-vehicle communications networks have been comprised of dozens of incompatible and proprietary standards, even among vehicles from the same automaker. However, as more electronics enter the vehicle, network standardization needs to become the rule, according to findings from ABI Research.

One of the areas in dire need of new, higher-speed networks is the vehicle powertrain. The most commonly found protocol for high speed automotive powertrain is currently CAN, however increasing demands from new powertrain management technologies such as displacement-on-demand, direct fuel injection, variable valve timing and shift-by-wire are pushing CAN to its limits.

"For advanced powertrain applications, automakers have been discussing time-triggered networking for years, with little to show for it," says Dan Benjamin, an automotive analyst for ABI Research. "We believe FlexRay will finally become an adopted time-triggered network protocol within three years, and the industry will finally stop dragging its collective feet."

Benjamin notes that the hold-up has primarily been the result of both an automotive slowdown and a lack of new systems that take advantage of newer networking standards, but he expects this will change very soon. Factors such as toughening emissions standards and highly advanced safety systems will result in the sharing of sensors and actuators over high-bandwidth, low-latency data networks. In-vehicle networking will also further expand into the interior, promising less expensive electronic controls and the ability for passengers to share audio and video for entertainment.

ABI Research is the only market intelligence firm to analyze the automotive electronics market from the networking, processor, and the complete system perspectives. "In-Vehicle Networking" analyzes the relative technological and cost advantages of differing network protocols and forecasts their shipments and acceptance on an OEM level. "X-by-Wire" discusses complete electronics subsystems that will take advantage of these networks, such as electric steering and braking systems. Additional supporting research is also available.

Founded in 1990 and headquartered in New York, ABI Research maintains global operations that support annual research programs, intelligence services and market reports in automotive, semiconductors, wireless, broadband, and energy. For more information please visit www.abiresearch.com, or call 516.624.2500.