ACTIA Nordic AB
Master thesis: Integrating 100Base-T1 Ethernet into Automotive Main Connectors
Om jobbet
Background:
As the automotive industry pushes toward increasingly compact and cost-effective designs, the integration of Ethernet (100Base-T1) into a product's main connector presents a significant opportunity. Current designs often require a dedicated connector for Ethernet, adding both cost and complexity. By embedding Ethernet into the main connector, we could reduce the overall size of the product and achieve substantial cost savings, as connectors are typically expensive components. Additionally, 100Base-T1, designed for unshielded twisted-pair cables, is inherently less sensitive to interference compared to 100Base-TX, making it particularly suited for this application.
Scope:
The thesis work focuses on evaluating the feasibility of integrating 100Base-T1 Ethernet into a product's main connector, addressing the key need for cost reduction and design optimization. The primary tasks are flexible and can be tailored based on the available resources and the candidate's skills. Possible activities include:
The scope is adaptable, allowing the candidate to focus on the most relevant and feasible tasks while also encouraging input and ideas to shape the project.
Challenges:
This project poses several technical challenges:
The work may also include a market segment analysis to identify where this concept could deliver the greatest value.
Benefits of working with us
Skills:
The ideal candidate will possess:
As the automotive industry pushes toward increasingly compact and cost-effective designs, the integration of Ethernet (100Base-T1) into a product's main connector presents a significant opportunity. Current designs often require a dedicated connector for Ethernet, adding both cost and complexity. By embedding Ethernet into the main connector, we could reduce the overall size of the product and achieve substantial cost savings, as connectors are typically expensive components. Additionally, 100Base-T1, designed for unshielded twisted-pair cables, is inherently less sensitive to interference compared to 100Base-TX, making it particularly suited for this application.
Scope:
The thesis work focuses on evaluating the feasibility of integrating 100Base-T1 Ethernet into a product's main connector, addressing the key need for cost reduction and design optimization. The primary tasks are flexible and can be tailored based on the available resources and the candidate's skills. Possible activities include:
- Developing and testing hardware prototypes with various types of main connectors to evaluate signal integrity, electromagnetic performance, and overall feasibility.
- Exploring design strategies, such as PCB-level shielding, different connector pin materials, and contact configurations, to identify solutions that balance cost, size, and functionality.
- Conducting simulations of signal integrity and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), if suitable tools are available, and comparing predictions with real-world measurements.
- Evaluating the impact of 100Base-T1 Ethernet on other signals within the main connector, such as CAN, to ensure overall system integrity.
The scope is adaptable, allowing the candidate to focus on the most relevant and feasible tasks while also encouraging input and ideas to shape the project.
Challenges:
This project poses several technical challenges:
- Ensuring electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and signal integrity to meet Ethernet specifications.
- Compliance with relevant industry standards, including Ethernet, RED, and Open Alliance specifications.
- Conducting robust testing to evaluate multiple implementations and identify the most effective solutions.
The work may also include a market segment analysis to identify where this concept could deliver the greatest value.
Benefits of working with us
- Engage in cutting-edge automotive technology development.
- Collaborate in a dynamic and innovative team environment.
- Contribute to significant advancements in automotive system reliability.
Skills:
The ideal candidate will possess:
- Strong practical skills with hardware measurements and testing.
- The ability to interpret technical specifications and correlate them with experimental results.
- A solid understanding of hardware design, including schematics and layout, preferably using Altium Designer.
- Basic knowledge of EMC design principles, including radiated emissions (RE), radiated immunity (RI), conducted emissions (CE), and conducted immunity (CI), or a strong willingness to learn and work with these concepts.
- A proactive, hands-on approach to problem-solving.
ACTIA Nordic AB
FöretagACTIA Nordic AB
