Automotive by-Wire Compatibility, Examined By New Study.

Despite the fact that competing time-triggered communication protocols are under development, efforts to introduce by-wire technologies into motor vehicles will not be deterred, according to a new study by Allied Business Intelligence Inc (ABI).

FlexRay and TTP (time-triggered protocol) are two competing communication protocols designed to facilitate a new wave of advanced automotive systems and are scheduled to make their way into production vehicles in 2005/2006. While most automakers and automotive semiconductor vendors have seemingly made their protocol choices, ABI warns it's too early for either protocol to claim victory. Automakers are extremely cost conscious and fickle, and much can happen in coming months.

According to ABI analyst and report author, Frank Viquez, automakers are scrambling to implement advanced safety and engine management systems to make vehicles safer and more fuel-efficient, as well as meet growing consumer and government demands. "The goal of x-by-wire is to replace nearly every automotive hydraulic/mechanical system with electronics. Ultimately, automakers will realize tremendous cost savings with respect to vehicle design, manufacturing, and assembly processes," states Viquez.

"Redesigning a vehicle and offering greater incentives won't be enough in this progressively difficult marketplace. Consumers want advanced drivetrain and safety systems which will enhance their driving experience. New time-triggered architectures such as TTP and FlexRay will deliver those compulsory systems into the vehicle," Viquez said.

According to report findings, the mass rollout of 42-volt power systems will begin later than expected, around 2010, when approximately 12 million, or 19 percent of new vehicles will feature the innovative power systems.

Despite the 42-volt slowdown, the introduction of automotive time-triggered architectures will continue as planned. Next-generation implementations of adaptive cruise control, collision avoidance systems, and sophisticated body-control systems can only utilize time-triggered protocols because other protocols lack the necessary speeds, reliability levels, and are not fault-tolerant, ABI found.