Keysight Technologies, Inc., a leading technology company listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: KEYS), has announced the launch and expansion of its Novus portfolio with a new offering called the Novus mini automotive. This innovative network test platform has been specifically designed to meet the demands of automotive network engineers who are engaged in the deployment of software-defined vehicles (SDVs). The announcement was made on 8 January 2025, coinciding with the prestigious Consumer Technology Show (CES) taking place from 7 to 10 January 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada, where Keysight plans to showcase its latest technologies.
The Novus mini automotive features a compact and quiet small form-factor pluggable (SFP) architecture, which provides a flexible solution for automotive network testing. It incorporates support for modern communication interfaces, including 10BASE-T1S and multi-gigabyte BASE-T1, accommodating speeds that range from 100 megabytes per second to an impressive 10 gigabits per second (Gbit/s). This capability is particularly relevant as the automotive industry transitions towards zonal architectures, where connectivity is paramount to the vehicle's overall functionality and safety. Key systems failures due to network and connectivity issues pose significant risks, making thorough conformance and performance testing before deployment highly critical.
A range of benefits is associated with the Novus mini automotive platform. Notably, it streamlines the testing process by combining traffic generation and protocol validation on a single platform. This integration allows engineers to optimise their workflows, reduce time spent on testing, and simplify operations without the need for multiple tools. Additionally, the new platform is designed to lower costs and simplify wiring for automotive manufacturers by supporting BASE-T1 and BASE-T1S native automotive interfaces. This advancement not only decreases the requisite cabling and connectors but also enhances data transmission rates, facilitating faster and more efficient vehicle connectivity.
The Novus mini automotive further boasts a fan-less operation, contributing to its compactness and industry-leading cost-effectiveness. In terms of capability, it is equipped to validate performance across multiple layers, from data link and network protocols to higher-level transport, session, presentation, and application layers. This comprehensive testing is essential in ensuring that various components within complex automotive networks can work interoperably.
Another important aspect of the new platform is its ability to support robust security measures, as it is capable of conducting full line rate and automated conformance testing according to crucial timing standards essential for automotive networking. The precise timing and synchronisation provided by standards such as TSN 802.1AS are critical for the reliable operation of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and autonomous vehicle technologies.
In commenting on the release, Ram Periakaruppan, Vice President and General Manager of Network Test & Security Solutions at Keysight, stated, “The Novus mini automotive provides real-world validation and automated conformance testing for the next generation of software defined vehicles. Our customers must trust that their products consistently meet quality standards and comply with regulatory requirements to avoid costly fines and penalties. The Novus mini allows us to deliver this confident assurance with a compact, integrated network test solution that can keep pace with constant innovation.”
As the automotive industry continues to evolve with increasing reliance on connected technologies and software-defined systems, innovations such as the Novus mini automotive are poised to play a pivotal role in enhancing the testing capabilities needed for safe and efficient vehicle operation. Through the advancements represented in this new launch, Keysight aims to support the technological transformation of the automotive sector and contribute to the development of vehicles that can operate seamlessly within an integrated networked environment.
Source: Noah Wire Services