Secure Ethernet Gateway Reference Design

The wide array of communication protocols, secure OTA update capabilities, functional safety features, and high level of integration make it an ideal reference design for developing secure, reliable, and high-performance automotive gateway ECUs.

Ethernet Gateway Reference Designs are crucial in modern communication and data networking systems. These designs provide a robust framework for creating devices that enable seamless data transfer across various network protocols and systems. By integrating Ethernet communication with other networks such as CAN, Modbus, or wireless protocols, Ethernet gateways facilitate connecting different devices, allowing for efficient data routing, control, and monitoring. Key applications include industrial automation, smart grid systems, IoT networks, and automotive communications. Ethernet Gateway Reference Designs streamline development processes, reducing time to market while ensuring reliability, scalability, and interoperability across complex networks.

The MPC5748G Secure Ethernet Gateway Reference Design by NXP Semiconductors (MPC5748G-GW-RDB) is a highly optimised development platform designed to accelerate the creation of secure and reliable Ethernet gateway electronic control units (ECUs). The board is based on the 32-bit Power Architecture MPC5748G microcontroller, known for its robust performance, making it an ideal solution for gateway product development with secure over-the-air (OTA) management and functional safety capabilities. It is equipped with the MPC5748G microcontroller in a 176-pin LQFP package. This ultra-reliable microcontroller integrates up to three Power Architecture cores: two e200z4 cores running at 160 MHz and one e200z2 core operating at 80 MHz. Additionally, it offers 6 MB of embedded flash memory and 768 KB of SRAM, providing ample resources for handling complex gateway tasks.

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Comprehensive Automotive Network Integration 

The reference design supports various automotive communication protocols, enabling seamless integration into vehicle networks. It features eight CAN FD channels, expandable to twelve via SPI, with data rates up to 5 Mbps. The design includes two FlexRay interfaces for high-speed, reliable communication, seven LIN interfaces for lower-speed node communications, and two AVB Ethernet interfaces with an integrated switch for compatibility with advanced vehicle networks. It offers four 100Base-T1 Ethernet ports for diagnostics and software updates and one 100Base-TX Ethernet port. In terms of secure OTA (Over-the-Air) management, the board is equipped with 4 GB of onboard eMMC memory, allowing it to handle firmware updates remotely. This functionality ensures vehicles can receive new features and security patches without the need for in-person servicing, a critical requirement for modern automotive ECUs. 

It is designed with functional safety, adhering to ISO 26262 standards for automotive systems. Its main microcontroller, the MPC5748G, is rated up to ASIL B and meets AEC-Q100 Grade 2 qualifications. A secondary microcontroller, the S32K144, enhances the system’s safety level to ASIL B. A safety-focused integrated circuit manages power, ensuring reliable power delivery to the processor and peripherals. The design also includes an embedded hardware security module (HSM), supporting Secure Hardware Extension (SHE) and EVITA security standards, safeguarding sensitive vehicle data and communications.

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NXP Semiconductors has tested this reference design. It comes with a bill of materials (BOM), schematics, assembly drawing, printed circuit board (PCB) layout, and more. The company’s website has additional data about the reference design. To read more about this reference design, click here.